• Chania Old Town - Explore Chania’s old town and discover its various landmarks and historic sites.
• Old Venetian Harbor - Spend 3 hours touring Chania’s old town, visiting its landmarks and historic sites.
• Lighthouse of Chania - The Chania lighthouse, the oldest in the Mediterranean, was built in 1864. It stands as Chania’s main landmark, with a 21m high tower on a stone base, located at the end of the old harbor’s pier, opposite the Firkas Fortress. Visitors cannot enter the lighthouse. Originally constructed by the Venetians around 1600, it was destroyed during the siege of Chania and took its final minaret shape during the Egyptian occupation. It was restored in 1996.
• 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 Chania fell to the Turks in 1645, the fortress came under their control and was named “Firka,” meaning “barrack” in Turkish. The northern side of the fortress featured six consecutive domes housing large cannons aimed at the harbor entrance. The fortress served as a prison until the Greek civil war of the 20th century. During Ottoman rule, it was the seat of the city’s military governor. The Greek flag was raised here in 1913, marking Crete’s reunion with Greece. Today, the Maritime Museum is located at the fortress entrance.
• Cathedral of Eisodion tis Theotokou - The Orthodox Cathedral of Chania, also known as the Church of Trimartiri, is situated on Halidon Street. The current temple was built on the site of an older 14th-century church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. In 1645, during the Ottoman occupation, it was converted into a soap factory owned by Turkish official Moustafa Pasha Giritli. The church was reconstructed in 1860 in the style of a three-aisle Basilica and was donated by the local pasha to the community. The high bell tower is located on the northeast side of the temple. The church features three aisles: the central one dedicated to the Virgin Mary (celebrated on November 21st), the north aisle to Saint Nicholas, and the southern one to the Three Hierarchs.
• Etz Hayyim Synagogue - The entrance fee is 3 euros per person. Etz Hayyim was converted into a synagogue in the 17th century when Chania’s Jewish community purchased the Church of St. Catherine, an empty 15th-century Venetian church. The synagogue suffered serious damage during bombardment and was abandoned after World War II with the loss of the Jewish community. It reopened in 1999 with support from the World Monument Fund (WMF) and the Central Israeli Council of Greece. Today, Etz Hayyim is the only active synagogue remaining on the island.
• Hassan Pascha Mosque - The Mosque of Hasan Kucuk, also known as Yali Tzamisi, is one of the first Ottoman buildings on the island. It was built in honor of Kioutsouk Hassan Pasha, Chania’s first Ottoman military commander, and “Yali Tzamisi” translates to “mosque of the sea.” Designed by an Armenian architect, the mosque is an example of Islamic Renaissance architecture from the mid-17th century. It functioned as a mosque until 1923. The building is cubic, covered by a large dome supported by four stone arches, with an arcade roofed by seven small domes on the west and north sides. Only the base of the original minaret remains. Today, the building hosts cultural events and visual art exhibitions.
• Venetian Neoria - During the Venetian occupation (1204-1669), the Neoria shipyards were constructed. In 1467, Venice ordered the building of 16 shipyards. During the Turkish occupation, these shipyards were converted into military warehouses. Today, seven shipyards remain, but entrance is prohibited as they require repairs.
• Minoan Excavations - Chania is Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city. The Minoan civilization, which dates back to before 3000 BC, ended violently in 1250 BC due to a destructive earthquake and tsunami. Many researchers believe the Minoan civilization was destroyed after the Santorini volcano eruption. At Kasteli Hill, archaeological excavations reveal the foundations of buildings, streets, and sewage networks. These excavations are ongoing. During the Minoan era, Chania was known as Kydonia.
• Souda - This is a shore excursion tour with pick-up and return to Souda port. Souda is a 20-minute drive from Chania, one way.
• Municipal Market of Chania - The Municipal Market of Chania is the city’s “heart.” Its foundation began on August 14, 1911, at the site of the main rampart of the Venetian fortification, and construction was completed in the second half of 1913. The market is cross-shaped with four doors, one in each ward, which close to secure the shops inside. Today, the market hosts many shops selling local products and souvenirs. It is an architectural jewel for Chania and one of the most impressive markets in the Balkans.
• Church of Agios Nikolaos - Built around 1320 during the Venetian period, the Church of Agios Nikolaos was originally part of the Dominican Order monastery. It is unique for having both a tower and a minaret. During the Venetian period, it was the city’s most important church. After the Turks took over Chania, the church was converted into a mosque named Hiougkar Tzamisi (mosque of the Emperor) in honor of the Ottoman sultan. Its significance is highlighted by the presence of two balconies on the minaret instead of one. In 1928, after being reclaimed by the Orthodox Christians, the mosque was once again turned into a church dedicated to Agios Nikolaos.

• Private transportation
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Guiding Services

• 20 euro for lunch per person in a local restaurant (optional)
• Shopping around Chania Old Town (optional)

This is an exclusive tour designed for a maximum of 6 guests, utilizing a spacious 7-seat van. Pick-ups will be done from Souda port or hotels situated near the western coast of Chania.
The historical charm of Chania’s Old Town has been preserved since the Minoan Civilization era that dates back to 5000BC. It has remained a thriving hub of growth and affluence, directly shaped by multiple cultural influences from Romans, Arabs, Jews, Venetians, and Ottoman Turks. Our tour guides you through the historical labyrinth of streets where you can observe the Byzantine and Venetian/Ottoman Walls and Fortifications. As we navigate through the principal lanes, we witness the chronicles of history unravel, from the archeological revelations of Minoan era to the Medieval and Modern Ages echoed in ancient buildings, churches, synagogues, and mosques. We will be exploring the Orthodox, Muslim, and Jewish Districts, and delve into the dynamics of cohabitation through various peaceful and tumultuous eras. The tour wraps up with an option for a delightful meal at a local restaurant.

• You must be able to get in and get out of the car. Some places 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.