Chania: Old city discovery with Segway

Explore the beating heart of the city is the Old City of Chania along with the exceptional Venetian port. Observe the architecture of historical structures, built by various civilizations that lived in Chania over the centuries. Explore the picturesque alleys of the old town. You'll encounter archaeological excavation sites that brought to light rich findings, even floor plans of whole establishments, showing that the city of Chania is developed on the site of an important ancient city named Cydonia. Cydonia was inhabited in all subsequent phases of history. It flourished and declined at times, met wars, pillages, and conquests. Its name paraphrased to Chania. Destroyed and rebuilt multiple times. The harbor was built by the Venetians during their colonization in Crete and specifically between 1320 and 1356. It was an important center, serving the Venetian military ships, as well as one of the most important commercial ports of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.

Ηistorical information is provided through the audio guide system for all the monuments. Photo opportunities and extra local tips from the tour leader!

You will also visit another part of the Old City -Splantzia area, which was the Turkish district of Chania – the central gathering place for the Turkish population.

Furthermore, you will reach the exterior of the east Venetian walls and Kum Kapi area (a village of poor North African slaves used to live there in the old days). This region was called in Turkish Kum Kapisi (Gate of the Sand) from the Venetian gate which is still preserved in our days. Today “Kum Kapi” is a developed district of the city which gathers thousands of visitors every summer who come to enjoy the view to the sea and the numerous cafeterias and restaurants.

Areas that are covered: Old city – Venetian Harbor – Kum Kapi – Splantzia and the historical sights/monuments that you will see are:

The Municipal Market of Chania, The Cathedral of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary (Trimartiri), The Catholic Church, The Jewish Synagogue (or “Ovriaki”), The Venetian Walls, The Egyptian Lighthouse, The Navy Museum, The “Firka” Fortress, Giali Tzamisi, The Byzantine Wall, The Grand Arsenal, The Venetian “Neoria”, The Gate and Rampart Sabbionara, Splantzia, The Proto-Minoan Settlement of Kasteli.