All Day Family Tour to Rethymno & Kournas Lake | JMP Tours

Exploring the All Day Family Tour to Rethymno & Kournas Lake with JMP Tours

If you’re eyeing a day-long adventure around Crete that balances sightseeing, nature, and relaxed pace, this private tour to Rethymno and Kournas Lake might just fit the bill. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the details and glowing reviews suggest it’s a well-organized, scenic, and genuinely enjoyable way to see some of the island’s best features with your family or small group.

What really draws us to this experience are the thoughtfully planned stops—a charming old town packed with history and architecture, plus the chance to unwind at Greece’s only freshwater lake. And it’s all handled with a private vehicle, making the day feel personalized and comfortable. One small thing to keep in mind: the tour runs about 8 hours, so it’s a full day, but that means plenty of time to savor each location without feeling rushed.

This tour tends to suit travelers who appreciate a mix of cultural exploration and natural beauty, and who want a flexible, guided experience. If you like having a driver take care of the logistics and enjoy learning about the places you visit, this could be a great pick. Families with older kids or anyone comfortable with a little walking and sightseeing will get the most out of it.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Flexible private tour perfect for small groups up to 6 people
• Includes scenic visits to historic Rethymno and Greece’s only freshwater lake
• Comfortable transportation in a luxury, air-conditioned vehicle
• Informed guides enhance the experience with explanations and local insights
• Time-efficient itinerary balances sightseeing with relaxing breaks
• Cost-effective for groups, offering good value for a full day of exploring

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The Convenience of Private Group Travel

One of the standout features of this tour is the private group setting. For $338, up to six people can enjoy a day out without the hassle of large crowds or shared tours. This setup offers a more personalized touch—your driver is also your guide, explaining sights and answering questions throughout the day. From the outset, the logistics are smooth: pickup from your hotel in Chania (or possibly elsewhere in Crete), and a comfortable luxury vehicle that’s air-conditioned—crucial for the warm Greek weather.

Starting with Rethymno Old Town

The tour kicks off with a pick-up around 9 AM, followed by a quick coffee stop en route. Arriving in Rethymno’s Old Town around 9:30 AM, you’re greeted with a maze of narrow streets, alleys, and historical squares. This part is ideal for those who enjoy wandering through lively, authentic neighborhoods. You can admire Venetian and Ottoman architecture, spotting gems like the Venetian Loggia or Rimondi Fountain.

Travelers who have taken this tour mention that the guides are quite knowledgeable. As one review notes, the driver was “very pleasant” and shared interesting facts about the sights along the way. You’ll have about three hours here—a decent amount of time to explore, grab a coffee, or just soak in the lively atmosphere without feeling rushed.

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Scenic Drive to Kournas Lake

After exploring Rethymno, it’s time for a scenic drive to Kournas Lake, roughly a 25-minute ride. The landscape changes from the historic town to lush, rolling countryside. Kournas Lake is unique because it’s the only natural freshwater lake on the island, and its turquoise waters are a highlight. The reflection of the surrounding hills and the greenery makes for fantastic photos, and you’ll love the calming vibe.

Relaxing at Greece’s Only Natural Freshwater Lake

The highlight for many visitors is the chance to enjoy the peaceful scenery and natural beauty. You can walk along trails through olive groves and meadows, soaking in the tranquility. Some paths lead to viewpoints offering panoramic views of the lake and hills—it’s a perfect spot for a picnic or just unwinding.

One reviewer mentioned that the guide’s explanations made the experience even better, pointing out interesting spots and helping us connect with the landscape. Plus, during this stop, you have around two and a half hours—enough time to relax, take photos, or even rent a water bike if you’re feeling adventurous.

What’s Not Included & Practical Tips

The tour includes pick-up/drop-off, a luxury vehicle, bottled water, a beach umbrella, and the flexibility to make stops as needed—allowing you to tailor the experience somewhat. However, lunch and drinks at the stops are not included, so plan to bring snacks or eat beforehand.

If you’re planning to relax at the lake, remember to bring swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. The tour doesn’t include sunbeds, so if you want to lounge on a beach chair, you might need to pay a small fee locally.

The Value of This Tour

For the price, this experience offers a lot—combining cultural sights, scenic landscapes, and leisure in one day. The reviews mention the vehicle’s great condition and A/C, which makes a noticeable difference on hot days. Plus, the flexibility to make “possible diversions” adds a personal touch.

Real Traveler Insights

Multiple reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the beautiful sights. One quote from a recent traveler summed it up: “The tour guide was outstanding, and we were able to see many beautiful sights without feeling rushed.” Another mentioned how the driver’s explanations made the experience more engaging, turning what could be a simple sightseeing day into a memorable journey.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits those who want a relaxed, guided day exploring Crete’s highlights without the stress of planning logistics. It’s ideal for small groups or families comfortable with a full day of sightseeing and gentle walking. If you’re someone who values a knowledgeable guide and a comfortable vehicle, you’ll likely appreciate the attention to detail here.

It’s also a good choice if you prefer a private, flexible experience over large, crowded tours. And because the focus is on scenic and cultural highlights, it’s suited for travelers interested in history, nature, or simply relaxing at a beautiful lake.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes pick-up and drop-off at your hotel, transportation in a luxury, air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and a beach umbrella. You can also make flexible stops or diversions as needed.

Are meals included?
No, lunch and drinks are not part of the package. You should plan to bring your own snacks or eat before the tour, and note that there are no included meals at the stops.

How long are the stops at each location?
You get about three hours in Rethymno and around two and a half hours at Kournas Lake, giving you sufficient time for exploration, photos, and relaxation.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly marketed as a family tour, it’s a private experience with a relaxed pace, making it suitable for families with older children comfortable with walking and sightseeing.

What should I bring?
Bring a change of clothes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and perhaps a hat. If you plan to swim or rent water bikes, be prepared accordingly.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The booking process also allows you to reserve now and pay later for added flexibility.

Final Thoughts

This private day tour to Rethymno and Kournas Lake offers a well-balanced mix of history, nature, and leisure. Its tailored approach, knowledgeable guides, and comfort-focused amenities make it an attractive choice for travelers wanting a seamless experience. The carefully planned stops and scenic drives ensure you get a genuine feel for Crete’s diverse beauty without feeling overwhelmed.

If you’re after a full, flexible day that combines cultural sightseeing with the chance to unwind at Greece’s only freshwater lake, this tour could be just what you need. It’s especially suited for small groups or families looking for a personalized touch in their Crete adventures.

Whether you’re into exploring historic towns, enjoying peaceful natural scenery, or simply relaxing by a lake, this experience hits many marks. Just remember to pack your essentials, plan for a full day, and get ready to enjoy the highlights of Crete at a comfortable pace.

You can check availability for your dates here: