OVERVIEW: Enjoy a cultural tour that includes the extensive ruins of the ancient city of Aptera as well as the villages of Georgioupolis and Gavalochori.
HIGHLIGHTS: Start your tour with a short photo stop at the ancient ruins of Aptera. Enjoy a short guided tour of Georgioupolis and some free time in the traditional Cretan village of Gavalochori. You'll have some free time to explore Chania Town before returning to the ship.
NOTES: Guests must be able to walk approximately 1 mile over various surfaces and cobblestone streets with inclines a few steps. If guests should miss the return bus, transportation back to the vessel is their own responsibility & expense.
Overview:
Enjoy a cultural tour that includes the extensive ruins of the ancient city of Aptera as well as the villages of Georgioupolis and Gavalochori.
Highlights:
-Aptera: Photo stop at the ancient ruins
-Georgioupolis: Enjoy a short guided tour and some free time
-Gavalochori: Free time in the traditional Cretan village
-Chania Town: Free time to explore before returning to the ship
Full Description:
Your tour begins with a photo stop at the extensive ruins of the ancient city of Aptera which can be found above the entrance to the great harbor of Souda, where the town of Paleokastro stands today. According to tradition, the name Aptera is derived from the Apteron King of Crete who is said to have lived in the time of Moses, around 1800 BC.
Your tour continues to the village of Georgioupolis where you’ll enjoy a short guided tour and some free time to explore. The village was founded in a grove of green trees at the mouth of the Almyros River. Georgioupolis has a small port which is used by the local fishermen. You will also visit Gavalochori, another very old, traditional Cretan village which has an interesting history. The population is around 350 but the number swells during the summer months.
You will have the opportunity explore in Chania Town at your own pace before you return to the port.
What to Bring:
-You should always take your SeaPass card (provided onboard ship) and photo identification when in port
-You will need Euros and/or credit cards for any purchases (foreign currencies are not accepted).
-Camera
What to Wear:
-Hats, sunscreen and other forms of sun protection are highly recommended.
-Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended.
Important Notes:
-Guests must be able to walk approximately 1 mile over various surfaces and cobblestone streets with inclines a few steps.
-If guests should miss the return bus, transportation back to the vessel is their own responsibility and at their own expense.
-The return drive from Gavalochori to Souda Port is approximately 45 minutes, dependent upon traffic conditions.
-The shopping hours and closure dates should be reviewed in the introduction section of Chania, Greece.
