Private Tour
Chania Private Tour: Monastery, Scenic Gorge & Mountain Views
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Perfect tour for those seeking an authentic Cretan experience, the tour takes you to a historic monastery, followed by a breathtaking drive through Therisso Gorge, where you’ll soak in stunning mountain views.
Depending on the day, we will visit one of the local monasteries—either the Monastery of Metamorfosi or the Monastery of Odigitria. Both are excellent choices, offering an authentic experience of spiritual tranquility and unique architecture that reflects Crete’s rich religious and cultural heritage.
Then, we will drive through the scenic Therisso Gorge, admiring the towering cliffs and lush landscape that create one of Crete’s most impressive natural wonders.
There is also the option to stop for lunch at a traditional, family-run restaurant in the mountains. (optional)
Whichever option you choose, this tour offers an unforgettable journey into Crete’s rich history and natural beauty.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Chania Prefecture
The day begins with a visit to one of the region’s historic monasteries—either the Monastery of Metamorfosi or the Monastery of Odigitria. The choice depends on the day, ensuring we visit the monastery that is open. Both offer a peaceful atmosphere, traditional architecture, and insight into Crete's rich religious heritage. Wander through serene courtyards, admire ancient icons, and take in the spiritual ambiance that makes these monasteries such important cultural landmarks.
Gorges of Theriso
Our next stop is the historical village of Therisso, but to get there we must first drive through the beautiful and imposing Therisso Gorge! There will be several stops along the way to enjoy the natural scenery, the impressive, towering cliffs and if we’re lucky, we may even meet a few flocks of goats and sheep! Inside the gorge we can stop for photographs.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Refreshments and bottled water throughout the day
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Professional English speaking driver
Cretan snacks
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
All inclusive Tour with lunch
Traditional Lunch : Enjoy an all-inclusive adventure with a delicious lunch at a traditional, family-run mountain restaurant!
Pickup included
Chania Private Tour: Monastery, Scenic Gorge & Mountain Views
Duration: 3 hours
Without Meal
Pickup included
Reviews
12 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A unique and unforgettable day
Wildernestlane,,Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great day with Maria, IMable, She took us from Chania to Renthymno, Mon Arcadi, Apokorodos Valley, Aptera and theTurkish Fortress. She took us to the lovely village of Gavalochori for a luncheon feast of local Cretan cuisine in a perfect setting. Maria is lovely, knowledgeable and accommodating. A unique and unforgettable day.
Had the best guided tour by Maria - definitely takes into account your needs.
116ugniuss,,Oct 17, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was just amazing having a guided tour by Maria - time was well managed, information was not dry, with some jokes or interesting facts being included. I would definitely repeat it since the monastery and all the other places were breathtaking, so I got familiarized with the important parts/objects of the island pretty well. I highly recommend to have Maria as your tour guide - good portion of humor, information, nice time and care is guaranteed.
Fantastic tour!
Joanne M,,Sep 5, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00I cannot say enough good things about Maria and our tour. She took us to a beautiful monastery where the nuns have built and decorated everything by hand. They are truly artists and artisans. There is a gift shop with exquisite homemade items. Maria supplied delicious homemade snacks, and took us to a local restaurant in a quaint village in the mountains. She is very knowledgeable about her island, and worked well within our hours to show us everything. She also has a great sense of humor.
Unforgettable and truly amazing
T3114VSsimonp,,Aug 31, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour was unforgettable and truly made our holiday so much more special. We all very much enjoyed the tour up the mountain and visiting the 14th century monastery. Maria was wonderful with our 10 year old son, taking the time and explain everything in a way he could understand. Maria is very knowledgeable with the history of the island and was a kind and friendly host, we especially loved the little Greek pastries and water. My favourite part of the tour was the trek up the mountain and the restaurant was stunning. Our son loved the cave and the animals and we were all taken back by the views. All in all a truly wonderful experience and I would 100% recommended IMable Travel and we also wanted to say a massive thank you to Maria for making it so special.
FABULOUS DAY!
L8360RLnancyl,,Jul 10, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Maria is remarkable. This was one of our favorite tours. As soon as I booked Maria was in touch with us to see if we had any needed dietary issues or special accommodations. Maria planned an incredible day for us her knowledge of the history and here caring of her island and family shined through which made the day even more amazing. The visit to the Monastery and the history of how it came to be and the instructed details of the arts will stay with us forever. Visiting gorges and small towns and culminating with one of the most delicious lunch with panoramic views was just some of the highlights. I can’t recommend Maria enough. She is the best. Her mom even made us the most delicious cheese pies as a gift. WOW!!!!
The most beautiful experience in Crete
rosemaried498,,Jun 8, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our trip with Maria was fantastic. Attentive, friendly and very good information about the region. I felt like the Queen. The coffee and pastries, her mother's pastries and the food in a mountain restaurant were also very tasty. Everything was so perfect that we booked a trip back on Monday. If you are in Crete area Chania be sure to book a trip, it will make your holiday complete.
Wonderful day!
Mariaaligizaki,,Feb 23, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing time! It was a very special day of our holiday! If you want to know the real Crete, you must book an excursion with Maria!
Amazing experience!!! Highly Recommended!!!!
Helenloupes,,Feb 1, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were met by our fantastic driver Maria right outside of our hotel! She had cool bottled water and refreshments available whenever we were back in the car! also she offered us homemade traditional cretan spinach pie!!! They were delicious! The car was immaculate, clean and plenty of space for 4 of us. The tour was perfect as you get to see traditional villages, to visit a small museum, to taste honey, to feed goats, to eat in a traditional taverna up to the mountain with stunning view and to tasty traditional food. The owners of the taverna offered us tsikoudia, a traditional spirit, and they let us feed their donkey! Maria made sure we were having wonderful time! We really enjoyed tour and would recommend you to book a tour with Maria . We didn't only feel like a real luxury, but also we felt the cretan hospitality! It was like we went on a tour with a friend! Thank you for the lovely day! we are looking forward to come back again to Crete!
Excellent!!
DemiZANG,,Jun 12, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The route provided by Maria is definitely worth the money. You won't face a lot of tourists but can really enjoy your own journey. Along the way, Maria will introduce us to the little-known history of the island and tell us fascinating mythological stories. Most importantly, she respects your various needs and proposes the best solution, you will not be disappointed!
Wonderful experience with Maria!
Sylvia BrightonUL,,May 19, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We spent 2 lovely days with Maria. The first day, we visited beautiful landscapes, we met goats, we ate delicious food on a restaurant with amazing view! Also, we visited a local winery and we enjoyed the wine tasting. Maria was lovely and polite! We had a long conversation! She is so well educated with nice humor! She offered us little spinach-cheese pies! So tasty!! I highly recommend that you take at least one tour with Maria!
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Operated by IMable Travel - Private Tours in Crete