AKROTIRI TOWN
| PORT: | SOUDA (Chania) |
| SHORE EXCURSION: | A visit to Akrotiri and Chania Old Town |
| TOUR AT A GLANCE | |
| Activity level | moderate |
| Duration | 4 1/2 hours |
| You will visit | Monastery of Ag. Triada and the covered Market |
| You will see | Akrotiri Cape and the Old Town |
| Shopping | time for souvenir shopping in town |
TOUR OVERVIEW:
Set against a spectacular backdrop of majestic mountains and aquamarine seas, Chania is one of the island’s most appealing cities. Soon after your departure from pier you will be driven to the Akrotiri Cape. At its base, on top of Profitis Ilias hill is a shrine of Crete’s national hero, Eleftherios Venizelos. His tomb is a place of pilgrimage, for it was here that Cretan rebels raised the Greek flag in 1897 in defiance of the Great Powers. Here will visit themonastery of Agia Triada Tzagarolon.
Built in the 17th century, this isone 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.
From here you have the opportunity to have very nice photos of the city below.
After a panoramic drive you will arrive in the center of the town from where your walking tour will start. The first stop will be at the Covered Market selling local fruits, vegetables as well as Cretan souvenirs, leather goods, traditional Cretan boots and of course the famous Cretan spices.
Most of the city’s interesting sites are to be found in the old Venetian quarter around the harbor and surrounding alleyways. By the inner harbor stands the now derelict 16th century Venetian arsenal, where ships were once stored and repaired. The Venetian lighthouse, at the end of the sea wall, offers superb views over Chania.
You will have time to wonder on your own in the most picturesque quarter of the old town where houses with wooden balconies overhang the cobbled backstreets full of small souvenir shops.
Important Notes:
- This excursion will operate by coach and on foot.
- Note that all minors (those under 18) must be accompanied by an adult on shore excursions.
- The drive to Chania town is approximately 25 minutes each way.
- Guests are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes, as there is approximately two hours of walking on this tour over some gravel pathways and steps.
- Rest room facilities at the monastery.