Excursion Description
Private Tour
Vai is the island’s famous micro-climate: a natural palm forest that feels tropical yet remains unmistakably Cretan. The road there threads past remote coves and pastoral scenery; we pause at a secluded lagoon café for a coffee that tastes like a local secret. Walk the wooden paths through the palm grove and watch the light change through the fronds; in summer the palms shade an active beach where children run and photographers find endless frames.
Vai hosts Europe’s largest natural palm forest - a protected, centuries-old stand of wild Cretan date palms (Phoenix theophrasti) that gives the place its unique, almost tropical atmosphere.
Before reaching Vai we also pause at Istro Lagoon at Mirabello Bay - a beautiful, sheltered lagoon beach and a perfect stop en route for a quick swim, a barefoot stroll or a private moment by aquamarine water.
Beyond the grove, the sand and sea invite long swims and slow afternoons. A short archaeological photo stop at Gournia - one of the best-preserved Minoan towns - adds cultural depth to the tropical daylight, linking Vai’s exotic appearance with Crete’s deep past.
Our private format gives you time to explore the palms without crowds, and to leave at your pace for an easy return, ending with Volanna hospitality and a local keepsake.
What’s Included:
- Pick-up from your place or hotel, apartment, villa, port, or 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 cold Cretan mineral water (during ride).
- Complimentary coffee present at an exclusive local "secret spot".
- Scenic drive along.
- Secret coffee stop at Istro lagoon (included).
- Photo & short stop at Gournia archaeological site (optional entry €5).
- Guided walk through Vai palm forest (national park area).
- Relax & swim at Vai Beach (showers + WC available).
- Beautiful seaside ride (optionally lunch/dinner at a local taverna ~€15–€25 p.p. | extra).
- Private transfer back to your place in luxury Mercedes Vito.
- Volanna Travel “Memory Presents” (handpicked local gift pack).
Optionally:
- Lunch/dinner at a local taverna (~€15–€25 | Extra).
- Sunbeds & umbrellas at nearby beaches (extra).
- Transfer to the Kissamos Port for boat trip or hiking optimal point departure.
- Transfer to nearby organized beach (e.g., Falassarna) for extra swim & facilities.
- Optional Add-on: Capture All the Magic! — pro drone + photo/video coverage.
- "Group Pack" – €100 total (covers everyone).
- "Solo Option" – €15 per person.
- You’ll receive all photos & edited video memories after the tour. Perfect for social media posts, sharing, and reliving the experience.
- Optionally: Pro Bodyguard (€75 per hour | Extra).
Perfect for:
Travellers who value comfort, privacy and want the lagoon & fortress experience without stress, crowds, hustle & bustle. Ideal for families, couples, adventure seekers, photo hunters, nature lovers and small groups up to 8 people.
Tour Timeline
- 08:00 - 08:45 — Private pick-up from your location (Heraklion area). Complimentary cold bottle of Cretan mineral water on board.
- 08:45 - 10:00 — Coastal drive to Istro with secret coffee & lagoon photo-stop.
- 10:00 - 11:00 — Photo stop at Gournia archaeological viewpoint (optional entry €5).
- 11:00 - 12:30 — Scenic approach to Vai palm grove.
- 12:30 - 15:30 — Vai Beach: walk the palm paths, swim, and relax (showers + WC available).
- 15:30 - 17:30 — Scenic coastal return — Volanna Gift Box at drop-off.
- 17:30 — Volanna Travel gift on arrival. Final Touch - "The Volanna Way": a handpicked Cretan memory gift box to end your perfect day.
From JUST €79 — Excellent VALUE for money!
