• Chania Old Town - The charming old town of Chania, featuring the stunning Venetian harbor, is the city’s vibrant center. Visitors can stroll through the narrow streets and delve into the city’s rich history.

• Lighthouse of Chania - The Chania lighthouse, the oldest in the Mediterranean, was built in 1864 and stands as Chania’s iconic landmark. The 21-meter-high tower, set on a stone base, is located at the end of the old harbor’s pier, opposite the Firkas Fortress. Although entry is prohibited, the lighthouse, originally constructed by the Venetians around 1600, was destroyed during the siege of Chania and later took its minaret shape during the Egyptian occupation. It was restored in 1996.

• Firkas Fortress - Situated on the northwest side of Chania’s port, the Firkas Fortress was built between 1610 and 1645 to guard the Venetian harbor from invaders. When Chania fell to the Turks in 1645, the fortress was renamed “Firka,” meaning “barrack” in Turkish. The fortress housed six domes for large cannons facing the harbor entrance. It served as a prison until the Greek civil war in the 20th century and was the military governor’s seat during Ottoman rule. The Greek flag was raised here in 1913, marking Crete’s union 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 located on Halidon Street. The current structure was built on the site of a 14th-century church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. During the Ottoman occupation in 1645, it was converted into a soap factory by Turkish official Moustafa Pasha Giritli. The church was reconstructed in 1860 in a three-aisle Basilica style and donated by the local pasha to the community. The high bell tower is on the northeast side. The central aisle is dedicated to the Virgin Mary (celebrated on November 21st), the north aisle to Saint Nicholas, and the south aisle to the Three Hierarchs.

• Etz Hayyim Synagogue - With a 3 euro entrance fee per person, Etz Hayyim was transformed into a synagogue in the 17th century when Chania’s Jewish community acquired the Church of St. Catherine, a vacant 15th-century Venetian church. After World War II, the synagogue was abandoned due to the Jewish community’s decline but 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.

• Hassan Pascha Mosque - The Mosque of Hasan Kucuk, or Yali Tzamisi, is one of the island’s first Ottoman structures. Built in honor of Kioutsouk Hassan Pasha, Chania’s first Ottoman military commander, “Yali Tzamisi” means “mosque of the sea.” Designed by an Armenian architect, the mosque is a Renaissance example of Islamic architecture from the mid-17th century. It functioned as a mosque until 1923. The cubic building, topped by a large dome supported by four stone arches, is surrounded by 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 art exhibitions.

• Minoan Palace ruins - Chania, Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city, dates back to the Minoan civilization before 3000 BC, which ended around 1250 BC due to a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami. Some researchers believe the Minoan civilization was destroyed by the Santorini volcano eruption. At Kasteli Hill, ongoing archaeological excavations reveal building foundations, streets, and sewage systems. During the Minoan era, Chania was known as Kydonia.

• Ntounias - Dounias restaurant, located in Drakona Village at the foot of Chania’s White Mountains at 600 meters altitude, is a hub of gastronomy and slow food. Owner Stelios Trilirakis uses locally sourced ingredients and cooks over a wood fire. Visitors can take photos and observe the process. Most ingredients come from the family farm, and herbs like oregano, rosemary, dictum, and chamomile are gathered from nearby White Mountain slopes, adding unique flavors to traditional dishes like Greek salad, rabbit casseroles, lamb with honey, goat wrapped in foil, and meat dishes with pilaf rice. The restaurant is a 45-minute drive through scenic Cretan countryside and offers beautiful views. Lunch is paid separately, costing around 25 euros per person.

• Gorges of Theriso - Located near Chania, the Gorge of Theriso spans six kilometers, and visitors can traverse it by minivan. The impressive vertical cliffs and lush vegetation, along with its wildlife, make it a must-see.

• Theriso - The drive through Theriso Gorge is breathtaking, with towering rock cliffs and roaming goats. The lush landscape features plane trees and other plants clinging to the cliffs. As the elevation increases, the scenery becomes drier, with cypress trees and medicinal herbs. Theriso village, situated at the foot of the White Mountains at 580 meters, boasts a charming small square and a 15th-century church.

• Malaxa - On the return journey, travelers can enjoy panoramic views of Chania and Souda port from Malaxa mountain.

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

• Lunch in the mountain restaurant
• Entrance fees

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.