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Battle of Crete Private Tour: Explore WWII History in Chania
4.9
19 Ratings
Maleme
Immerse yourself in the history of the Battle of Crete on a private tour with a professional historian. Explore battlefields, historical landmarks, and abandoned bunkers while learning about World War II through rare photos and archives.
Immerse yourself in the history of the Battle of Crete on a private tour with a professional historian. Explore battlefields, historical landmarks, and abandoned bunkers while learning about World War II through rare photos and archives.
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Maleme - Pay a visit to the airport of Maleme, which was the main objective of the Battle of Crete. Understand the geology of the battlefield, as well as the positions of German team Comet and the defensive positions of the allies.
- Tavronitis Bridge - Visit the historic and intact bridge, over the river of Tavronitis. Learn about the first…
- Maleme - Pay a visit to the airport of Maleme, which was the main objective of the Battle of Crete. Understand the geology of the battlefield, as well as the positions of German team Comet and the defensive positions of the allies.
- Tavronitis Bridge - Visit the historic and intact bridge, over the river of Tavronitis. Learn about the first days of the battle, the tragic mistakes of the allies, and the significance of this living monument for the Battle of Crete. Our professional Historian tour guide shows you the real history of the battle of Crete (Operation Mercury) using rare historical archives and research books.
- Maleme - Pay a visit and our respect to the fallen German soldiers and paratroopers over the German War Cemetery in Hill 107. Time free to discuss and visit the information room of the museum.
- Maleme - Visit an abandoned German Bunker of the Battle of Crete in an undisclosed location with impeccable and astonishing views.
- War Shelter of Platanias - Visit a one-of-a-kind series of tunnels dating back to WW2. Learn about the forced labour the Germans forced local people after the occupation of the island, and discover many rare historical finds of the Battle of Crete war era.
- Chania Town - Half-hour drive to visit a battlefield of great historical significance and the toll the ANZAC’s paid during the fierce battles during Operation Mercury.
- Chania Town - Coffee Break/ Sightseeing Stop in one of the most strategic places of the battle of Crete in the Chania Sector (Team Mars), overlooking Souda Bay area.
- Souda Bay War Cemetery - Visit and pay our respects to the fallen allies that fought in the Battle of Crete. Pay our respects to the ANZAC’s that lost their lives during the Battle of Crete and Occupation and discover the impeccable beauty and the strategic significance of Souda Bay area.
What's Included
- Private transportation
- Free Hotel pickup and drop-off from all Chania central areas
- On-board WiFi
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- All fees and/or taxes
- Professional Historian Tour Guide / Driver - Licensed by the Greek Ministry of Tourism & Culture
- Private transportation
- Free Hotel pickup and drop-off from all Chania central areas
- On-board WiFi
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- All fees and/or taxes
- Professional Historian Tour Guide / Driver - Licensed by the Greek Ministry of Tourism & Culture
What's Not Included
- Entrance Fee on the War Shelter of Platanias (5 Euro’s)
- Entrance Fee on the War Shelter of Platanias (5 Euro’s)
Additional Information
Explore the Battle of Crete (Operation Mercury) and delve into World War II history with a knowledgeable historian tour guide. Walk through the battlefields, view historical landmarks, and visit abandoned German and ANZAC bunkers. Discover the various facets of the Battle of Crete through rare photographs and historical archives on this exclusive…
Explore the Battle of Crete (Operation Mercury) and delve into World War II history with a knowledgeable historian tour guide. Walk through the battlefields, view historical landmarks, and visit abandoned German and ANZAC bunkers. Discover the various facets of the Battle of Crete through rare photographs and historical archives on this exclusive full-day tour.
This tour focuses on the history of the battle, offering visits to villages, battle sites, and locations of significant historical importance. Rely on the historian’s expertise in modern history to experience Crete in the most insightful way!
Location
Maleme
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(19 Ratings)
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Davidlf3417wd
Oct 20, 2024
A 5 plus star experience - I am interested in the history of WW2, so the Battle of Crete Full Day Private Tour seemed an opportunity not to miss and this proved to be the case.
Apostolis is a licensed tour guide with a degree in history, a really nice man and it was very comfortable and enjoyable to be in his company for the duration of this tour. He was also happy to give you personal time to allow you to read the information provided when visiting sites and reflect on the events. He combined the historical overview with the more personal stories of those involved very effectively and with empathy.
I would rate Apostolis as one of the best tour guides I have ever experienced and his passion and knowledge of the subject is self evident, making this a special excursion. Unfortunately I was not aware of the other tours he operates until we met, otherwise I would for certain had booked more excursions with him.
