Heraklion: Preveli Palm Beach Boat Trip & Rethymno Town Tour

Heraklion: Preveli Palm Beach Boat Trip & Rethymno Town Tour offers an engaging way to explore some of Crete’s most picturesque spots. Priced at $56 per person, this tour spans approximately 11 to 13.5 hours, making it ideal for travelers seeking a full-day experience. It includes visits to Preveli Palm Beach, Damnioni Beach, the Kourtaliotiko Gorge, and the historic Rethymno town. The journey is guided by a professional guide, with transportation in an air-conditioned bus, and boat tickets included for the cruise to Preveli Palm Forest.

While the tour promises plenty of time for swimming, sightseeing, and photos, it’s worth noting that the itinerary involves long bus drives—up to 4 hours each way depending on hotel location—and a packed schedule. This experience best suits those eager to see a diverse range of sights in a single day, especially nature lovers and history enthusiasts.

Key Points

• Price: $56 per person for a full-day tour
• Duration: Between 11 and 13.5 hours, with flexible starting times
• Includes boat trips to Preveli Palm Forest and scenic transportation
• Stops at Damnioni Beach, Kourtaliotiko Gorge, and Rethymno with ample free time
• Guided experience with professional guides speaking multiple languages
• Not including lunch or drinks, so plan accordingly

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Starting Point and Long Bus Transfers

This tour departs from multiple pickup points around Heraklion, including areas like Sisi, Malia, Stalida, and Kokkini Hani. Participants receive a personalized email with their exact pickup time and location. The bus journey to the first stop, Damnioni Beach, can take up to 4 hours, depending on your hotel’s location.

Long bus rides are balanced with scenic views along the way. The return trip also involves a 2 to 3-hour drive back to the pickup points, which can be tiring but allows travelers to enjoy the landscape and relax after a busy day.

Boat Trip to Preveli Palm Forest

One of the highlights involves cruising on turquoise waters from Damnioni Beach to Preveli Palm Beach. The boat ride lasts approximately 30 minutes each way, giving plenty of time to appreciate the water and the surrounding scenery.

The Preveli Palm Beach itself offers around one and a half hours of free time for swimming, exploring, and taking photos of the unique blend of sandy beach, palm trees, and rocky surroundings. Review comments highlight how the exotic landscape makes for memorable photos and relaxing moments.

Exploring Damnioni Beach Twice

The tour includes two visits to Damnioni Beach, once at the start and again later in the day. Each stop provides roughly one hour of free time, with options to swim, walk along the coast, or simply enjoy the scenery. An optional lunch at a local tavern is available during the second visit for an extra fee, allowing travelers to relax and refuel.

Kourtaliotiko Gorge: A Natural Showcase

A brief 10-minute stop at Kourtaliotiko Gorge offers a quick but impactful view of Cretan nature. Travelers can take photos of the impressive mountain formations and rugged landscape. This scenic overlook is a favorite for capturing the natural beauty of Crete, with just enough time to appreciate the view.

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Rethymno Old Town Walk

The final major stop is at Rethymno, where visitors enjoy around 70 minutes to explore the picturesque old town. The walk includes the old port, with its narrow streets, local cafes, and the scenic beach road. This part of the tour provides a relaxed opportunity to shop, take photos, or enjoy a coffee before heading back.

Tour Logistics and Included Services

All transportation is handled in air-conditioned buses, with a professional driver and licensed tour guides speaking French, Polish, English, German, and Italian. The tour price includes boat tickets for the trips to Preveli Palm Forest and all legal taxes. Liability insurance is covered through ALLIANZ.

Lunchtime and drinks are not included, so participants should plan for optional meals during stops or bring snacks. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later, adding flexibility to planning.

Highlights of the Guided Experience

The guides are praised for being supportive and knowledgeable, with some reviews highlighting Elizabeta as a standout guide. Travelers appreciate how the guides balance expertise with giving enough free time for independent exploration.

The tour maintains a good flow, with scenic drives and stops that offer both stunning views and relaxing moments. The boat trips are especially appreciated for providing a different perspective of Crete’s coastline, complemented by the exotic landscape at Preveli.

A Day Full of Scenic Diversity

The combination of beach visits, gorge views, and historic town exploration makes this tour a well-rounded way to experience Crete’s natural and cultural highlights. The itinerary is quite full, offering ample free time for swimming, sightseeing, and taking photos—especially at Preveli Beach and Rethymno.

However, the long bus drives mean this tour demands a good level of patience for travel and flexibility. Review comments note that adding more time at Preveli could enhance the experience, as some find the time in Rethymno slightly limited for a full exploration.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience best suits active travelers eager to see multiple highlights in a single day. Nature lovers will appreciate the boat trips and gorge views, while history enthusiasts enjoy wandering the charming streets of Rethymno. It is ideal for those comfortable with long bus transfers and seeking a scenic, varied itinerary.

The absence of included lunch makes it suitable for those who prefer to bring their own snacks or plan to dine independently during stops. Families, couples, and groups looking for a full-day adventure with diverse experiences will find this tour fulfilling.

Final Thoughts on the Preveli & Rethymno Tour

The Heraklion: Preveli Palm Beach Boat Trip & Rethymno Town Tour offers a comprehensive taste of Crete’s natural beauty and historic charm. The boat cruises and stunning scenery at Preveli are standout features, as is the chance to stroll through Rethymno’s old town.

While the long travel times and packed schedule might challenge some, the guided support and scenic diversity make this tour a worthwhile option for those seeking an enriching day trip from Heraklion. Good organization and positive reviews confirm its reliability and appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of this tour?
The tour costs $56 per person.

How long does the tour last?
It spans 11 to 13.5 hours, depending on the starting time and hotel location.

What locations are visited during this tour?
Stops include Damnioni Beach, Preveli Palm Beach, Kourtaliotiko Gorge, and Rethymno town.

Are meals included?
No, lunch and drinks are not included, but there is an optional lunch stop at Damnioni Beach for an extra charge.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, transportation is in air-conditioned buses with pickup and drop-off at selected locations.

Are boat trips part of the experience?
Yes, two boat trips are included, each lasting about 30 minutes, to reach the palm forest and return.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, full cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure.

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

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
While generally suitable, the tour involves long bus rides and walking, so it’s best for travelers comfortable with these demands.

How much free time will I have at each stop?
Expect about 1.5 hours at Preveli, an hour at Damnioni, and around 70 minutes in Rethymno for sightseeing and shopping.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of boat cruises, scenic gorges, and charming old towns offers a diverse experience, with impressive views and expert guidance that enhance each stop.

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