
Day trip to Rethymno, Chania & Kournas lake
Traveler rating
3.9/5
Based on 58 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Day trip to Rethymno, Chania & Kournas lake worth booking?
Day trip to Rethymno, Chania & Kournas lake is a 9-hour experience in Heraklion, Greece, from $49 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.9/5 rating across 58 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 57 / 100
- Rating
- 3.9/5 (58)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $49 per person
Get to know the west side of the island in a tour, enjoying a morning bus trip towards the cosmopolitan town of Rethymno, followed by a visit to Chania, the little “Venice” of Crete. Complete your day trip to the picturesque lake of Kournas, Crete’s only freshwater lake.
What you get
About this experience
Get to know the west side of the island in a tour, enjoying a morning bus trip towards the cosmopolitan town of Rethymno, followed by a visit to Chania, the little “Venice” of Crete. Complete your day trip to the picturesque lake of Kournas, Crete’s only freshwater lake.
What's included
Included
- Transport by air-conditioned coach or minivan
- Pickup and Drop off
- Guide
Not included
- Food & Drink
What you'll see and do
Rethymnon Old Town
Rethymno is the third biggest town in Crete west of Heraklion on the north coast of Crete. Here monuments of the archaeological, Ottoman, and Venetian eras co-exist. A stroll in the alleys of the old town, a visit to the Turkish minarets and the Venetian fortresses, or a coffee at the magnificent harbor are some of what you can do while you visit.
75 minutes here
Lighthouse of Chania
Chania is considered by many as the "little Venice" of Crete. Chania is the second largest town of Crete on the north coast west of Rethymno. The city of Chania is divided into the Old City, with the gorgeous harbor and the New City, beyond its Venetian fortifications. The Old City is one of the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean and is called “Venice of the East”. You can find Turkish minarets and mosques, Muslim neighborhoods, Venetian fortresses, dockyards, fountains, squares, arches, mansions, and the lighthouse. Visit the famous Agora (market), which houses traditional little shops and taverns. Here you can buy souvenirs or leather goods for very good prices.
120 minutes here
Lake Kournas
Kournas lake a beautiful habitat with natural freshwater, one of a kind in Crete. The whole area of Kournas is protected under 'Natura 2000', as it's a designated wetland. Vast greenery, steep cavities between hills, rare species of fish and birds, make Kournas the ideal place to enjoy an early afternoon walk.
50 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
From Malia,Stalida,Hersonissos
Duration: 12 hours Pickup included
From Analipsi, Gouves, Gournes
Duration: 11 hours Pickup included
From Agios Nikolaos, Elounda
Duration: 13 hours Pickup included
From Heraklion, Ammoudara
Duration: 10 hours Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Altino Travel Services
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Food and drinks are not allowed on board the vehicle.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 58 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Organization
4 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
58 verified traveler reviews for Day trip to Rethymno, Chania & Kournas lake. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Nice outing
Great outing in towns that were beautiful. Lots of free time to enjoy. Although not a 9 hour trip, more like 12 hours as it takes 1.5 at beginning of trip and end to pick up and drop off people for tour.
via Viator
Day bus tour
We were picked up 1 minute walk from our hotel on time. Driver and guide very good. Rethymno and Chania are a must see. Both have beautiful harbours and quaint streets in the old town. The lake was very peaceful, however would be much busier on a hit day.
via Tripadvisor
Be prepared to do a bit...
Be prepared to do a bit of walking and pack some water for the trip too. Bring some togs with you and sun cream.
via Viator
See more of Crete and have a great day out!
Plenty to see and enjoy at each of the three stop and on the coach. Lots of great information given along the way and good guidance at each stop. A great day out.
via Viator
Chania and Region bus trip
This was a superbly organised tour to the Chania region with three stops which gave plenty of time for sightseeing, shopping or eating. The tour was expertly conducted by Michael who spoke to the tour in three languages, English, French and German, thoroughly enjoyable.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $49 to $53
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 20
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Altino Travel Services, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.1.
See everything Altino Travel Services runsWhy this scores 57
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Day trip to Rethymno, Chania & Kournas lake: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Heraklion.
How much does Day trip to Rethymno, Chania & Kournas lake cost?
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Prices start at $49 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Heraklion usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Day trip to Rethymno, Chania & Kournas lake take?
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Plan for about 9 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Heraklion is not rushed.
Is Day trip to Rethymno, Chania & Kournas lake worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.9/5 across 58 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Heraklion, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Day trip to Rethymno, Chania & Kournas lake?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Day trip to Rethymno, Chania & Kournas lake suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Day trip to Rethymno, Chania & Kournas lake?
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Around 20 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Heraklion can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Heraklion and add a light layer if any part of the 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Day trip to Rethymno, Chania & Kournas lake start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Heraklion within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Heraklion?
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On Outty we rank every Heraklion experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Knossos - Zeus Cave - Old Traditional Villages-Olive Oil Factory, Knossos & Lasithi Plateau: Zeus Cave, Villages, Olive Oil Tour, Quad Safari: Off-Road Day Tour with Dinner & Transfers. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Heraklion?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Heraklion?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Day trip to Rethymno, Chania & Kournas lake?
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Included: Transport by air-conditioned coach or minivan; Pickup and Drop off; and Guide. Not included: Food & Drink. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Day trip to Rethymno, Chania & Kournas lake include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 499 listed pickup locations in and around Heraklion. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Day trip to Rethymno, Chania & Kournas lake offered in?
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It is offered in German, English and French. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Day trip to Rethymno, Chania & Kournas lake?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Day trip to Rethymno, Chania & Kournas lake wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Day trip to Rethymno, Chania & Kournas lake if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Heraklion. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Day trip to Rethymno, Chania & Kournas lake?
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Across 58 reviews averaging 3.9 out of 5, recurring themes include organization, the guide. Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
What booking options are available for Day trip to Rethymno, Chania & Kournas lake?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including From Malia,Stalida,Hersonissos, From Analipsi, Gouves, Gournes, From Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, From Heraklion, Ammoudara. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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