Whether your visit is for relaxation or you are looking forward to exploring and discovering the many well-known and countless hidden treasures of Crete, this captivating eight-day tour will satisfy all your desires. Get in touch with the rich Greek culture and impressive history while admiring the diversity of the landscape – the rugged mountains, endless beaches, turquoise seas, as well as enchanting cities, towns and villages. Join this memorable tour and explore one of the most beautiful islands in Europe.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
Palace of Knossos: Get closer to the rich Greek past and visit the highlights of the Minoan civilization.
Heraklion: Wander around the streets of Crete´s largest city and its administrative capital.
Spinalonga: Enjoy a memorable boat trip to the magnificent island of Spinalonga and admire the impressive fortresses dating from the Venetian period.
Chania: Stroll the romantic streets of Chania, admire its Medieval architecture, elegant mansions and the wonderful Venetian port, the most famous spot in the town.
Day 1: ARRIVAL CRETE
Upon arrival at Heraklion Airport, you will be directed to the bus that will take you to the hotel in the Central Area (Chersonissos, Gouves, Kokkini Hani, Gournes, Stalida, Malia) for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the delightful surroundings on your own. Dinner is included.
Overnight in the Central Area on Crete.
Day 2: CRETE: BOAT TRIP TO SPINALONGA & KOLOKYTHA BAY
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel for a full-day excursion combining the natural beauty, history and seaside charm of eastern Crete.
Your day begins in Agios Nikolaos, where you will board a boat and set sail across the beautiful waters of Mirabello Bay. Enjoy the scenic coastline and crystal-clear waters as you cruise towards the historic island of Spinalonga. Once on the island, a guided tour will take you through the fascinating remains of one of the world’s last leper colonies, revealing the history and stories behind this remarkable Venetian fortress and former settlement. The entrance fee to the Spinalonga archaeological site is not included (€20 per person, payable locally).
The cruise then continues to Kolokytha Bay, where you will enjoy a swim in its crystal-clear waters and lunch on board by the beach. The excursion concludes with a visit to Agios Nikolaos, including its picturesque Lake Voulismeni, before returning to your hotel.After a tasty breakfast, you will be picked up at your hotel to start discovering the hidden treasures of Greece. Spinalonga is one of the most famous spots in Crete, and is sometimes called the ‘island of tears’ due to its past as a leper colony. It was initially a Venetian fortress but then it became the home for hundreds of Greece’s lepers who were shipped there and formed a colony. Once there, you’ll take a guided walk around the enchanting remains of the colony. See its main street, still lined with the shops and houses where the lepers attempted to live ordinary lives. Later, you’ll sail back to Elounda, where you’ll have a typical Cretan lunch. Then, walk around on your own, do some shopping or go for a swim. Lunch and dinner are included.
Overnight in the Central Area on Crete.
Day 3: CRETE: PALACE OF KNOSSOS AND HERAKLION TOWN
After breakfast, depart for Heraklion, the vibrant capital of Crete and a city rich in history and culture. The day begins with a visit to Knossos, the legendary centre of Minoan civilization and one of the island's most important archaeological sites. Discover the remains of the ancient palace and learn about the fascinating history of the Minoan world, whose origins date back more than 5,000 years. The entrance fee to the Knossos Palace is not included (€20 per person, payable locally).
Continue to Heraklion city centre for a guided walking tour through the historic heart of the city. Explore its lively streets and discover landmarks including the Venetian Harbour and the atmospheric Old Town. There will also be an opportunity to visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion (on your own), home to an exceptional collection tracing the history of Crete, or to explore the city's old market and enjoy some time at leisure.
After the tour, return to your hotel.
Overnight in the Central Area on Crete.
Day 4: CRETE: CHANIA, RETHYMNON AND KOURNAS LAKE
Breakfast in the hotel. Join our tour to the West Side of Crete. Experience the charming town of Chania, which attracts many tourists every year, walk around its picturesque streets and admire the unique Venetian old harbor of this town. Enjoy a visit to the Lake of Kournas, and relax in this beautiful landscape of Cretan nature. Lastly, visit the town of Rethymnon, walk through its streets along the port to the old town. This is a day full of discovery, beautiful scenery, and interesting history.
Overnight in the Central Area on Crete.
Day 5: CRETE: LAND ROVER SAFARI EXPERIENCE (IN ENGLISH)
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel and head towards the central part of Crete to learn about its mythology, culture, flora, fauna and local life. Your adventure starts from the moment you meet your drivers, who will take you to your first stop, the Aposelimi dam. Continuing our journey through mesmerising paths and olive trees, we reach the ruins of the Roman aqueduct of Lyttos. Admire the beauty of the site and continue towards the quaint village of Kastamonitsa, where we join the locals for Raki and olive oil tasting. Afterwards, the real off-road adventure begins! We will climb high into the mountains and follow an ancient Minoan path that leads to a local shepherd, where you will have the chance to taste homemade cheese and encounter many species of wild animals. From here, we make our way to a magnificent viewpoint where we can see the Minoan path and the first sitting of the Lassithi Plateau. Making our way down onto the Plateau to explore, and from here we cross the Plateau and stop for a delicious traditional lunch with unlimited wine (vegetarian option available). We continue the adventure until we reach the village of Krassi, our last stop of the day. Catch a glimpse of the 2,000-year-old plane tree and learn about its natural spring water source. End this thrilling day with a transfer back to your hotel.
Overnight in the Central Area on Crete.
Day 6: CRETE: DAY FREE AT LEISURE
Begin your day with a delightful breakfast. Then, relax on the beach or enjoy the day exploring the island on your own. Dinner is included.
Overnight in the Central Area on Crete.
Day 7: CRETE: DAY FREE AT LEISURE
Begin your day with a delectable breakfast at the hotel. Then, relax on the beach or enjoy the day exploring the island on your own. Dinner is included.
Overnight in the Central Area on Crete.
Day 8: DEPART CRETE
After a tasty breakfast, enjoy a shared transfer from your hotel to Heraklion Airport and continue with your travel arrangements.
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Greece. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
