Whether your visit is for relaxation or you are looking forward to exploring and discover 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.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ including BBQ lunch with unlimited wine
✔ Air-conditioned shared transportation throughout the tour.
✔ All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: the Archaeological sites of Knossos
✔ 7 nights' accommodation
✔ Lunch
✔ Archaeological Museum, entrance ticket to the Waterpark Aqua Plus
✔ Meet & Greet on arrival at Heraklion Airport
✔ Dinner
✔ Operated with qualified local English speaking guide on a shared basis on Day 2, 3 and 4
✔ Breakfast
✔ Inbound/Outbound transfers from/to Heraklion Airport
✔ boat trip (shared basis) to the island of Spinalonga ex/to Elounda village; Land Rover 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
✖ Optional tours
✖ 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.
✖ Zeus' cave entree fee.
Pickup Locations
1. N. Kazantzakis Airport
Additional Info: Airport
Itinerary
ARRIVAL CRETE (22 km - 30 min)
1
Arrive at the airport, where our representative will meet and greet you. Then transfer from Heraklion airport the hotel in Gouves or Chersonissos area. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the delightful surroundings on your own. Dinner is included
Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area.
Duration: 12 hours
CRETE: BOAT TRIP TO THE ISLAND OF SPINALONGA (130 km – 8 hrs)
1
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 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 Gouves or Chersonissos area.
Duration: 12 hours
CRETE: PALACE OF KNOSSOS AND HERAKLION TOWN (42 km – 7/8 hrs)
1
After the rich 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 is included.
Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area.
Duration: 12 hours
CRETE: CHANIA AND RETHYMNON (326 km – 10/11 hrs)
1
Enjoy a mouthwatering breakfast before your morning pick up. Today we´ll visit two of Crete’s cities, Chania, also known as Little Venice and Rethymnon, with its fascinating mix of Italian and Turkish influences. Both cities have picturesque harbour fronts. Begin your adventure with lovely Chania. Your guide will take you on a tour of the old quarter, its quaint little neighbourhoods and the graceful backstreets that have been beautifully restored. Afterwards, make a visit to the lively Chania market hall with local produce and the famous leather lane, before ending up at the charming Venetian port. Equally beautiful is the old town and harbour of Rethymnon, our second stop. You have free time in both to explore the winding back streets. This will be a day full of discovery, beautiful scenery, and interesting history. Dinner is included.
Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area.
Duration: 12 hours
CRETE: LAND ROVER TOUR AND THE BIRTHPLACE OF ZEUS (120km – 7/8 hrs)
1
Your day starts from the moment you meet your driver, who will take you to your first stop, the Potamies Reservoir water dam. Continuing our journey to the ruins of the Roman aqueduct of Lyttos. Then continue towards the quaint village of Kastamonitsa, where we join the locals for a coffee break in the traditional cafeneion. Afterwards, the real off-road adventure begins! We will Climb high into the mountains and follow the ancient minaon path that leads us to the cave of Zeus. Then, you have the chance to take some memorable photographs of the Lassithi Plateau, before we drop down to the plateau for a delicious BBQ lunch with unlimited wine! The journey continues with a stop at Lassithi. Enjoy this idyllic place, before we make our way to Seli, for more impressive photos of this unique scenery. We continue the adventure until we reach the village of Krassi our last stop of the day. Lunch and dinner are included.
Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area.
Duration: 12 hours
CRETE: WATERPARK AQUA PLUS ADVENTURE (22km – 4/5 hrs)
1
Begin your day with a delightful breakfast. Enjoy a comfortable transfer as you are getting ready for a thrilling day at the best waterpark in Crete. Scream down the vertical kamikaze, enjoy the twister or just relax and work on that tan! There is a multitude of exciting slides and chilled out pools to relax in. This is definitely the ideal day out for the whole family. Dinner is included.
Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area.
Duration: 12 hours
CRETE: DAY FREE AT LEISURE
1
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 Gouves or Chersonissos area.
Duration: 12 hours
DEPART CRETE (16–22km / 20-30 minutes)
1
After a tasty breakfast, enjoy a shared transfer from your hotel to the airport and continue with your travel arrangements.
Breakfast included.
Duration: 12 hours
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Additional info
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Day 6: Long walks and climbs require appropriate shoes
• Local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to the tour contents without prior notice.
• 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.