
Private-Chania+Rethimnon Old Towns-Kournas Lake-From Heraklion
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 9 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private-Chania+Rethimnon Old Towns-Kournas Lake-From Heraklion worth booking?
Private-Chania+Rethimnon Old Towns-Kournas Lake-From Heraklion is a 9-hour experience in Heraklion, Greece, from $400 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 9 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (9)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $400 per person
Embark on this Private Full Day Tour to explore West Crete . We will start our day by enjoying an iced coffee in Agia Pelagia with amazing views. Enjoy the ride with our air conditioned comfortable vehicles. We will visit the old town of Chania and walk through the charming old narrow streets where we might get lost ….( we got google maps) The light house in Chania is must paparazzi point so we got to take a photo or 2 ……… Rethimno is the third biggest city in Crete and it’s known for its Venetian and Othoman architecture so we must explore it . Kournas Lake is the only natural lake in Crete and it’s located between Rethimno and Chania so we can enjoy lunch by the lake or we can skip it and enjoy lunch at an old traditional village . ( OPTIONAL)
What you get
About this experience
Embark on this Private Full Day Tour to explore West Crete . We will start our day by enjoying an iced coffee in Agia Pelagia with amazing views. Enjoy the ride with our air conditioned comfortable vehicles. We will visit the old town of Chania and walk through the charming old narrow streets where we might get lost ….( we got google maps) The light house in Chania is must paparazzi point so we got to take a photo or 2 ……… Rethimno is the third biggest city in Crete and it’s known for its Venetian and Othoman architecture so we must explore it . Kournas Lake is the only natural lake in Crete and it’s located between Rethimno and Chania so we can enjoy lunch by the lake or we can skip it and enjoy lunch at an old traditional village . ( OPTIONAL)
What's included
Included
- Bottled water , Coffee.
- Free WiFi on board.
- Private Transportation with a comfortable air conditioned vehicle.
- Liability Insurance
- Knowledgeable local driver Guide
Not included
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Agia Pelagia
This is our first stop where we will enjoy the amazing views and enjoy an iced coffee.
20 minutes here
Rethymnon
We will explore the old town of Rethimno which the old buildings meets Venetian and Otoman style .
60 minutes here
Chania Town
We will explore the old town of Chania and through the old narrow streets and maybe enjoy a refreshment drink.
120 minutes here
Lake Kournas
We will explore the only natural lake in Crete and maybe enjoy a Cretan traditional lunch by the lake .
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Heraklion
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Explore Real Crete
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 9 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
9 verified traveler reviews for Private-Chania+Rethimnon Old Towns-Kournas Lake-From Heraklion. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
So Much More Than a Transfer — An Unforgettable Day in Crete!
We cannot recommend Stavros highly enough! My husband and I needed a transfer from Chania to Elounda, but I also wanted to experience more of Crete along the way, including the Palace of Knossos. From the beginning, Stavros was prompt, professional, and incredibly helpful in planning the perfect day. He picked us up right on time in a beautiful, luxurious and comfortable vehicle. Along the way, he took us to breathtaking places we never would have discovered on our own and made several stops for wonderful photos. Stavros truly went above and beyond with thoughtful touches throughout the day—local wine and strawberries, coffee, and even arranging a wonderful private guide for us at Knossos. At the end of our journey, he surprised us with a gift of olive oil made from olives from his own trees! What could have been simply a transfer became one of the most memorable days of our trip to Crete. Stavros is professional, thoughtful, knowledgeable, and genuinely wants his guests to have an amazing experience.
Response from the operator: Thank you so so much Alisa and Jared for your super amazing review ,for being so easy going and for being so generous to us , we are delighted to hear that you both really enjoyed the tour - transfer with us , we really appreciate your time and effort and definitely hope to meet you again in the future so we can explore another part of Crete while having fun and creating new memories until then though keep being so awesome. Explore Real Crete Tours
via Tripadvisor
Excellent tours
After having a fabulous time on the Knossos Palace and Zeus's Cave tour, we decided to book this one to see even more of this beautiful island. Once again, communication before the trip was excellent, with a flexible start time to suit us. We were greeted warmly by the lovely Akis, who took great care of us throughout the day. The car was clean, spacious, safe, and air-conditioned, making the journey extremely comfortable. The beauty of booking a private tour was that we could choose to spend more or less time at each location, depending on how we felt. Every stop was worth exploring, and we had an absolutely fantastic day. We've done large group tours before, but we much prefer a more personalised and friendly experience. We're so glad we found Explore Real Crete Tours and wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone wanting to experience the very best of Crete.
