Day trip

Heraklion: Chania Old Town, Lake Kournas, & Rethymno Tour

4.3 / 5

99 reviews

Activity provider:TOURLINE
Day trip

Heraklion: Chania Old Town, Lake Kournas, & Rethymno Tour

Activity provider:TOURLINE

From US$ 45.08 per person

Explore the north-west coast of Crete on a bus tour from the Heraklion area. Get panoramic views of the sea, and visit the cities of Chania and Rethymno. Look for rare species of wildlife in the protected wetlands of Lake Kournas and more.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 10 - 12 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English, French, Polish, German, Russian
Pickup optional
Pickup possible from hotels on the main road only in Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, Analipsi, Anissaras, Gouves, Gournes, Kokkini Chani, Heraklion and Ammoudara, Agia Pelagia.

Experience

Highlights
  • Drive along the north-west coast of Crete and get panoramic views of the sea
  • Learn about the Ottoman, Venetian and Byzantine history of Chania
  • Browse for leather and pottery souvenirs in the market
  • Go for a swim or ride a pedalo boat at Lake Kournas
  • Stroll the historic alleys of Rethymno
Full description

Depart Heraklion and journey west by bus to the stunning city of Chania. Learn about its Minoan history and see sights from different civilizations, including the Byzantine, Ottoman and Venetian eras. Get a view of the lighthouse in the port, wander the narrow streets of the old town and enjoy some free time for lunch in the pretty harbor. Look for gifts and souvenirs in the famous agora (market) and more.

Then, make your way to Lake Kournas and get back to nature in the lush green hills. Keep a look out for rare birds and marine life, including eels and turtles. Go for a swim or take an early afternoon walk in the protected wetlands. Drive back towards Heraklion and stop in the city of Rethymno along the way. Wander the enchanting alleys of the old town, see the domes and minarets of the Ottoman-era mosques, and marvel at the 16th-century Venetian fortress.

Includes
  • Pickup from hotels
  • Transportation by modern air-conditioned bus
  • Experienced driver
  • Guide
  • Food and drinks
Not suitable for
  • People with mobility impairments

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Important information

Know before you go

  • Bring a hat, water, and money for lunch
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.3 /5

based on 99 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.5/5
  • Transportation
    4.3/5
  • Service
    4.3/5
  • Organization
    4.3/5

Sort by:

Traveler type:

Star rating:

Rania was an excellent guide for this trip. There was enough time to explore Chania and Rethymno on one's own. Lake Kournas was a treat as visiting a lake is not always on a tour itinerary. Rania is very knowledgeable about Crete and about the places we visited. She was also very enthusiastic which made the day a lot of fun. (A few suggestions... wi-fi on the bus. There was a baby and a toddler on this tour. They were generally well behaved but it is such a long day for an infant. I would have been very disappointed in the tour if there were a crying baby the whole time. Maybe a disclosure/statement in the description of the tour emphasizing the length of the tour and maybe not recommended for infants and small children). Also disappointed that masks were not required on the bus.

Read more

September 22, 2022

Had plenty of time in all of the locations which is always a worry but they gave us at least 90 minutes and usually more. This is exactly as advertised- transportation on an air conditioned coach bus with fun facts between stops and then free time at each location. The one thing that was frustrating was pick up and drop off. We walked 5 minutes (no big deal) to a van in the morning that took us to another spot to then wait at least 30 minutes for our actual bus. This was not communicated prior that we’d have to switch. Then on the way home they dropped us somewhere else to get on another mini van that dropped us at the hotel. Wasn’t the end of the world but a bit frustrating to have to transfer so much, especially when we’re already 2 hours later to getting home than was advertised as the trip time.

Read more

September 1, 2021

The trip was excellent as well as the guide, who was a nice, smart and polite woman. She is very attentive in giving the right and short information, being very intelligent. I learn a lot of things from this tour. I recommend this tour. I really enjoyed a lot.

August 1, 2020

Product ID: 73770