Chania Old City Discovery

Explore the beating heart of the city, the Old City of Chania, along with the exceptional Venetian port.

Observe the architecture of historical structures, built by various civilizations that lived in Chania over the centuries. Explore the picturesque alleys of the old town. You’ll encounter archaeological excavation sites that brought to light rich findings, even floor plans of whole establishments, showing that the city of Chania is developed on the site of an important ancient city named Cydonia.

Cydonia was inhabited in all subsequent phases of history. It flourished and declined at times, met wars, pillages, and conquests. Its name paraphrased to Chania. Destroyed and rebuilt multiple times. The harbor was built by the Venetians during their colonization in Crete and specifically between 1320 and 1356. It was an important center, serving the Venetian military ships, as well as one of the most important commercial ports of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.

Ηistorical information is provided through the audio guide system for all the monuments. Photo opportunities and extra local tips from the tour leader!

Follow the guidelines of your tour leader through the beautiful narrow alleys of the Old City of Chania and enjoy the majestic view of the Venetian harbor. Let your guide reveal the secret paths of Venetian old city and explore the historical monuments you will see on the way. Historical information about the monuments will be provided through the audio guide system, best photo opportunities and tips from your tour leader.

You will also visit another part of the Old City -Splantzia area, which was the Turkish district of Chania – the central gathering place for the Turkish population.

Furthermore, you will reach the exterior of the east Venetian walls and Kum Kapi area (a village of poor North African slaves used to live there in the old days). This region was called in Turkish Kum Kapisi (Gate of the Sand) from the Venetian gate which is still preserved in our days. Today “Kum Kapi” is a developed district of the city which gathers thousands of visitors every summer who come to enjoy the view to the sea and the numerous cafeterias and restaurants.

The Municipal Market of Chania, The Cathedral of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary (Trimartiri), The Catholic Church, The Jewish Synagogue (or “Ovriaki”), The Venetian Walls, The Egyptian Lighthouse, The Navy Museum, The “Firka” Fortress, Giali Tzamisi, The Byzantine Wall, The Grand Arsenal, The Venetian “Neoria”, Splantzia, The Proto-Minoan Settlement of Kasteli, The Temple of Aghioi Anargyroi, The Temple of Aghia Ekaterini, The Dominican Temple of Aghios Nikolaos – Hiougkar Tzamisi (the Mosque of ‘Igemonas’), Splantzia, The Temple of Aghios Rokkos, The Gate and Rampart Sabbionara, Koum Kapi, The Temple of Aghios Eleftherios.

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION	Starting Point: 25, Chrisanthou Episkopou Street
DEPARTURE TIME	Every Mon-Sat at 11:30 pm, 13.30 & 15:30
GROUP	2-7 persons
DURATION	1.30h
BEFORE TOUR’S STARING TIME	10-15 min group practice
*HISTORICAL INFORMATION THROUGH AUDIO GUIDE SYSTEM
WEAR	Comfortable athletic clothing, shoes & sunblock
DISCOUNT	10% discount for children under 16 y.o.& Family discount 2+2chd
COMPLIMENTARY	Bottle of water
CANCELLATION	Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
IMPORTANT INFO	YOU SHOULD ARRIVE 15′ BEFORE TOUR’S STARTING TIME. IN CASE OF A DELAY, YOU WILL MISS YOUR TOUR WITH NO REFUND. NOT SUITABLE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN & PEOPLE OVER 260 LBS  (118 kg)

TOUR MAP – ROUTE COVERAGE AREA