Things to do in

Lake Kournas

The first stop is the town of Rethimno, the third biggest town in Crete west of Heraklion on the north coast of Crete. Here, archeological monuments of the Ottoman and Venetian eras co-exist. Enjoy a stroll in the alleys of the old town, a visit to the Turkish minarets and the Venetian fortresses, or a coffee at the magnificent harbor. The next stop is Chania town, the second largest town of Crete on the north coast west of Rethymno. The city of Chania is divided into the Old City, with the gorgeous harbor, and the New City, beyond its Venetian fortifications. The Old City is one of the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean and is called “Venice of the East”. You can find Turkish minarets and mosques, Muslim neighborhoods, Venetian fortresses, dockyards, fountains, squares, arches, mansions, Loggia and the Lighthouse. Visit the famous Agora (market), which houses traditional little shops and taverns. The last stop of the day is Kournas lake, a beautiful habitat with natural freshwater, one of a kind in Crete. The whole area of Kournas is protected under 'Natura 2000', as it's a designated wetland. Vast greenery, steep cavities between hills, and rare species of fish and birds make Kournas the ideal place to enjoy an early afternoon walk.

Depart from Heraklion and travel west by bus to the captivating city of Chania. Learn about its rich Minoan history and explore landmarks from various civilizations, including the Byzantine, Ottoman, and Venetian periods. Take in the picturesque view of the lighthouse at the port, and meander through the charming narrow streets of the old town. Savor some leisure time for lunch at the delightful harbor. Browse for gifts and souvenirs at the renowned market. Next, journey to Lake Kournas and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the lush green hills. Watch for rare birds and aquatic life, such as eels and turtles. Enjoy a refreshing swim or take a stroll through the protected wetlands. Return towards Heraklion, stopping in the city of Rethymno along the route. Wander through the alleys of the old town, admire the domes and minarets of the Ottoman-era mosques, and marvel at the 16th-century Venetian fortress. Timings: 7:15 AM to 9:15 AM: Pick-up service from Malia to Agia Pelagia. The pick-up time depends on your hotel's location. 10:00 AM: Stop in Skaleta for breakfast and restroom break. 10:15 AM: Leave Skaleta. 11:30 AM: Arrive in Chania. 1:30 PM: Depart from Chania. 2:15 PM: Arrive Lake Kournas for swimming and lunch. 3:45 PM: Leave Lake Kournas. 4:15 PM: Arrive in Rethymno. 5:30 PM: Depart from Rethymno. 7:00 PM: Arrive in Heraklion. Time Spent at Each Stop: Chania: 2 hours. Lake Kournas: 1 h and 30 min. Rethymno: 1 h and 15 min. Pick-up locations and times are as follows: Malia: 7:15 AM Stalida and Stalis: 7:25 AM Hersonissos 7:35 AM Anissaras: 7:45 AM Analipsi: 7:55 AM Kato Gouves: 8:05 AM Kokkini Chani and Gournes: 8:15 AM Karteros: 08:20 AM Heraklion center: 08:30 AM Ammoudara Beach Road: 8:45 AM Agia Pelagia: 9:05 - 9:15 AM Chania: Discover Chania, from ancient Minoan times to Venetian, Ottoman, and Byzantine influences. Visit the historic harbor and capture the iconic lighthouse. Explore the market and shop for local souvenirs. Enjoy a stroll along the waterfront and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Lake Kournas: Escape to the Lake Kournas, the only freshwater lake in Crete. Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and greenery. Take a boat ride on the crystal-clear waters of the lake. Swim in the refreshing waters. Explore the diverse flora and fauna of the wetlands, home to rare bird species. Rethymno: Step back in time as you explore the old town of Rethymno. Admire the elegant Venetian architecture and stroll along the atmospheric alleys. Visit the Fortezza, a 16th-century Venetian fortress overlooking the town. Discover the blend of Ottoman and Venetian influences in the mosques, churches, and minarets scattered throughout the town. Relax at one of the charming cafes or tavernas and savor authentic Cretan cuisine. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, providing an unforgettable experience of Crete's most captivating destinations.

Morning Pick up: We will start collecting participants from pick-up points in the morning. Depending on the place of your hotel/apartment the bus drive will differ. Bus Drive: 3 hours 1st stop: Chania Town – 2 hours 30 minutes Our groups will enjoy their time wandering around the beautiful Venetian streets and neighborhoods of this picturesque town of Greece. Walk through its roads full of little shops, markets and local restaurants around their famous old port. Bus Drive: 1 hour 2nd stop:The lake of Kournas – 1 hour 20 minutes The largest natural lake of Crete reflecting the White Mountains gives you the sense of an Alpine landscape. Grab the opportunity to hire a pedal boat for a lovely ride around the lake, swimming and enjoying a meal in one of the little taverns (not included). Bus Drive:20 minutes 3rd stop: Rethymno – 1 hour 30 minutes Visit Rethymno and its picturesque venetian town. Enjoy your free time to walk along the old port and beautiful oriental beach road. End of the tour – Return to resorts: Embarkation in the buses and drive back to the hotels where we gathered participants in the morning. Depending on traffic and on the pick-up places of each one, the time of journey back to the hotel will differ. Bus Drive: 2 hours

Start your day of adventure at your first stop of the trip, a local oil mill. Here you will have the opportunity to see how Crete's famous olive oil is produced on this fascinating and informative outing. Follow on your journey through Crete and make a quick stop at the watersprings of Argyroupolis. These watersprings are responsible for the rich vegetation that surrounds the village, a truly magical and refreshing experience. Your last stop of the tour, lasting roughly 2,5 hours, will give you enough time to enjoy a swim and eat Cretan delicacies at the many taverns that are located around the lake.

