Private tour in Chania Vangelis S
5.0
(11) reviews
3 hours
1
3 hours
1
Vangelis S.
5.0
Guide rating
53
Reviews
Tours delivered
10 hrs
Avg. response time
Your Guide: Professional Bio I was born and raised in the Old City of Chania, Crete. I am a professional mountaineer and mountain instructor with an IFMGA certification. Throughout my professional career, I have had the honor of guiding people of all ages, from beginners to experienced mountaineers, as well as well-known public figures such as politicians, journalists, and artists. The Prime Minister of Greece, Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has on occasion entrusted me with his personal safety for mountain climbing, hiking, and ski tours. Professional Experience I have over 30 years of experience as a mountain guide, having worked for companies and organizations such as: Trekking Plan Outdoor Activities & Mountain Services The North Face Europe (3 years) Various tourist offices and Alpine Clubs For the past two years, I have also served as a hiking leader instructor at the DIEK public school in Chania. I have summited well-known peaks in the Himalayas, including: Baruntse (7,161m) Mera Peak (6,470m) Island Peak (6,186m) Tharpu Chuli (5,800m) Naya Kanga (5,844m) I have also worked as a mountain guide in Greece, France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Nepal, Tibet, Pakistan, and the western USA. Credentials & Expertise Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education and Sport Science from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Mountaineering and Ski Touring Instructor for the Hellenic Federation of Mountaineering & Climbing UIAGM/IFMGA Candidate for Professional Mountain Guide French Avalanche Rescuer Training Member of the Alpine Clubs of Chania, Athens, and the French Club Alpin de Chamonix My Philosophy My love for nature, mountains, and adventure began in childhood. At 12, I took my first alpine skiing lessons, and at 14, I started competing in ski and road cycling races. For me, engaging in mountain activities is not just a hobby, but a way of life that I want to share with people. Through contact with the wild beauty of the mountains and as members of a team, we learn to operate with companionship and solidarity, setting and achieving new goals. Safety is of primary importance, which is why I carry a satellite phone and a first aid kit on all my hiking trips. Services I offer weekly programs, daily trips, and courses for all fitness levels and ages, in private small groups or for families. My programs combine safety and enjoyment, as we walk through gorges, on hidden paths, and alongside rivers. I am active in mountaineering, ski touring, rock and ice climbing, hiking, trail running, and swimming. Disclaimer: I am a professional mountain guide, but I am not a licensed guide and will not be able to guide you inside historical monuments.
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Choose an active exploration over passive lectures! I was born and raised in the Old City of Chania. While my professional life as an IFMGA-certified Mountain Guide (Pathfinder) has taken me across the globe, my heart belongs to the winding streets of my hometown. My extensive experience has taught me how to navigate groups safely and efficiently. Join me for an active 2.5-hour walking exploration to discover the city's highlights, secret paths, and narrow alleys that most visitors miss. We will focus on experiencing the authentic character of Chania first-hand rather than engaging in lengthy historical lectures. Preparation & Safety: To ensure a comfortable experience, please wear appropriate walking footwear suitable for summer heat and city pavement. We also recommend carrying your personal water bottle and any essential health items or first-aid supplies you may typically use. This tour is ideal for those who value movement and discovery.
We saw and learned so much during this walking tour. Our guide was very personable, interesting and informative. He really made our visit to Chania more meaningful and enjoyable. I highly recommend this tour as a way to start your visit to Chania.
Vangelis met us exactly on time in Chania at the designated location. We arranged plans where to meet by messaging on the ToursbyLocals site. It worked very well. When we arrived Vangelis spent a good amount of time to explain the history of the island. Over several thousand years! During the tour as we walked through the city he stopped to explain more about the city, the history, the people, the architecture. And he answered any questions we have about Chania. The city has many hidden treasures - beautiful views! a city with a long history of changes over 3000 years. The city was very active (september), mixed with locals and tourists. Most people speak english quite well. Overall the tour with Vangelis was a very good one. He is very accomodating if you make a request on what to see.
Vangelis was an excellent tour guide! He shared so much great history about Chania, his home town. We enjoyed how locals recognized him as we walked and chatted with him. He had great recommendations for food and nightlife also! On top of it all- he took great photos of us!
Vangelis was an excellent guide and met ALL our expectations. We would book him again if we were to return to Crete. More importantly, we recommend to others WITHOUT HESITATION!
Great way to be introduced to the history of Chania. Really enjoyed the local detail Vangelis was able to provide. Highly recommend Vangelis to show you around Chania!!
Great tour and guide, thoroughly enjoyed our tour with a knowledgeable guide who knew the area well and provided us with all the history plus we stopped for a great Greek lunch!!
Our meeting point is the historic 1866 Square, at the beginning of Halidon Street. Metropolitan Church & Splantzia: We'll start with the impressive Metropolitan Church before heading to the Splantzia area to see the Church of Agios Nikolaos (unique with its bell tower and minaret) and the stunning Turkish Minaret. We'll explore the Arab and Venetian quarters' houses while reviewing the walls of the oldest city part. Venetian History & Harbour: We continue to the Venetian Arsenals and the Kastelli area, which offers a fantastic view of the Old Port. We will see the Yali Mosque and the old Venetian mansions of Topanas. Firka & Ovreaki: Our tour concludes at Firka Fortress. On our way back to 1866 Square, we will pass through the historic Jewish quarter (Ovreaki) and its synagogue. This is more than a tour; it's a personal journey into the soul of my city.
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This is a walking tour, and as such, transportation is not included. You are responsible for making your own way to the designated meeting point at the beginning of Halidon Street, in front of Alpha Bank. Should you require it, a taxi can be arranged for you for an additional fee. Please contact me in advance to make these arrangements.
Chania, Greece
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: Meeting point at the beginning of Halidon Street at Alpha bank. It is a walking tour of the old town of Chania. If you require any transport from your cruise ship or from your accommodation. With additional fee I can send a taxi to pick you up and take you to our meeting point in that case please ask me
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3 hours
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