Response from the operator: Thank you so so much Lisa once again for taking the time to write this great review, it’s so nice to hear that you really enjoyed the tour with Akis and hopefully you will visit Crete again in the future so we can offer our services again and explore another part of our home island. Thank you Explore Real Crete Tours
via Tripadvisor
Stravos is a fantastic...
Stravos is a fantastic tour guide! More than worth the time, highly recommend taking his tours,very talented.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much Ian and family for taking the time to write a great review, we are glad to hear that you really enjoyed the tour with us and we hope to meet you again in the future so we can explore together another part of Crete . Explore Real Crete Tours
via Viator
Best tour ever!!!!
I’d definitely recommend Explore Real Crete Tours to anyone visiting Crete! We had the pleasure of spending the day with Stavros, and he was hands down the best tour guide we could have asked for. From the moment we met him, he made the whole day fun, engaging, and full of laughter. His knowledge of Crete, its history, and local culture was incredible, and he shared it in such an entertaining way that you were never bored. We visited the stunning town of Chania, where we wandered through the beautiful Venetian-style back streets, stopped at a gorgeous lake, and explored the charming old town of Rethymno. Every stop was breathtaking, and Stavros made each place even more memorable with his stories and recommendations. You can really tell he loves what he does. He made everyone feel welcome and ensured we had an unforgettable experience. If you’re looking for an authentic, fun, and informative tour of Crete, look no further than Explore Real Crete Tours—and if you’re lucky enough to get Stavros as your guide, you’re in for an amazing day. Five stars just isn’t enough! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Response from the operator: Thank you so so much Chris and Fran for your super amazing review, we are really happy to read here that you had an unforgettable experience with us and we certainly would love to meet you both again here in Crete to explore more of Crete and create new memories while having fun, until then though keep being amazing people. Hugs from Crete my friends.
via Tripadvisor
Incredible Experience!
Getting outside of the city and exploring the mountains, and small towns of Crete was absolutely incredible!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much James for your lovely review, it’s so nice to hear that you really enjoyed the tour with us . Keep enjoying life . Explore Real Crete Tours
via Tripadvisor
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
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Explore Real Crete, who run 7 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 72.5 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Explore Real Crete runsWhy this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private-Chania+Rethimnon Old Towns-Kournas Lake-From Heraklion: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Heraklion.
How much does Private-Chania+Rethimnon Old Towns-Kournas Lake-From Heraklion cost?
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Prices start at $400 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 Private-Chania+Rethimnon Old Towns-Kournas Lake-From Heraklion 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 Private-Chania+Rethimnon Old Towns-Kournas Lake-From Heraklion worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 9 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 Private-Chania+Rethimnon Old Towns-Kournas Lake-From Heraklion?
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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 Private-Chania+Rethimnon Old Towns-Kournas Lake-From Heraklion 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 Private-Chania+Rethimnon Old Towns-Kournas Lake-From Heraklion?
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Around 3 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 Private-Chania+Rethimnon Old Towns-Kournas Lake-From Heraklion 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 Private-Chania+Rethimnon Old Towns-Kournas Lake-From Heraklion?
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Included: Bottled water , Coffee; Free WiFi on board; Private Transportation with a comfortable air conditioned vehicle; Liability Insurance; and Knowledgeable local driver Guide. Not included: Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Private-Chania+Rethimnon Old Towns-Kournas Lake-From Heraklion include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 26 listed pickup locations in and around Heraklion. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Private-Chania+Rethimnon Old Towns-Kournas Lake-From Heraklion offered in?
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It runs in English. 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 Private-Chania+Rethimnon Old Towns-Kournas Lake-From Heraklion?
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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 Private-Chania+Rethimnon Old Towns-Kournas Lake-From Heraklion wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: 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 Private-Chania+Rethimnon Old Towns-Kournas Lake-From Heraklion 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 Private-Chania+Rethimnon Old Towns-Kournas Lake-From Heraklion?
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Across 9 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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