Chania: Culture Combo Pack (Samaria Gorge-Knossos-Tasting)

Crete’s rich cultural tapestry comes alive in the Chania Culture Combo Pack. This all-encompassing tour invites travelers to explore the island’s breathtaking natural wonder, historic sites, and delectable local flavors. From traversing the awe-inspiring Samaria Gorge to uncovering the secrets of the legendary Knossos Palace, this package promises an immersive journey that caters to adventurers and culture enthusiasts alike. With convenient logistics, comprehensive coverage, and flexible booking options, it’s an enticing opportunity for anyone seeking to delve deeper into the heart of Crete.

Key Points

The Culture Combo Pack in Chania, Crete offers a 9-hour experience featuring three tours: Samaria Gorge, Knossos Palace, and a Tasting Tour.
The Samaria Gorge tour includes a 16-kilometer trek through the second-largest gorge in Europe, with a chance to see endangered Cretan Goats.
The Knossos Palace and Heraklion tour explores the ancient Minoan palace and provides free time in Heraklion, including an optional visit to the Archaeological Museum.
The Tasting Tour highlights the cultural heritage of Crete, with visits to the Vouves Ancient Olive Tree, a local bakery, an olive mill, and a wine tasting.
The package includes pickup and drop-off from accommodation, air-conditioned transportation, and full liability insurance, with additional costs for admission fees and the Samaria Gorge boat ride.

Overview of the Culture Combo Pack

The Culture Combo Pack, priced from $147.85 per person, provides travelers with a comprehensive immersion into the rich cultural heritage of Chania, Greece by encompassing three dynamic tours over the course of 9 hours.

Included are guided excursions to the awe-inspiring Samaria Gorge, the historic Knossos Palace, and a delectable tasting tour.

Offering free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and flexible booking, this package allows visitors to conveniently experience the best of Crete’s natural wonders and culinary delights.

Pickup from accommodation and full liability insurance ensure a seamless and worry-free experience, making the Culture Combo Pack an attractive option for those seeking to maximize their time in this captivating region.

Samaria Gorge Tour Details

Spanning the second largest gorge in Europe, the Samaria Gorge tour provides hikers with a challenging yet rewarding 16-kilometer trek through this natural wonder.

The tour begins with a 5:20 AM pickup, followed by a 7:15 AM stop at the Omalos Plateau, where the hike starts at an elevation of 1,200 meters. Along the way, adventurers will catch glimpses of the endangered Cretan Goat, known as the ‘Kri-Kri.’

The hike concludes at the village of Agia Roumeli, where hikers can cool off in the refreshing waters. A ferry then transports participants to Sougia, with the tour ending around 8:30 PM at their hotel.

This full-day excursion is a must-do for those seeking an unforgettable Cretan experience.

Knossos Palace and Heraklion Tour

Alongside the Samaria Gorge trek, the Knossos Palace and Heraklion tour enables visitors to explore the oldest city and civilization in Europe.

This excursion operates every Tuesday, commencing with a morning pickup between 6:40 and 7:50 AM and concluding around 6:30 PM at the hotel.

After a coffee break, guests will arrive at the legendary Knossos Palace at 10:30 AM to learn about Cretan mythology and history.

They’ll then enjoy free time to discover the vibrant city of Heraklion, with an optional visit to the Archaeological Museum.

The tour also includes a mid-afternoon coffee break before returning to the hotel.

Admission fees for Knossos Palace and the combined ticket are €15 and €20, respectively.

Tasting Tour Highlights

Visitors on the Tasting Tour can expect to visit the oldest olive tree in the world, tour an olive mill and winery, and learn about honey and cheese making, all while sampling original Cretan delicacies. The tour operates every Friday with an indicative timetable of 8:00-9:20 for pickup, 9:45 arrival at the Ancient Olive Tree, 10:45 visit to the Perivolakia Village Bakery and olive grove, 12:45 arrival at the Pnevmatikakis Winery for wine tasting, 14:00-16:00 free time at a nearby beach, and 16:20-17:20 arrival at the hotel.

