Chania Old Town Private Tour with pick up (price per group of 6)

based on 32 reviews

Duration:4 hours to 5 hours (approx.)
Location: Chania, Crete

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This is a private tour with a 7-seater van for a maximum 6 guests. Will pick up from Souda port or hotels near Chania west coast.
Chania’s Old Town is being inhabited since the ancient ages of the Minoan Civilization from 5000BC. Since then it has always been a vivid place of prosperity and growth, influenced through the ages by the various cultures, Romans, Arabs, Jews, Venetians and Ottoman Turks. We will stroll through the historic alleys and see the Byzantine and the Venetian/Ottoman Walls and Fortifications, then walk through the main streets and see the emergence of history from the archeological excavations of the Minoan era to the Medieval and Recent Ages through the old buildings, the churches, the synagogues and the mosques. Also we will visit the Orthodox, the Muslim and the Jewish Quarter and explore how people lived together through times with peace or turbulence. Optionally we could have lunch in a local restaurant after the end of the tour.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Chania Town
Tour Chania old town and visit various landmarks and historic sites
2. Old Venetian Harbor
Tour Chania old town for 3 hours, visit the landmarks and historic sites.
3. Lighthouse of Chania
Chania lighthouse is the oldest light house in the Mediterranean, built in 1864. The lighthouse is the main landmark of Chania. The tower is 21m high and is built on a stone base, located at the end of the old harbour's pier opposite to the fortress of Firkas. Visitors are not allowed to enter the lighthouse. Chania lighthouse was first constructed by the Venetians around 1600, destroyed in the siege of Chania and it took its final form, in the shape of a minaret, during the Egyptian occupation. It was restored in 1996.
4. Firkas Fortress
The fortress of Firkas on the northwest side of the port of Chania was constructed between 1610 and 1645 to protect the Venetian harbour entrance from raiders. The fall of the city of Chania in the hands of the Turks in 1645, meant automatically that the fortress belonged to the new conquerors. That is when it got its current name, because “Firka” in Turkish means “barrack”. On the northern side of the Firka fortress were six consecutive domes, that sheltered the large cannons, so that they would face the entrance of the harbor and face any possible attacker. The Firka Fortress was used as a prison since then and up to the Greek civil war of the 20th century. During the Ottoman rule, the Firka Fortress constituted the seat of the military governor of the city. It is the place where the Greek flag was raised, in 1913, the year of the reunion of Crete with Greece. Today, at the entrance of the Fortress is situated the Maritime Museum.
5. Cathedral of Eisodion tis Theotokou
The Orthodox Cathedral of Chania or church of Trimartiri is situated in Halidon street. The present temple was built on the place of an older church of Virgin Mary which dated back to the 14th century. In 1645, during the Ottoman occupation, the temple was converted into a soap factory , owned by the Turkish official Moustafa Pasha Giritli. The reconstruction of the church was completed in 1860 in the style of a three aisle Basilica, and was donated by the local pasha to the local community. On the northeast side of the temple there is the high bell-tower. The church features three aisles with the central one dedicated to the Virgin Mary (celebrated on November 21st), the north aisle one dedicated to Saint Nicholas and the southern one to the Three Hierarchs.
6. Etz Hayyim Synagogue
3 euro entrance fee per person. Etz Hayyim was converted into a Synagogue in the 17th century, when the Jewish community of Chania purchased the Church of St. Catherine, an empty 15th-century Venetian church. The synagogue, which suffered serious bombardment, was abandoned after the end of World War with the perishing of the Jewish community and reopened in 1999, with the support of the World Monument Fund (WMF), in co-operation with the Central Israeli Council of Greece. Nowdays the Etz Hayyim Synagogue is the only active synagogue that has survived on the island.
7. Hassan Pascha Mosque
One of the first Ottoman buildings of the island is Mosque of Hasan Kucuk or Yali Tzamisi. The mosque was built in honour of Kioutsouk Hassan Pasha, the first Ottoman military commander of Chania, while the Yali Tzamisi name translates as "mosque of the sea". The building is an example of Islamic architecture Renaissance designed form an Armenian architect, dating from mid 17th century. The mosque operated as a mosque until 1923. It is a cubic building covered by a large dome supported by four stone arches, while the west and north side is surrounded by an arcade roofed with seven small domes. In the southwest corner there was a minaret from which saved only the base. Today the building operates as an exhibition for cultural events and visual art exhibitions.
8. Venetian Neoria
During the Venetian occupation (1204-1669) Neoria, the shipyards were built. In 1467, Venice ordered the construction of 16 shipyards. During the Turkish occupation shipyards were converted in military warehouses. Today 7 shipyards survive, entrance is not allowed as they need repair.
9.
Chania is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe. The Minoan civilisation dates before 3000BC and it somehow violently ended in 1250BC when there was a destructive earthquake and Tsunami. Many researches believe that the Minoan civilisation was destroyed after the eruption of Santorini volcano. At Kasteli hill archaeological excavations the foundations of buildings, streets and sewage networks can be seen. The excavations are ongoing. Kydonia was the name of Chania during the Minoan era.
10. Souda
Its a shore excursion tour, pick up and return to Souda port. Souda is 20-minute drive from Chania, one way.
11. Municipal Market of Chania
The Municipal Market of Chania, is the "heart" of the city. Its foundation started on August 14, 1911, at the place that was the main rampart of the fortification during the Venetian period, and the construction of the building was completed during the second half of 1913. The Municipal Market is cross shaped and has four doors, one in each ward, that close to provide security at the shops that are hosted there. Today at the building of the Municipal Market are hosted many shops that sell local products and souvenirs. The Municipal Market constitutes an architectural jewel for Chania and is one of the most impressive markets in Balkans.
12. Church of Agios Nikolaos
The church of Agios Nikolaos, which was built around 1320, during the Venetian Period, was originally a part of the monastery of the Dominican Order. It is quite special as it is equipped with a tower as well as a minaret. During the Venetian period it constituted the most important church in the city. After the predominance of the Turks in Chania the temple was turned into a mosque and was named Hiougkar Tzamisi (mosque of the Emperor), in honor of the sultan of the Ottoman Empire. Its importance is highlighted by the existence of two balconies instead of one on the minaret. In 1928, after being seized by the Christians orthodox, the mosque was once again turned into a church, dedicated to Agios Nikolaos.

