Fortezza of Rethymno

Join us on a day trip to Chania, Lake Kournas, and Rethymno—one of the best excursions on Crete! We will travel west by bus to Chania, a beautiful city with a rich history, influenced by the Minoans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and Venetians. Upon arrival, you'll see the stunning Venetian lighthouse at the port. Take a stroll through the old town’s narrow streets, brimming with history, and enjoy some free time for lunch at the picturesque harbor. Savor local cuisine while taking in the lovely views. After lunch, explore the famous market and find unique gifts and souvenirs. Next, we head to Lake Kournas, the only freshwater lake on Crete. Surrounded by green hills, the lake offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Keep an eye out for rare birds and aquatic animals such as eels and turtles. You can swim in the crystal-clear waters, walk through the tranquil wetlands, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area. On our way back to Heraklion, we’ll stop in Rethymno, a historic town with a fascinating past. Wander through the narrow alleys of the old town and admire the charming buildings. Don’t miss the domes and minarets of the old Ottoman mosques, and visit the 16th-century Venetian fortress, a landmark of the town. Relax at a local café or taverna, taste authentic Cretan dishes, and soak in the special atmosphere of Rethymno. We plan to spend 2 hours exploring Chania, 1 hour and 30 minutes at Lake Kournas, and 1 hour and 15 minutes discovering Rethymno. This day trip to Crete offers the perfect combination of history, culture, and nature for a wonderful experience. Explore Chania’s rich history, enjoy the tranquility of Lake Kournas, and discover the charm of Rethymno. This tour promises a memorable adventure in Crete, ideal for anyone interested in Crete’s history, natural beauty, and cultural sites. The day tour to West Crete includes round-trip transfers from the following areas: Sissi, Malia, Stalida, Hersonissos, Piskopiano, Koutouloufari, Anissaras, Analipsi, Gouves, Kokkini Hani, Karteros, Heraklion Center, Ammoudara Beach, Agia Pelagia, and Lygaria.

Discover the enchanting town of Rethymnon, hailed as one of Greece's most beautiful destinations. Meander through the town's winding alleys and colorful streets in the old town, where you can find an array of delicious restaurants and cafes. Take a walk through Rethymnon's storied history by visiting its well-preserved Venetian and Ottoman-era landmarks. You can't miss the Venetian Fortezza, a fortress built in the 16th century to defend against the Turks. Check out the Rimondi Fountain, built in 1626 by the Venetian governor Rimondi to provide drinking water. Take your time exploring the city's charms, and unwind with a refreshing swim at the beach. Rethymnon is a city that's just waiting to be discovered!

See the best of Rethynmo aboard a convenient state-of-the-art Segway. Starting from the seafront next to the marine port, you will meet your guide who will introduce you to your vehicle, after which the fun begins. You will depart on your Segway, soon finding yourself in the heart of the Old Town next to some of the most famous sights such as Mitropolis and Nerazze-Mosqe. From there, your tour advances to the "secret" part of the Old Town. Following that, it will be time for the castle. On the way up to the Fortezza Fortress you can admire the breathtaking views of the city as you feel the breeze of the sea from the other side. On the way down, you can glimpse at Venetian Harbour, as you learn about the myth that hides in the water of the Rimondi Fountain. You will eventually finish your tour finding yourself in the most famous square of Rethymno.

You will enjoy postcards pictures while you are traveling with the bikes in the old town of Rethymno. Have fun while discovering majestic Venetian buildings and the imposing Fortezza castle in just 90 minutes! Description Starting from the square of the Unknown Soldier you cross the coastal road and meet in front of you the Venetian harbor with its magnificent Egyptian lighthouse. You then drive through the historic city center where we see the Rimondi Fountain, the Neratze Mosque (today’s Conservatory), which is characterized by the city’s tallest minaret, the Catholic Church of St. Francis and the Guora Gate. Then you climb into the Fortezza castle, which rises over the Cretan Sea and completes the unrivaled image of beauty and charm in the city of Rethymnon. You take the regional road alongside the sea and the beautiful taverns with seafood. Then you find on our right the Loggia, a brilliant 16th-century building and you enter Arkadiou Street, where from the period of the Venetian occupation until today, one of the most commercial streets of the city. At the end of the road you find the mosque Kara Musa Pasha.

Meet with your guide at the terminal of Cretan Spiti Travel at 08.30. We start our tour driving along the north coastal road, passing by Rethymno Town, to the city of Souda, port of Chania, to visit the Venizelos Graves at the historical location of Profitis Ilias in Akrotiri, where the tomb of Eleftherios Venizelos lies, one of Greece's long-standing prime ministers. We continue to the city of Chania, where we will visit all the main highlights of the city: historic neighborhoods, churches, and museums. We'll also take a walk to the beautiful Venetian Port with the iconic Lighthouse Faros. During your tour of the picturesque alleys of the old town, you will come across unique monuments such as the Rimondi Fountain, the Nerantze Mosque (or Gazi Hussein) with its high minaret, churches, and squares. Enjoy lunch (optional) and some free time for shopping. On the way back, we will stop at the resort town of Georgioupolis, popular for its fine beaches, for a relaxing stroll and a coffee break. Late in the afternoon at 18:00, we return to Heraklion at the terminal of Cretan Spiti Travel.

