Join this memorable four-day tour that gives you the opportunity to discover fascinating Crete, learn about its history and mythology, admire its beauty, and indulge in the incredible local cuisine. Visit the Palace of Knossos and learn about the Minoan civilization, stroll the beautifully arranged streets and alleys of Crete´s capital, explore Agios Nikolaos, enjoy an unforgettable boat trip to explore the surroundings and get closer to the mesmerising countryside, while visiting Elounda, a picturesque fishing village that will conquer your heart.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Air-conditioned shared transportation on Day 2 and 3
✔ All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: the Archaeological sites of Knossos,
✔ Lunch
✔ Operated with qualified local English speaking guide on a shared basis on Day 2 and 3
✔ Dinner
✔ Breakfast
✔ Inbound/Outbound air-conditioned shared transfers from/to Heraklion Airport
✔ Meet & Greet on arrival at Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport Heraklion
✔ Archaeological Museum, the boat trip (shared basis) to the island of Spinalonga, Spinalonisland tour
✖ Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals if not stated explicitly in the programme
✖ Flight tickets or visa fees
✖ Airport taxes for domestic and international flights
✖ Gratuities for driver and guide
✖ Overnight city tax for the hotel overnights effective from January 1st 2018
✖ Clients will have to pay the TAX on the spot at the hotels.
Pickup Locations
1. N. Kazantzakis Airport
Additional Info: Airport
Itinerary
Day 1 : ARRIVAL CRETE
1
Arrive at Heraklion Airport, hop on a modern coach and enjoy a comfortable shared transfer with A/C to your selected hotel in Gouves or Chersonissos area. Check in and spend the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing at the hotel, sunbathing or exploring the beautiful surroundings. Dinner included
Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area
Duration: 12 hours
Day 2 : CRETE: BOAT TRIP TO THE ISLAND OF SPINALONGA (130km – 8 hrs)
1
Indulge in a delicious breakfast at your selected hotel, getting ready for a memorable day. You will be picked up after breakfast, heading towards Spinalonga, one of the most famous parts of Crete. The beautiful island is known by many as the ‘island of tears’, gaining this nickname because of its past as a leper colony. It was initially a Venetian fortress, and it became the home for hundreds of Greece’s lepers who were shipped there and formed a colony. Arrive on the intriguing island and enjoy an interesting guided walk around the remains of the colony. Catch sight of its main street, still lined with the shops and houses where the lepers attempted to live ordinary lives. After getting in touch with the dark past of Spinalonga, sail back to Elounda to satisfy your taste buds with a typical Cretan lunch. After the delightful meal, explore the village on your own, luxuriate in some shopping, or go for a reinvigorating swim. The day ends with a transfer back to your hotel in Gouves or Chersonissos area. Lunch and dinner are included.
Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area
Duration: 12 hours
Day 3 : CRETE: THE PALACE OF KNOSSOS AND HERAKLION TOWN (42km – 7/8 hrs)
1
After the tasty breakfast served at the hotel, you will be picked up and transferred to the imposing Palace of Knossos. The landmark dates back to 1900 BC, and it was the hub of Crete’s Minoan civilization and the place where the fearsome Minotaur was said to have lurked in the labyrinth. Admire the treasures of this fascinating palace during an interesting tour, while your guide explains the myths surrounding it and its kings. Afterwards, visit lively Heraklion, see the Venetian lion fountain and the loggia that is now the Town Hall. The magnificent tour ends at the entrance to the old harbour, the place where you begin to explore on your own. If you want to get even closer to the stunning past of the Greeks, take advantage of the guided tour in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. Your day ends with a comfortable transfer to your hotel in Gouves or Chersonissos area. Dinner included
Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area
Duration: 12 hours
Day 4 : DEPARTURE CRETE
1
Indulge in a delicious breakfast at your hotel, before hopping on a modern coach to enjoy a comfortable shared transfer to Heraklion airport.
Breakfast Included
Duration: 12 hours
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Additional info
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Please note that local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to the tour contents without prior notice
• Hotel early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms are subject to availability and are not guaranteed.
• The distances and travel times described in the itinerary may vary.
• No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed
• Please note the clients will have to pay the TAX on the spot at the hotels
• What do I need to bring? 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, sun glasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.