Crete tours - Visiting Crete sights

There are many organised bus tours to the most interesting sights in Crete that start from Rethymno.
Other activities include walking tours, scuba diving, biking and yacht sailing.

The following tours run from May till the end of October and are all guided, in English and German.

1. SAMARIA GORGE - "LONG WAY" (05.30-19.30) Every day 28 euro

Departure at 05.30, arrival at Omalos, the heart of the White Mountains, at 08.00. Time for breakfast and then, from a height of 1100m or 4000 ft. passing on foot the gorge: 18 km/11 miles walk through the longest and perhaps most beautiful gorge in Europe. The last survived Kri-Kri (Cretan Mountain goats) can be seen up on the rocks. After 5-6 hours walk, arrival at Agia Roumeli at the Libyan Sea, where you may rest, swim or have meal. Then you are transferred by boat to Hora Sfakion where the bus is waiting to take you back to Rethymno. The walk should be avoided by children under 6, pregnant women, or people with health problems. Strong walking shoes and a hat are needed.

2. SAMARIA GORGE - "EASY WAY" (07.00-20.00) Wed 25 euro

Drive along the North coast of Crete, then head to the South, via the villages of Vrisses and Askifou. Arrival at Hora Sfakion at about 10.00. By boat, you are transferred to Agia Roumeli, the south end of Samaria gorge. From there, you have the possibility to walk for 2 hours until the "Iron Gates", the most narrow part of the gorge. There is also enough time for swimming in the crystal-clear water of the Libyan Sea and for a refreshment/meal in the taverns on the beach. At 17.00 you take the boat to Hora Sfakion, and return to your hotel at Rethymno, by bus.

3. IMBROS GORGE (08.00-18.30) Sun 22 euro

Drive through the picturesque village of Vrisses and the plateau of Askifou to Imbros village next to the impressive gorge of the same name. There are 61 gorges in Crete. Imbros is one that will refresh you with the beauty of the unspoiled nature and its surprises at the end and does not require some special physical effort. It is 8 km long and the walk takes 2-2/1/2 hours. After, there will be time for swimming to one of the beautiful beaches at the Libyan Sea, to rest and have refreshing drinks/meal in the tavern. Good walking shoes are needed.

4. KNOSSOS, IRAKLION MUSEUM (07.30-17.30) Wed 28 euro

Guided tour to the excavation sites of the palace of Knossos, the prosperous Minoan capital of the first of all advanced civilizations in Europe. In the afternoon, visit the Archaeological Museum of Iraklion, where the treasures of the Minoan civilization are assembled. Then, there is some time at the town of Iraklion for sightseeing and shopping.

5. FESTOS, GORTYS, MATALA, SPILI (08.00-18.30) Wed 28 euro

Through the Messara plain to Gortys, the former Roman capital of Crete and famous for its ancient legal tablets of stone, its Roman amphitheatre and the church of Agios Titos, the first seat of the archbishops of Crete. Then follows the visit to the impressive excavations of the Minoan palace of Festos, with a majestic view of the Messara plain. The tour continues, for sea bathing and lunch at Matala village and bay with time to visit the famous sandstone caves. On the way back to Rethymno, there is a stop at Spili village for a look to theVenetian fountains.

6. ELAFONISI (07.00-18.30) Mon, Thu 26 euro

Drive to Kastelli town, via Hania, and from there to the southwest coast of Crete. Stop at the green village Elos, at about 10.30 for coffee and at Chrysoskalitissa Monastery, just before the enchanting beach of Elafonissi where there is free time for three hours. On the way back to Rethymno, time for visit to the cave of Agia Sofia and then a stop at Potamida village for traditional cheese pies and coffee.

7. GRAMVOUSA ISLAND - BALOS BEACH (08.00-18.00) Fri 23 euro

A trip to one of the five natural protected areas in Crete and one of the resting points for the birds travelling around the world. Following the North coast road towards Hania, the bus takes you to the port of Kastelli. From there, a boat heads to the small island of Gramvousa with its imposing Venetian castle and the majestic view to the Cretan coast and the ocean. After two hours the boat continues opposite, to Balos bay, at the most northwestern peninsula of Crete. The colours of the water and the sand are exceptional and the swimming there will be unforgettable. Two hours later the boat will return to Kastelli, for the way back by the bus. Walking shoes are necessary.

