Western Crete Discovery: Chania, Rethymno, and Authentic Flavors

Inclusions / Exclusions

Mobile ticket
Offered in: German, Russian, Greek, English, French
Our assistance with the best restaurant recommendations & reservations
Exclusive insider-access opportunities & tailored details of your personal interest
Private guide: We take much pride in having the best local guides of Crete!
Personal pick-up & drop-off (flexible pick-up time)
Our concierge support before & during your day trip
VIP skip-the-line access & assistance with purchasing admission tickets
A chauffeured premium vehicle
Vehicle amenities: mineral water, Cretan fruits & snacks, Wi-Fi, USB sockets & hygiene amenities

Drinks and meals
Admission fees

Overview

Discover the soul of Western Crete on a bespoke journey where history, culture, and nature harmoniously unfold. Designed for seamless exploration between Crete’s western and eastern regions, this tour blends flexibility with enriching discovery. Experience Rethymno’s Venetian charm, a perfectly preserved masterpiece, and Chania’s multicultural vibrancy, a dynamic crossroads of Mediterranean cultures. Together, they tell a story of Crete’s rich and evolving heritage. In Argiroupolis, life-giving springs and lush greenery set the stage for savoring traditional Cretan dishes infused with local flavors. At Boutari Winery, indulge in a curated wine-tasting experience that highlights Crete’s centuries-old viniculture. Finally, find tranquility at Kournas Lake, where serene beauty and peaceful reflections await. Curated by expert travel designers and brought to life by passionate guides, this tour blends thoughtful design with heartfelt storytelling, uncovering Crete’s essence.

Pickup points

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Pickup details

Enjoy personal pick-up and drop-off from your hotel, villa, cruise or any other point of Crete island. NOTE: pick-up time is flexible and upon your final confirmation ... Read more ▼

Meeting points

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End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Chania Prefecture

With flexibility at its core, this journey is a testament to our curated travel design, seamlessly blending expert planning with the personal touch of our private guides. Whether you are transitioning between accommodations in Crete’s western and eastern regions or simply seeking an enriching day of exploration, this tour is designed to suit your needs. Conducted in either direction—from west to east or east to west—it offers a perfectly balanced itinerary that unfolds at your pace, delivering discovery with ease and elegance.

1 hour
Rethymnon Old Town

Rethymno welcomes you as a complete Venetian city, where history feels perfectly preserved. Wander through cobblestone streets that echo with the footsteps of Venetian merchants and Ottoman poets, and marvel at the harmony of its medieval fort, elegant harbor, and labyrinthine old town. Your guide leads you through hidden alleys and sunlit squares, where every doorway holds a whisper of the past. Here, Crete’s Venetian heritage reigns supreme, creating a cityscape that feels like stepping into another time—a true ode to timeless elegance.

1 hour
Argiroupoli

Beloved by Agamemnon for its bounty, Argiroupolis offers a striking contrast to Northern Crete’s coastline. Nestled in lush surroundings fed by life-giving springs, this village invites you to savor its essence through flavors that tell a story. Tender lamb kissed by wild herbs, creamy mountain cheeses, and rustic stone-baked bread reveal the soul of the highlands. As you dine beneath ancient plane trees, the gentle murmur of waterfalls and whispers of myths remind you why Argiroupolis remains a timeless sanctuary.

1 hour
Boutari Winery

In the vineyards of Boutari Winery, the story of Crete takes on a new form—one of aroma and taste. Guided by winemakers whose passion runs as deep as the island’s roots, you’ll explore the alchemy of terroir and tradition. Each sip of their wines—bold reds, crisp whites, and delicate rosés—tells a tale of sun-drenched fields and the artistry of generations past. It’s more than a tasting; it’s a journey through the heart of Crete’s viniculture.

1 hour
Lake Kournas

As your journey continues, Kournas Lake offers a serene retreat amid Crete’s rolling hills. The only natural freshwater lake on the island, its shimmering surface reflects the surrounding beauty—lush greenery, rugged peaks, and the endless blue sky. Take a moment to wade into its cool, crystal-clear waters or simply breathe in the tranquility as you walk along its shores. This refreshing stop is a perfect pause, where nature’s calm rejuvenates your spirit and leaves you in awe of Crete’s unspoiled charm.

1 hour
Chania Town

Chania is a living crossroad of the Mediterranean, where Jewish, Christian, and Muslim influences converge around its iconic Venetian harbor. Your guide takes you through the vibrant quarters that embody these cultural layers—from the shipyards of the Venetian period to the charming streets of the old Jewish and Christian neighborhoods. The open market hums with energy, blending ancient traditions with modern rhythms as artisanal treasures sit alongside fresh local produce. In Chania, the past and present weave together seamlessly, creating a vibrant, multicultural tapestry that reflects Crete’s enduring spirit.

1 hour
Agia Marina (Pass By)

A potential region for your personal pick up and drop off.
Platanias (Pass By)

A potential region for your personal pick up and drop off.
Georgioupolis (Pass By)

A potential region for your personal pick up and drop off.
Rethymnon (Pass By)

A potential region for your personal pick up and drop off.
Adelianos Kampos (Pass By)

A potential region for your personal pick up and drop off.
Panormos (Pass By)

A potential region for your personal pick up and drop off.

Additional Info

Specialized infant seats are available
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Free Cancellation

May 14100% refund

May 15No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Wonderful Day in Chania and the Cretan Mountains. 5 Stars

Published on Dec, 2023

I (along with 9 others) did this tour in late November during a port call to Chania on Island Princess. I'd originally booked the tour with Alexander, but he was unexpectedly unavailable and arranged for Elisavet to cover for him. While I'm sorry we couldn't go with Alexander, we all absolutely adored Elizavet (and Stefano, her driver)! She met us on time at the cruise ship terminal and we boarded a comfortable min-bus for the drive along the coast and then up into the mountains to visit Kavallos and Lake Kourn. Then further up off the beaten path to the mountain top village of Agryoupoli, but first stopping by the ruins of a 9th century Byzantine church where we had a picnic of local cheese, olives, oranges, and wine, together with a toast in Cretan raki from a bottle with no label! Continuing on to Rethymno we had a walking tour of the city and then had a delicious lunch at a small taverna somewhere in a maze of streets. Grilled calamari along with greens, and a glass of Cretan white wine is a fine way to complete an excursion. A little more raki and we were back on the bus and on our way back to the ship, which we made with plenty of time to spare before sailing. The day was unbelievable. Great weather with a compatible group of cruisers, an outstanding guide and hostess who clearly loved her homeland of Crete and a great driver. I couldn't have asked for more. If you're on a cruise ship visiting Chania (or Heraklion) be sure to consider booking an excursion with Snami Travel. Should I ever be back there, I know I will be seeing where else they could take me. Skip the boring ship tours and check out Snami Travel.

Western Crete Discovery: Chania, Rethymno, and Authentic Flavors | 8 hours

Inclusions / Exclusions

Overview

Pickup points

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Meeting points

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End point

Itinerary

Chania Prefecture

Rethymnon Old Town

Argiroupoli

Boutari Winery

Lake Kournas

Chania Town

Agia Marina (Pass By)

Platanias (Pass By)

Georgioupolis (Pass By)

Rethymnon (Pass By)

Adelianos Kampos (Pass By)

Panormos (Pass By)

Sample Menu

Additional Info

Free Cancellation

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