Street Stories of Chania
Crete, Greece
From USD 87.09
Office phone number: +30 698 678 0970
Street Stories of Chania
Crete, Greece
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Experience the real Crete with a walk through one of its most picturesque cities. Chania is a kaleidoscope of different elements: ancient ruins, strong local culture and traditions, and delectable cuisine (and yes, you’ll get to taste some!). Escape the tourist traps and dive into secret corners and local neighbourhoods — each stop has a story to tell!
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Highlights
- Time travel through layers of Crete’s history as you listen to the myths and tales of Old Town
- See local artisans at work, and even try your own skills in their workshops
- Wander through a 100-year-old market selling local Cretan products
- Visit the Ottoman neighbourhood and Jewish Quarter, walk along the “street of the Knives,” and explore corners not found in guidebooks
- Sip raki and snack on mezedes in one of the city’s historic neighbourhoods
Local Impact: How you will help the local community by joining this tour:
- On this tour you will visit local, family-owned businesses and meet a local greengrocer, cheesemonger, butcher and fishmonger, who sell their own and Cretan-only products.
- By joining this tour, you’ll meet a knife maker in one of the last remaining workshops of Chania that makes the traditional handmade Cretan knife.
- All the food you sample during the tour is locally sourced from villages, farmers, and stock-breeders of Crete
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Schedule details
- Duration: 4 hours
- Meeting point:
Chania Municipal Market (the Public Market is located at the centre of the city, on central market square). Our guide will be standing outside, on the left.
- Find the exact meeting point with what3words:
- Starting time: 9.30 AM
- Ending point:
Chania Municipal Market
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, coffee or a soft drink, sampling of local products and beverages.
Exclusions: Additional food and drink, souvenirs and items of a personal nature, tips and gratuities for your guide.
With a history expanding from the Neolithic period, when the first settlement of the city was founded just steps from the Venetian harbour, Chania has seen Romans, Byzantine officials, Arabs, Venetians, Ottomans, and Germans pass through her city streets. Due to its strategic geographical position, Crete has always had to struggle for independence, but this ever-changing history makes for a fascinating story!
Discover what makes Crete’s cultural capital so magical on this relaxed full-day walking tour of Chania. You’ll take in the sites from the Old Town to the lesser known Ottoman and Jewish quarters, and into the chic historic neighbourhood of Halepa. Get ready to experience Chania with all your senses!
We’ll start your Chania tour at the Dimotiki Agora (Municipal Market), which marks the border between the old and new town. Built between 1908 and 1913 (the year that Crete was united with Greece), the Agora hosts more than 70 shops selling mostly regional products. You’ll get to explore the market and sample local delicacies while learning about the deliciously healthy Cretan diet.
With your taste buds satisfied, we will walk to the old town district. Wander through narrow laneways, hidden backstreets, and open doors to secret gardens, and Venetian and Ottoman monuments. Listen to stories of empires, sailors, traders, lovers, heroes, and artists. Learn how this city has been a crossroads between the East and West for centuries.
Next on your Chania tour, you’ll have the unique opportunity to see local artisans crafting their products. Listen to their stories — and maybe even try your own skills!
From there, our Crete tour will take us on a stroll through the Jewish and Ottoman neighbourhoods, where you’ll learn how life has changed over the years in this city of multicultural residents.
Finally, we’ll walk along the waterfront of one of Chania’s historical neighbourhoods and sit down to an inviting table with Cretan mezedes (local dishes).
Your Crete tour will end either here or we could take you back to the starting point. With so many suggestions and tips from your local guide, you’ll likely have a myriad of things you’ll want to do next!
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, coffee or a soft drink, sampling of local products and beverages.
Exclusions: Additional food and drink, souvenirs and items of a personal nature, tips and gratuities for your guide.
Dress standard: As this is a walking tour , we advise you wear comfortable walking shoes. During summer don’t forget your sunglasses and of course a photo camera as Chania will amaze you !
Your Trip: For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Child Policy: This is a child-friendly tour. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge. Please inform us at the time of booking if you’ll be bringing a child under the age of 6. You can do so in the special request box on the checkout page.
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Local contact
Office phone number: +30 698 678 0970
Email address: info@creteurbanadventures.com
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