Chania, Kournas & Rethymno day trip from Heraklion: Three towns

Three towns in one day: Venetian harbors, a freshwater lake, and mountain scenery

A full-day tour departing from Heraklion that visits Chania's Old Town and harbor, Lake Kournas for a swim or walk, and Rethymno's Ottoman-era streets, with a professional guide in English, French or German, air-conditioned transport, and hotel pickup included. The route covers the highlights of West Crete's coast and interior in a single loop, stopping long enough in each place to eat, swim or wander.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore West Crete highlights

• Visit Chania Old Town and Venetian Harbor
• Stop at a local coffee shop
• Explore Chania Market and historic monuments
• Swim or walk at Lake Kournas
• Have lunch by Lake Kournas
• Stroll Rethymno Old Town and harbor
• Visit Turkish minarets and Venetian fortresses
• Enjoy coffee in Rethymno harbor

The experience

The tour leaves from your Heraklion hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle and heads west along the coast. Chania arrives first: you'll have time to walk the narrow alleys of the Old Town, see the Venetian Harbor and its lighthouse, browse the Agora (the traditional market of small shops and taverns), and stop for coffee or lunch at the waterfront. The guide points out the layers of history (Minoan sites, Turkish minarets, Venetian fortresses, Ottoman mansions) as you move through the streets.

Lake Kournas, Crete's only natural freshwater lake, comes next. Ringed by mountains and protected as a nature reserve, it's the place to swim if the weather suits you, or to take a walk along the shore and eat lunch at one of the waterside taverns. The water is calm and the setting quiet, a sharp contrast to the harbor towns.

On the return to Heraklion, the route stops in Rethymno, where Venetian and Ottoman architecture sit side by side. You'll have time to stroll the old harbor, climb through the narrow streets past Turkish minarets and Venetian fortresses, or settle into a café and watch the light change on the water. The guide speaks English, French or German throughout the day.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from designated points.
• professional guide in English, French or German.
• stops in Chania's Old Town and harbor, Lake Kournas, and Rethymno's historic center.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday and Friday

AgesAdult (13 to 75 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish, French and German

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Travel ID

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to visit Chania, Lake Kournas, and Rethymno in one day with a guide steering the route and timing. Choose a rental car or shorter tour if you'd rather set your own pace or focus on a single location.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, French and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Lake Kournas like, and do I have to swim?

Lake Kournas is Crete's only natural freshwater lake, surrounded by mountains and protected as a nature reserve. You can swim if you want, take a relaxing walk along the shore, or have lunch at one of the waterside taverns. The stop is yours to spend as you choose.

How much free time do I get in each town?

The tour is structured to give you time to explore on your own in all three places: Chania's Old Town and harbor in the morning, Lake Kournas at midday, and Rethymno on the way back, though the exact duration at each stop depends on the group's pace and choices.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to pay for separately?

The tour includes the air-conditioned vehicle, hotel pickup and drop-off, and a professional guide. Food, drinks and personal expenses are separate.