Rethymno looks different when you move faster on a Segway. I like how this 3-hour tour compresses the best parts of the old town into one smooth route, and how a private guide keeps the pace comfortable and tailored.

The only real thing to watch is that you’re on a Segway and the tour is weather-dependent, so if conditions are poor you may need to switch dates (or get a refund).

Key things to know before you book

• Private, English-guided ride with your group only, so you can ask questions and keep a relaxed pace
• Segway + helmet + reflective vest are included, which cuts down on hassle before you even start
• Soda or coffee stop is built into the tour, so you’re not just riding and snapping photos
• Multiple start times help you fit it around your day in Rethymno
• Venetian Fortezza entry isn’t included, so plan on paying separately if you want inside access

A 3-hour Segway route that fits real travel days

If your time in Crete is tight, this is the kind of activity that helps you get your bearings fast. Instead of choosing between historic sights and scenic stops, you roll through Rethymno’s old town and harbor area in about three hours, with frequent short photo and viewing breaks.

The timing also matters. You’ll find multiple start times, which is handy when you’re trying to line up with lunch, museums, or a sunset walk along the waterfront. And since it’s a private tour, you’re not stuck matching someone else’s pace. That becomes a big deal when your group includes people with different comfort levels.

Price-wise, $78.44 per person isn’t “cheap,” but it includes the practical stuff that usually adds up: Segway use, a helmet, and a reflective vest, plus a soda or coffee stop during the ride. For a short guided circuit, it’s more like paying for transport + local guide + key-sight route than paying only for the vehicle.

Your guide, the Segway intro, and why it feels manageable

This tour is run by Segway Tour by Best Ride, and the guides are a big part of the experience. In the feedback I’ve seen, names come up again and again—Yannos, Theo, Ioanna, Ninette/Nanetta, and Nick/Nickolas—and they’re repeatedly praised for being patient with first-timers and keeping the ride safe.

What you should expect is a quick setup and orientation before you’re off. The goal is simple: you should be able to control speed, steering, and stopping without stress. Even if you’ve never ridden a Segway, the tone of the experience tends to be calm and encouraging, which helps a lot if you’re slightly nervous at the start.

Also, the equipment is part of that comfort. You’ll get a helmet and a reflective orange vest, so you’re visible and clearly marked for the streets. And since the tour is private, your guide can slow down, repeat directions, and keep an eye on everyone.

Venetian Fortezza: start where the city’s story rises

The tour begins at Sofokli Venizelou 4 and heads toward the high point of Rethymno’s Venetian-era defenses: The Venetian Fortezza. This stop is short—about 10 minutes—but it works because it gives you a “top view” of how the town is laid out.

You’ll get time for photos and chatting, including views toward the hill where the castle sits. The Fortezza area sets the tone: Rethymno’s coastal position and its fortifications make it easier to understand why so many cultures left their mark here.

One important detail: tickets for entry to the Fortezza are not included. If you want to go inside, you’ll need to pay separately. If you’re mainly interested in views and quick orientation, you can still get a lot from the exterior time.

Rimondi Fountain: quick stop, great photo payoff

Next comes Rimondi Fountain, with about 5 minutes on the spot. This is the kind of stop that’s perfect on a Segway day: short, scenic, and photo-friendly.

The fountain is famous in part because it feels like a small pause in the middle of the route. You’re not walking for ages, but you can still frame pictures, read the atmosphere, and feel like you’ve reached a landmark rather than just passing by streets.

Admission here is listed as free, so there’s no extra cost or decision pressure. If you love taking photos as you go, this is one of the easiest wins.

Neratze Mosque (Conservatory today): the tallest minaret moment

Then it’s on to Moschea Neratze, a mosque that today functions as a Conservatory. You’ll spend about 5 minutes here. The focus is on architecture and that standout feature people remember: the tallest minaret in the city.

This is a smart stop because it gives you context about layers of belief and power in Rethymno—without turning your afternoon into a long museum day. You’ll see the building close up from where you’re able to pause, and you can ask your guide what to notice as you move on.

Admission is listed as free, which keeps the tour smooth and predictable.

Old Town lanes and the market feel

The route continues into Rethymnon Old Town, with about 7 minutes to roam the “mini streets” and reach the marketplace vibe. This section is where you start to feel the everyday side of the city rather than only the big monuments.

A Segway helps here because you can cover more ground than you would on foot. You can also stop quickly when you spot a side street that looks worth a closer look. Your guide’s job is to keep it fun and flowing, not to turn it into a lecture.

Admission is listed as free, so there’s no add-on. This is also a great time to ask where to eat later, since your guide has the advantage of knowing which streets are best for a quick snack versus a proper meal.

Old Venetian Harbour and the “breathe in sea air” segment

After the lanes, you’ll reach the Old Venetian Harbour of Rethymno. It’s about 5 minutes, and it’s designed as a photo-and-wind-down stop.

This is where the tour changes mood. The harbor area feels more open, and you can stretch your legs a bit while staying in the flow. If you’re traveling through Rethymno on a schedule, you’ll appreciate that you still get water views without needing to plan a separate outing.

Admission is free, and the time window is short enough to keep the tour moving while still giving you a “we’re really in a coastal city” moment.

Four Martyrs Church and the waterfront stretch toward Paralia

You’ll then pass Four Martyrs Church for about 5 minutes. It’s framed as a cultural and religious stop, and it fits well into a Segway day because you can see the view and the place without spending half an hour trying to find the perfect walking route.

From there, you get the longer waterfront segment: Paralia, with around 10 minutes to enjoy the sea frontage and look toward the beach side. This is a real highlight for most people because it’s the easiest part of the tour to connect with. After historic streets, the waterfront helps you reset your eyes and your mood.

