Battle of Crete: Private WW2 Tour Exploring Historic Airborne Attack Sites
5.0
4 Ratings
Souda
Embark on a private WW2 tour of Crete, exploring historic airborne attack sites. Learn about the first airborne-only attack in history and delve into the details of the Battle of Crete. Customize the tour to focus on specific units or nationalities. Don't forget to bring a USB stick to load fascinating reports, books, diaries, maps, and photos!
Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Souda Bay War Cemetery - In the Commonwealth Cemetery lie the allied soldiers who perished in the Battle of Crete. We will walk around the graves and tell you stories. We will also visit the nearby 42nd street memorial, where a bayonet charge took place.
  • German Military Cemetery - Will visit the German Cemetery located on the strategic hill 107 overlooking Maleme airfield, and how the battle developed. Will make a quick stop next to Maleme airfield (its still a military area and access is forbidden). We will walk to the allied headquarters on top of hill 107 with nice views of the area.
  • Tavronitis Bridge - Tavronitis Bridge played a vital role during the Battle of Crete and it was one of the Germans primary targets during their assault on Crete. Close to there we will also pay a visit to the RAF Memorial dedicated to the RAF pilots that fell during the battle.
  • Galatas - We will visit the Greek-New Zealand memorial at Galatas village main square, will talk about the battle there and will visit one of the best WW2. We will also visit the Welch memorial.
  • Alikianos Memorial - We will visit Agia Prison valley, where the Greek units were stationed. Will see Agia Prison, which used to be a hospital during the battle and a prison during the occupation where hundreds of Greeks were executed.
What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • Guided tour of WW2 Memorials in Chania
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
What's Not Included
  • Snacks
  • Lunch
Additional Information

This is an exclusive tour utilizing a 7-seater van, which can accommodate up to 6 guests (the cost covers 6 individuals). We’ll uncover the narratives and locales linked to the first airborne-only assault in history, namely The Battle of Crete - a distinguished event as it marked the initial raid in records to be exclusively executed by airborne divisions! This was a combat event where opponents received minimal assistance from their distant bases. Throughout this tour, we’ll thoroughly cover the Battle of Crete in regards to resources, units, strengths and weaknesses, defensive and offensive strategies, the evolution of the battle and various anecdotes! We have the flexibility to concentrate on specific units, nationalities or any interest of your choice, and modify the tour accordingly. We’ll be touring the primary conflict sites in western Crete at Maleme and Galatas, two burial grounds, a remarkable collection of artifacts from the battle and a handful of Memorials. Please carry a 10GB USB stick to receive some reports, books, diaries, maps and photos related to the Battle of Crete!

  • In case of traveller’s serious health problems or other medical concerns please notify us
Location
Souda Bay War Cemetery
Souda Bay, Simmachon
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(4 Ratings)
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Penelopef161
Sep 21, 2023
Military History (WW II) of Crete: Somber, Insightful, In-depth and so much more. Georges is a Military Historian. - My husband and I became interested in World War II history; fascinated with the role of Crete in World history and the number of wars/conflicts it has been involved in; Crete is at the intersection of 3 continents and has always been important to every military campaign in that part of the world - what a stepping stone! Georges is a Military/Political Historian and very knowledgeable regarding the history of Crete and why it is important in the positioning of military history. We started out at the Cemetery at Souda Bay, which is 'beautiful' in its own somber way. Georges has spent much time there and knew each grave stone-as familiar as a family member. He is very invested in the history of why/how each person died as individuals and those that went down as groups. We moved to other areas of action, especially Hill 107...a pivotal battle ground in the action of Crete. Then to another Cemetery on/near Hill 107, we wandered through the Cemetery, then walked up a mountain through Olive Groves, Vineyards to a Bunker on the top...British - not as well constructed as German bunker. A small Greek Orthodox chapel also awaited us. As we walked, Georges told us stories of war, the countryside - agriculture, culture and the interlinking with the people of Crete. The people of Crete were strong, valiant and defended their home turf to the very end. Georges is fluent in English(lived in USA) and IS a walking history book. My husband and I had 2-weeks in Greece/4-days in Crete. THIS individual tour was the absolute highlight of our trip. I am not including photos, as the photos that are shown with the tour ad are wonderful. (Georges, himself is a a photographer and was helpful in taking pictures and angles). For those interested in Military History, details Georges' tour is the one; he also introduced us to others in his circle of WWII experts. 5-Stars +++++++++++
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jr_g
Aug 12, 2023
Connections to a shared past. - Excellent tour one-on-one with a very knowledgable, friendly guide with a deep understanding of the subject matter from both his Cretan and my NZ perspectives. Both the logistics of the tour and his well-informed engagement with places, events and people involved made it a very successful day.
Review provided by Viator
Karen
May 25, 2023
Great Tour for Military History of Battle of Crete - This was an outstanding historical tour of the Battle of Crete during World War II. George provided me with extensive information about the Battle and we visited various sites associated with the war including cemeteries of the fallen. I recommend George and his company for any tour of Crete. He is extremely knowledgeable, professional and very easy to work with. Thank you, George.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Holly_p
Mar 9, 2022
Loved it!! - This was such an amazing tour! I’m so glad we went. I’ll be honest, we went because my dad is a WW2 buff and it was mainly for him. But even for myself and the rest of my family, this was deeply engaging and profoundly moving. We learned a lot about the history of Crete, and got to see so many small villages (and a bakery!) we would never have been able to see without our amazing tour guide, who was knowledgeable and friendly! We also saw a massive private collection of artifacts that was a once in a lifetime experience. Thanks again!
Review provided by Viator
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up to 6 guests
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June 2024
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