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Posted By : Connie_D
George was an excellent guide. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with him. He has a deep understanding about the history of Crete and is very good at sharing information and keeping it interesting! Thank you George!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-07-01 01:10:22

Posted By : Marc_F
Wonderful tour of the city with a local who teaches you so much and has some wonderful perspective and stories.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-28 11:10:02

Posted By : Marilyn_P
We took the tour with our Basketball friend George who guided us through all the lovely parts of Chania old town and and an extension through a beautiful gorge in the mountains and an amazing lunch at a farm to table rustic outdoor venue where Cretan dishes were prepared in clay pots. It was a full day and we appreciated the expertise and passion with which George spoke about his country. Not to be missed!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-13 14:24:58

Posted By : karen_s
Our time was great but the temperature was very warm so dress for the extra warm weather. We enjoyed going to the old town but was not able to walk due to my family’s medical issues. I would recommend Peter or George. Peter was very knowledgeable about the culture and area. We had a party of six adults and the vehicle was a little small for my family
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-12 13:57:27

Posted By : bethjam1023
Sofia and Ariadni were lovely. Easy group of people to deal with. Crete is underrated. Very nice day
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-22 12:59:28

Posted By : scarter004
Going to the Island of Crete has been on my bucket list for over 60 years. It did not disappoint. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and provided us with great information.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-05 09:25:32

Posted By : Monisha_M
Great tour by George. Kept our young kids engaged. Ntounias was awesome. Highly recommended this private tour for families with young kids
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-02-27 13:34:58

Posted By : eschwa3487
George met us promptly at our cruise ship. He proceeded to give us a comprehensive tour with amazing facts and descriptions of Chania. When I inquired about the Jewish population and history in Chania, he took us to the small historic synagogue where the few Jews remaining still pray. He was a terrific guide and gave us so much to treasure in our memories about this tour.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-10-22 06:18:13

Posted By : Kim_B
Our guide, Petros, contacted m directly and arranged a convenient pick up spot. He was very knowledgeable about the history and sites. I would recommend him highly.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-10-12 12:56:10

Posted By : Chuck_L
George was a great guide and very knowledgeable about Chania. I would highly recommend this tour as George went above and beyond to make sure we had a great time and that we got back to the port safely and on time.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-09-23 13:20:10

Retrieving available

Tickets

Chania Old Town Private Tour with pick up (price per group of 6)

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Chania Town

2. Old Venetian Harbor

3. Lighthouse of Chania

4. Firkas Fortress

5. Cathedral of Eisodion tis Theotokou

6. Etz Hayyim Synagogue

7. Hassan Pascha Mosque

8. Venetian Neoria

9.

10. Souda

11. Municipal Market of Chania

12. Church of Agios Nikolaos

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY

Partner Resources

How it works

Travel

Insurance

Adventure

Contact

Retrieving available

Tickets

Chania Old Town Private Tour with pick up (price per group of 6)

WHAT'S INCLUDED ⟱

WHAT TO EXPECT ⟱

1. Chania Town

2. Old Venetian Harbor

3. Lighthouse of Chania

4. Firkas Fortress

5. Cathedral of Eisodion tis Theotokou

6. Etz Hayyim Synagogue

7. Hassan Pascha Mosque

8. Venetian Neoria

9.

10. Souda

11. Municipal Market of Chania

12. Church of Agios Nikolaos

ADDITIONAL INFO ⟱

CANCELLATION POLICY ⟱

Partner Resources

How it works

Travel

Insurance

Adventure

Contact

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY