Tailor-Made Private Shore Excursion: Discover Chania Your Way

We consider Maria a great guide. When we visited Crete in 2025 she told my wife about a book called "The Island." It was a historical fiction book about Spinalonga, and island on the eastern side of Crete where people with leprosy were sent to die We knew that when we returned to Crete that was the one place we had to go. I contacted her by email and kept it as a surprise for my wife until a few days before our trip. Maria made time in her busy schedule to travel from Chania to the port in Heraklion to meet us. There are very few people I would make a two hour drive for, but she made it for us and was waiting at the cruise terminal. We drove for an hour to Plaka where a boat to the island and a small meal were part of our excursion. She is amazing. Maria is a wonderful person - intelligent, loving, and full of life, but she is even a better guide because she connects with her customers. I reviewed Spinalonga and the Archaeological Museum separately from this entry but attached some great pictures from our day in Crete. Maria offered for us to come back in the Fall to make wine - we are seriously considering it. If you haven't figured it out from all the five star reviews - Maria is the only person you need as your guide! Booking a tour with her is a "no brainer.

What a fantastic day with Maria. We were a group of 8 and Maria treated us exceptionally well. She deserves more than 5 stars. We had a day that will last in our memory for a long time. Very highly recommended with no hesitation. Thanks Maria !!!

Arrived on a Seabourne Cruise. There was a little confusion on where the ship tender would arrive, but Maria was able to find us with no problem. Her van held the 6 people in our party very comfortably. We had some nice homemade snacks. We got to see the beautiful view from the old fort outside the city, spent some time in a nice small village and had a great time at a local olive oil business. Our tour ended spending some time in Chania for some shopping. Maria really puts her heart into her business. It was so nice to see Crete with a local guide. Would highly recommend Maria to other travelers.

If you're ever in Chania and looking for a guide, Maria is the one to go with! She was super punctual and made sure everything went smoothly from the start. Our group had some physical limitations, but Maria was really thoughtful, always suggesting places that were manageable for everyone. She made the experience personal, attentive to our needs, and had a great sense of where to take us without pushing anyone too hard. Plus, she was great at keeping us on schedule, ensuring we were back at the cruise terminal with plenty of time to spare. Overall, it was a really stress-free and enjoyable day, and I can’t recommend her enough!

Best day in Crete. Highly recommended! Maria was amazing and caring! My family really enjoyed our time during the tour!!