Are you in Rethymno for a short time and want to see everything? In 2 hours, we will show you all that historical Rethymno has to offer! Move quickly on your eScooter from one historical monument to another, this tour is full of culture! Beginning with a ride in the marina of the city with its floating piers, you then cross the coastal road and meet in front of us the Venetian harbor with its magnificent Egyptian lighthouse. Then you drive through the historical city center where you see the Rimondi Fountain, the Neratze Mosque (today’s Conservatory), which is characterized by the tallest minaret of the city, the Catholic church of St. Francis, the 4 Martyrs Church with its beautiful square and the gate Guora. We continue to Prefecture, a two-storey neoclassical building with a blue sea backdrop. Then you climb into the Fortezza castle, which rises over the Cretan Sea and completes the unrivaled image of beauty and charm in the city of Rethymnon. You take the regional road alongside the sea and the beautiful taverns with seafood. Then you find on our right the Loggia, a brilliant 16th-century building and you enter Arkadiou Street, where from the period of the Venetian occupation until today, one of the most commercial streets of the city. At the end of the road you find the mosque Kara Musa Pasha. Your fun finished with the Unknown Soldier Square. What’s Included: Experienced guide, use of bicycle, helmet, reflective orange vest, bottle of water, break for discussion and soft drink during the tour. Departure & Return: Sofokli Venizelou 4, Rethymno 741 00, Greece Additional Info: Most travelers can participate This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate Check the prices and make your reservation from our booking system in our website. All protection measures are taken by COVID 19. Helmets and reflective vests are sterilized by a special machine at 120o C.

Discover Crete’s rich heritage and natural beauty on a tour that blends history, culture, and scenic landscapes. Start in the captivating city of Rethymno, where Venetian and Ottoman influences shape the old town's narrow streets and picturesque harbor. Then, visit the historic Arkadi Monastery, a symbol of Crete’s resilience, set amidst the mountains. Continue to Margarites, a charming village renowned for traditional pottery. Stroll its quaint streets, watch artisans at work, and even try your hand at crafting pottery. Enjoy delicious local cuisine at a traditional taverna before driving through scenic villages, passing olive groves and rolling hills. This immersive tour offers a perfect glimpse into Crete’s storied past, vibrant culture, and natural beauty—an unforgettable experience for lovers of history and nature!

Explore three of the most picture-perfect destinations on Crete during this half-day private tour that visits Rethymno, the Lake of Kournas and a local olive oil factory. Take off directly from your accommodation in Chania via an air-conditioned vehicle fully equipped with Wi-Fi and USB ports. After pickup, start your journey in Rethymno, a romantic city with a variety of picturesque routes to follow and numerous historical monuments to visit. Marvel at the large Venetian castle Fortezza, the old lighthouse, and countless churches, mosques, and arches. Walk along cobbled paths leading to other hidden spots of the old city. The next stop is the famous Lake of Kournas, the only freshwater lake in Crete. This place is ideal for relaxation and walking. Take in the one-of-a-kind view of the White Mountains reflected in the waters while drinking a cup of traditional Greek coffee. Choose to rent a pedal boat to spend some time in the water looking for the turtles that live in the lake. The last stop is a local olive oil factory in a traditional village. From harvesting to the olive oil mill, and from bottling to a guided olive oil tasting you can learn all inside secrets of extra virgin Cretan olive oil

Visit the famous pottery village of Margarites in western Crete. This important center of regional pottery invites you to explore its narrow streets and hidden cafes. Enjoy the wonderful view and the harmonious coexistence of old and new. Visit the fascinating city of Rethymnon, which has maintained its unique flair. The Venetian fortress is particularly impressive as well as the so-called “Fortezza” at the city harbor, and the minarets from the Turkish era. Stroll through the city center and soak up the special atmosphere. Finally, visit Argyroupoli with its beautiful waterfalls. Enjoy a coffee in the shade of the imposing sycamore trees and learn more about the former ancient city of Lappa, which, according to myth, was created by Agamemnon. Admire a mosaic from the Roman period and see an existing Venetian portal with the inscription “All things of this world are smoke and shadows”.

Welcome to Crete, a land of myth, history, and natural splendor. Your journey begins in Heraklion, where you'll visit the ancient palace of Knossos, the legendary labyrinth of King Minos and home to the Minotaur. Marvel at the intricate frescoes and architectural wonders that date back to the Minoan civilization. Next, we'll take you to the charming village of Archanes, nestled amidst vineyards and olive groves. Here, you'll enjoy a wine tasting session, savoring the flavors of Crete's renowned varietals, followed by a traditional Cretan lunch. In the afternoon, we head to the coastal town of Rethymno, where Venetian and Ottoman influences blend seamlessly. Wander through its narrow streets, visit the imposing Fortezza fortress, and relax at a seaside café. The following day, prepare for an adventure in the Samaria Gorge, one of Europe's longest gorges. As you hike through its rugged terrain, you'll be surrounded by towering cliffs, lush vegetation, and the occasional sight of kri-kri goats. The trek concludes at the picturesque village of Agia Roumeli, where you can dip your feet in the Libyan Sea. On your final day, we'll visit the Lasithi Plateau, home to the famous Diktaean Cave, believed to be the birthplace of Zeus. Explore the stalactite-filled cavern and learn about its mythological significance. The tour ends with a visit to the idyllic Elounda village and the nearby Spinalonga Island, a former leper colony with a fascinating history. Throughout your journey, you'll be treated to the warm hospitality of the Cretan people, sample delectable local cuisine, and enjoy the island's stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. This excursion to Crete promises an immersive and unforgettable experience.