Admission is free and it’s built into the tour timing so you get this view before the ride ends.

Guora Gate: the old city and the new city meet

Next is Guora Gate, about 4 minutes. This isn’t just a photo stop. It’s positioned as a town divider—where the old city and the newer areas connect.

That matters because it helps you understand the city layout. If you only walk, you might miss that “transition point.” On a Segway, your guide can point out what changes as you move. Suddenly Rethymno feels less like a maze and more like a system with edges.

Admission is free, so you can treat it like a clean, no-cost orientation lesson.

Prefectural Directorate Unit and the photo-ready square area

You’ll make a stop at the Prefectural Directorate Unit of Rethymno for about 5 minutes. The emphasis here is on architecture and photo opportunities—especially the view options around the square.

This is one of those “quick but useful” segments. You’re not stuck searching for corners; you’re directed to spots where you can get a good background without spending time negotiating streets, traffic, or directions.

Admission is free, so it slots in neatly without complicating your day.

Loggia Veneziana and Arkadiou Street: where the commercial pulse starts

The next key stop is Loggia Veneziana, about 3 minutes. It’s described as a brilliant 16th-century Venetian building, and it acts like a hinge into Arkadiou Street, one of the city’s main commercial streets.

This is where the tour becomes practical for later. Even if you’re not shopping right now, Arkadiou Street is useful to know. By the time you reach it, you’ll have a sense of where to head when you want souvenirs, local goods, or simply a lively walking route.

Admission is free, so you can focus on the structure, the street grid, and where it leads.

Port Rethymno and the small alley moments near St. Francis

After Arkadiou Street, the tour continues toward Port Rethymno for about 6 minutes. The purpose here is partly scenic—enjoy the view and get comfortable as you head toward the tour’s end.

Then there’s a very short stop near the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno area (around 3 minutes). You’ll be directed to a small alley near the square of Asia Minor, with a chance to see the Catholic church of St. Francis.

This isn’t a deep museum session. It’s a quick “see it, know it exists, don’t miss it later” moment. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to add one more museum later, this stop can help you choose where to go.

Admission is listed as free for the stop itself, but the museum or any paid parts you add later would be separate.

Square of the Unknown Soldier: perfect cap for a route day

The final major photo-and-walk pause is at Πλατεία Αγνώστου Στρατιώτη—the Square of the Unknown Soldier. You’ll get about 5 minutes, and it connects nicely to the shopping pull of Arkadiou Street.

This end stop works because it gives you a memorable landmark and also points you toward where to go next. If you want to keep moving after the ride, the square naturally leads into the shopping street area without feeling forced.

Admission is free, and the timing is just right to wrap up while you still have energy.

What you’ll actually get out of a Segway tour like this

Here’s why this format works well for Rethymno:

• Speed with frequent stops. You cover more than walking, but you still pause enough to appreciate each place.
• Local guidance without long lectures. The route is built around quick windows to look, photograph, and ask questions.
• A practical “starter tour” for a short stay. If Rethymno is one stop on your Crete trip, you’ll leave with a mental map.
• Photo-friendly pacing. Many stops are timed for quick framing shots, from the Fortezza views to the harbor and waterfront.

The best part is that the tour is described as ideal when you’re time-pressed. That matches how the itinerary is structured: lots of small wins, not one huge attraction that eats your whole afternoon.

Price and included perks: where the value comes from

At $78.44 per person for roughly 3 hours, the value depends on what you’d otherwise pay for:

• You’re getting Segway use (not just a guided walk)
• Helmet and reflective vest are included
• There’s a soda or coffee stop built into the tour
• You’re getting a private guide in English

The only “extra cost” explicitly stated is fortress entry for the Venetian Fortezza area. If you want inside access, budget for that separately. If you’re fine with views and photos, you won’t feel like you’re paying twice.

For families and mixed-age groups, this is also a value win: a guide-directed route can keep everyone together without everyone having to walk the whole way.

Who this is best for in Rethymno

I’d point this tour toward:

• First-time visitors who want a quick overview of the old town, harbor, and waterfront
• Travelers who like photos but don’t want to spend an entire day wandering
• People who prefer a guided route when streets feel confusing
• Families with kids or multigenerational groups, since guides are repeatedly praised for patience and keeping the pace workable

One consideration: this is a Segway experience. If you have mobility issues or a strong dislike of riding a two-wheeled platform, it might feel less comfortable than a walking tour. And since it requires good weather, you’ll want to choose dates when skies look steady.

Should you book this Rethymno Old Town Segway Tour?

Book it if you want a time-efficient, guide-led way to see Rethymno’s big contrasts: Venetian defenses, old-town lanes, religious landmarks, and the sea edge. The included gear and the soda/coffee stop help make it feel complete, not like you’re renting equipment and hoping for the best.

Skip it or consider another option if you want a slow, deep museum experience or you’re set on buying and entering paid sites like the Venetian Fortezza right away. Also, if weather is unpredictable for your dates, plan for the possibility of a date switch.

If you’re trying to make the most of a limited window in Crete, this is a smart choice—one that helps you get your bearings fast and leaves you with a route you can build on the rest of your trip.

FAQ

How long is the Rethymno Old Town Guided Segway Tour?

It lasts about 3 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $78.44 per person.

Is the tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What is included in the price?

You get use of the Segway, a helmet, a reflective orange vest, and soda or coffee during the tour.

Do I need tickets for the Venetian Fortezza?

Tickets to enter onto the arcailogical place of Fortezza Castel are not included.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at Sofokli Venizelou 4, Rethymno 741 33, Greece, and it ends back at the meeting point.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.