Chania Private Tour: Monastery, Scenic Gorge & Mountain Views
- 4–5 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- Guided in English
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
Perfect tour for those seeking an authentic Cretan experience, the tour takes you to a historic monastery, followed by a breathtaking drive through Therisso Gorge, where you’ll soak in stunning mountain views. Depending on the day, we will visit one of the local monasteries—either the Monastery of Metamorfosi or the Monastery of Odigitria. Both are excellent choices, offering an authentic experience of spiritual tranquility and unique architecture that reflects Crete’s rich religious and cultural heritage. Then, we will drive through the scenic Therisso Gorge, admiring the towering cliffs and lush landscape that create one of Crete’s most impressive natural wonders. There is also the option to stop for lunch at a traditional, family-run restaurant in the mountains. (optional) Whichever option you choose, this tour offers an unforgettable journey into Crete’s rich history and natural beauty.
Inclusions
What's included
- Private transportation
- Refreshments and bottled water throughout the day
- All Fees and Taxes
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional English speaking driver
- Cretan snacks
Itinerary
The day begins with a visit to one of the region’s historic monasteries—either the Monastery of Metamorfosi or the Monastery of Odigitria. The choice depends on the day, ensuring we visit the monastery that is open. Both offer a peaceful atmosphere, traditional architecture, and insight into Crete's rich religious heritage. Wander through serene courtyards, admire ancient icons, and take in the spiritual ambiance that makes these monasteries such important cultural landmarks.
Our next stop is the historical village of Therisso, but to get there we must first drive through the beautiful and imposing Therisso Gorge! There will be several stops along the way to enjoy the natural scenery, the impressive, towering cliffs and if we’re lucky, we may even meet a few flocks of goats and sheep! Inside the gorge we can stop for photographs.
At the end of the gorge lay Therisso village. Vital to the Cretan revolution, we will discovery its charming stone square sat under the shade of the trees, the beautiful old church and the monument of “Eleutherios Venizelos”. The village is a very popular gastronomic destination to locals and visitors who love traditional food of high quality.
After Therisso, we will travel through small, picturesque villages to a traditional family-run taverna. As authentic as it gets and surrounded by stunning sea and mountains views, we will enjoy a delicious lunch cooked by the grandmother of the family, using time-honoured and very tasty recipes!
On the way back, we stop by the beautiful Meskla village, which has one of the smallest, but also impressive gorges in Crete. (optional - in this case, the tour starts at 9:00am)
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
5.0
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Ratings come from 13 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Know before you go
- Pickup
- Pickup is included for everyone.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operated by
- IMable Travel - Private Tours in Crete
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How it compares in Chania
- Its from-price is 52% above the median of the 441 experiences we list in Chania.
- It is shorter than most of them.
- By number of reviews it ranks 116 of 441.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Chania
Chania, on Crete's north-west coast, is a Venetian harbour town of old mosques and tall houses, with mountain gorges and beaches within reach.
Chania's old harbour is a crescent of tall Venetian houses facing a stone breakwater and a lighthouse rebuilt by the Egyptians in the nineteenth century. The domed Mosque of the Janissaries stands on the quay, left from the Ottoman centuries, and behind it narrow lanes in the Splantzia and Topanas quarters pass Venetian and Ottoman houses, churches and small workshops. The cross-shaped covered market sells cheese, honey and herbs.
Top-ranked sights in Chania: Marathi Beach, Venetian Lighthouse, Venetian Harbor.
Special offers in Chania
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