8. RETHYMNO - SANTORINI: ONE DAY CRUISE (07.00-21.30) Tue, Sat

A one-day cruise to the crescent-shaped volcanic island of unsurpassed natural beauty. Do not miss the opportunity to enjoy the unique beauty of this island.

9. PREVELI PALM BEACH (07.30-18.00) Tue, Sat 19 euro

The bus first stops for about half an hour, at the impressive Kourtaliotiko Gorge, for a visit to the waterfalls. Then the bus continues to the nearest point to Preveli beach, from where the passengers can go down the hill to reach, after fifteen minutes walk, the beach and the river. Preveli is perhaps the most paradisiac place in Crete, one of the five naturally protected areas in Crete and a national forest. It combines the mountain with the beach. The sweeet water river, which starts from the mountain springs at Kourtaliotiko Gorge, is lined with palm trees and ends to the beach. A walk through the river will be unforgettable. By boat you are transferred to the picturesque resort of Plakias, from where, after some time, the bus brings back to the hotels.

10. HANIA TOWN (08.00-15.30) Mon 23 euro

First visiting the tomb of E. Venizelos, from where you can have a fantastic view of Hania and the White Mountains. Then a city tour through Hania, where you have 4-4 ½ hours for a stroll through the romantic old town and for a visit to the archaeological or the naval Museum. There are many historical monuments and plenty of possibilities for shopping, for example in the leather alley or in the Central Market Hall.

11. PHOTOSAFARI - FRAGOKASTELO, PREVELI MONASTERY (08.00-18.30) Sun 25 euro

The tour first visits Georgioupoli, a village in the north coast of Crete. Then we cross the endings of White Mountains, towards the venetian fortress of Fragokastelo, built in the 14th century. Then the trip continues to Plakias or Damnoni, where there is time to swim and have lunch. After, we visit the Monastery of Preveli, built in the 17th century. On the way back to the hotels, the bus passes through Kourtaliotiko gorge.

12. WATERPARK (09.00-18.30) Daily, exc. Mon

One of the most modern water parks in Europe, covering an area of 40000 m2, with over 10000 plants, flowers, trees and artificial waterfalls. The games and the pools are supplied with 3280 m3 of water, which is filtered every 2 1/2 hours. The visitor can enjoy the games in a very friendly service and take part in an a variety of happy happenings like aerobic in and out of the water, lotteries, swimming lessons free of charge, etc. Fast food restaurant, bars, lockers, shopping area, sunbeds and umbrellas.

13. BOAT TRIP (09.00-17.00) Daily

There are short boat trips from one and half hours -visiting caves and offering a short enjoyment of sailing along the coast of Rethymno- to longer trips, for eight hours, offering a day full of the sea, visiting impressive caves and fishing villages, with possibility to swim or, for those who want, to try their luck in fishing. Please ask for additional information for the different programs.

14. COUNTRY WALKING (07.30-15.30) Daily 28 euro

Walk through the country, along mule-paths, down to riverbeds, through olivegroves and along stony mountain-paths. There is a choice of six different walks. Each route shows something of historical interest as well as present-day Crete. The average walking time is around 4 hours. The transport to the start-point of the walk is by taxi or minibus.

15. SCUBA DIVING / SNORKELING Daily

Qualified - PADI- and experienced diving instructors will lead you to the underwater world of Crete. There is an extended range of activities for non-divers as well as for experienced divers. You can dive safely for new sensations in the clear and warm water and obtain an internationally recognized PADI license.

16. TOURS BY BICYCLE (09.00-15.00) Daily

There are many different programs and routes, for visiting the countryside with a bike.

The above prices include the bus transfer from and to the hotels and the guide.
Admission fees to sites and museums as well as boat transfers are not included in the above prices.
The extra fees are:

1. Samaria Gorge -"Long Way": Boat fare: 7,50 euro + Entrance to National Park: 5,00 euro
2. Samaria Gorge -"Easy Way": Boat fare: 12,50 euro + Entrance to National Park (optional): 5,00 euro
3. Imbros Gorge: Entrance 2,00 euro
4. Knossos - Iraklion Museum: Entrance fee to Knossos site: 6 euro + Entrance fee to Iraklion Museum : 5 euro
5. Festos - Gortys - Matala: Entrance fee to Festos site: 4 euro + Entrance fee to Gortys site: 4 euro
6. Gramvousa: Boat fare: 15,00 euro

For all tours half price for children 06 - 12 years old. Children up to 06 years old are free.

