CHANIA RETHYMNON KOURNAS, full day professional guided coach tour

The CHANIA RETHYMNON KOURNAS, full-day professional guided coach tour offers a practical way to see some of Crete’s most captivating spots in one day. Priced at $54.45 per person, this tour covers about 11 hours with pickup and drop-off services between Malia and Georgopolis. It combines guided insights with free time for independent exploration, making it suitable for travelers who appreciate both structure and flexibility.

The tour begins with a 3-hour bus ride to Chania, where a professional guide leads a tour of the Venetian streets and old port. You get around 2 hours and 30 minutes to explore on your own, wandering through vibrant markets, cafes, and boutique shops. Afterward, the journey continues to Lake Kournas, the largest natural lake in Crete, where you have about 2 hours and 20 minutes. Here, you can enjoy a scenic walk and even hire a pedal boat to cruise around the lake, savoring the scenery and a meal (own expense). The final stop is Rethymnon, a 20-minute bus ride from Kournas, featuring a guided tour of the historic town and free time to explore the Venetian old port and the picturesque beach road for around 2 hours.

While the tour is generally appreciated for its comfortable air-conditioned coach and professional guides, some reviews highlight the length of the day and the pacing as potential challenges. The tour operates in most weather conditions, so travelers are advised to dress appropriately, and the maximum group size is 50 travelers.

This tour suits visitors wanting a rundown of Crete’s key sites without the hassle of planning individual transport or admissions. It offers a good balance of guided insight and personal exploration, with admission tickets included for Lake Kournas, but lunch is at your own expense.

Key Points

• Includes guided tours of Chania and Rethymnon, with free time to explore each town.
• Comfortable travel in an air-conditioned coach with pickup from Malia to Georgopolis.
• Duration of approximately 11 hours, with part of the day dedicated to scenic drives.
• Lake Kournas is the highlight for scenic views and optional pedal boat rides—lunch is on your own.
• Tour price is $54.45 per person, offering a reasonable way to see multiple sites in a single day.
• Review insights suggest the day can be long, so those with limited energy or mobility might find the pacing challenging.

Introduction to Crete’s Highlights in a Single Day

This full-day guided coach tour from Heraklion makes it easy to experience Crete’s most scenic and historic spots. Starting with a 3-hour trip to Chania, the tour offers a guided walk through the Venetian streets and old port, where you are free to wander for about 2 hours and 30 minutes. This flexible time allows visitors to browse shops, enjoy local cafes, or just soak in the picturesque surroundings.

Next, the trip moves to Lake Kournas, the largest natural lake on the island. Here, the scenic views of the mountains and water are complemented by an opportunity to hire a pedal boat, if desired. The 2 hours and 20 minutes allocated at Kournas also include time for a lunch break (lunch cost on your own). The final stop in Rethymnon features a guided tour of the Venetian old town and port, allowing for around 2 hours of independent exploration before the journey concludes.

Visiting Chania: Venetian Streets and Old Port

The bus ride to Chania takes about 3 hours, giving travelers time to settle in and enjoy the scenic views. The highlight of this stop is the guided tour of the Venetian streets, where your professional guide offers insights into the city’s history and architecture. After the guided part, visitors have about 2 hours and 30 minutes free to explore at their own pace.

During free time, expect to find local markets, boutique shops, and casual cafes around the picturesque old port. While the guide provides basic information, the opportunity to self-explore allows for discovering hidden corners or enjoying a leisurely coffee. Some reviews note that the guided tour of the town lasts about 2.5 hours, balancing sightseeing with free time.

Lake Kournas: Crete’s Natural Marvel

Just an hour’s bus ride from Chania, Lake Kournas is the largest natural lake on Crete. The scenic setting with mountains in the background makes it a popular spot for relaxing walks and photo opportunities. The admission is included in the tour, and visitors can hire pedal boats for a lovely ride around the lake, adding a fun element to the visit.

The 2 hours and 20 minutes at Kournas allow ample time for scenic strolling and lunch (own expense). Many appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the stunning views from the lakeside. The option to rent a pedal boat enhances the experience, especially for those looking for a bit of activity amid natural beauty.

Rethymnon: Venetian Charm and Old Town Walk

A short 20-minute bus ride from Kournas leads to Rethymnon, a town renowned for its Venetian architecture and lively old port. The guided tour here focuses on the historic center, with plenty of time for independent exploration. Visitors often stroll along the Oriental beach road, enjoy local cafes, or browse shops.

The 2-hour guided and free exploration period provides a chance to see the Venetian fortress, narrow streets, and quaint squares. The town’s mix of history and modern life makes it a compelling stop. Some reviews mention the length of the total day, but overall, the town’s scenery and atmosphere are well appreciated.

Comfort and Logistics: Transport and Group Size

The air-conditioned coach ensures a comfortable ride throughout the day, especially given the long travel times between stops. The tour offers pickup and drop-off services from Malia through Amoudara in Heraklion, simplifying logistics for participants.

The group size is capped at 50 travelers, maintaining a manageable and enjoyable atmosphere. The tour operates most weather conditions, but travelers are advised to dress appropriately for outdoor exploration and potential sun exposure.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The cost includes the guided tours in Chania and Rethymnon, admission to Lake Kournas, a professional guide on the coach, and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle. Plus, some refreshments—a croissant, juice, sandwich, and water—are provided during the day.

Lunch is not included, so travelers should plan to bring or purchase their own meal during the lake stop. Breakfast is also not covered, and participants need to be prepared for a long day of sightseeing and travel.

Considerations for Your Day Out in Crete

The long duration of around 11 hours means this tour is best suited for energetic travelers comfortable with a full day on the road. The pacing can be quite busy, and some reviews mention the length of the journey as a potential drawback.

The guided portions are generally well-received, but some participants wish for more guided walking in towns rather than free time. The admission tickets for Lake Kournas are included, but lunch and personal shopping are at your own expense.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This tour is ideal for visitors seeking a rundown of Crete’s key sites without the hassle of organizing transport or tickets. It suits those who enjoy guided insight combined with free exploration. The scenic natural setting at Lake Kournas and the historic charm of Chania and Rethymnon are key highlights.

Travelers prepared for a long day with potentially crowded spots will find this experience rewarding. It’s especially well-suited for first-time visitors or those short on time but eager to see multiple locations in one go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour price? Yes, the tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned coach from Malia to Georgopolis.

How long is the total tour? The approximate duration is 11 hours, including travel times, guided tours, and free exploration periods.

What sites are visited during the tour? The tour visits Chania, Lake Kournas, and Rethymnon.

Are meals included? No, lunch is at your own expense during the Lake Kournas stop.

Is there a guided tour of the towns? Yes, guided tours in Chania and Rethymnon are provided, with additional free time for personal exploration.

What’s the group size? The maximum group size is 50 travelers.

What should I bring for the day? Comfortable clothing, sun protection, water, and camera. Remember that lunch and breakfast are not included.

Can children participate? Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult, but specific age restrictions are not mentioned.

What is the cancellation policy? Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, for a full refund.

Is the tour suitable in all weather conditions? The tour operates in most weather conditions; however, participants should dress appropriately.

This Chania, Rethymnon, and Lake Kournas tour offers an accessible way to experience some of Crete’s most charming and scenic spots in one full day. While the day can be quite long, the combination of guided insights and free time makes it a flexible choice for many visitors.