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Battle of Crete Private Tour: Explore WWII History in Chania
5.0
25 Ratings
Maleme
Immerse yourself in the history of the Battle of Crete on a private tour with a professional historian. Explore battlefields, historical landmarks, and abandoned bunkers while learning about World War II through rare photos and archives.
Immerse yourself in the history of the Battle of Crete on a private tour with a professional historian. Explore battlefields, historical landmarks, and abandoned bunkers while learning about World War II through rare photos and archives.
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Maleme - Pay a visit to the airport of Maleme, which was the main objective of the Battle of Crete. Understand the geology of the battlefield, as well as the positions of German team Comet and the defensive positions of the allies.
- Tavronitis Bridge - Visit the historic and intact bridge, over the river of Tavronitis. Learn about the first…
- Maleme - Pay a visit to the airport of Maleme, which was the main objective of the Battle of Crete. Understand the geology of the battlefield, as well as the positions of German team Comet and the defensive positions of the allies.
- Tavronitis Bridge - Visit the historic and intact bridge, over the river of Tavronitis. Learn about the first days of the battle, the tragic mistakes of the allies, and the significance of this living monument for the Battle of Crete. Our professional Historian tour guide shows you the real history of the battle of Crete (Operation Mercury) using rare historical archives and research books.
- Maleme - Pay a visit and our respect to the fallen German soldiers and paratroopers over the German War Cemetery in Hill 107. Time free to discuss and visit the information room of the museum.
- Maleme - Visit an abandoned German Bunker of the Battle of Crete in an undisclosed location with impeccable and astonishing views.
- War Shelter of Platanias - Visit a one-of-a-kind series of tunnels dating back to WW2. Learn about the forced labour the Germans forced local people after the occupation of the island, and discover many rare historical finds of the Battle of Crete war era.
- Chania Town - Half-hour drive to visit a battlefield of great historical significance and the toll the ANZAC’s paid during the fierce battles during Operation Mercury.
- Chania Town - Coffee Break/ Sightseeing Stop in one of the most strategic places of the battle of Crete in the Chania Sector (Team Mars), overlooking Souda Bay area.
- Souda Bay War Cemetery - Visit and pay our respects to the fallen allies that fought in the Battle of Crete. Pay our respects to the ANZAC’s that lost their lives during the Battle of Crete and Occupation and discover the impeccable beauty and the strategic significance of Souda Bay area.
What's Included
- Private transportation
- Free Hotel pickup and drop-off from all Chania central areas
- On-board WiFi
- All Fees and Taxes
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Available also as Shore Excursion covering Chania & Souda Cruise Port
- Professional Historian Tour Guide / Driver - Licensed by the Greek Ministry of Tourism & Culture
- Private transportation
- Free Hotel pickup and drop-off from all Chania central areas
- On-board WiFi
- All Fees and Taxes
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Available also as Shore Excursion covering Chania & Souda Cruise Port
- Professional Historian Tour Guide / Driver - Licensed by the Greek Ministry of Tourism & Culture
What's Not Included
- Lunch/ Snacks at the private tour stops (Optional)
- War Museum entrance fee ( 5 euros per person)
- Lunch/ Snacks at the private tour stops (Optional)
- War Museum entrance fee ( 5 euros per person)
Additional Information
Explore the Battle of Crete (Operation Mercury) and delve into World War II history with a knowledgeable historian tour guide. Walk through the battlefields, view historical landmarks, and visit abandoned German and ANZAC bunkers. Discover the various facets of the Battle of Crete through rare photographs and historical archives on this exclusive…
Explore the Battle of Crete (Operation Mercury) and delve into World War II history with a knowledgeable historian tour guide. Walk through the battlefields, view historical landmarks, and visit abandoned German and ANZAC bunkers. Discover the various facets of the Battle of Crete through rare photographs and historical archives on this exclusive full-day tour.
This tour focuses on the history of the battle, offering visits to villages, battle sites, and locations of significant historical importance. Rely on the historian’s expertise in modern history to experience Crete in the most insightful way!