For any additional information, please feel always free to ask: e-mail us at ellotia@rethymnoatcrete.com.

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http://www.rethymnoatcrete.com/tours.htm
Last revised: 6 March 2008

1. SAMARIA GORGE - "LONG WAY"	(05.30-19.30)	Every day	28 euro
Departure at 05.30, arrival at Omalos, the heart of the White Mountains, at 08.00. Time for breakfast and then, from a height of 1100m or 4000 ft. passing on foot the gorge: 18 km/11 miles walk through the longest and perhaps most beautiful gorge in Europe. The last survived Kri-Kri (Cretan Mountain goats) can be seen up on the rocks. After 5-6 hours walk, arrival at Agia Roumeli at the Libyan Sea, where you may rest, swim or have meal. Then you are transferred by boat to Hora Sfakion where the bus is waiting to take you back to Rethymno. The walk should be avoided by children under 6, pregnant women, or people with health problems. Strong walking shoes and a hat are needed.
2. SAMARIA GORGE - "EASY WAY"	(07.00-20.00)	Wed	25 euro
Drive along the North coast of Crete, then head to the South, via the villages of Vrisses and Askifou. Arrival at Hora Sfakion at about 10.00. By boat, you are transferred to Agia Roumeli, the south end of Samaria gorge. From there, you have the possibility to walk for 2 hours until the "Iron Gates", the most narrow part of the gorge. There is also enough time for swimming in the crystal-clear water of the Libyan Sea and for a refreshment/meal in the taverns on the beach. At 17.00 you take the boat to Hora Sfakion, and return to your hotel at Rethymno, by bus.
3. IMBROS GORGE	(08.00-18.30)	Sun	22 euro
Drive through the picturesque village of Vrisses and the plateau of Askifou to Imbros village next to the impressive gorge of the same name. There are 61 gorges in Crete. Imbros is one that will refresh you with the beauty of the unspoiled nature and its surprises at the end and does not require some special physical effort. It is 8 km long and the walk takes 2-2/1/2 hours. After, there will be time for swimming to one of the beautiful beaches at the Libyan Sea, to rest and have refreshing drinks/meal in the tavern. Good walking shoes are needed.
4. KNOSSOS, IRAKLION MUSEUM	(07.30-17.30)	Wed	28 euro
Guided tour to the excavation sites of the palace of Knossos, the prosperous Minoan capital of the first of all advanced civilizations in Europe. In the afternoon, visit the Archaeological Museum of Iraklion, where the treasures of the Minoan civilization are assembled. Then, there is some time at the town of Iraklion for sightseeing and shopping.
5. FESTOS, GORTYS, MATALA, SPILI	(08.00-18.30)	Wed	28 euro
Through the Messara plain to Gortys, the former Roman capital of Crete and famous for its ancient legal tablets of stone, its Roman amphitheatre and the church of Agios Titos, the first seat of the archbishops of Crete. Then follows the visit to the impressive excavations of the Minoan palace of Festos, with a majestic view of the Messara plain. The tour continues, for sea bathing and lunch at Matala village and bay with time to visit the famous sandstone caves. On the way back to Rethymno, there is a stop at Spili village for a look to theVenetian fountains.
6. ELAFONISI	(07.00-18.30)	Mon, Thu	26 euro
Drive to Kastelli town, via Hania, and from there to the southwest coast of Crete. Stop at the green village Elos, at about 10.30 for coffee and at Chrysoskalitissa Monastery, just before the enchanting beach of Elafonissi where there is free time for three hours. On the way back to Rethymno, time for visit to the cave of Agia Sofia and then a stop at Potamida village for traditional cheese pies and coffee.
7. GRAMVOUSA ISLAND - BALOS BEACH	(08.00-18.00)	Fri	23 euro
A trip to one of the five natural protected areas in Crete and one of the resting points for the birds travelling around the world. Following the North coast road towards Hania, the bus takes you to the port of Kastelli. From there, a boat heads to the small island of Gramvousa with its imposing Venetian castle and the majestic view to the Cretan coast and the ocean. After two hours the boat continues opposite, to Balos bay, at the most northwestern peninsula of Crete. The colours of the water and the sand are exceptional and the swimming there will be unforgettable. Two hours later the boat will return to Kastelli, for the way back by the bus. Walking shoes are necessary.