I rarely commend tourist businesses but if you have a chance do book a tour with him. He works for himself, so you will have a wonderful time.
Thank you Apostolis for making it a special day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
507richendap
Oct 4, 2024
History and Humour a tour like no other tour! - Our tour The Chania Battle of Crete Tour: Mysteries of Battlefield Archaeology was like no other private tour we have experienced.
We felt like we were being guided by a friend not just a tour guide.
Apostolis was incredibly knowledgeable about the conflict and demonstrated this by providing detailed personal insights which turned the tour into "history before our very eyes".
He was born in the local to area which also allowed him to provide excellent context.
Finally, Apostolis possesses an incredible sense of humour and wit, which made the tour even more enjoyable.
We would and already have recommended him to anyone and everyone we know.
Cheers, mate!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Markhz2935qs
Oct 4, 2024
A very informative visit to the key actions of the invasion of Crete guided by Apostolos a consummate professional. - Apostolos was an excellent guide his knowledge of the local area and key sites relating to the invasion of Crete was first rate. He is a very engaging guide and host who takes pride in delivering a very high quality experience. His ‘then and now’ approach really brings history to life and fortunately there is much that remains of the battleground if you know where to look and Apostolos certainly does.
He was also full of more general information about the history of Crete and local produce. His English is excellent ( my Greek being non existent) and this helped make the conversation flow in a relaxed and informative manner. I would highly recommend Apostolos to anyone considering booking one of his tours you will have a most enjoyable experience. 5 stars from me.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ned57
Sep 12, 2024
Great and interesting tour - I recently done a short private tour with Apostolis (of Proper Cretan Guide tours) on the Battle of Crete 1941.
I wasn't aware of such a tour until I arrived in Crete (Agia Marina) on holiday. I saw his brochure in town and contacted Apostolis to enquire if the full tour was still available in the time I was here. Unfortunately, it wasn't. However, Apostolis did say he could do a shortened tour in the late afternoon/early evening in which he would show me the main highlights of the Battle of Crete tour. This I accepted and have to say, it was a fabulous tour in the time available. Being a fully endorsed professional guide, Apostolis was clearly passionate about his history and gave a detailed and balanced view about the events of 1941. I thought I knew my stuff on the conflict but Apostolis brought the events together as a 'living history' which make such tours so interesting & enjoyable and well worth the cost.
I only wish I had known about his tours before I came to Crete. Next time I come, I will certainly book another tour with him.
Thank you again Apostolis!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
524peterm
Sep 4, 2024
Crete Battle Field Tour - Fantastic trip with a very nice and knowledgeable guide, we visited all of the places that we wanted to go too and had a very enjoyable and informative day, thank you
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Karl123123123
Aug 29, 2024
Clear, Knowledge, Interesting - Clear explanation, accommodating, and very knowledgeable. I'm not a history buff by any means, but I feel like I am one now.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mar
Aug 22, 2024
Recommend - The most informative terrain historical trip I've ever had. Totally recommend to anyone interested in history. Worth it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E899jnbryanm
Jul 22, 2024
A must do for WWII history enthusiasts! - I was recently in Crete with my family and wanted to learn more about the WWII history of the island, so I hired Apostolis and his team at Proper Cretan Guide to take me around for the day on their "Battle of Crete Tour". It was a fantastic, immersive experience that helped me better understand what the Allied forces on the island went through in 1941 as well as the local Cretans during the occupation that followed. For any WWII history buff, I would highly recommend this tour as you get to walk where history was forged and, on this island, many of the locations are unchanged so seeing bullet holes in bridge spans and crawling through abandoned bunkers just adds another level to the adventure. If I'm ever lucky enough to return to Crete, you bet I'll hire Apostolis and Proper Cretan Guide again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Adventure15860837859
Jun 24, 2024
An excellent tour, and would definitely book another if we returned to Crete - We chose a tour to follow the evacuation route of the Allied troops from Chania to Sfakia. Apostolis was an excellent and knowledgeable guide. He tailored the tour to visit sites of particular importance to us. The car was comfortable, with air-con, and Apostolis was a great driver, giving us facts and jokes along the way!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
994darrylw
Jun 20, 2024
My guide brought History alive for me - As someone with a strong interest in New Zealand's role in the Battle for Crete in May 1941, I was lucky to engage Apostolis as guide for one day to show me around key sites and events in the Maleme/Chania sector. He really brought those few days alive for me as we chatted and explored different spots around the area. His deep knowledge of History impressed me and every question I had was answered with fascinating Insight and detail. I would recommend Apostolis as a guide to anyone interested in this topic.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
