Rethymno: Gramvousa & Balos Bus Trip Without Boat Ticket

The Rethymno: Gramvousa & Balos Bus Trip offers a convenient way for travelers to explore two of Crete’s most breathtaking natural wonders without the hassle of arranging boat tickets. Starting at just $10.85 per person, this full-day excursion includes comfortable transportation, ferry rides, and ample time to swim and explore the stunning Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island. With multiple pickup locations and free cancellation, this trip provides a hassle-free experience that allows visitors to enjoy the island’s captivating landscapes. But what makes this bus tour truly stand out is its ability to seamlessly transport travelers to these remote, postcard-perfect destinations.

This experience made our list of the 18 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Rethymno.

Key Points

1. This full-day excursion from Rethymno and surrounding areas provides convenient bus transportation to Balos Beach and Gramvousa Island, without the need to purchase boat tickets.

2. The trip includes a 2-hour bus ride to Kissamos port, followed by a 15-minute ferry ride to Balos Beach and a 20-minute ferry ride to Gramvousa Island.

3. Participants can enjoy free time at the crystal-clear waters of Balos Beach and explore the Venetian castle on Gramvousa Island with panoramic views.

4. The tour includes pickup and drop-off at 13 locations, ensuring easy access from various regional destinations, and a customer rating of 4.2/5 based on 32 reviews.

5. The tour offers a hassle-free experience with a climate-controlled bus, an English-speaking guide, and the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Trip Overview and Pricing

The Rethymno: Gramvousa & Balos Bus Trip offers a full-day excursion from Rethymno and surrounding areas, with prices starting from $10.85 per person.

This 12-hour trip includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.

Travelers can choose from 13 pickup locations, including Georgioupoli, Violi Charaki, and Rethymno.

The trip encompasses a bus ride to Kissamos port, a ferry to the stunning Balos Beach and Gramvousa island, and free time to explore these breathtaking destinations.

With an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transportation, and liability insurance included, this tour provides a hassle-free way to discover the natural beauty of western Crete.

Itinerary and Transportation

This bus trip takes travelers on a journey through the scenic western Crete, beginning with a 2-hour bus/coach ride from the pickup locations to Kissamos port.

After a 15-minute break, guests board a ferry for the 1-hour ride to Balos Beach, where they’ll have 3 hours to swim and sightsee.

Next, they’ll take a 20-minute ferry to Gramvousa Island to explore the Venetian castle for 1.5 hours.

The return trip includes a 1-hour ferry ride and a 2-hour bus/coach ride back to the 13 available drop-off locations.

With English-speaking guides and a comfortable, air-conditioned bus, this trip offers a hassle-free way to discover Crete’s beautiful western highlights.

Highlights and Activities

Skipping the transportation hassle to Kissamos port, this bus trip allows travelers to relax on Balos lagoon’s pink sandy beach filled with shells and visit the Venetian castle on Gramvousa island, offering scenic views throughout the journey.

The highlights of this excursion include:

1. Pickup from your accommodation in a climate-controlled bus, eliminating the need to worry about transportation.

2. Free time to explore the stunning Balos Beach and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon.

3. The opportunity to climb the Venetian castle on Gramvousa island and take in the breathtaking panoramic views.

4. Experiencing the scenic beauty of the Cretan landscape during the bus and ferry rides.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Includes bus ticket, air-conditioned tour bus, English-speaking guide, pickup/drop-off from specified locations, professional driver, and liability insurance, while the boat ticket, Municipality of Kissamos fee, food, drinks, and individual expenses are excluded.

The boat ticket costs €34 for adults and €17 for children aged 3-11. Plus, there’s a €1 Municipality of Kissamos fee to be paid.

Customers should bring cash for any food, drinks, sunbeds, or umbrellas they may need during the trip. It’s important to note that this activity doesn’t include the boat tickets, so those must be purchased separately.

The tour provides a hassle-free way to reach the stunning Balos lagoon and Gramvousa island while taking care of the transportation logistics.

