Heraklion to Western Crete: Discover Chania, Rethymno, Lake Kournas and Argyroupolis

Embark on a journey from Heraklion to Western Crete and discover the enchanting cities of Chania and Rethymno, the picturesque Lake Kournas, and the charming village of Argyroupolis. Indulge in authentic Cretan hospitality, enjoy delicious local cuisine, and savor a unique homemade wine tasting experience. Get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of Western Crete!

Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Heraklion Prefecture - Enjoy a personal hotel, villa, or cruise pick-up with a premium vehicle at full-day disposal, at any defined time of the day. Your private tour will start with a journey to West Crete by following itineraries off the beaten path.
  • Rethymnon Old Town - The first stop will be at the Venetian city of Rethymno to follow a scenic city trail through Rethymno’s streets. Your local insider guide will familiarize you with Rethymno’s history by guiding you along the narrow streets, where you will see the medieval port, temples, and city highlights.
  • Ancient Lappa - Then you will visit the authentic village of Agryroupolis which is built on the ruins of the ancient city of Lappa. There you can enjoy a cup of coffee under the shade of the ancient plane trees surrounded by lush green, many refreshing springs, and mountainous small waterfalls. Not to mention that you will get acquainted with friendly locals by deeply connecting with the meaning of Cretan “philoxenia” (hospitality).
  • Lake Kournas - The next stop will be at the lake of Kournas, where you will have time to experience amazing nature and bathe in the fresh waters. Furthermore, your private expert guide will provide the best recommendations for a delicious Cretan lunch with a unique homemade wine tasting by the lake.
  • Chania Town - Also, you will visit the city of Chania where you will get familiar with the city and its history as well as the local lifestyle. Last but not least, your private guide will take you through the old street markets of the 17th & 19th centuries where you will have the opportunity for the finest local product tastings!
  • Hersonissos - A potential region for your personal pick up and drop off.
  • Anissaras - A potential region for your personal pick up and drop off.
  • Analipsi - A potential region for your personal pick up and drop off.
  • Gouves - A potential region for your personal pick up and drop off.
  • Kokkini Hani - A potential region for your personal pick up and drop off.
  • Heraklion - A potential region for your personal pick up and drop off.
  • Agia Pelagia - A potential region for your personal pick up and drop off.
  • Fodele - A potential region for your personal pick up and drop off.
  • Bali - A potential region for your personal pick up and drop off.
What's Included
  • VIP skip-the-line access
  • Assistance with admission tickets
  • Exclusive insider-access opportunities
  • Tailored tour details
  • Best local guides of Crete
  • Flexible personal pick-up & drop-off
  • Concierge support before & during trip
  • Chauffeured premium vehicle
  • Vehicle amenities: Wi-Fi, USB, snacks
What's Not Included
  • Drinks and meals
  • Admission fees
Additional Information

Join us as we delve into the enchantment of Western Crete, a haven on the island that encapsulates the genuine essence of Philoxenia (‘Hospitality’) with grace.

Our journey will include the historic city of Rethymno, the captivating Kournas lake, and the quaint town of Chania, all experienced with optimal comfort and seclusion through our arrangements.

Experience the village of Argyroupolis (formerly the city of Lappa), where we’ll enjoy a heartwarming lunch in a snug location enveloped by majestic waterfalls, ambrosial scents of roasting lamb (Cretan Antikristo style), and the congenial presence of the locals.

The icing on the cake: a chance to engage in a one-of-a-kind homemade wine tasting near the Kournas Lake. Get ready to stimulate all your senses!

Location
Hersonissos
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.5
(11 Ratings)
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1 star
156huiwenl
May 31, 2023
Awesome! - The day trip was amazing. We liked it and enjoyed the trip alot! Both Katerina and Ektoras were extremely patient and nice towards us too 💯 Ektoras was a safe driver and Katerina shared great information about different places with us.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Awach7
Apr 13, 2023
Great day! - We took this tour on our honeymoon and it was one of my favorites! Our guide was superb! He took photos at all the best spots, we had a really good lunch w/wine and raki??? (Very potent!) and just an all around lovely day. Def recommend to see parts of Greece!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tjinmd
May 2, 2022
A Luxury Tour Experience in Crete - Where to begin?!…If you are reading this you are considering a trip to Crete or have already pulled the trigger and are looking for a day trip. We relied on previous TA reviews and glad we did. Based out of Heraklion we wanted to head West and departed at ~9:00 am. We were treated with tours of Chania and Rethymnon, and lunch in Lappa by a world class tour guide, Alexander, and our driver Dmitri in a lux 6-passenger Mercedes Sprinter van. This van allowed us to relax in large, comfortable seats and wifi. First class. Alex’s knowledge of Crete’s history, culture, & architecture are second to none. He was funny, engaging, knowledgeable, organized, interesting, and, most of all, a genuinely great person. He brought Crete’s history to life through its architectural styles and fortresses. We have numerous pictures of us in the Venetian alleys and harbor waterfront graciously taken by Alex at every postcard location Everything about the day exceeded our expectations. All 4 of us said we want to come back and stay in Chania next time and have Alex lead us in other parts of this amazing island. The trip exceeded our expectations. It was professional in every aspect. It was a great way to be introduced to this amazing island, people, and culture. Worth every Euro. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dorainem587
Jun 28, 2021
Go for it!!! - The best part of this experience was Kournas Lake. The kids thoroughly enjoyed it. Additionally we ended the evening at an amazing restaurant by the port where we had the best seafood. If you want to avoid the rush and have a exclusive experience, I would recommend using this service. Everything was excellent.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
905emilec
Jun 27, 2021
Carpe diem - We had a wonderful experience with Alexander, who is not only an outstanding ambassador of Crete but also an excellent professional and client’s ‘oriented. We discovered the real spirit of Crete with him in so many different aspects.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
C3515jwdanielv
Aug 16, 2020
A good opportunity to see the real beauty of the island. - My guide, Alexander, was very accommodating the whole way through, very knowledgeable of both cities- he clearly knows the island very well. It was a pleasure speaking with him; I felt very looked after. He took many photos for me and gave me several opportunities to change the itinerary of the day should I wish to. I really couldn't have asked for more.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mirela383
Sep 21, 2019
Best day trip ever - We had the privilege to join Costas for the best day trip to the western prefectures of Crete (Rethymno and Chania) that one could possibly take! From rugged nature wonders of majestic mountain peaks and deep gorges to urban scapes and little known traditional Cretan restaurants, Costas personalized our trip for the best experience one can have in Crete. My friends and I wholeheartedly recommend this tour! Yammas, Costas!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mgran123124
Jun 30, 2022
A nice day on Crete! - We enjoyed our visit on Crete. Our main objectives were to see Chania and Rethymno and the driver and guide accomodated us (with just a quick drive past Kournas Lake - which is not worth a stop compared to the two cities). Both Chania and Rethymno were beautiful cities and quite different, with respect to architecture, from the islands of Mykonos and Santorini. Highly recommend visits to both cities. The driver, Dimitris was lively and welcoming and charming! He selected an excellent restaurant for lunch in Rethymno - called Agrimia. The food was absolutely delicious! Our guide, Eirina, is very knowledgeable on matters of history. She was very informative. I'd just say that she has to ensure that all guests get to hear all the information. I understand that might be a bit of a challenge when one (me) would stop to take photos! They were such beautful places!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Richa_m
May 28, 2023
Terrible guide - Chania is good - however the guide has an accent which was difficult to understand and she did a 10 min tour of Chania with us and the rest was all free time- when we had engaged her for 8 hrs
Review provided by Viator
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