Accommodation

7 nights' accommodation Day 1-7 Heraklion: Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Olympic Heraklion or similar 3* Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Olive Green Heraklion or similar 4* OPTIONAL EXTRA: Pre/ Post-stay in Heraklion, on a half-board basis: Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Olympic Heraklion or similar 3* Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Olive Green Heraklion or similar 4*

Guide

Operated with English, German or French-speaking local guide (Day 2-4) on a private basis English, German or French-speaking private escort on day 7

Meals

7 Breakfasts 7 Dinners 2 lunches (non-exclusivity at local taverns)

Transport

Air-conditioned private transportation throughout the tour (Day 2-7) Inbound/Outbound air-conditioned private transfers from/to Heraklion International Airport

Others

Pre/ Post-stay in Heraklion, on a half-board basis: All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: Spinalonga island tour & Elounda Port (boat trip on shared basis) (Day 2); the Archaeological site of Knossos and Heraklion Museum (Day 3); Rethymnon and Chania (Day 4); Land Rover tour and the birthplace of Zeus (Day 6); village of Archanes visit and Wine experience of 5 different wines & food pairing in Kounavoi (Day 7) Meet & Greet

Not included:

Flights

International flights are not included

Others

Zeus' cave entrance fee Visa fees Domestic flights International flights Drinks during meals (unless specified otherwise) Optional tours (if any) Any visit not mentioned in the program Porterage and gratuities Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any) Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc. 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 Please note that the inbound and outbound transfers are included only as part of the package or if pre and post-night stay is booked as an extra. Otherwise, additional transfers should be purchased separately KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Day 6: Long walks and climbs require appropriate shoes Private group transfers require all participants to arrive and depart with the same flight/time or same boat/time We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons Early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms in the hotel are subject to availability and not guaranteed No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed In many hotels in Greece, the triple rooms are a double room with an additional bed or sofa bed. Their comfort conditions are lower than the international standards of the triple room 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.

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Insurance

Travel insurance is not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrival Crete (6Km – 15 Min)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrival Crete (6Km – 15 Min)

Arrive at the airport, where our representative will meet and greet you. Then transfer from Heraklion airport the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the delightful surroundings on your own. Dinner is included. Overnight in Heraklion.
Day 2 Day 2: Creteboat Trip To The Island Of Spinalonga (148Km – 8Hrs)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Creteboat Trip To The Island Of Spinalonga (148Km – 8Hrs)

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, 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 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 and have free time to walk around, do some shopping or go for a swim. Lunch and dinner are included. Overnight in Heraklion.
Day 3 Day 3: Cretepalace Of Knossos And Heraklion Town (13Km – 6Hrs)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Cretepalace Of Knossos And Heraklion Town (13Km – 6Hrs)

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, it was the hub of Crete’s Minoan civilisation and where the fearsome Minotaur was said to have lurked in the labyrinth. Your guide will explain the myths surrounding the palace and its Kings as they lead you around its treasures. Then, visit Heraklion, see the Venetian lion fountain and the loggia that is now the Town Hall before finishing up at the entrance to the old harbour. Here, time is your own to explore. Take advantage also of the guided tour in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. Dinner is included. Overnight in Heraklion.
Day 4 Day 4: Cretewest Crete, Rethymnon & Chania (286Km – 10/11Hrs)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Cretewest Crete, Rethymnon & Chania (286Km – 10/11Hrs)

Enjoy a mouthwatering breakfast before your morning picks 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 with picturesque harbour fronts. Your guide will take you on a tour of the old quarter, its quaint little neighbourhoods and backstreets that have been restored beautifully. Afterwards, make a visit to the lively Chania market hall with local produce and the famous leather lane before ending up at the breathtakingly beautiful Venetian port of Chania. Equally beautifully is the old town and harbour of Rethymnon, the second stop. You have free time in both to explore the winding back streets. A day full of discovery, beautiful scenery and history. Dinner is included. Overnight in Heraklion.
Day 5 Day 5: Creteday Free At Leisure
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Creteday 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 Heraklion
Day 6 Day 6: Creteland Rover Tour And The Birthplace Of Zeus (120Km – 7/8 Hrs)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: 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 Heraklion.
Day 7 Day 7: Cretearchanes Village & Wine Tasting In Kounavoi Village (40 Km - 4/5 Hrs)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Cretearchanes Village & Wine Tasting In Kounavoi Village (40 Km - 4/5 Hrs)

Begin your day with a delectable breakfast at the hotel. Then drive to the village of Archanes, built in a small, closed, Mediterranean valley at an altitude of 380 meters. West of the settlement is the landmark of Archanes, the anthropomorphous mount Gioychta that overshadows the settlement. Ancient fables have linked the mount with stories and legends of gods, and heroes. The settlement of Archanes is more than 4000 years old, and it harmoniously combines historical memories with the liveliness of modern life. Between the modern houses were found the relics of the Minoan rural palace in the place called “Toyrkogeitonia” and the modern houses have been built on ancient or later foundations. Archanes has been characterized as a traditional settlement and is of particular architectural and urban interest. Afterwards, visit of Titakis Fabrica wines! With a history and tradition in wine production dating back to the late 1950s, the Titakis family of winemakers. The specialized know-how accumulated over the years, the combination of native and selected international varieties and the inspired effort to create quality wine bring Titakis Winery to its new era which coincides with what can be called a Renaissance of Cretan wines. Overnight in Heraklion.
Day 8 Day 8: Departure Crete (6Km - 15Min)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Departure Crete (6Km - 15Min)

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

8 days tour

Exploring Crete, Private Tour

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Exploring Crete, Private Tour

Day 1: Arrival Crete (6Km – 15 Min)

Day 2: Creteboat Trip To The Island Of Spinalonga (148Km – 8Hrs)

Day 3: Cretepalace Of Knossos And Heraklion Town (13Km – 6Hrs)

Day 4: Cretewest Crete, Rethymnon & Chania (286Km – 10/11Hrs)

Day 5: Creteday Free At Leisure

Day 6: Creteland Rover Tour And The Birthplace Of Zeus (120Km – 7/8 Hrs)

Day 7: Cretearchanes Village & Wine Tasting In Kounavoi Village (40 Km - 4/5 Hrs)

Day 8: Departure Crete (6Km - 15Min)

Experience Style

Accomodation level

Experience Type

Physical Rating

Age range

Who talk about us:

Best cities to travel to

America

Europe

Asia

Africa

Oceania