Day Trips from Greece to Crete

Volanna Travel - Where Dreams become Destinations! There are tours. And then there is this. Forget crowded buses and fixed schedules. Volanna Travel offers something fundamentally different - a private sanctuary on wheels, crafted for those who believe that how you travel matters as much as where you go. Your journey begins at your door - in a jet-black Mercedes-Benz VIP Minivan, Long Edition. Climate-controlled, leather-wrapped, whisper-quiet. Your chauffeur speaks your language: English, Russian, Polish, Ukrainian, Greek. He knows Crete not from a guidebook - but from a lifetime. Elafonissi isn't just a beach. It's where sand turns pink & time slows down. We arrive before the crowds. We stay as long as you want. We leave when you decide. No fixed itinerary. No rush. No compromises. Hidden villages, secret viewpoints, a family taverna tourists never find - your chauffeur knows them all. And when you return, sun-kissed and full of memories = a complimentary Cretan gift box is waiting.

Experience the enchanting beauty of Elafonisi, one of Greece’s most famous beaches, located in southwestern Crete. Your adventure begins with a convenient hotel pick-up, setting the stage for a day of breathtaking sights. As we pass through traditional villages and the picturesque Topolian gorge, we’ll stop at the stunning Agia Sofia cave, featuring impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and a quaint chapel. The highlight is Elafonisi, a small island connected to the beach by a sandbar. Here, you can relax in the crystal-clear turquoise waters and stroll along the fine white and pink sands. Enjoy three hours to soak in this natural wonder. On the return, there’s an optional stop at Elos village to savor delicious Cretan cuisine at a local tavern. Reflecting on the day’s wonders, you’ll return to your hotel with unforgettable memories of Greece’s coastal splendor.

Delve deeper into the 5,000-year history of Crete on a private sightseeing tour that covers the highlights of the west coast. Taking a private tour allows you to explore the Holy Trinity Monastery (Agia Triada), the Archaeological Site of Ancient Aptera, and Chania Old Town at a pace set by you rather than a large group.

Enjoy a private, luxury experience exploring Crete’s authentic flavors on a carefully designed gastronomic journey through vineyards, olive groves, and traditional villages. Visit family-run producers and discover the island’s culinary heritage and local traditions. ✔️ Visit a renowned winery and taste local Cretan wines ✔️ Discover traditional olive oil production and enjoy tastings ✔️ Visit a local raki distillery and learn about its traditions ✔️ Explore charming stone-built villages and scenic countryside ✔️ Cruise-friendly with guaranteed on-time return ✔️ Customizable itinerary and flexible start time ✔️ Fully private experience tailored to your interests An optional traditional Cretan lunch in a village taverna can be added to complete your experience. Perfect for food lovers seeking an authentic taste of Crete.

This tour offers an authentic journey into the heart of South Crete, far from crowds and mass tourism. It combines dramatic natural landscapes, rich history, and everyday local life, creating a well-balanced and immersive experience. You’ll explore the impressive Kourtaliotiko Gorge, visit the historic Preveli Monastery with its panoramic sea views, and walk through the rare Preveli Palm Forest where river and sea meet. The day continues with time at Triopetra Beach, known for its iconic rock formations and crystal-clear waters. What truly sets this tour apart is its relaxed pace and local character. There is time to enjoy each place, connect with nature, and end the day with a traditional Cretan lunch near the sea (optional).

