Chania Cultural Tour

Pickup at the port by our guide identified with the Shore2Shore sign.

We will head towards Akrotiri to visit the Monastery of Agia Triada Tzagorolon, on the Akrotiri peninsula; built in the 17th century, it is one of the most impressive monasteries in Crete, located within a wonderful landscape covered with olive trees and cypresses. It was built as a theological center and its name Agia Triada means “Holy Trinity.” It housed important wooden icons, as well as unique books and a collection of exceptional codices; the few that were saved from destruction at the hands of the Turks can be admired in the monastery museum. Of Byzantine cruciform style, it has 3 domes, the church, and 2 chapels. Among the most important works it houses are a “portable icon of Saint John” from 1500, “The Last Judgment” by Emmanuel Skordiles from the 17th century, “The Descent into Hell” from 1855, and a parchment manuscript with the Mass of Saint Basil.

We will continue the visit outside the Venizelos Tombs, located on the hills of Elijah, the gravestones of the two Greek prime ministers, Eleftherios and Sophocles Venizelos, two simple stone slabs with crosses and epitaphs, located in a small park from where we will enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the city of Chania.

We will continue towards Chania starting with a tour of the Old Town, its main attraction, with its labyrinth of cobblestone streets, its scenic seaside promenade, and its beautifully preserved Venetian, Turkish, and Jewish neighborhoods. It was formerly surrounded by the old Venetian fortifications, of which only the western and eastern parts have survived. We will walk through the picturesque neighborhoods, discover hidden sites whose eclectic mix gives Chania a unique atmosphere, and learn about the traditional lifestyle in this city.

We will visit the covered Market in the shape of a cross, the Agora, which opened its doors in 1913. It includes about 76 shops located in the four arms of the building. We can explore stalls selling fresh fish, meats, cheeses, herbs, spices, clothing, etc., and taste some traditional products such as Cretan graviera cheese and homemade honey; drink a little tsikoudia, a pomace brandy exclusive to Crete; visit a bakery to eat paximadia, a dry bread, or go to one of the market’s restaurants and order a dakos, bread topped with chopped tomatoes and other ingredients, similar to a bruschetta.

Our last stop will be the Maritime Museum, inaugurated in 1973, on the 32nd anniversary of the Battle of Crete. The museum houses ship models, nautical instruments; objects such as rangefinders, barometers, wind meters, etc. It features paintings, portraits, historical photographs, and displays numerous relics, such as uniforms and other items that belonged to the heroes of the Greek Navy.

We will have free time in the pedestrian area of the Venetian port before returning to the port for farewell.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• DURATION: BUS AND GUIDE AVAILABLE FOR UP TO 4 HOURS.
• THE ARRANGEMENT INCLUDES APPROXIMATELY 30-45 MINUTES OF FREE TIME THAT CAN BE ENJOYED AT THE END OF THE EXCURSION.

• IMPORTANT NOTE: THE ORDER OF THE PLACES TO VISIT MAY VARY WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE DUE TO POSSIBLE EVENTS (BOAT ARRIVAL TIME, OPENING HOURS OF POINTS OF INTEREST, ETC.).

Optional supplements to be paid on site

• Entrance to the Agia Triada Monastery: €3.00 and the Maritime Museum €5.00.
• Children free, up to 6 years old.
• Supplements are optional for those who wish to enter, to be paid directly on site.

REMARKS

• Easy Level/Panoramic/Cultural
• It is recommended to wear comfortable footwear.
• People with reduced mobility who use wheelchairs must be accompanied by another person who can assist them. We kindly ask that foldable wheelchairs be used, as buses do not have lifts or ramps. Shore2Shore is not responsible if the client does not inform about their situation at the time of booking.