Chania is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece both for Greeks and for foreign visitors as it combines incredible natural beauty with a rich history and important cultural tradition. The atmosphere has a touch of Florence and Venice combined with the culture and character of Cretan traditions with imortant sights such as the Old town and the Venetian port, the Maritime Museum of Crete and the Archaeological Museum.
Chania
We’ll start with an in-depth tour of the real Chania! We’ll drive from Souda Port to lovely Chania for a guided walking tour of this fascinating port. The second-largest town on Greece’s largest island, Chania is the lively capital of the western half of Crete. Much of Chania, the capital of Crete until 1971, bears the stamp of the centuries the island was under the dominion of La Serenissima. Stroll down Venetian streets that survived the Nazi bombardment of the island during World War II, and visit the Venetian arsenals near the harbor, where you’ll also find the Mosque of the Janissaries – built in 1645, it is the oldest Ottoman building on Crete. Visit the Splantzia Quarter for unique boutiques; the Venetian buildings (without roofs!) along Zambeliou, Theotokopoulou and Angelou streets are now outdoor restaurants! Our professional guide will show you everything.
Rethymnon
Captivating Rethymnon is the capital of Rethymnon Prefecture. It’s famed for its Medieval architecture and its lovely Venetian port. Throughout its Venetian-Ottoman, a maze of ancient streets, you’ll find floral canopies high above you, elegant houses, baroque ornaments and centuries-old minarets. We start from Souda and drive directly to the old city with our expert guide, who will whisper this enchanting city’s secrets to you as you watch the past and the present dance with each other in a loving embrace. After our tour you’ll have a chance to stroll about Rethymnon on your own for shopping and coffee before we return to port.
We start from Souda port and drive along the coastal highway, enjoying the clear blue sea and the green countryside, typical of west Crete to visit the only freshwater lake in Crete.
Kournas lake is ideal for a stroll during the day. The scenery is relaxing and beautiful, for a quick walk around the lake and see the various pottery making shops and hand crafts from the locals. After the lake the tour continues to the captivating Rethymnon city. It is famous for its Medieval architecture and its lovely Venetian port. Throughout its Venetian-Ottoman, a maze of ancient streets, you will find floral canopies high above you, elegant houses, baroque ornaments and centuries – old minarets.
After our tour to the town of Rethymno we continue with a quick stop at local Olive Oil production sight. Greek extra virgin Olive oil is produced by the plant and our local villagers – host will give us some information about the process of producing olive oil.
After the tour we get a glimpse of traditional Cretan folklore dancing routine together with a shot of Raki and create memories from the Cretan life!
We leave the olive farm and return to the ship.