Full-Day West Crete Tour: Chania & Rethymnon Old Town and Kournas Lake in Heraklion, Greece
Heraklion, Greece

Full-Day West Crete Tour: Chania & Rethymnon Old Town and Kournas Lake

Outty Ranking 60 4.0 · 44 traveler reviews11 hoursFrom $55
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Outty Ranking

60/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.0/5

Based on 44 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Full-Day West Crete Tour: Chania & Rethymnon Old Town and Kournas Lake worth booking?

Full-Day West Crete Tour: Chania & Rethymnon Old Town and Kournas Lake is a 11-hour experience in Heraklion, Greece, from $55 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4/5 rating across 44 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
60 / 100
Rating
4/5 (44)
Duration
11 hours
From
$55 per person

Join us on a combined tour to the West Side of Crete! You will enjoy a visit to two beautiful and traditional old towns, those of Chania and Rethymnon as well as a visit to the Lake of Kournas! Experience the charming town of Chania which attracts many tourists every year, walk around its picturesque streets and admire the unique old harbor of this town. Enjoy a visit to the Lake of Kournas and relax in this beautiful landscape of Cretan nature. Lastly, visit the town of Rethymnon and walk through its streets along the port to the old town.

What you get

    About this experience

    Join us on a combined tour to the West Side of Crete! You will enjoy a visit to two beautiful and traditional old towns, those of Chania and Rethymnon as well as a visit to the Lake of Kournas! Experience the charming town of Chania which attracts many tourists every year, walk around its picturesque streets and admire the unique old harbor of this town. Enjoy a visit to the Lake of Kournas and relax in this beautiful landscape of Cretan nature. Lastly, visit the town of Rethymnon and walk through its streets along the port to the old town.

    What's included

    Included

    • Liability Insurance Coverage by ALLIANZ for our tour participants
    • All Fees and Taxes
    • In-vehicle air conditioning
    • Professional Driver
    • Tour Guide

    Not included

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Pedal Boat Hire (at Kournas Lake)
    • Museum Entrances

    What you'll see and do

    1. Heraklion

      We will start collecting participants from pick-up points in the morning. Depending on the place of your hotel/apartment the bus drive will differ. Approximately, the bus trip to Chania will take 3 hours.

      180 minutes here

    2. Chania Town

      Our groups will have 2.5 hours to wander around the beautiful Venetian streets and neighbourhoods of this picturesque town of Greece. Walk through its roads full of little shops, markets and local restaurants around the picturesque old port.

      150 minutes here

    3. Lake Kournas

      Bur Drive from Chania to the Lake: 1 hour We will visit the lake of Kournas for 1 hour and 20 minutes. The largest natural lake of Crete reflecting the White Mountains gives you the sense of an Alpine landscape. Grab the opportunity to hire a pedal boat for a lovely ride around the lake, swimming and enjoying a meal in one of the little tavernas (not included)

      140 minutes here

    4. Rethymnon Old Town

      Bur Drive to Rethymnon will take 20 minutes. Visit Rethymno and its picturesque venetian town. Enjoy 1.5 hours to walk along the old port and beautiful oriental beach road of the town.

      120 minutes here

    5. Heraklion

      Bus Drive back to Heraklion: 2 hours Embarkation in the buses and drive back to the hotels where we gathered participants in the morning. Depending on traffic and on the pick-up places of each one, the time of journey back to the hotel will differ .

      120 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers.