This is going to be a very busy day but very excited. This tour has everything you need to take a taste of Crete. It is suitable for visitors with the cruise ships also. I, with the help of the Experienced Licensed Professional Tourist Guide, who will be with you in the whole tour, Crete is an island full of treasures, you need a lifetime to discover. With the help of our Experienced Professional Licensed Tourist Guide, who will be with you in the whole tour, and admire the signs of all the different civilizations that stopped by the island through the ages . Then you will visit the Knossos Palace Get in touch with the Cretan History, the famous Cretan Hospitality, the Culture, the Cretan Cuisine, the base of the Mediterranean Diet. This tour is very flexible, being a Strictly Private Tour. With this tour you take back home nice feelings, beautiful impressions for a lifetime and you look forward to come back

Discover the authentic flavors and natural beauty of Crete on this private half-day tour. Begin your journey at Lake Kournas, the island's only freshwater lake, where you can swim in its clear waters or enjoy a leisurely pedalo ride with stunning mountain views. Next, immerse yourself in Crete's rich culinary traditions with visits to a family-owned olive oil factory and winery. Learn about the production process of world-class olive oil and sample a variety of exquisite local wines, including five different selections at the winery. Throughout the tour, you'll travel in comfort in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with your dedicated guide, ensuring a personalized and unforgettable experience tailored to your preferences.

Sail away on a unique sea adventure from Souda and discover the hidden gems of the bay! Cruise along the beautiful coastline, admire the historic Souda Island, dive into the crystal-clear waters of Almirida, explore impressive sea caves, and relax on the golden sands of Marathi Beach. A perfect escape filled with beautiful scenery, refreshing swims, unforgettable moments, and a touch of Cretan history.

We begin your journey at a unique botanical garden created with love by a small-scale local farmer, home to a rich collection of endemic Cretan plants. Through playful, hands-on activities in the nature, families discover local herbs and their medicinal and edible uses, taste fresh fruits straight from the trees, and experience the island’s biodiversity in an interactive and engaging way. The visit ends with delicious Cretan treats prepared from the garden’s ingredients. We delve into Crete’s ancient past with a visit to a Minoan site, where we learn about the island’s first great civilization through engaging storytelling. We conclude at the impressive Fortress of Aptera, enjoying breathtaking panoramic views while exploring the layers of history that have shaped Crete over the centuries. This day guarantees a perfect blend of play, exploration, nature and history in the beautiful Cretan countryside.

Explore the rich culture and heritage of Crete with a visit to the legendary Knossos Palace, the heart of Minoan civilization. This immersive tour includes a delightful olive oil tasting and a visit to a local winery, where you can savor authentic Cretan flavors. Enjoy a traditional lunch in the charming village of Melesses, surrounded by picturesque landscapes. This experience is designed for small groups, ensuring personalized attention and a deeper connection to local traditions. - Visit the iconic Knossos Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site - Enjoy olive oil tasting and a winery visit for local flavors - Savor a traditional lunch in the scenic village of Melesses - Ideal for small groups seeking an authentic Cretan experience

Escape the crowds and journey into the authentic soul of Crete with a private tour to the picturesque Lasithi Plateau. Surrounded by the majestic Dikti Mountains, this fertile plateau is home to charming traditional villages, ancient myths, and stunning natural beauty. Step back in time and explore the legendary heart of Minoan civilization on a captivating full-day tour to the Palace of Knossos, the most iconic archaeological site in Crete. Journey into Greek mythology as you uncover the secrets of King Minos, the labyrinth, and the mythical Minotaur. Visiting an olive oil factory in Crete is an immersive journey into the heart of one of the Mediterranean's oldest and most cherished traditions. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about Crete’s rich cultural heritage, this tour offers an unforgettable look at the origins of European history.

This private boat tour is designed for travelers who want to enjoy Elounda and Mirabello Bay in a relaxed and personal way, away from crowded group boats. With a local family-owned business, guests can swim in clear waters, relax on board, enjoy snacks and drinks, and use the included paddleboard and sea scooter during the stops. For guests who want something more special, a private chef can also be arranged as an extra service. Everything is prepared with care, so guests can simply arrive, step on board and enjoy their time in Crete.

