Private Tour in ANZAC Evacuation Route on Battle of Crete

Apostolis Panigirakis, a certified historian specializing in contemporary history leads you through the evacuation route that ANZAC Troops took on late MAY 1941, after their retreat: We follow the troops until we get to their main evacuation port in Sfakia. In the evacuation that the Allies took during the Battle of Crete, thousands of ANZACs were safely evacuated towards Alexandria. We understand and comprehend the difficulties of the evacuation during WW2. In a short while, we arrive at a one-of-a-kind private war museum, with rare historical finds from the era of the Battle of Crete. Our specialized historian explains the history of WW2 in Greece and Crete. and the operation Mercury, as we prepare to descend towards the treacherous terrain and mountains towards the beaches and ports of South Crete. Finally, we reach the port of Sfakia, which was the main evacuation port and we pay our respects to the ANZAC war memorial.

1. 1

   Chania Town

   2 hours

   Visit the Forty Second Street in Chania, where our professional licensed historian tour guide will explain its significance for World War 2, the Battle of Crete, and Especially the evacuation of the British and ANZAC troops towards the South port of "Chora Sfakion" on their way to Alexandria.

2. 2

   Chania Town

   1 hour

   Visit an abandoned shelter/ hideout where the locals and the Allies hid during the foe bombardments.

3. 3

   Platanias

   45 min

   Stop for a lunch/coffee break in one of the most beautiful and traditional villages of Chania mainland. Our expert historian tour guide, specializing in the battle of Crete will explain the details of the battle, why the Germans chose to attack Crete during the battle of Crete, why this happened and when, and hidden aspects of the battle of Crete using rare military documents and photo that recreate the past with the present.

4. 4

   Souda Bay War Cemetery

   30 min

   Visit the Souda Bay Commonwealth War Cemetery, where 1527 British Commonwealth and ANZAC soldiers are resting. Pay respect to the casualties of the second world war.

5. 5

   Chania Town

   45 min

   Visit a makeshift World War Two Museum with historic War relics of the German Occupation and the British/ Greek Defence of the island. Being on the evacuation route of ANZAC's towards the South and nearby the gorge of Imbros, this area is full of war relics for us to see and observe. Our military expert historian tour guide will explain the hidden aspects of the WW2 Memorabilia and their significance (and use) during the battle of Crete.

6. 6

   Chania Town

   2 hours

   Visit the main port of evacuation of British and ANZAC troops during the Battle of Crete in South Crete. Free time at Sfakia Harbor and the monument of WW2 that is nearby. Storytime by our licensed Historian tour guide, Apostolis Panigirakis, about the evacuation struggles during WW2 and how the evacuation happened, who participated and some parts that were not treated equally during operation Mercury, and the evacuation of British and ANZAC's during the Battle fo Crete towards Alexandria, Egypt.

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.