Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Chania Old Town on this half-day private tour. Explore ancient civilizations, architectural landmarks, and hidden historic points of interest, while also discovering the vibrant traditions and modern-day charm of the city.
- Old Venetian Harbor - We will walk through the narrow alleys of Chania’s old town, exploring its architecture, history, and culture.
- Lighthouse of Chania - The Chania lighthouse, built in 1864, is the oldest in the Mediterranean and a key landmark of Chania. Standing 21 meters tall on a stone base, it is located at the end of the old harbor’s pier, opposite the Firkas Fortress. Visitors are not permitted inside. Originally constructed by the Venetians around 1600, it was destroyed during the siege of Chania and later took its current minaret shape during the Egyptian occupation. It was restored in 1996.
- Firkas Fortress - We will enter this old fort, which once served as the base for Chania’s military commander, and enjoy a panoramic view of the old town.
- Etz Hayyim Synagogue - Entry fee is 3 euros per person. Converted into a synagogue in the 17th century by Chania’s Jewish community, who purchased the 15th-century Venetian Church of St. Catherine. The synagogue was abandoned after World War II following the decimation of the Jewish community and reopened in 1999 with support from the World Monument Fund and the Central Israeli Council of Greece. Today, it is the only active synagogue remaining on the island.
- Giali Tzamisi - Located in the old Venetian port of Chania, the Mosque of Hasan Kucuk, or Yali Tzamisi, is one of the first Turkish buildings on the island. Built in honor of Küçük Hassan Pasha, the first Turkish military commander of Chania, its name means “mosque of the sea.” Designed by an Armenian architect in the Renaissance style, it dates back to the second half of the 17th century. The mosque functioned as a Muslim place of worship until 1923. It is a cubic structure with a large dome supported by four stone arches, and an arcade with seven small domes on the west and north sides. Only the base of the original minaret remains. Today, it hosts cultural events and visual art exhibitions.
- Cathedral of Eisodion tis Theotokou - We will visit Chania Cathedral and discuss its various cultural and religious traditions.
- Minoan Excavations - Chania is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe. The Minoan civilization, which dates back to before 3000 BC, ended violently around 1250 BC due to a destructive earthquake and tsunami. Many researchers believe the civilization was destroyed following the eruption of the Santorini volcano. At Kasteli Hill, ongoing archaeological excavations reveal the foundations of buildings, streets, and sewage networks. During the Minoan era, Chania was known as Kydonia.
- Church of Agios Nikolaos - This Venetian Catholic church was later converted into a mosque and then an Orthodox church. It uniquely features a minaret opposite a bell tower, a rarity in Greece.
- Municipal Market of Chania - We will stroll through one of the oldest markets in the Balkans and explore its traditional shops.
- Private transportation
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Guiding Services
- Snacks
- Lunch
- Optional wine tasting for 12 euro for 30 minutes
This is a private sightseeing escapade in a 7-seat vehicle that accommodates up to 6 participants (the quoted price is applicable for 6 people). Since antiquity, Chania has served as a crucible for multiple civilizations and cultures, each contributing its signature to the city’s historical narrative, architectural aesthetics and cultural milieu. This city boasts the distinction of being Europe’s longest continuously populated city, tracing its origins back to the Minoan civilization circa 5,000BC.
Our journey endeavors to identify the historical fingerprints left behind by various civilizations in the city’s edifices and landmarks. As we traverse along the waterfront, through the side streets, past fortifications and vantage points, we will examine the imprints of history. Witness the transformation of Chania over centuries, the structures that were raised and the ruins that remain. A tour through the erstwhile Christian, Muslim and Jewish districts will reveal lesser-known historical attractions.
Despite its prime emphasis on history, our tour will also delve into Chania’s customs and cultural heritage, and how these elements have amalgamated to sculpt the Chania we see today!
- In case of traveller’s serious health problems or other medical concerns please notify us
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