Explore the picturesque city of Chania and the freshwater of Lake Kournas on this day trip from Rethymno. Enjoy pickup from your hotel and head for Chania, the charming city perched on Crete's north west coast. Admire the lively port of the Old Venetian Harbour and its imposing lighthouse. Stroll the atmospheric narrow streets of the city, filled with shops, churches and tavernas. Pick up some traditional local products like cheese or pastries at the municipal market. Shop for leather goods and souvenirs at the famous Halidon Street. Next, sit back and enjoy the scenic journey to Lake Kournas. Once there, explore the lake or tuck into a delicious meal at a local taverna. Enjoy the relaxing views beneath looming mountains. Look out too for the local wildlife - moorhens, eels, and turtles are among the permanent residents of this friendly wetland. Take pleasure in being out in nature amongst this beautiful scenery, before hopping back in the vehicle for your journey back to Rethymno.

Embark on an extraordinary adventure to Kournas Lake, Argiroupoli, and Georgioupoli, immersing yourself in their mesmerizing beauty. Delight in the pristine, transparent waters of Kournas Lake, lose yourself in the enchanting ambiance of Argiroupoli's traditional village and unwind on the picturesque golden beaches of Georgioupoli. This captivating journey guarantees inspiring landscapes and treasured memories, a must for families with young children and those seeking to minimize bus travel time.

Join this unforgettable journey to the West Side of Crete, where you'll uncover its rich heritage, breathtaking natural beauty, and charming towns that truly make this region unique. First, immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Chania Town for 2.5 hours. Wander along its picturesque Venetian streets, lined with charming shops, bustling markets, and delightful local restaurants. Don't miss exploring the famous old port, teeming with activity and offering mesmerizing views. Spend leisurely moments strolling along the coastline or relaxing with a drink at a seaside café. Then continue the bus journey from Chania to the lake, which will take approximately 1 hour. Discover the serenity of Crete's largest natural lake, Lake Kournas, during our 1.5-hour visit. Marvel at the tranquil waters reflecting the majestic White Mountains, evoking an Alpine atmosphere. Choose to enjoy a scenic pedal boat ride, take a refreshing swim, or indulge in a delicious meal at one of the charming tavernas (additional cost). Explore the captivating charm of Rethymno, a town steeped in Venetian heritage, during your 1.5-hour visit. Enjoy leisurely strolls along the old port, soaking in the picturesque vistas. Wander along the scenic oriental beach road, immersing yourself in the vibrant blend of cultures that define this coastal gem. Expect a return bus journey lasting approximately 2-3 hours, depending on the location of your hotel in the Heraklion Region.

This excursion takes you to the west side of the island. It includes a visit to the towns of Rethymnon and Chania, as well as to the well – known Lake of Kournas. Going west on the northern axis of Crete, first we will pass the Ida range that includes the highest mountain of Crete, Psiloritis (2453m high), then our tour will take us to the beautiful town of Rethymno. A graphic Cretan town, so characteristic and unique, that nothing similar is met anywhere else on the island of Crete. We will have time to relax at the beautiful scenery at the old port of Rethymnon. We will have time to relax at the beautiful scenery at the old port of Rethymnon. Our next stop Chania is the capital city of the prefecture of Chania, which comes second in size on the island and is the sixth biggest city in Greece having approximately 65.000 residents. Its Venetian walls and harbor, narrow streets, and old buildings from the Venetian and Turkish period are mostly intact and take you directly to the past. The old harbor, where the small fishing boats can moor, is a perfect place to enjoy a coffee and observe the liveliness of the city. Here you can see the cross – shaped closed Marketplace and the leather – Market Street. Next stop and last is the lake of Kournas, the only natural sweet water Lake close to Chania, where you will have your lunch. For those who want, there is a possibility to make a tour in the lake on pedals, or just walk around the lake and swim before we take the way back to Herakleio

Our first stop is Kourna Lake, where our guests can swim, relax at one of the local cafes, or explore the lake by renting a pedal boat or canoe during their free time. After that, we head to the ancient Greek village of Lappa, which offers a beautiful view of the area. We take a scenic walking route around the village to see some of the sites. Next, we visit the Springs of Argiroupoli, a place where fresh water flows out of the mountainside. Here, guests have the option to join us for an optional lunch at a recommended restaurant or take a leisurely walk around the springs. Lastly, we stop for a refreshing beverage at the picturesque village of Vrysses, which is surrounded by lush greenery and has water running through and around the cafes. If our guests prefer, and the weather is nice, we can go to Georgioupoli instead, which is also a great place with a beautiful beach for swimming or renting a pedal boat up the river that flows into the sea.

After pickup from your hotel, drive to Chania in the West of Crete. According to ancient writers, it was the “mother of the Cretan cities”, and an important Minoan city. Explore the Old City and see elements from all the civilizations that flourished here in the past: archaeological Minoan sites, Turkish minarets and mosques, Muslim neighborhoods, and Venetian fortresses. See dockyards, fountains, squares, arches, mansions, and the Lighthouse. You can enjoy lunch at the picturesque harbor or visit the famous Agora, a market hall that is home to small traditional shops and taverns. Next, the bus will take you to the quaint Lake Kournas, the only freshwater lake on the island. Admire the area's lush vegetation, steep hills, and rare species of fish and birds, like eels, moorhens, and two-color turtles. Here you can enjoy a swim in the lake, or take a leisurely afternoon walk. Continue to Rethimnon, the third biggest town in Crete, where monuments of the ancient Greek, Ottoman, and Venetian eras coexist. Explore the small alleys in the old town, see the Turkish minarets, and visit the Venetian fortresses. Alternatively, just relax and enjoy a Greek coffee at the vibrant old port. You will then board the bus for the return journey back to your hotel.