Excursion Description
Private Tour
Lake Kournas is Crete’s only natural freshwater lake, a shimmering emerald mirror nestled between the White Mountains and rolling hills. Its reed-lined shores, crystal-clear waters and quiet atmosphere make it a sanctuary of calm - a place to spot turtles, paddle across the lake on a pedal boat or catamaran, stroll shaded paths and taste authentic Cretan cuisine in lakeside tavernas. Families, couples, photographers and relaxation seekers all find their piece of paradise here.
But the story of this journey continues beyond nature. On the return leg, we visit Rethymno Old Town - one of the best-preserved Venetian quarters in all of Greece. Here, time slows as we wander through a maze of cobblestone alleys, ornate doorways, colorful Ottoman balconies, and bustling artisan shops. The Rimondi Fountain, Venetian arches and flower-filled courtyards make this town a photographer’s dream and a living museum of Crete’s layered history.
For those who wish, the highlight crowns the visit: the Venetian Fortezza of Rethymno (1573–1580). This massive star-shaped fortress, built to guard against Ottoman raids, dominates the town from its hilltop. Inside, its bastions, domes and panoramic viewpoints reveal stunning vistas of the Cretan Sea, the harbor and the mountains beyond. A short guided tour (optional) brings to life tales of Venetian generals, pirate attacks and the cultural blending that shaped Rethymno into the gem it is today.
This private day out is more than a transfer — it’s a curated experience where scenic landscapes, authentic flavors and centuries of history come together. With Volanna Travel, you get the details that matter: premium Mercedes comfort, thoughtful touches, and the freedom to enjoy both nature and culture at your own pace.
What’s Included:
- Pick-up from your place or hotel, apartment, villa, port, airport.
- Brand new luxury Mercedes Vito with VIP leather seats.
- Private driver & guide with local insights (ENG/UA/RUS/POL/GR).
- Premium air-conditioning (all levels).
- Free onboard Wi-Fi for your comfort.
- Panoramic views from large tinted windows.
- Ample separate luggage storage space (up to 8 large bags, also suitable for wet swimwear after the beach).
- Welcoming with a "World Awarded" bottle of cold Cretan mineral water during the ride.
- Complimentary coffee at an exclusive local "Secret Spot" (included).
- Scenic drive through olive groves and mountain villages.
- Full visit to Lake Kournas – Crete’s only freshwater lake.
- Free time for swimming, relaxing, or strolling the shore (optionally: hire a catamaran, extra).
- Cultural finale – visit to a local Olive Mill with olive oil tasting.
- Beautiful seaside ride with optional lunch/dinner at a local Taverna or Restaurant (~€15–€25 p.p., extra).
- Visit Rethymno with guided walking tour of Rethymno Old Town (included) – Rimondi Fountain, Venetian alleys, seafront, local stories, shopping therapy.
- Optionally: visit the Venetian Fortezza of Rethymno (1573–1580) (entrance ~€4 p.p., family ticket ~€10).
- Private transfer back to your place in luxury Mercedes Vito.
- Volanna Travel “Memory Presents” – handpicked local gift pack.
Optionally:
- Lunch/Dinner at lakeside Taverna (Cretan cuisine): ~€15–€25 p.p. (extra)
- Pedal boat or catamaran rental for lake exploration:
- Standard pedal boat (2-seater / €12/hour, extra)
- Family pedal boat (4-seater with sunshade / €18/hour, extra)
- Premium catamaran-style / €25/hour, extra
- VIP decorated catamaran with wine & fruit platter / €45/hour, extra
- Exclusive guided catamaran with onboard host / €60/hour, extra
- Fortezza of Rethymno – Entrance fee: approx. €4 per adult (seniors ~€3, children/students discounts, family ticket ~€10)
- Private guided Fortezza inside-tour: €30 per group (storytelling + photo hotspots)
- Professional photo & video package (€100 group / €15 per person) – Receive all photos & edited video memories after the tour. Perfect for social media posts, sharing, reliving and saying: “Yeah, I lived that.”
- Optionally: Pro Bodyguard (€75 per hour, extra)
Perfect for
Nature lovers | Couples | Families | Relaxation seekers | Photographers | Lake explorers | Romantic escapes | Authentic Crete experience | VIP private tours
Tour Timeline
- 07:00 – 08:30: Private pick-up from your location
- 07:00 – 08:30: Cold Cretan mineral water onboard
- 08:30 – 10:00: Scenic drive via seaside road for a coffee stop at a charming village café
- 10:00 – 10:15: Arrival at Lake Kournas - crystal waters & wildlife spotting
- 10:30 – 11:30: Optionally: Pedal-boat or catamaran ride (Extra)
- 10:30 – 11:30: Capture tranquil moments & nature’s beauty
- 11:30 – 13:30: Free time - swim, stroll, relax lakeside
- 13:30 – 14:30: Optionally: Lunch at a lakeside taverna (Extra) - Cretan cuisine, local meze & wine, organic olive oil, Greek salad, village bread & extra
- 15:00 – 15:30: Optionally: Visit to an Olive Mill through scenic landscapes
- 15:30 – 16:00: Olive oil tasting experience (Extra)
- 16:00 – 16:30: Beautiful seaside ride (Optionally: Lunch/dinner at a Local Taverna or Restaurant ~€15–€25 p.p., Extra)
- 16:30 – 17:30: Visit beautiful Rethymno with Guided walking tour of Rethymno Old Town - Rimondi Fountain, Venetian alleys, seafront, local stories, shopping therapy (included)
- 16:30 – 17:30: Optionally: Visit the Venetian Fortezza of Rethymno (1573–1580) (entrance ~€4 p.p.; family ticket ~ €10)
- 17:30 – 18:30: Relaxing return drive with photo stops
- 18:30: Final Touch: The Volanna Way™ - A handpicked "Cretan Gift Box" at the end. Because when you travel with us, you become part of the Volanna family