Stop	Activity
Vouves Ancient Olive Tree	Visit the oldest olive tree in the world
Perivolakia Village	Tour an olive mill and bakery
Pnevmatikakis Winery	Taste local wines
Nearby Beach	Enjoy free time

Inclusions and Pricing

The Culture Combo Pack includes pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned luxury bus transportation, full liability insurance, official guides for the Knossos and Tasting Tours, and a hiking escort for the Samaria Gorge tour.

Prices start from $147.85 per person and include three tours – the Samaria Gorge, Knossos Palace, and Tasting Tour.

The tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and flexible booking, allowing you to reserve now and pay later.

However, there are additional costs for the Samaria Gorge admission and ferry ticket.

The tours may not be suitable for individuals with certain mobility restrictions.

Pickup and Transportation

All tours in the Culture Combo Pack include pickup and drop-off from your accommodation, ensuring a seamless start and end to your day.

The air-conditioned luxury buses will collect you from your hotel, hostel, or vacation rental and transport you comfortably to each destination.

For the Knossos Palace and Tasting Tour, you’ll be picked up between 6:40-7:50 AM.

The Samaria Gorge tour has an early morning pickup, ranging from 5:20-6:10 AM.

After each excursion, you’ll be returned to your original meeting point, typically arriving back at your accommodation between 18:00-20:30.

This convenient transportation service allows you to focus on enjoying the incredible sights and experiences without the hassle of getting there on your own.

Insurance and Liability

Full liability insurance covers all tours in the Culture Combo Pack, ensuring guests’ safety and security throughout their cultural experiences.

This comprehensive protection protects travelers from any unforeseen incidents or accidents that may occur during the Samaria Gorge hike, Knossos Palace visit, or Tasting Tour.

The tour operator takes full responsibility for guests’ well-being, providing peace of mind as they explore Crete’s rich history and traditions.

Whether you’re navigating the rugged terrain of the gorge or indulging in local culinary delights, you can rest assured that the Culture Combo Pack has your back with its robust liability coverage.

This added layer of security allows you to focus on enjoying the wonders of Crete’s captivating culture.

Additional Considerations

Aside from the comprehensive liability coverage, there are a few additional considerations worth noting for the Culture Combo Pack.

Admission fees to Knossos Palace and the boat ride at the end of the Samaria Gorge hike aren’t included in the package price. Guests will need to pay these fees separately, which amount to €15 for Knossos and €13 per adult for the boat ticket.

Plus, the tour may not be suitable for individuals with mobility issues, as the Samaria Gorge hike covers a distance of 16 km. Participants should also be prepared for potential weather challenges, as the hike takes place outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Order of the Tours Flexible?

The tours are not flexible. The order of the activities is set, with the Samaria Gorge, Knossos Palace, and Tasting Tour occurring on separate days as indicated by the detailed itinerary provided in the knowledge section.

Can I Visit the Knossos Palace on My Own?

Yes, visitors can explore Knossos Palace on their own. The Culture Combo Pack includes a guided tour, but travelers have the option to visit the palace independently during the free time provided in Heraklion.

Are the Tours Available in Other Languages Besides English?

The tours are available in multiple languages, including English. Customers can check with the tour operator about the specific language options offered for each tour when booking. The availability may vary depending on the tour and guide.

Can I Extend My Stay at the Beach During the Tasting Tour?

According to the itinerary, the Tasting Tour includes a 2-hour free time slot at a nearby beach. Travelers can extend their stay at the beach during this free time slot if they wish.

Is It Possible to Customize the Itinerary for the Culture Combo Pack?

According to the overview, the Culture Combo Pack has a fixed itinerary and doesn’t allow for customization. While the booking is flexible, the tour details and schedule are predetermined and can’t be modified by customers.