Extraordinary Gems of West Crete
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Extraordinary Gems of West Crete worth booking?
Extraordinary Gems of West Crete is a 8-hour experience in Heraklion, Greece, from $628 per person. It scores 42 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 3 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 42 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (3)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $628 per person
Chania and Rethymnon, both with rich historical backgrounds and unique architectural charm, offer visitors an enchanting experience in Crete. From wandering through narrow streets and alleys adorned with Venetian and Turkish gems in Chania, to exploring the fascinating mix of architectural styles in Rethymnon, these towns present a delightful blend of culture, history, and local traditions. Enjoy the vibrant markets, taverns, and the opportunity to witness the island's diverse wildlife, making your visit to Crete truly memorable.
What you get
About this experience
Chania and Rethymnon, both with rich historical backgrounds and unique architectural charm, offer visitors an enchanting experience in Crete. From wandering through narrow streets and alleys adorned with Venetian and Turkish gems in Chania, to exploring the fascinating mix of architectural styles in Rethymnon, these towns present a delightful blend of culture, history, and local traditions. Enjoy the vibrant markets, taverns, and the opportunity to witness the island's diverse wildlife, making your visit to Crete truly memorable.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
What you'll see and do
Chania Town
The old city of Chania is a unique historical monument A walking tour in the historic center of Chania, the crossroads and the cobbled roads of civilizations, begin in the Municipal Market which opened in 1913 on the demolished Venetian bastion Piatta Forma. It is a splendid cruciform building that accommodates more than 70 shops, where you can find all local products. Next in "stivanadika”, one of the most popular tourist roads in Chania.You can find the leather market and the hand made traditional boots of Crete named "Stivania". A visit to the Municipal Art Gallery of Chania ,Temple of Eisodion, the Catholic Church of Chania and the temple of Agios Fragkiskos that hosts the Archaeological Museum. The Byzantine Walls of Kydonia, the ruins of the Venetian Monastery and the church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli (1615). Reaching the end of Kasteli citadel unfolds in front of us the unique Venetian Port of Chania with the two groups of Venetian Neoria (14-16th century) ,Great Arsenal, which, completely renovated, hosts today the Center of Mediterranean Architecture .From the opposite side is located the long harbour breakwaters with the small castle of San Nicolo that ends to the Egyptian lighthouse, the principal characteristic of the port. Walking to the west along Akti Topazi Street, we stop at the Muslim mosque of Kiutzuk Hasan (1645) which hosts several exhibitions during the summer. Continuing our seaside walk we can see the Fountain Square, while at the west end of the port is located Firkas castle where the Greek Flag was raised officially on December 1st 1913 for the union of Crete with Greece. The castle hosts Maritime Museum of Crete and Historical, Folklore and Archaeological Society of Crete. Walking circumferential of the castle, we walk up Theotokopoulou Street, where we can see at the left the church of San Salvatore (15-17th century) that hosts Byzantine and Postbyzantine Collection of Chania . The traditional district of Topana, as it was named because of the Venetian powder magazine that existed there (top hane in Turkish), begins from there. At the end of Theotokopoulou Street we walk down Douka Street and arrive at the center of the aristocratic neighborhood of the Venetian city. There we can admire the huge aristocratic houses of the Venetian and later Turkish noble, the buildings of wonderful architecture of Theofanous Street, which have been renovated and are used as hostels. The Palazzo of Renier family in Moschon Street that was built in the 15th century with the small family chapel of Agios Nikolaos and the impressive entrance with the Latin sign and the blazon of the family is very special. The old Jewish District or “Ovriaki” with the renovated, unique for Crete, Jewish synagogue."Etz Haim" from the ancient Romaniotes Jews. Finally, it worth walking east of the port where we can see the historical Splanzia Square that hosts the church of Agios Nikolaos (1204) with the Turkish minaret and the Renaissance temple of Agios Rokkos (1630).
180 minutes here
Rethymnon Old Town
Rethymno, a picturesque city in Crete, Greece, offers an enchanting experience for visitors seeking romance. As you stroll through its narrow, cobblestone streets, you'll be captivated by the Venetian architecture, charming cafes, and the serene atmosphere. The city's historic fortress and the Venetian harbor add to the romantic ambiance, making it a perfect destination for couples to create unforgettable memories.
60 minutes here
Kournas
Kournas Lake, located in the heart of Crete, Greece, is believed to be a place where the Muses, the nine goddesses of arts and sciences in Greek mythology, once gathered to inspire creativity. Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and tranquil beauty, this freshwater lake offers a serene atmosphere that attracts both locals and tourists alike.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Up to 2 people
Pickup included
Group up to 16 people
Minibus Pickup included
Only transfers
No guide Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- de, ru, en, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- LuxuryCrete
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for Extraordinary Gems of West Crete. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Beautiful travel through the countryside
We had a great day touring through the countryside. One of us requires a wheelchair and when traveling we are able to use a manual foldable wheelchair. Crete poses additional challenges for those requiring a wheelchair but our guides, Magda and Stavros (my apologies if I got those names wrong or misspelled!), were great in putting together a visit that allowed us to see and spend time in the beautiful nature of the island, including visiting Lake Kournas. The drive included spectacular views and both were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable and we very much enjoyed their friendly banter as they shared the history and culture of the island. In hindsight, I think it would have been helpful for them had we been better prepared to identify specific things we were interested in seeing as they developed the itinerary—an important note for next time! It was suggested we consider spending a week on Crete next time to be able to take in more of the wonders and differences across the island. This is certainly something we will consider and, if doing so, will look to book with this company again. Thank you for an incredible time!
Response from the operator: WHAT A NICE DAY We enjoyed so much traveling with you ❤️ You and your wife are adorable people , wishing you all the best and Starting making plans for our new adventure. Yours , Magda
via Tripadvisor
West Crete debut trip
Very Nice! Good guide and professional company! Will recommend to friends! Very iconic places of interest in west Crete!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for choosing us. We really hope we have you again in Crete and organising many kore interesting tours .Tailor to You. Sincerely, Magfa & Lena
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $628 to $1,390
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by LuxuryCrete, who run 7 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 54.1.
See everything LuxuryCrete runsWhy this scores 42
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Extraordinary Gems of West Crete: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Heraklion.
How much does Extraordinary Gems of West Crete cost?
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Prices start at $628 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 Extraordinary Gems of West Crete take?
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Plan for about 8 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 Extraordinary Gems of West Crete worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 42 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 3 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable food & drink in Heraklion, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Extraordinary Gems of West Crete?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Extraordinary Gems of West Crete suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Extraordinary Gems of West Crete?
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Around 1 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 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Extraordinary Gems of West Crete 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 Extraordinary Gems of West Crete?
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Included: Private transportation; and Bottled water. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Extraordinary Gems of West Crete include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 220 listed pickup locations in and around Heraklion. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Extraordinary Gems of West Crete offered in?
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It is offered in German, Russian, 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 Extraordinary Gems of West Crete?
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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 Extraordinary Gems of West Crete wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Extraordinary Gems of West Crete if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What booking options are available for Extraordinary Gems of West Crete?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including Up to 2 people, Group up to 16 people, Only transfers. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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