This is a private tour with a 7-seater van for a maximum 6 guests (price is for 6 persons).
Chania since the ancient times was a melting pot of civilizations and cultures, each invader and new town resident leaving its mark on history, architecture and culture. Chania is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe dating back to Minoan civilization around 5.000BC.
In this tour we will try to trace the remains of civilizations, in the buildings and monuments. By doing so we will go through the waterfront, alleyways, fortifications, viewpoints and marks of the past. We will see how Chania has changed over time, the buildings added and destroyed! The city was divided in the Christian, Muslim and Jewish quarters. We will go through them where we will show you historic points of interest not so obvious to the average visitor.
Although the tour focuses on history, we will explore the culture and traditions of Chania and how they have merged to form the modern day city of Chania!
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Private transportation
✔ In-vehicle air conditioning
✔ Guiding Services
✖ Snacks
✖ Optional lunch for 25 euro in Chania town or at a mountain restaurant
✖ Optional wine tasting for 12 euro for 30 minutes
Pickup Locations
1. Porto Platanias Beach Luxury Selection
2. Hotel Aegli
3. Lagon - Life Spirit Boutique Hotel
4. La Maison Ottomane
5. Samaria Hotel
6. Triton Apartments
7. Domes Zeen Chania, A Luxury Collection Resort, Crete
8. Hotel Christina
9. Hotel Lissos
10. Royal Sun Hotel
11. Hotel Belmondo
12. Tina Hotel
13. Hotel Irene
14. Elektra Beach Hotel
15. Gaia Kreta Hotel
16. Kalimera
17. Nefeli Hotel
18. Airis Boutique & Suites
19. Helios Apartments
20. Odos Oneiron Boutique Hotel
Additional Info: Pick up and drop off at Souda port, your accommodation or any other convenient location in the greater Chania area. Please contact us regarding your pick up place for further information
Itinerary
1
Chania Old Town
We will walk in the narrow alleys of Chania old town and explore the architecture, history and culture.
Duration: 2 hours
2
Lighthouse of Chania
Chania lighthouse is the oldest light house in the Mediterranean, built in 1864. The lighthouse is the main landmark of Chania. The tower is 21m high and is built on a stone base, located at the end of the old harbour's pier opposite to the fortress of Firkas. Visitors are not allowed to enter the lighthouse. Chania lighthouse was first constructed by the Venetians around 1600, destroyed in the siege of Chania and it took its final form, in the shape of a minaret, during the Egyptian occupation. It was restored in 1996.
Duration: 5 minutes
3
Etz Hayyim Synagogue
3 euro entrance fee per person. Etz Hayyim was converted into a Synagogue in the 17th century, when the Jewish community of Chania purchased the Church of St. Catherine, an empty 15th-century Venetian church. The synagogue, which suffered serious bombardment, was abandoned after the end of World War with the perishing of the Jewish community and reopened in 1999, with the support of the World Monument Fund (WMF), in co-operation with the Central Israeli Council of Greece. Nowdays the Etz Hayyim Synagogue is the only active synagogue that has survived on the island.
Duration: 10 minutes
4
Giali Tzamisi
The old Venetian port of Chania, The first thing every visitor notices at the old Venetian port of Chania, is an old building, one of the first Turkish buildings of the island, the Mosque of Hasan Kucuk or Yali Tzamisi. The mosque was built in honor of Küçük Hassan Pasha, the first Turkish military commander of Chania, while the Yali Tzamisi name is interpreted as "mosque of the sea". The building is an example of Islamic architecture Renaissance designed form an Armenian architect, dating from the second half of the 17th century. The mosque operated as Muslim church until 1923. It is a cubic building covered by a large dome supported by four stone arches, while the west and north side is surrounded by an arcade roofed with seven small domes. In the southwest corner there was a minaret from which saved only the base. Today the building operates as an exhibition for cultural events and visual art exhibitions.
Duration: 5 minutes
5
Cathedral of Eisodion tis Theotokou
We will visit Chania Cathedral and explain the various cultural and religious traditions.
Duration: 10 minutes
6
Chania is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe. The Minoan civilisation dates before 3000BC and it somehow violently ended in 1250BC when there was a destructive earthquake and Tsunami. Many researches believe that the Minoan civilisation was destroyed after the eruption of Santorini volcano. At Kasteli hill archaeological excavations the foundations of buildings, streets and sewage networks can be seen. The excavations are ongoing. Kydonia was the name of Chania during the Minoan era.
Duration: 10 minutes
7
Municipal Market of Chania
We will walk through one of the oldest markets in the Balkans and see the traditional shops,
Duration: 10 minutes
Additional info
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• In case of traveller's serious health problems or other medical concerns please notify us