Discover the wild and traditional side of Crete on a full-day tour from Rethymnon. Visit the picturesque village of Agia Galini, the world-famous Matala, and the traditional village of Spili. Start your tour heading south through wild traditional Crete, bringing you to your first stop at the picturesque village of Agia Galini. Spend 1.5 hours here to enjoy a coffee and walk around the alleys of the village. Next, head to Matala, world-famous for its impressive neolithic caves along the bay that used to be shelter for the hippie commune during the 70s. Enjoy 3 hours of free time to swim and relax at the sandy beach. At the Botanic Garden beautiful four-acre medicinal herb gardens, especially in spring and summer. When you enter the garden gate,you will find yourself immersed in a peaceful and magical garden, filled with aromatic herbs and medicinal herbs. Finally, on your way back, make a small break at the traditional village of Spili with its well-known lion-head fountains.

Elevate your Cretan vacation with an experience designed for pure luxury and absolute peace of mind. unlike the standard tour, the signature private tour accompanied by our professional guide/chauffeur ensures a completely seamless VIP journey from your hotel lobby to the famous pink sands of Balos. What truly sets us apart is our zero-compromise approach to service. We do not just drop you off at Kissamos port to navigate the crowds alone. We board the cruise with you! Your guide remains by your side throughout the entire maritime adventure to Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon, guaranteeing dedicated VIP attention and instant problem-solving. You will travel in absolute comfort in the flagship Black Mercedes-Benz VIP Minivan (Full Extra) featuring premium climate control, Wi-Fi, and a complimentary signature Cretan gift box. Your dedicated 24/7 Concierge pre-books your ferry tickets in advance, allowing you to bypass the stress of ticket lines. Book your exclusive VIP holiday today!

Discover Spinalonga and the crystal-clear waters of Mirabello Bay on a private 5-hour motor yacht cruise from Agios Nikolaos. Designed exclusively for your group, this experience combines sightseeing, swimming and relaxed time aboard Virtuosa. Cruise around historic Spinalonga, enjoy two 40-minute swimming stops in carefully selected locations, and take in the coastline of Mirabello Bay. Professional skipper and host, fresh fruit, light snacks, soft drinks and water are included, with an optional upgraded onboard meal available.

Explore Crete's natural beauty on this private half-day tour that offers stunning views of the iconic Samaria Gorge and a leisurely stroll through the enchanting Cretan Botanical Garden. Enjoy a scenic drive into the White Mountains, where you'll pause at a viewpoint for breathtaking photos and insights into the gorge's unique ecosystem. Then, immerse yourself in the colorful Cretan Botanical Park, discovering various native plants and fruits. Conclude your visit with an optional light lunch at the garden's tavern while enjoying mountain views. Ideal for families, couples, and nature enthusiasts looking for a relaxed yet enriching experience in Crete's picturesque landscapes. - Private transport from Chania with flexible pick-up times - Scenic stop at Samaria Gorge for stunning photography - Guided exploration of the Cretan Botanical Garden - Option for a light lunch or coffee at the garden's tavern

Explore Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa island by joining in your private cruise with a luxury speed boat Bibello – 15 people – which starts daily at 15:30-20:30 (5 hour duration) in the afternoon from Falassarna port Limeniskos. It takes 30 about minutes to get at Gramvousa . You stay two hours at Gramvousa and two hours at Balos Lagoon to swim, take photos and relax on the beach. Soft drinks, water and beers are included in the price. An amazing experience which combines the two of the most famous destinations in Chania. A unique experience with a powerful luxury speedboat. Quench your thirst along the way with the included beers, soft drinks, and water. Make a splash in the crystal-clear, turquoise waters of the Balos lagoon.

