- 4 - 5 Hours
Chania: Monasteries & Vamos Village Tour with Lunch...
4 -5 Hours private tour: Experience the best of East Crete on a private guided tour from the Chania cruise terminal. Start your journey at the Holy Trinity Monastery (Agia Triada), a historic 17th-century monastery perched on the scenic Akrotiri Peninsula. Admire its Venetian architecture, stroll through peaceful courtyards, and take in stunning views of surrounding olive groves.
Mother of God Odigitria Gonia Monastery, another iconic site that showcases traditional Cretan monastic life. Explore quiet courtyards, stone-built cells, and beautifully maintained gardens while hearing stories about the monastery’s founding and historical significance in the region. Continue to the charming village of Vamos, where narrow streets lined with Venetian-era houses and rustic stone buildings transport you back in time. Pause for a leisurely traditional Cretan lunch at a local taverna, savoring fresh salads, cheese pies, grilled meats, and homemade desserts while enjoying the warm hospitality Crete is famous for. Book now to enjoy this unforgettable private tour, combining history, culture, stunning scenery, and authentic Cretan cuisine—a perfect introduction to the heart of East Crete.
Location
- Holy Trinity Monastery: Start your day with a convenient pickup from the Chania cruise terminal and drive to the Holy Trinity Monastery (Agia Triada). This historic 17th-century monastery sits gracefully on the scenic Akrotiri Peninsula. Admire the striking Venetian-inspired architecture, stroll through its serene courtyards, and explore chapels decorated with intricate religious frescoes. Enjoy sweeping views of the Cretan coastline, the sparkling Mediterranean waters, and the surrounding olive groves. Learn about the monastery’s fascinating past, its significance during Venetian and Ottoman rule, and its enduring role in local religious and cultural life.
- Mother of God Odigitria Gonia Monastery was founded in the 9th century and rebuilt in its current location in the 17th century. It features Venetian-style architecture with a central church and monks’ cells. The monastery hosts an ecclesiastical museum with icons, manuscripts, and sacred vestments. Explore its quiet courtyards, stone-built cells, and beautifully maintained gardens, all reflecting traditional monastic life. Learn about the monastery’s founding, its historical importance in the region, and the daily routines of the monks and nuns who lived here.
- Village of Vamos: Next, explore the picturesque village of Vamos, a place where time slows and tradition is preserved. Meander through narrow streets lined with Venetian-era houses, colorful shutters, and rustic stone buildings. Browse local shops or artisan workshops, and soak up the village’s authentic atmosphere.
- Cretan lunch: Take a break for a delicious Cretan lunch at a local taverna, enjoying specialties such as stamnagathi greens, antikristo-style meat, raki, and mini mizithra cheese pies. This is a perfect opportunity to taste traditional flavors and experience the famed Cretan hospitality firsthand.
- Back to the ship or at your hotel at the end
Highlights
- Visit Holy Trinity Monastery with Venetian architecture
- Explore Mother of God Odigitria Gonia Monastery
- Stroll through the charming village of Vamos
- Enjoy a traditional Cretan lunch at a local taverna
- Panoramic views of the coastline and olive groves
Inclusions
- Pick-up and drop-off services from Chania
- Privare car and English speaking driver
- Visit to Mother of God Odigitria Gonia Monastery
- Entrance to the Monasteries
- Lunch at a local taverna in Vamos
- Live tour guide (if option selected)
- 1 Bottle of water/person
Exclusions
- Gratuities
Useful Info
- Moderate walking, suitable for most fitness levels; comfortable shoes recommended.
- Water, camera, sun protection.
- Our driver will be waiting for you at the cruise terminal, (or from your hotel) holding a sign with your name clearly written on it.
- One day prior to your tour, we will send you the driver’s contact details so you can reach them if needed.
Cancellation Policy
- In order to confirm any booking, 30% payment in advance is required, fully refundable in case of any written cancellation received 48 hours prior the arrival date.
- For any cancellation OR change within 47 hours prior to the start of the tour or non - shows, full cancellation fees apply
- A written notification of any cancellation or change is necessary to be sent to PRIVATE TOURS Greece
