2 hours
E-voucher
Multiple
Overview
Discover the charm of Rethymno’s Old Town with your local licensed guide!
Begin at the Venetian Harbor (13th c.) and admire the 19th-century Egyptian Lighthouse. Stroll through cobbled alleys rich in Venetian and Ottoman heritage.
See the Venetian Loggia, the Rimondi Fountain, and the Neratze Mosque. Visit a local music shop for a brief intro to Cretan music instruments and a traditional workshop where baklava and kataifi, filo pastry, are made.
Stop at the small but historic Church of the Little Virgin Mary and hear an introduction to Orthodox traditions.
Though we won’t enter the Fortezza, your guide will share its dramatic past of pirate raids and Ottoman sieges, infront of it's walls..
This tour blends history, culture, and the spirit of Crete in one unforgettable walk.
Operated by
Licensed tour guide
Ratings & Reviews
Average Rating
5
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7 traveller ratings
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See the city with a true expert
deeh6, May 2026
This was such a pleasant walk. Private and unhurried, Nikas took us through the old town but did not stop there with his knowledge. Any questions we had he answered and more. We gained a better understanding of the history of Crete, its cultural and religious differences and much of how his own history is related to the entire history of the island. He knew many people as we walked down we had a private song and a behind the scenes look at the making of phyllo dough. He connected the changes of architecture to what we saw and even how it affects the real estate market today. And he speaks six languages! Truly a special day!
Response from Host, May 2026
Dear Deirdre, Thank you so much for your incredibly thoughtful and generous review. It was truly a pleasure to spend this special day together exploring the Old Town of Rethymno and sharing with you not only the history of the city, but also the living traditions, culture, architecture, music, and everyday life of Crete. I am especially happy that you appreciated the more personal and authentic moments of the tour — from the local connections and music to the behind-the-scenes experience of traditional phyllo making. For me, these experiences help visitors discover the true soul of Crete beyond the typical tourist experience. Your kind words about the storytelling and the broader discussions regarding Cretan history, religion, architecture, and even modern real estate life mean a great deal to me. I always try to create a tour that feels personal, relaxed, meaningful, and rich in authentic local insight. Thank you again for your warmth, curiosity, and wonderful company throughout the day. I sincerely hope to welcome you back to Crete again in the future for even more memorable experiences together. Warmest regards, Nikolaos
Highly recommended
Karin_L, May 2026
What a wonderful introduction to Crete and Rethymno. Nikolas was knowledgeable, kind and a terrific storyteller. We had some special moments with lyre music and later, Nikolas’ singing.
Response from Host, May 2026
Dear Karin Thank you so much for your lovely review and your kind words. It was truly a pleasure to welcome you to Crete and to share with you the beauty, history, and spirit of Rethymno. I am very happy to hear that you enjoyed the storytelling, the local music, and those special cultural moments we experienced together during the tour. For me, guiding is not only about presenting historical facts, but also about creating meaningful memories and helping visitors feel the living soul of Crete through its traditions, music, and people. I’m especially pleased that the lyre music and singing added something memorable to your experience. Thank you once again for your warmth and wonderful company. I sincerely hope our paths cross again someday here in Crete. Warm regards, Nikolaos
Delightful tour with the most interesting man in Rethymnon!
Timothy B, Apr 2026
Nikolaos was very knowledgeable, kind, interesting engaging guide. He lives in Rethymnon and was very proud of his city and its heritage. He shared history and showed US a full array of interesting sites, stores and areas of old town. His chanting in the Church of Mary was amazing. We enjoyed his shared knowledge and companionship for a delightful and meaningful tour of a wonderful city. I highly recommend this tour! It was delightful to meat this interesting man and share his passion for Rethymnon! Thank you for a meaningful and wonderful morning!
Response from Host, May 2026
Dear Tim. Thank you so much for your truly wonderful and heartfelt review. It was a real pleasure to spend the morning with you and to share the history, culture, traditions, and hidden corners of my hometown, Rethymno. Your kind words mean a great deal to me, especially knowing that you enjoyed not only the historical aspects of the tour, but also the personal stories and moments we shared together along the way. Rethymno is a city with a rich soul and many layers of history, and I always try to help my guests experience it not simply as visitors, but as welcomed friends discovering the authentic spirit of Crete. I am especially touched that you mentioned the chanting inside the Church of Mary — moments like these often create the deepest memories of a journey. Thank you again for your trust, your warm company, and your generous recommendation. It would be my great pleasure to welcome you back to Crete anytime in the future for more unforgettable experiences together. Warmest regards, Nikolaos
Old Town Rethymno Came to Life with Nicolas
Melissa_M, Jun 2025
Old Town Rethymno was very quaint with lots of history. Nicolas was a great communicator from the beginning making sure that we were prepared to have a successful tour that accommodated our unique requests. He shared fascinating insights and personal stories on the history and culture for each site that truly made old town come to life. He was attentive to our needs and made sure everyone was comfortable along the way, answering all of our questions. Nicolas has a true passion for sharing the history and culture allowing us to see all the highlights without feeling rushed. We saw and learned things that we never would have encountered if it wasn't for this tour! This was truly a memorable experience that we would highly recommend if you get a chance to tour with Nicolas.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Dear Melissa Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review. It was truly a pleasure to guide you through the charming streets of Rethymno’s Old Town and share with you its rich history and vibrant culture. I’m especially glad to hear that the tour met your expectations and that you felt both well-prepared and comfortable throughout. Your words mean a lot to me, as I always strive to offer not just information, but also a warm and personal experience that helps bring the past to life. Thank you again for taking the time to share your impressions. I deeply appreciate your recommendation and would be delighted to welcome you or your friends back to Crete anytime in the future. Warm regards, Nicolas
Itinerary
Rethymnon Old Town
Meet your guide at the Venetian Harbor, a picturesque harbor built in the 13th century by the Venetians. Admire the iconic Egyptian Lighthouse, standing tall since the 19th century.Wander into the heart of Rethymno’s Old Town, a labyrinth of narrow, cobblestone streets that tell stories of the town’s Venetian and Ottoman past. Notice the elegant Venetian buildings with arched doorways, ornate windows, and beautifully preserved facades, Stop at the Venetian Loggia, a 16th-century pass by the Rimondi Fountain, and visit a traditional workshop where one of Crete’s most beloved desserts, kataifi, is made. Stop at the Church of the Little Virgin Mary, a small yet historically significant Orthodox church in the heart of the Old Town. Although you won’t climb to the fortress during this tour, your guide will share its fascinating history and its role in protecting the town from pirate and Ottoman invasions.
1 hour
Experience
Inclusions
- Walking guided tour and sightseeing in Rethymno’s Old Town with a licensed local guide.
Exclusions
- We only view the Fortezza Fortress from the outside, so no entrance fee is required.
Additional Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- During the tour, we will be entering a Greek Orthodox church, although not during a religious ceremony. an appropriate attire is still recommended.
Guide Languages
English
Japanese
Swedish
Russian
German
Italian
French
Cancellation Policy
A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.