We leave from Kolymbari port at 10:00 and go directly to Gramvousa island where you can enjoy the turquoise waters and if you wish, walk up to the castle for a beautiful panoramic view. We then move onto Balos lagoon where you have free time for swimming and relaxing. Our aim is to arrive at each place before the larger ferry boats from Kissamos, giving you the opportunity to enjoy them as less crowded as possible. We then move onto Menies beach and Choironissia for another swim and we arrive back at the port of Kolymbari around 18:00

Sail with us along the magnificent Mirabello Gulf and be mesmerized by the thousand shades of blue of the Cretan Sea. Explore the most unique hidden bays of the gulf and savor on our exclusive menu prepared with the finest ingredients. Our journey begins from the Marina of Agios Nikolaos. As we start, after a short safety briefing, you can admire the beautiful coastline of Mirabello. About 1 hour later we arrive to our first swim stop in kolokytha bay where you can enjoy the famous turquoise waters and try snorkeling and SUP paddle boarding. After about 1 hour you will have the opportunity to enjoy our exclusive menu that includes Cretan appetizers, Shrimp Linguini or mushroom risotto and a platter of Mediterranean and tropical fruits. After, the boat will depart to sail around the iconic Spinalonga Island and you will get the opportunity to admire it from the sea which offers the most stunning view before setting sails to head back to the Marina after a day full of great memories.

We set off with our skipper in the morning towards Elafonissi and enjoy a long swim in the crystal clear waters.Our next stop is the unique Kedrodasos beach where the endemic juniper trees can be found at the back of the beach and the water is just too blue to be true! Lunchtime finds us in Paleochora where we taste the delicacies that this little town has to offer. During the afternoon, we make our way back and we also make a stop at the secluded creek of Lissos, where the Temple of Asclepius hides a beautiful mosaic floor. On our way back to Sfakia we will make some more stops in some well-known bays such as Domata, Agia Roumeli, Agios Pavlos, Marmara. An afternoon coffee break in Loutro is a must, before we head back to Sfakia.

Start your day with a comfortable hotel pick-up and a scenic drive through picturesque villages and mountains of Crete, with stops for photos along the way. Visit the elegant town of Agios Nikolaos to stroll along the lake and marina or relax with sea views, continue with stunning sights of Elounda Bay and the Mirabello Gulf, and arrive in the village of Plaka to board a traditional boat to the historic island of Spinalonga, where you can explore the Venetian fortress and learn about its past as a leper colony. Conclude the day with a mountain drive through Fourni, enjoying panoramic views and authentic Cretan life and cuisine, before returning to your hotel with lasting memories of Crete’s history, landscapes, and hospitality.

Discover Crete's heritage on a private day trip from Rethymno. Visit Ancient Aptera, enjoy breathtaking views from Venizelos Graves, explore Chania’s charming Old Town with a guided walk and traditional lunch, and end your day tasting premium olive oil at Kanakis Olive Mill. -Explore the archaeological site of Ancient Aptera overlooking Souda Bay -Enjoy stunning panoramas from Venizelos Graves viewpoint -Guided walking tour and free time in picturesque Chania Old Town -Authentic Cretan lunch in a traditional taverna -Taste award-winning olive oils at Kanakis Olive Mill

Combine the highlights of the Lassithi Plateau with Knossos Palace on this full-day sightseeing tour. See the windmills of Lassithi, admire traditional pottery making at Psychro, explore Dictean Cave (said to be the birthplace of Zeus), view the traditional architecture at Tzermiado, and visit the Monastery of Kera Kardiotissa, before finishing the tour at Knossos Palace.

Join us on a wonderful day trip from Rethymno to the famous Gramvousa Island and the stunning Balos Lagoon. Departure is in the morning around 8:00 a.m., followed by a scenic bus drive of approximately two hours to the port of Kissamos. From Kissamos, we take a boat to Gramvousa, enjoying beautiful views along the way. Upon arrival, there is about 1.5 hours of free time to explore the island, visit the Venetian fortress, or swim in the crystal-clear waters. The journey continues to the breathtaking Balos Lagoon, where you will have around 2.5 hours of free time to relax, swim, and admire the unique natural beauty. The return boat trip to Kissamos takes approximately one hour, followed by the bus transfer back to Rethymno.