Highlights / General details

Chania is a kaleidoscope of different elements: ancient ruins, strong local culture and traditions, and delectable cuisine (and yes, you’ll get to taste some!). Escape the tourist traps and dive into secret corners and local neighborhoods — each stop has a story to tell!

Time travel through layers of Crete’s history as you listen to the myths and tales of Old Town.

See local artisans at work, and even try your own skills in their workshops.

Wander through a 100-year-old market selling local Cretan products.

Visit the Ottoman neighborhood and Jewish Quarter, walk along the “street of the Knives,” and explore corners not found in guidebooks.

Sip raki and snack on mezedes in one of the city’s historic neighborhoods.

Inclusion

Local English-speaking guide; Coffee or a soft drink; Sampling of local products and beverages.

Exclusion

Hotel pick-up and drop-off; Additional food and beverages; Souvenirs and items of a personal nature; Gratuities for your local guide.

Hours of operation

Available Monday - Saturday at 9:00am.

Duration

Approximately 4 hours.

Location

Meeting Point: Chania Municipal Market (the Public Market is located at the centre of the city, on central market square). Our guide will be standing outside, on the left.

Ending Point: Chania Municipal Market.

Itinerary

With a history expanding from the Neolithic period, when the first settlement of the city was founded just steps from the Venetian harbor, Chania has seen Romans, Byzantine officials, Arabs, Venetians, Ottomans, and Germans pass through her city streets. Due to its strategic geographical position, Crete has always had to struggle for independence, but this ever-changing history makes for a fascinating story!

Discover what makes Crete’s cultural capital so magical on this relaxed full-day walking tour of Chania. You’ll take in the sites from the Old Town to the lesser known Ottoman and Jewish quarters, and into the chic historic neighborhood of Halepa. Get ready to experience Chania with all your senses!

We’ll start your Chania tour at the Dimotiki Agora (Municipal Market), which marks the border between the old and new town. Built between 1908 and 1913 (the year that Crete was united with Greece), the Agora hosts more than 70 shops selling mostly regional products. You’ll get to explore the market and sample local delicacies while learning about the deliciously healthy Cretan diet.

With your taste buds satisfied, we will walk to the old town district. Wander through narrow laneways, hidden backstreets, and open doors to secret gardens, and Venetian and Ottoman monuments. Listen to stories of empires, sailors, traders, lovers, heroes, and artists. Learn how this city has been a crossroads between the East and West for centuries.

Next on your Chania tour, you’ll have the unique opportunity to see local artisans crafting their products. Listen to their stories — and maybe even try your own skills!

From there, our Crete tour will take us on a stroll through the Jewish and Ottoman neighborhoods, where you’ll learn how life has changed over the years in this city of multicultural residents.

Finally, we’ll walk along the waterfront of one of Chania’s historical neighborhoods and sit down to an inviting table with Cretan mezedes (local dishes).

Your Crete tour will end either here or we could take you back to the starting point. With so many suggestions and tips from your local guide, you’ll likely have a myriad of things you’ll want to do next!

Additional Information

As this is a walking tour, we advise you wear comfortable walking shoes. During summer don’t forget your sunglasses and of course a photo camera as Chania will amaze you!

Participant restrictions

Children younger than 6 are permitted at no extra cost, but please make sure you inform our guides of this before you take the tour.

Policies

Cancellation: 2 days prior 100% penalty. No show 100% penalty.

Complete information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, will be included on your Confirmation Voucher.

**All information requested must be supplied or booking is subject to automatic cancellation**