Location
Maleme
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(25 Ratings)
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Q2059rhmartam
Oct 17, 2025
Three days touring Crete with a first-class guide - Apostolis was a very knowledgeable, professional, and personable guide. He is also an excellent driver, which is an important consideration in choosing a guide to take you out on Crete’s narrow winding roads and in the island’s congested towns. We spent three days with Apostolis and enjoyed his sense of humor and his willingness to tell us about his life on Crete. We especially enjoyed the full-day tour devoted to the Battle of Crete—he is passionate about this important story and has prepared a compelling narrative, complete with many photos and supporting details. With him, our group of eight (four couples) toured Knossos and visited Heraklion and Rethymno, and visited Elafonissi and Falassarna beaches with him. Thanks to Apostolis, we learned a lot about Crete, we discovered a wonderful beach and a delightful restaurant that we would never have found on our own, and we will be going home with bottles of his own olive oil. Thanks, Apostolis!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Juliely9060ru
Sep 9, 2025
Amazing day - Battle of Crete tour - Apostilo was an amazing guide. He turned up on time to collect us and showed us all of the sights we were interested in, plus a few bonus sights that we would not have known about if he hadn’t have told us. Apostilo had soooooo much knowledge about the Battle of Crete and was clearly very passionate about sharing the info. He is very intelligent and very personable at the same time. We loved our tour and would highly recommend Proper Cretan Guide for any Crete tours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jasonax8000xh
Aug 23, 2025
Battle of Crete - One of my best experiences during my time on Crete. I booked him for a tour for my group of 20. Very accommodating to our requests and tailored the tour to our needs. Great personality and extremely knowledgeable!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Malcolm_d
Jun 19, 2025
Great value - Apostolis created a wonderful private tour experience. Extremely knowledgeable, engaging, personable and flexible with content, timing and duration. Value for money. At a personal level the time flew by and I enjoyed getting to know Apostolis.
Review provided by Viator
Paulmg1334hy
Apr 3, 2025
Fantastic Chania Battle of Crete Private Tour: WW2 Military History - A fantastic full day tour of the key WW2 battle sites. Apostolis was an excellent guide and tailored the tour to meet my interests. He was very well prepared and had many excellent photos of events during the war. Overall it was a memorable day in which I learnt a great deal about Crete and its involvement in WW2. I would highly recommend Apostolis and Proper Cretan Guided Tours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Arna
Nov 18, 2024
Highly recommended ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Great tour, extremely knowledgeable guide who is very passionate about history. Highly recommended. Thank you Apostolis!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
320jess
Nov 11, 2024
Guided WW2 history tour - An excellent tour guide with unique local insight and expertise. A good range of field visits with a broad and extensive range of knowledge about locations and broader historic, cultural insights unique to the people of Crete. I highly recommend this particular guide and tour. In many ways the guide was able to unveil aspects of history before my eyes using photos, research, knowledge and passion for the subject that I would not have access to simply by visiting sites one my own. Conversations inspired curiosity and lively exchange of information for further learning and conservation of history. Bravo.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Davidlf3417wd
Oct 20, 2024
A 5 plus star experience - I am interested in the history of WW2, so the Battle of Crete Full Day Private Tour seemed an opportunity not to miss and this proved to be the case.
Apostolis is a licensed tour guide with a degree in history, a really nice man and it was very comfortable and enjoyable to be in his company for the duration of this tour. He was also happy to give you personal time to allow you to read the information provided when visiting sites and reflect on the events. He combined the historical overview with the more personal stories of those involved very effectively and with empathy.
I would rate Apostolis as one of the best tour guides I have ever experienced and his passion and knowledge of the subject is self evident, making this a special excursion. Unfortunately I was not aware of the other tours he operates until we met, otherwise I would for certain had booked more excursions with him.
I rarely commend tourist businesses but if you have a chance do book a tour with him. He works for himself, so you will have a wonderful time.
Thank you Apostolis for making it a special day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
507richendap
Oct 4, 2024
History and Humour a tour like no other tour! - Our tour The Chania Battle of Crete Tour: Mysteries of Battlefield Archaeology was like no other private tour we have experienced.
We felt like we were being guided by a friend not just a tour guide.
Apostolis was incredibly knowledgeable about the conflict and demonstrated this by providing detailed personal insights which turned the tour into "history before our very eyes".
He was born in the local to area which also allowed him to provide excellent context.
Finally, Apostolis possesses an incredible sense of humour and wit, which made the tour even more enjoyable.
We would and already have recommended him to anyone and everyone we know.
Cheers, mate!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Markhz2935qs
Oct 4, 2024
A very informative visit to the key actions of the invasion of Crete guided by Apostolos a consummate professional. - Apostolos was an excellent guide his knowledge of the local area and key sites relating to the invasion of Crete was first rate. He is a very engaging guide and host who takes pride in delivering a very high quality experience. His ‘then and now’ approach really brings history to life and fortunately there is much that remains of the battleground if you know where to look and Apostolos certainly does.
He was also full of more general information about the history of Crete and local produce. His English is excellent ( my Greek being non existent) and this helped make the conversation flow in a relaxed and informative manner. I would highly recommend Apostolos to anyone considering booking one of his tours you will have a most enjoyable experience. 5 stars from me.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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