Venizelos Graves

Uncover the beauty and history of Chania on a 6-hour minivan tour. From panoramic views to serene beaches, immerse yourself in the best of this enchanting region. Begin at Venizelos Graves, where history meets breathtaking vistas. Perched atop a hill, enjoy panoramic views of Chania —a perfect introduction to the city's charm. Next, head to Stavros Beach for some free time to swim and relax on the golden sands. Dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea or simply soak up the sun's warmth—this serene beach offers the ultimate relaxation. Continue to Agia Triada Monastery, a 17th-century marvel built by the Venetian Zangaroli family. Explore its sacred halls adorned with frescoes and learn about its rich history at the onsite museum. Don't miss the chance to sample the monks' renowned wine and olive oil, crafted with centuries-old traditions. Wrap up the tour at Marathi Beach, where you can take a refreshing dip in the azure waters of the Mediterranean. Feel the soft sand between your toes as you unwind in this coastal paradise—a perfect ending to a day filled with discovery and relaxation.

Before reaching Chania city and wander to the narrow streets of the old city, firstly stop at the peninsula of Akrotiri. There it is the grave of the important politician Eleftherios Venizelos, where we can enjoy a fabulous view over Souda Bay. Chania, the second largest city of the island of Crete will be next stop. After a city tour, your steps will leads you to the city port where you will enjoy some small Cretan specialties. Free time to explore the city on your own will be next. You can also visit the famous market hall here. We continue with the stop at the ruins of "Aptera" and spend some time for the sensational view over the north coast. Final stop is the freshwater lake "Kournas", here you can end the day with a Greek coffee on a terrace from one of the numerous coffee shops.

Experience a night dedicated to music, dancing, and tasty local food Buffet during this Cretan folklore night. Sip on wine and taste local products such as cheese, olive oil, and meat during a buffet meal. Reaching the village after pickup, walk through this magnificent place and experience the locals’ hospitality. At dusk, enjoy a traditional feast. Taste delicious dishes with cheese, virgin olive oil, meat, and other products of Cretan soil. Get treated with the wine, listen to the sound of the Cretan Lyra (Greek musical instrument), and take delight in looking at the dancers, dressed in their traditional costumes performing Cretan and Greek folk dances. At the end of the night, join the dancers, who will teach you the basic steps. Dance with others using a special 2-meter band so that everyone can keep a safe distance while having fun. Have a good time while still feeling safe: eating and drinking will be individual and sterile as required by law and waiters will wear masks and gloves. The seats and the tables will also have the appropriate spacing in accordance with legal requirements. 1st Hotel pick up 2nd Arrival at Chania viwpoint The Venizelos Graves 3rd Visit to the Allied forces cemetery in Souda Bay 4rd Arrival at the restaurant with dancers, cretan music and food 5th Return to Hotel about midnight

Meet with your guide at the terminal of Cretan Spiti Travel at 08.30. We start our tour driving along the north coastal road, passing by Rethymno Town, to the city of Souda, port of Chania, to visit the Venizelos Graves at the historical location of Profitis Ilias in Akrotiri, where the tomb of Eleftherios Venizelos lies, one of Greece's long-standing prime ministers. We continue to the city of Chania, where we will visit all the main highlights of the city: historic neighborhoods, churches, and museums. We'll also take a walk to the beautiful Venetian Port with the iconic Lighthouse Faros. During your tour of the picturesque alleys of the old town, you will come across unique monuments such as the Rimondi Fountain, the Nerantze Mosque (or Gazi Hussein) with its high minaret, churches, and squares. Enjoy lunch (optional) and some free time for shopping. On the way back, we will stop at the resort town of Georgioupolis, popular for its fine beaches, for a relaxing stroll and a coffee break. Late in the afternoon at 18:00, we return to Heraklion at the terminal of Cretan Spiti Travel.

Itinerary: 1. Old City and Venetian Harbour Chania’s history is as vibrant as its colourful Venetian Harbour. Established by the Minoans in 2200 BC, the city has seen the rise and fall of various civilisations, each leaving its unique imprint. The Venetians fortified the city in the 13th century and their influence is still visible in the Harbour, Lighthouse and the well-preserved Old Town. The Ottoman Turks also left their mark with the construction of mosques and bathhouses. Today, Chania is a living museum where visitors can walk through narrow lanes and explore historical monuments that tell tales of its diverse past. Stop for photos with panoramic views of the Old Harbour and the Lighthouse with optional entrance to the Naval Museum, (4€ entrance fee). 2. Therissos Nestled beneath the White Mountains, just 16km from Chania City Centre, Therissos is a picturesque village rich in history and natural beauty. Its gorge entrance boasts orange groves and vines, while narrow points are framed by steep cliffs, plane trees, and oleanders. With its pivotal role in the Cretan Revolution and its connection to Eleftherios Venizelos, the village offers a captivating stop during your tour, complete with the opportunity to indulge in the famous Sfakiani pita. 3. Venizelos Tombs On a popular hilltop with stunning views of Chania, you’ll find the graves of Eleftherios Venizelos and his son, Sofoklis Venizelos, both former Prime Ministers of Greece. This serene spot also features the chapel of Profitis Ilias and a statue of hero Spyros Kagialedakis, who famously raised the Greek flag during the 1897 Revolution using his body as a flagstaff. 4. Tabakaria/Halepa The coastal area of Tabakaria in Halepa took its name from the numerous tanneries located there during the Turkish occupation era. The area had around 80 operational tanneries in the 1950s, but they are now mostly abandoned. Recently, many buildings have been renovated into homes, holiday lets, hotels, and restaurants. Halepa, rich in Cretan history, features the House of Eleftherios Venizelos, an influential early 1900s political figure. Once a wealthy town in the late 19th century, Halepa’s colorful past is still evident in its architecture. 5. Archaeological Museum (Optional) The new Archaeological Museum of Chania, located in the historic area of Halepa, spans 6,000 m² and showcases the rich archaeological heritage of the region. From prehistoric settlements to historical cities, the museum brings Cretan history to life with its modern design and extensive collection of artifacts. Visitors can also enjoy a relaxing café on-site. Entrance Fee: 6€