    Options you can book

    • German: Heraklion area

      Pick-up from specific points: : Heraklion, Amoudara & Kokini Hani Pickup included

    • English: Heraklion area

      Pick-up from specific points: : Heraklion, Amoudara & Kokini Hani Pickup included

    • French: Anisaras, Gouves area

      Pick-up from specific points:: Anisaras, Analipsi, Gouves Pickup included

    • French: Hersonissos, Malia

      Pick-up from specific points: : Stalis, Malia, Hersonisos, Piskopiano and Sisi Pickup included

    • German: Anisaras, Gouves area

      Pick-up from specific points:: Anisaras, Analipsi, Gouves Pickup included

    • German: Hersonissos, Malia

      Pick-up from specific points: : Stalis, Malia, Hersonisos, Piskopiano and Sisi Pickup included

    • French: Heraklion area

      Pick-up from specific points: : Heraklion, Amoudara & Kokini Hani Pickup included

    • English: Agia Pelagia area

      Pick-up from specific points:: Agia Pelagia, Lygaria Pickup included

    • German: Agia Pelagia area

      Pick-up from specific points:: Agia Pelagia, Lygaria Pickup included

    • French: Agia Pelagia area

      Pick-up from specific points:: Agia Pelagia, Lygaria Pickup included

    • English: Hersonissos, Malia

      Pick-up from specific points: : Stalis, Malia, Hersonisos, Piskopiano and Sisi Pickup included

    • English: Anisaras, Gouves area

      Pick-up from specific points:: Anisaras, Analipsi, Gouves Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    de, en, pl, fr
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Wed, Sat
    Group size
    Up to 30 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Cretan Odyssey

    Know before you go

    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

    Photos

    Rethymnon Town, Full-Day West Crete Tour: Chania & Rethymnon Old Town and Kournas Lake in HeraklionRethymnon Port, Full-Day West Crete Tour: Chania & Rethymnon Old Town and Kournas Lake in HeraklionChania Port, Full-Day West Crete Tour: Chania & Rethymnon Old Town and Kournas Lake in HeraklionChania Town Streets, Full-Day West Crete Tour: Chania & Rethymnon Old Town and Kournas Lake in HeraklionChania Port, Full-Day West Crete Tour: Chania & Rethymnon Old Town and Kournas Lake in HeraklionChania, Full-Day West Crete Tour: Chania & Rethymnon Old Town and Kournas Lake in Heraklion

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 44 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    4 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Organization

    4 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Pace and timing

    2 mentions

    Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    Traveler reviews

    44 verified traveler reviews for Full-Day West Crete Tour: Chania & Rethymnon Old Town and Kournas Lake. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    18
    4 star
    12
    3 star
    11
    2 star
    1
    1 star
    2
    Sort
    Joao_R · May 2026

    Great Day Trip with Beautiful Stops and a Friendly Guide

    Overall, this was a very enjoyable full-day trip and I would recommend it. The places we visited were beautiful, and the guide was very friendly, helpful, and well-organized throughout the day. Be prepared to spend a significant amount of time traveling on the bus between destinations, as the journey itself makes up a large portion of the day. Also, the time at each stop can feel a bit short, so it's worth planning ahead. The stop in Chania takes place around lunchtime, but the time there is limited and restaurant prices can be quite high. The guide actually recommends having lunch at the next stop instead, so bringing some snacks can help you make the most of your time exploring Chania without feeling rushed. If you're planning to buy souvenirs, it's worth waiting until the last stop. There is plenty of time there and a large selection of shops, making it the best and most relaxed place to do your shopping. Overall, it was a great way to see several beautiful locations in Crete in a single day, and the experience was definitely worthwhile.

    via Viator

    gemdolan · May 2026

    Magical/Mythical Cretan Tour

    Our tour guide Maria was amazing, fun and knowledgeable. She told us about the history of the island, gave us insights on the the different stops we were going to visit during the tour and gave us pointers on where to go. She spoke various languages and made sure that everyone was alright and knew where to go, what to do, answered all questions, and even gave us her number in case we needed her while we were wondering around. The places we visited we beautiful and I didn’t feel like I was on a tour, I felt like I was out with my relative or a sister exploring a new place and experiencing a new adventure. She took the time with everyone so that we had a great time. She is with the Cretan Odyssey Company. She is a true gem who loves her job and meeting new people and showing us her beautiful country. I wish I could have met her sooner and spent my entire week touring with her. Thank you so much for making me feel like a family member, the laughs, the stories about Greece and giving me the opportunity for everlasting memories. You have to book this tour. You won’t be disappointed. Thank you Maria for a fabulous experience and tour.

    via Viator

    Rose_S · April 2026

    It was disappointing...

