Embark on a private tour of Chania Old Town and immerse yourself in the beauty of Cretan nature. Explore a stunning gorge, visit Byzantine churches, and indulge in a culinary experience at a top bio restaurant in Crete!
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Old Venetian Harbor - The old town of Chania, with its stunning Venetian harbor, is the vibrant heart of both the city and its prefecture, especially during the summer months. This historic area attracts numerous visitors, both tourists and locals of all ages, who come to experience its rich offerings. Archaeological excavations have uncovered many findings, including entire building floor plans, proving that Chania is built on the site of the ancient Cretan city of Cydonia. According to tradition, Cydonia was the third largest city founded by King Minos in Crete between 3650-3000 BC. Since then, Kydonia has been continuously inhabited through various historical phases, experiencing periods of growth and decline, wars, looting, and conquests. The name evolved into Chania, and the old town bears significant marks from its time as a Venetian colony (1252-1645), with subsequent additions during the Ottoman conquest (1645-1898) and Egyptian rule (1831-1841). The architecture of the buildings reflects the diverse cultures and religions that have influenced the area. Many buildings remain residential, while others house shops, hotels, museums, and cultural venues. These monuments guide visitors through the rich history of Chania, which includes historic districts, squares, and neighborhoods such as: 1. Kasteli, the hill where Chania’s history began and always served as the city’s acropolis or core. 2. Topana, the prestigious district of the city. 3. Hebrew, the Jewish neighborhood established by settlers in Chania. 4. The Fountain, the central square for Christians during Ottoman rule and later years. 5. Splantzia, the Ottoman Turkish quarter when the Turks settled in Chania.
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Lighthouse of Chania - Built in 1864, the Chania lighthouse is the oldest in the Mediterranean and a key landmark of the city. Standing 21 meters high on a stone base at the end of the old harbor’s pier, opposite the Firkas fortress, visitors are not allowed inside. Originally constructed by the Venetians around 1600, it was destroyed during the siege of Chania and took its final minaret-like form during the Egyptian occupation. It was restored in 1996.
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Firkas Fortress - Located on the northwest side of Chania’s port, the Firkas fortress was built between 1610 and 1645 to protect the Venetian harbor entrance from raiders. When the city fell to the Turks in 1645, the fortress was renamed
- Private transportation
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Guiding services
- 20 euro for lunch in the mountain restaurant
This is a private tour with a 7-seater van for a maximum of 6 guests. The tour combines a 2-hour exploration of Chania’s old town with an adventure into the Cretan countryside. We will drive through the most stunning gorge near Chania and visit the surrounding villages for about an hour, followed by lunch at one of the finest bio restaurants in Crete. All food at this small family-run restaurant is handmade and cooked in a wood oven, from bread to traditional Cretan and Greek dishes! Lunch is not included and costs around 20 euros per person. On the return journey, we will drive along the mountainside overlooking Chania, offering panoramic views of the town and Souda port!
- 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
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