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Important Information and Recommendations

Customers are advised to bring comfortable shoes, a hat, a towel, and comfortable clothes and beachwear for the trip.

Food and drinks aren’t allowed inside the vehicle. For customers from the Panormo area, there’s an additional €30 charge per booking.

It’s important to note that this activity doesn’t include boat tickets, so customers will need to purchase those separately.

To ensure a smooth experience, it’s recommended to:

1. Bring cash for food, drinks, sunbeds, and umbrellas if needed.

2. Be aware that pickup times may vary by 30 minutes for hotels outside Rethymno.

3. Check the customer rating of 4.2/5 based on 32 reviews.

4. Consider the feedback highlights, such as transportation duration, beach access challenges, and the overall scenic experience.

Pickup Locations and Drop-off Options

From a total of 13 pickup locations across the region, the tour offers convenient departures from destinations like Georgioupoli, Violi Charaki, Pigianos Kampos, Kalyves, Adelianos Kampos, and Rethimno itself, allowing passengers to easily access the excursion. Passengers can then be dropped off at any of the 13 available locations upon their return, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day’s adventure.

Pickup Locations	Drop-off Locations
Georgioupoli	Georgioupoli
Violi Charaki	Violi Charaki
Pigianos Kampos	Pigianos Kampos
Kalyves	Kalyves
Adelianos Kampos	Adelianos Kampos

The wide range of pickup and drop-off options provides flexibility and convenience for travelers, ensuring a hassle-free experience from beginning to end.

Duration and Free Cancellation

The Rethymno: Gramvousa & Balos Bus Trip lasts a total of 12 hours, providing ample time for travelers to fully experience the destinations.

Plus, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, granting customers the flexibility to adjust their plans if needed.

The key details regarding the duration and cancellation policy are:

1. Total trip duration: 12 hours

2. Free cancellation: Up to 24 hours in advance

3. Cancellation policy: Receive a full refund with a timely cancellation

4. Reserve now, pay later: Secure your spot without paying until the trip date

This comprehensive offering ensures a hassle-free and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Customer Ratings and Feedback

According to customer reviews, the Rethymno: Gramvousa & Balos Bus Trip has garnered a rating of 4.2 out of 5 based on 32 reviews. Feedback highlights customer satisfaction with the transportation duration, challenges in accessing the beach, and the overall scenic experience of the trip.

Customers praised the convenience of the bus service and the stunning views encountered during the journey. However, some noted difficulties in reaching the beach, particularly for those with mobility issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Bus?

No, passengers are not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the bus. The tour provider specifies that food and drinks are not permitted inside the vehicle to maintain cleanliness and order during the trip.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Children?

Yes, there are discounts available for this tour. Children aged 3-11 receive a discounted boat ticket price of €17, while seniors may be eligible for reduced rates as well. Customers should check with the tour operator for specific senior discount information.

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required for the Tour?

There is no minimum number of participants required for this tour. The tour operator accommodates bookings of all sizes, from solo travelers to larger groups. The price and availability remain the same regardless of the number of participants.

Can I Customize the Itinerary or Add Extra Stops?

Customers can’t customize the itinerary or add extra stops on this tour. The itinerary is fixed and includes the main highlights of the trip. However, travelers can choose their preferred pickup and drop-off locations within the available options.

How Accessible Is the Balos Lagoon for Individuals With Mobility Limitations?

The Balos lagoon’s beach can be challenging for individuals with mobility limitations, as accessing it involves navigating steep, uneven terrain. However, there are designated wheelchair-accessible areas within the lagoon that offer easier access to the beach and swimming areas.

Recap

The Rethymno: Gramvousa & Balos Bus Trip offers a hassle-free way to explore two stunning destinations in Crete.

With convenient transportation, ample time for activities, and free cancellation, this excursion provides an excellent value for travelers seeking to enjoy the island’s breathtaking natural beauty.

The trip’s comprehensive inclusions and favorable reviews make it a compelling choice for those seeking a memorable day trip during their Crete vacation.

You can check if your dates are available here: