Learn the history of the glorious Battle of Crete and discover why it became one of the great events of World War II. Visit key locations where the battle took place, including the site where the German army first landed.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Mobile ticketing: Use your phone or print your voucher
Duration 7 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
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Live tour guide: English, Greek
Pickup included: Pickup is available from the following locations: • 9:00 AM – Kriti hotel (for hotels around Koum Kapi neighborhood, East old town, and Chania city center) • 9:10 AM – GS Tours offices (for hotels around East and Central old town/harbor, and Chania city center) • 9:20 AM – Talos Square – Hand fountain (for hotels around West old town and harbor, and East Nea Chora) • 9:25 AM – Sunny Rent Car (for hotels in Nea Chora) • 9:40 AM – Xenios Dias and Golden Beach central parking (for hotels around the Golden beach and Agioi Apostoloi) • 10:00 AM – For pickups from Kalamaki, Stalos, Agia Marina, Platanias, Maleme, and Tavronitis

Highlights

See the Maleme airfield from above and visit Tavronitis Bridge
Learn about the battle of Galatas
Discover remnants from the war at different monuments and battle sites
Visit small museums and secret shelters
Go to the war cemeteries of the German and Allied forces

Full description

Explore the World War II history of Crete and learn about its wider impact in southeast Europe and Greece. Explore the story of the Greek-Italian War of 1940 and the circumstances that lead to Hitler's Operation Mercury. Hear how the Battle of Crete and the resistance to the invasion helped revive the morale of the Allied troops around the world. Visit key location sites such as the pretty village of Maleme, where the German paratroopers first landed. Discover remnants of the war at Tavronitis and Galatas, and visit the war cemeteries of the German and Allied troops. Be amazed as your guide brings history to life and tells you about secret shelters and other monuments from the war. Hear untold stories that take you behind the scenes and explore the role the partisans played as they helped the British, Australian and New Zealand armies change the course of history.

Includes

Pickup and drop-off from specific locations in Chania region
Transportation by air-conditioned minivan
English-speaking driver/guide
Local guide
Entrance fees
Local taxes
Small group tour
Snack and a bottle of water (per person)

Optional gratuities

Covid-19 precautions

Safety measures in place

All required protective equipment is provided
All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
You must keep social distance while in vehicles
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds

Important information

What to bring

Comfortable shoes

Not allowed

Pets

Know before you go

This tour only departs from the Chania region

Customer reviews

Overall rating

5 /5

based on 4 reviews

Review summary

Guide
5/5
Transportation
5/5
Value for money
5/5
Safety
5/5

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Very interesting tour that covers the main events of the battle focusing on locations in the Chania area where the battle was won and lost. Hill 107, Malame, prison valley etc. This isn't a guide who has learnt some lines, he's immersed in his subject and has wonderful knowledge, and he invites questions and discussions. The battle is looked at in a very balanced way and it's an honest appraisal of the events including overviews of pre invasion and the occupation periods.

August 13, 2020

We recommend.

I was on the tour with my two sons-in-law. The tour was carried out by Janis and Janis. The introduction to the starting position at point 107 was tactically precise and very entertaining. The other site discussion points were chosen very well. I have already recommended the tour to several friends.

August 3, 2019

The guide was very knowledgeable and explained the battle of Crete and the events leading up to the events very well. The private collection of artifacts that we had access to was extensive but the explanation was too long. The owner of the collection described every single article and where it was discovered. Be aware there was no break scheduled for lunch. those points aside, an excellent trip with a very friendly guide.

May 10, 2019

From Chania: Crete World War II History Tour

From Chania: Crete World War II History Tour

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