ShoreTrips says...

Chania is the second largest city of Crete, and lies at the east end of the Gulf of Chania. It was originally the site of a Minoan settlement, and after the Minoan period it reermerged as an important city-state of Classical Greece.

Our tour will begin with a drive towards Akrotiri peninsula and a visit to the monastery of Agia Triada Tzagarolon. Built in the 17th century, this is one of the most impressive monasteries of Crete, set on a wonderfully overgrown landscape of olive groves and cypress trees and with a remarkable cruciform church. We will visit the monastery's cellars and learn about their great produce of organic olive oil and wine.

We will then have a short stop at the Venizelos Monument, that offers an incredible panoramic view over Chania Bay.

Reaching the town we will begin our walking tour. Chania is made made of two parts: the old town, and the the larger modern city. This tour will take you around the lovely old town, situated next to the old harbor. The old town was formerly surrounded by old venetian fortifications, built in 1538, but now only the eastern and western parts survive. We will make our way through colorful neighborhoods, learning about the town's past and present. Our walking tour will take you through Chania's most important sites and some of the hidden spots that reflect the mix of influences that has given Chania its very distinct character, including stops for local treats.

This specially designed tour around the old town and Venetian port will reveal Chania's status as a cultural crossroads. A walk through time, this tour promises to help you gain an understanding of how the city's multilayered history has unfolded, with visits to its most important sites, peppered with stories by real people.

Despite sustaining heavy bombing in World War II, Chania's old town is considered to be Crete's most beautiful urban district.