Chania old town, mountains, restaurant Private Tour (group of 6)

Overview

This is a private tour with a 7-seater van for a maximum 6 guests.
Chania since the ancient times was a melting pot of civilizations and cultures, each invader and new town resident leaving its mark on history, architecture and culture. Our guides are fluent in English, locals, know this place intimately and love sharing the knowledge.
We will drive around the city and visit various sites for 2 hours, and for 1 hour more you could wander around the picturesque alleys of Chania old town. Will explain the culture and traditions and how they formed the modern day city of Chania. We are not allowed to walk or guide in the old town with travellers, because our license is for a driving tour.
Then we will drive through a scenic gorge to an amazing restaurant and have lunch for 3 hours total. Everything is farm to table, cooked on fire and eating is an experience. Lunch is not included in tour price. We will drive through a road with panoramic view of Chania and Souda bay.

Itinerary

1. Chania Old Town

   Will drop you off at Talos square on the west side of Chania old town, which is more authentic and unspoiled. You will have around an hour available to walk around on your own in the picturesque alleys, explore the town or shop.

   1 hour
2. Lighthouse of Chania

   Chania lighthouse is the oldest working light house in the Mediterranean, built in 1864. The lighthouse is the main landmark of Chania. We cannot enter but can see it from the port.

   5 minutes
3. Firkas Fortress

   The fortress of Firkas on the northwest side of the port of Chania was constructed between 1610 and 1645 to protect the Venetian harbour entrance from raiders. After the fall of the city of Chania in the hands of the Turks in 1645it was renamed “Firka”, which in Turkish means “barrack”. On the northern side of the Firka fortress were six consecutive domes, that sheltered the large cannons, so that they would face the entrance of the harbor and face any possible attacker. The Firka Fortress was used as a prison since then and up to the Greek civil war of the 20th century. During the Ottoman rule, the Firka Fortress constituted the seat of the military governor of the city. It is the place where the Greek flag was raised, in 1913, the year of the reunion of Crete with Greece. Today, at the entrance of the Fortress is situated the Maritime Museum.

   5 minutes
4. Chania Old Town

   Will visit the archaeological site at Kasteli hill. You can see the foundations of buildings, streets and sewage networks.

   10 minutes
5. Chania Old Town

   You could do a tasting of olive oil, honey, pistachio and other delicacies for free at a shop we cooperate. They sell locally produced, organic and premium products.

   20 minutes
6. Gorges of Theriso

   Theriso gorge is located near the city of Chania. The main gorge is six kilometers long and we will go through it by our minivan. The vertical cliffs are impressive and the lush vegetation along with its wildlife is truly a site to see.

   20 minutes
7. Malaxa

   On the way back we will enjoy the panoramic view of Chania and Souda port from Malaxa mountain

   20 minutes
8. Souda Bay War Cemetery

   Will visit the Commonwealth Cemetery where mainly British, New Zealanders and Australians are buried. The Battle of Crete lasted from 20th May to 1st of June 1941 and was the first airborne only operation in history. The cemetery has panoramic views of Souda bay and the White Mountains (Lefka Ori)

   20 minutes
9. Venizelos Graves

   Venizelos graves is actually a park, boasting panoramic views of Chania and the old port.

   20 minutes
10. Miden Agan

    Optionally do a wine tasting for 45 minutes. It can take place only on weekdays, depending availability. Tasting is 25 euro per person.

    45 minutes · Admission not included
11. Byzantine & Post-Byzantine Collection of Chania

    Will stop and see the Byzantine wall in Chania old town, dating from the 6th century AD. If travellers wish, they could visit the small Byzantine collection, during weekdays.

    5 minutes

12. Dounias restaurant is at Drakona Village on the foot of the White Mountains of Chania. The owner Stelios Trilirakis uses ingredients from his farm and and cooks on wood fire. Its a farm to table, slow food experience. It takes 45-minutes to drive to the restaurant through the scenic Cretan countryside. The restaurant has nice views. Lunch is paid separately by travellers, its around 25 euro per person. Restaurant is closed on Tuesday, in which case we will choose another lunch option.

    1 hour · Admission not included

Meeting and pickup

Pick up and drop off at Souda port, your accommodation or any other convenient location, 10km or 6 miles around Chania old town and 20km along the west coast up to Platanias. Please contact us regarding your pick up place for further information

Good to know

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• You must be able to get in and get out of the car. Some places in Chania's Old Town are not wheelchair accessible and we have to follow different route
• In case of traveller's serious health problems or other medical concerns please notify us

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.