Heraklion:Day trip to Chania old Town,Kournas Lake& Rethymno

Explore Crete’s Northwestern Coast with a Well-Rounded Day Trip

This day tour from Heraklion offers a comprehensive look at some of Crete’s most celebrated spots, all for a practical price of $36.14 per person. With a duration of 9 to 11 hours, it’s perfect for travelers seeking a full experience without the hassle of planning. The tour begins with hotel pickup from various locations around Heraklion, Gazi, Malia, and other nearby towns, making it accessible for many visitors.

The trip takes you to Chania’s Venetian Old Town, the freshwater oasis of Lake Kournas, and the charming town of Rethymno. This is a balanced mix of history, natural beauty, and local culture, with enough free time at key spots to explore or relax at your own pace. A highlight is the scenic drive with stops that offer memorable photo opportunities, helping you capture the essence of Crete in one day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Affordable Price: The tour costs just $36.14 per person, covering transportation, guides, and multiple key sites.
• Duration: It runs from 9 to 11 hours, giving you a full day of sightseeing and exploration.
• Visit Chania’s Old Town: See the Venetian Lighthouse, dockyards, fountains, and vibrant alleys.
• Relax at Lake Kournas: The only freshwater lake on Crete, perfect for swimming or a leisurely walk.
• Explore Rethymno’s Old Town: Discover its blend of Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek influences.
• Guided Experience: The tour includes a professional multilingual guide providing insights in English, German, French, and Polish.

From the Venetian Port to the Town of Rethymno

The trip kicks off with a hotel pickup from select locations around Heraklion, with the journey lasting approximately 1.5 hours to reach the first major stop. The guide leads you through Chania’s Old Town, where the Venetian Lighthouse and dockyards serve as focal points for photos and sightseeing. The old port area is lively and picturesque, with options to enjoy lunch at local taverns or wander through the Agora market hall, filled with small shops and traditional eateries.

This part of the tour highlights historical architecture and cultural layers, including remnants of Venetian, Turkish, and Greek civilizations. The scenic harbor provides a perfect backdrop for memorable photos, and the walkable old town makes it easy to soak in the atmosphere at your own pace.

Discovering the Serenity of Lake Kournas

After exploring Chania, the tour proceeds to the unique Lake Kournas, a lush spot known as Crete’s only freshwater lake. The drive takes about 75 minutes, and once there, visitors can enjoy 1.5 hours to relax, walk around, or swim in the clear waters of the lake.

Lake Kournas stands out for its surrounding steep hills and vegetation, providing a scenic setting for photos. The lake also hosts rare species of fish, turtles, eels, and moorhens, adding a touch of biodiversity to your visit. Many find this stop particularly refreshing, as it combines natural beauty with opportunities to dip into the calm waters or simply enjoy the peaceful scenery.

Rethymno’s Historic Old Town and Castle Fortresses

Following Lake Kournas, the tour continues to Rethymno, which takes about 1.5 hours by bus. This third largest town in Crete offers a delightful mix of Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek influences. The old town features narrow alleys, Turkish minarets, and Venetian fortifications, making it a fascinating place to explore with plenty of scenic spots for photos.

Visitors can choose to stroll through the small alleys, visit the Venetian fortresses, or relax at the vibrant old port. Many prefer to savor a Greek coffee while watching boats and locals in the lively harbor, soaking in the authentic atmosphere. The town’s blend of history and everyday life makes it a highlight of the trip.

More Great Tours Nearby

Scenic Drive and Photo Stops on the Way

The tour’s scenic drives are an integral part of the experience, with multiple stops for photos, sightseeing, and short walks. The route offers beautiful views of hills and coastline, adding a visual dimension to the day. The bus journeys are comfortable and allow plenty of time to appreciate the landscapes.

During the stops, the guides often share interesting insights about the area’s natural and historical features, enhancing the overall experience. The timing allows for free exploration without feeling rushed, and the scenic views make every stop worthwhile.

Optional Activities at Each Stop

While the tour includes free time at each major location, travelers have options to visit local shops, take photos, or relax. At Chania, exploring the market hall or enjoying a meal at the harbor enhances the visit. At Lake Kournas, swimming or walking around is the main activity, with plenty of natural scenery to enjoy. In Rethymno, the old town’s labyrinthine streets invite casual wandering or a quick visit to important monuments.

No specific activities like guided tours are included at each stop, but the guides provide enough background to enrich your exploration.

Practical Details: Pickup, Drop-off, and Transportation

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from a variety of locations around Heraklion, Gazi, Malia, and nearby towns. The transport is via air-conditioned, luxurious buses, ensuring comfort throughout the day. The pickup details are communicated via email after booking, and the tour operates with multilingual guides speaking English, German, French, and Polish.

The timing is flexible within the 9 to 11 hours window, depending on the selected starting time and traffic conditions. Lunch is not included, so travelers might want to bring snacks or plan to eat at the stops.

Who Will Enjoy This Crete Day Trip?

This tour appeals to those interested in history, culture, and natural scenery without feeling rushed. The moderate pace, combined with multiple sightseeings, makes it suitable for most travelers in decent health. The scenic lakeside stop and historic towns are highlights, especially for those keen to see Crete’s diverse influences.

People looking for a cost-effective, comprehensive day trip that captures the essence of the island will find this tour ideal. It’s especially suited for visitors who enjoy guided tours with free exploration time at each stop.

The Sum Up: A Practical and Engaging Crete Day Trip

This Heraklion-based tour offers a balanced blend of historical sites, natural beauty, and scenic drives, all at a reasonable price. The visits to Chania, Lake Kournas, and Rethymno showcase some of Crete’s most distinctive features, from Venetian architecture to biodiverse lakes. The professional guides and comfortable transportation enhance the overall experience.

While it doesn’t include lunch or guided tours inside each site, the free time allows for personal exploration or relaxation. This trip is particularly good for first-time visitors wanting a rundown of the northwest coast. It is a reliable, well-organized option for those interested in culture, scenery, and value.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts from 9 to 11 hours, depending on starting times and traffic.

What is the price of the tour?
The cost is $36.14 per person, covering transportation, guides, and site visits.

Which locations are visited on this tour?
The tour visits Chania Old Town, Lake Kournas, and Rethymno.

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch is not included. Travelers should bring snacks or plan to eat during free time.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, German, French, and Polish.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from various locations around Heraklion and nearby towns.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, with a full refund.

Are there options for free time at each stop?
Yes, at each location, there’s time for walking, shopping, photos, or relaxing.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, and possibly swimwear if you plan to swim at Lake Kournas.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
It suits most adults and older children who can walk and enjoy sightseeing, but check physical requirements if concerned.

How do I know where to meet for pickup?
Booking provides specific pickup details via email after reservation, including the closest accessible point for your hotel.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby