Guide

Operated with qualified local English speaking guide on a shared basis on Day 2, 3 and 4

Accommodation

7 nights' accommodation Day 1-7 Gouves or Chersonissos area: Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar 3* Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar 4* OPTIONAL EXTRA: Pre-Night in Gouves or Chersonissos area: Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar 3* Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar 4* Post-Night in Gouves or Chersonissos area: Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar 3* Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar 4*

Transport

Air-conditioned shared transportation throughout the tour Inbound/Outbound air-conditioned shared transfers from/to Heraklion Airport

Meals

7 Breakfasts 2 Lunches (1 BBQ lunch during Landrover Tour with unlimited wine and 1 Cretan Lunch in Elounda excluding drinks) 7 Dinners

Others

Pre-Night in Gouves or Chersonissos area: All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: the Archaeological sites of Knossos, Archaeological Museum, the boat trip (shared basis) to the island of Spinalonga, Spinalonga island tour, entrance ticket to the Waterpark Aqua Plus, Land Rover Tour

Not included:

Insurance

Insurance is not included

Optional

Other activities and services not included

Others

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 Travel Insurance 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 entrance fee. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Please note that depending on the departure day the itinerary may be in a different order Day 5: 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. Please note that the inbound airport-hotel transfers are included only as part of the package and if pre and post-night stay is booked as an extra. Otherwise additional transfers should be purchased separately.

Flights

International flights are not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrival Crete (22 Km - 30 Min)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrival Crete (22 Km - 30 Min)

Upon arrival at Heraklion Airport you will be directed to the bus that will take you to the hotel in Gouves or Chersonissos area for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the delightful surroundings on your own. Dinner is included. Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area
Day 2 Day 2: Creteboat Trip To The Island Of Spinalonga (130 Km – 8 Hrs)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Creteboat Trip To The Island Of Spinalonga (130 Km – 8 Hrs)

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
Day 3 Day 3: Cretepalace Of Knossos And Heraklion Town (42 Km – 7/8 Hrs)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Cretepalace Of Knossos And Heraklion Town (42 Km – 7/8 Hrs)

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
Day 4 Day 4: Cretechania And Rethymnon (326 Km – 10/11 Hrs)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Cretechania And Rethymnon (326 Km – 10/11 Hrs)

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
Day 5 Day 5: Creteland Rover Tour And The Birthplace Of Zeus (120Km – 7/8 Hrs)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Creteland Rover Tour And The Birthplace Of Zeus (120Km – 7/8 Hrs)

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel and head towards the central part of Crete to learn about its mythology, culture, and local life, while having lots of fun. Your day starts from the moment you meet your drivers, who will take you to your first stop, the Potamies Reservoir water 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 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 (entrance not included) where, according to mythology, the father of all the gods was born. 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 plateau, where time has virtually stood still and the local people are mainly farmers. 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. Lunch is included with wine and bottled water. Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area
Day 6 Day 6: Cretewaterpark Aqua Plus Adventure (22Km – 4/5 Hrs)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Cretewaterpark Aqua Plus Adventure (22Km – 4/5 Hrs)

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
Day 7 Day 7: Creteday Free At Leisure
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Creteday 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 Gouves or Chersonissos area
Day 8 Day 8: Depart Crete (16–22Km / 20-30 Minutes)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Depart Crete (16–22Km / 20-30 Minutes)

After a tasty breakfast, enjoy a shared transfer from your hotel to the airport and continue with your travel arrangements. Breakfast included

8 days tour

Exploring Crete

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Exploring Crete

Day 1: Arrival Crete (22 Km - 30 Min)

Day 2: Creteboat Trip To The Island Of Spinalonga (130 Km – 8 Hrs)

Day 3: Cretepalace Of Knossos And Heraklion Town (42 Km – 7/8 Hrs)

Day 4: Cretechania And Rethymnon (326 Km – 10/11 Hrs)

Day 5: Creteland Rover Tour And The Birthplace Of Zeus (120Km – 7/8 Hrs)

Day 6: Cretewaterpark Aqua Plus Adventure (22Km – 4/5 Hrs)

Day 7: Creteday Free At Leisure

Day 8: Depart Crete (16–22Km / 20-30 Minutes)

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