    It was disappointing because I expected a small group tour and it was a double decker bus with at least 50 people. So little guidance by the tour guide. Glad to get to see the places we did but would have like a more personal experience.

    Response from the operator: Ms Rose, Thank you for participating in our tour. If you have a look again in our descritions, you will see that it is clearly mentioned that the group size is is 50-55 pax. We do not sell it as a small group tour, so i think your review is not fair. Any way i hope you enjoy the rest of holidays on Crete. Thank you

    via Viator

    Suzan_O · October 2025

    West side of Crete by bus

    It’s a good way to experience the west side of Crete. The tour guide gave us good information about the cities we visited.

    via Viator

    janicewY5209TJ · October 2025

    Beautiful day out

    Another great trip from this outstanding company I was in Koutouloufari, the mini bus transfer was on time, all the drivers are so friendly, and helpful. We then transferred into the larger coaches, The guides were so knowledgeable and interesting and each trip I went on I learned something new. The relaxed atmosphere and the stunning scenery made these days out so worthwhile Rethymno and Chania are both so beautiful and well worth visiting, and I could have stayed longer The whole day was truly special

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    11 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Wed, Sat
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    15
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Cretan Odyssey, who run 13 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.7.

    See everything Cretan Odyssey runs

    Why this scores 60

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)42
    Review evidence (18% weight)63
    Booking momentum (14% weight)55
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)79
    Local standing (8% weight)0
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Full-Day West Crete Tour: Chania & Rethymnon Old Town and Kournas Lake: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Heraklion.

    How much does Full-Day West Crete Tour: Chania & Rethymnon Old Town and Kournas Lake cost?

    +

    Prices start at $55 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 Full-Day West Crete Tour: Chania & Rethymnon Old Town and Kournas Lake take?

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    Plan for about 11 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 Full-Day West Crete Tour: Chania & Rethymnon Old Town and Kournas Lake worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 across 44 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 Full-Day West Crete Tour: Chania & Rethymnon Old Town and 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 Full-Day West Crete Tour: Chania & Rethymnon Old Town and Kournas Lake suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 11-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Full-Day West Crete Tour: Chania & Rethymnon Old Town and Kournas Lake?

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    Around 15 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?

    +

    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 11-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Full-Day West Crete Tour: Chania & Rethymnon Old Town and 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Full-Day West Crete Tour: Chania & Rethymnon Old Town and Kournas Lake?

    +

    Included: Liability Insurance Coverage by ALLIANZ for our tour participants; All Fees and Taxes; In-vehicle air conditioning; Professional Driver; and Tour Guide. Not included: Breakfast; Lunch; Pedal Boat Hire (at Kournas Lake); and Museum Entrances. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Full-Day West Crete Tour: Chania & Rethymnon Old Town and Kournas Lake include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 434 listed pickup locations in and around Heraklion.

    What languages is Full-Day West Crete Tour: Chania & Rethymnon Old Town and Kournas Lake offered in?

    +

    It is offered in German, English, Polish 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 Full-Day West Crete Tour: Chania & Rethymnon Old Town and 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 Full-Day West Crete Tour: Chania & Rethymnon Old Town and Kournas Lake wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Full-Day West Crete Tour: Chania & Rethymnon Old Town and 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 Full-Day West Crete Tour: Chania & Rethymnon Old Town and Kournas Lake?

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    Across 44 reviews averaging 4.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    What booking options are available for Full-Day West Crete Tour: Chania & Rethymnon Old Town and Kournas Lake?

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    There are 12 options to choose from, including German: Heraklion area, English: Heraklion area, French: Anisaras, Gouves area, French: Hersonissos, Malia. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Full-Day West Crete Tour: Chania & Rethymnon Old Town and Kournas Lake.

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