Exploring the captivating southern region of Crete from Rethymnon, this comprehensive tour promises to unveil the island’s rich heritage and natural wonders. Delving into a tapestry of history, visitors will encounter ancient ruins and medieval monasteries, while seeing the serene beauty of sun-dappled gorges and botanical gardens. With a flexible itinerary and air-conditioned transportation, travelers can enjoy the unique charms of this remarkable destination at their own pace, leaving them eager to uncover more of Crete’s captivating secrets.
Key Points
- Explore the scenic and historical highlights of southern Crete, including the St. Anthony Gorge, Spili botanical garden, and Kourtaliotiko Gorge.
- Discover the unique charm and natural beauty of the Libyan Sea coastline, including the picturesque Plakias Beach.
- Immerse in Crete’s rich cultural heritage by visiting ancient Minoan ruins, the Cave of Zeus, and the medieval Preveli Monastery.
- Enjoy a flexible and personalized tour experience with convenient transportation and a maximum of 39 travelers.
- Benefit from competitive pricing, easy booking modifications, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.
Tour Overview
Exploring the southern regions of Crete from the city of Rethymnon, this full-day tour showcases the scenic and historical highlights of a quieter, less-visited part of the island.
Combining picturesque nature and cultural landmarks, the tour offers a convenient way to discover the unique charms of south Crete.
Travelers will visit the St. Anthony Gorge, the Spili botanical garden, the impressive Kourtaliotiko Gorge, and the serene Plakias Beach.
Throughout the day, guests will travel in air-conditioned comfort, with pickup and drop-off available at various hotels and towns in the area.
The tour caters to a range of travelers, being stroller accessible and offering infant seats, though it isn’t wheelchair-friendly.
Key Destinations
The tour journeys through several remarkable destinations, starting with the St. Anthony Gorge, also known as the Gorge of Patsos. This scenic natural wonder features towering cliffs and a serene stream winding through its heart.
Next, the tour stops at the Spili botanical garden, a lush oasis showcasing the diverse flora of the region.
The Kourtaliotiko Gorge impresses with its dramatic limestone walls and cascading waterfalls, while the final stop at Plakias Beach offers a chance to relax on the sandy shores of the Libyan Sea.
These key destinations provide a well-rounded exploration of South Crete’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Tour Logistics
This tour conveniently transports guests in air-conditioned comfort, with pickup and drop-off available at selected towns and hotels in the Rethymnon region, including Bali, Panormo, Skaleta, Adele, Platanias, Missiria, Rethymnon, and Atsipopoulo.
The tour is flexible, allowing travelers to explore the key destinations at their own pace.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour does accommodate strollers and infant seats, making it a suitable option for families.
With a maximum of 39 travelers per tour, the experience offers an intimate and personalized exploration of South Crete’s scenic and historical highlights from Rethymnon.
Additional Information
While the tour may not be wheelchair accessible, it accommodates strollers and infant seats, making it a suitable option for families exploring South Crete’s scenic and historical highlights.
The tour can accommodate a maximum of 39 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. Operated by Checkin Creta Travel, the tour offers:
- Air-conditioned vehicles for comfort
- Pickup and drop-off service at selected towns and hotels
- Flexibility to explore stops on your own
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
This comprehensive tour provides a convenient way to discover the quieter, less-visited region of South Crete, immersing visitors in the island’s rich tradition and natural beauty.
Pricing and Cancellation
Pricing for the tour starts from €35.00, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the experience begins. This provides travelers with the flexibility to adjust their plans if needed.
| Pricing | Cancellation |
|---|---|
| From €35.00 | Free up to 24 hours |
| Competitive rates | No hidden fees |
| Excellent value | Easy to modify |
The tour operator, Checkin Creta Travel, offers transparent pricing and an accommodating cancellation policy. This allows visitors to confidently book and explore the stunning South Crete region from Rethymnon, without worrying about additional costs or rigid scheduling.
Scenic Highlights
The tour’s scenic highlights begin with a visit to the St. Anthony Gorge, also known as the Gorge of Patsos, where travelers can enjoy the region’s natural beauty.
Next, the tour explores the Spili botanical garden, showcasing the diverse flora of South Crete.
The Kourtaliotiko Gorge offers dramatic limestone cliffs and cascading waterfalls.
The tour culminates at the tranquil Plakias Beach, where visitors can relax and enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere.
These key destinations provide a well-rounded experience, allowing travelers to appreciate the stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and cultural charm of South Crete.
The tour’s flexibility also allows visitors to explore these sites at their own pace, creating a truly memorable journey.
Historical Attractions
Along With the scenic highlights, the tour also features several historical attractions that provide insight into Crete’s rich cultural heritage.
Travelers can explore the ruins of ancient Eleftherna, an important Minoan city that dates back to the 5th century BC, and learn about the region’s connection to Greek mythology at the Cave of Zeus, where the king of the gods was said to have been born.
Plus, the tour includes a visit to the medieval monastery of Preveli, which played a significant role in the Greek War of Independence.
These historical sites offer a glimpse into Crete’s fascinating past and the enduring traditions that have shaped the island’s unique identity.
Exploring Crete’s South
This tour offers travelers a chance to discover the quiet and lesser-explored southern region of Crete, showcasing its stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
The day-long journey takes visitors to several captivating destinations, including the serene St. Anthony Gorge, the lush Spili botanical garden, the dramatic Kourtaliotiko Gorge, and the picturesque Plakias Beach.
Along the way, guests can enjoy the region’s traditions, admire the breathtaking scenery, and explore at their own pace. The tour’s convenient transportation and flexible itinerary make it an ideal way to experience the tranquil beauty of South Crete.
Key highlights include:
- Hiking the St. Anthony Gorge
- Visiting the Spili botanical garden
- Admiring the Kourtaliotiko Gorge
- Relaxing at Plakias Beach
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Food and Drink Provided on the Tour?
No, food and drink are not provided on this tour. Travelers are responsible for bringing their own refreshments and meals during the day-long excursion to South Crete’s scenic and historical destinations.
Can I Book the Tour in Languages Other Than English?
The tour is available in multiple languages, including English. Customers can inquire about language options when booking to ensure the tour is offered in their preferred language for a more immersive experience.
What Should I Bring for the Hike Through the Gorges?
For the hike through the gorges, visitors should bring sturdy hiking shoes, a water bottle, snacks, and sun protection like a hat and sunscreen. They’ll also want to dress in layers for the changeable weather.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
Yes, the tour operator offers the flexibility to extend the tour duration. Guests can request additional time at certain stops or have the overall tour length increased to explore the area more thoroughly.
Can I Request a Private or Small-Group Tour?
Yes, private or small-group tours can be requested. The tour operator offers flexible options to accommodate different group sizes and preferences, ensuring a more personalized experience for travelers.
Recap
This comprehensive tour allows travelers to discover the scenic and historical wonders of southern Crete.
From the picturesque St. Anthony Gorge to the medieval Preveli Monastery, the excursion offers a well-rounded exploration of the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
With convenient transportation and a flexible itinerary, travelers can enjoy the unique charms of this captivating corner of the island at their own pace.
