As soon as the cruise ship docks at the port of Souda, your guide will be waiting for you to start a beautiful tour. Our first destination is the Souda Bay War Cemetery for a short visit. Afterwards we head to the Monastery of Agia Triada and then we continue to the well-known Venizelos’ Graves for a walk and some photos at the panoramic view. We head to visit the city center of Chania as well as the Old Port. Then we board and return to the port of Souda.
After picking you up from the port of Souda we head to the War Cemetery that was Built by the architect Louis De Soissons, including 19 graves of soldiers from the World War Ι and 37 from the post-war era. Every year events take place in memory of the victims of the Allies of the World War II who lost their lives mainly during the Battle of Crete, attracting many visitors throughout the year. The cemetery is maintained by the Commonwealth Military Grave Commission and was built after the war to include all the graves of soldiers killed in Crete.
Our next stop is the Monastery of Ag. Triada. It is one of the richest and most beautiful monasteries of Crete, about 15km away from Chania, near the also well-known Gouverneto Monastery. This monastery stands out for its Renaissance architectural elements, since it was built in 1634 by the Cretan monks Jeremiah and Laurentio of the Venetian Orthodox family of the Tsangarolos. Inside the Monastery there is a small museum that has been set up with lots of manuscripts and utensils as well as a large exhibition of wood carvings. Its natural environment is so neat and impressive with wells, flowers and seasonal plants. To this day the Monastery plays an important role in the religious and economic life of Crete, since it produces unique quality organic olive oil, wine, honey, vinegar and olive oil soap.
Later we visit the Venizelos’ Graves. It is not by chance the most popular spot that offers the most beautiful panoramic view of the city and the port. A few kilometers east of Chania, on the road to Akrotiri, there are the tombs of the well-known Greek politician Eleftherios Venizelos and his son Sophocles Venizelos. You can take a walk in the quiet park that is formed around among the pine trees and enjoy the wonderful view during the sunset. Next to the tombs you will see the little church of Prophet Ilias, built in the 16th century as well as the stone statue of Liberty which symbolizes the struggles of the Cretan people.
We continue our route to the city center of Chania. We will have the chance to tour the picturesque city, the main streets and the most magical part of the city, the old port. The port was built in the 14th century with intense Venetian elements and impressive architecture and it is undoubtedly a time travel full of historical interest. The imposing lighthouse, the narrow streets, the beautiful restaurants with Cretan delicacies, the busy cafes, the view towards the boats and the romantic aura make it an archaeological treasure.
Experience the most beautiful parts of Crete! Your amazing tour ends with a comfortable transfer back to the port.