8. RETHYMNO - SANTORINI: ONE DAY CRUISE	(07.00-21.30)	Tue, Sat
A one-day cruise to the crescent-shaped volcanic island of unsurpassed natural beauty. Do not miss the opportunity to enjoy the unique beauty of this island.
9. PREVELI PALM BEACH	(07.30-18.00)	Tue, Sat	19 euro
The bus first stops for about half an hour, at the impressive Kourtaliotiko Gorge, for a visit to the waterfalls. Then the bus continues to the nearest point to Preveli beach, from where the passengers can go down the hill to reach, after fifteen minutes walk, the beach and the river. Preveli is perhaps the most paradisiac place in Crete, one of the five naturally protected areas in Crete and a national forest. It combines the mountain with the beach. The sweeet water river, which starts from the mountain springs at Kourtaliotiko Gorge, is lined with palm trees and ends to the beach. A walk through the river will be unforgettable. By boat you are transferred to the picturesque resort of Plakias, from where, after some time, the bus brings back to the hotels.
10. HANIA TOWN	(08.00-15.30)	Mon	23 euro
First visiting the tomb of E. Venizelos, from where you can have a fantastic view of Hania and the White Mountains. Then a city tour through Hania, where you have 4-4 ½ hours for a stroll through the romantic old town and for a visit to the archaeological or the naval Museum. There are many historical monuments and plenty of possibilities for shopping, for example in the leather alley or in the Central Market Hall.
11. PHOTOSAFARI - FRAGOKASTELO, PREVELI MONASTERY	(08.00-18.30)	Sun	25 euro
The tour first visits Georgioupoli, a village in the north coast of Crete. Then we cross the endings of White Mountains, towards the venetian fortress of Fragokastelo, built in the 14th century. Then the trip continues to Plakias or Damnoni, where there is time to swim and have lunch. After, we visit the Monastery of Preveli, built in the 17th century. On the way back to the hotels, the bus passes through Kourtaliotiko gorge.
12. WATERPARK	(09.00-18.30)	Daily, exc. Mon
One of the most modern water parks in Europe, covering an area of 40000 m2, with over 10000 plants, flowers, trees and artificial waterfalls. The games and the pools are supplied with 3280 m3 of water, which is filtered every 2 1/2 hours. The visitor can enjoy the games in a very friendly service and take part in an a variety of happy happenings like aerobic in and out of the water, lotteries, swimming lessons free of charge, etc. Fast food restaurant, bars, lockers, shopping area, sunbeds and umbrellas.
13. BOAT TRIP	(09.00-17.00)	Daily
There are short boat trips from one and half hours -visiting caves and offering a short enjoyment of sailing along the coast of Rethymno- to longer trips, for eight hours, offering a day full of the sea, visiting impressive caves and fishing villages, with possibility to swim or, for those who want, to try their luck in fishing. Please ask for additional information for the different programs.
14. COUNTRY WALKING	(07.30-15.30)	Daily	28 euro
Walk through the country, along mule-paths, down to riverbeds, through olivegroves and along stony mountain-paths. There is a choice of six different walks. Each route shows something of historical interest as well as present-day Crete. The average walking time is around 4 hours. The transport to the start-point of the walk is by taxi or minibus.
15. SCUBA DIVING / SNORKELING		Daily
Qualified - PADI- and experienced diving instructors will lead you to the underwater world of Crete. There is an extended range of activities for non-divers as well as for experienced divers. You can dive safely for new sensations in the clear and warm water and obtain an internationally recognized PADI license.
16. TOURS BY BICYCLE	(09.00-15.00)	Daily
There are many different programs and routes, for visiting the countryside with a bike.