Tour price : from 1950€ per person (based on double occupancy)
Includes
Accommodation for 9nights/10days in 3* hotels in double/twin room with breakfast included
Walking tour in Chania
Transportation as mentioned the program
The price does not include
Ferry/Flight tickets
Meals
Personal Expenses
About this holiday
Crete, one of the most idyllic destinations of Greece, has its own incomparable beauty, its own unique culture and is an island that you will surely fall in love with.
It combines mountain and sea, amazing beaches, very important archaeological sites and above all the local way of living. We suggest to spend 3 days in Heraklio, 3 days in Rethymno and 3 days in Chania, from which we will do daytrips every day. Of course we can change the itinerary and choose more quiet places off the beaten path in the southern part of Crete. In total we will visit the archaeological sites of Phaistos and Knossos, the famous beaches of Elafonissi and Balos, you can hike the incomparable Samaria gorge, visit wineries or spend your time enjoying the facilities of top rated hotels.
We can take care of your flights to Crete from Athens, book your accommodation, and arrange your transfers, tours and guides throughout the tour.
Why choose this holiday?
Fully customizable in duration, type of accommodation, transfers vehicle, inclusions.
Private Tour
In this tour you will be on your own and all aspects of this tour can be adapted on your needs. Arrival and departure times, transfers, accommodation and extra inclusions can be organized under your guidelines. We provide full support during your stay with in order to deliver an unforgettable trip for you.
Accommodation
We offer from 3* affordable but cozy hotels up to high end 5* hotels with private swimming pool and amazing view. We can take care of all types of needs depending on your style and budget.
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1: Athens-Heraklio
Flight from Athens to Heraklion. Your private driver will pick you up in Heraklio airport and will drive you at your hotel. Free evening to explore the center and the port of Heraklio. Heraklio is the biggest town of Crete and its trademark is the Koules fortress at the port. Overnight Heraklio
DAY 2: Phaistos and Knossos
Today we will drive you at the arcaheological site of Phaestos and Knossos, the two most important archaeological sites of Crete. Knossos was the centre of Minoan civilisation and capital of Minoan Crete. The Minoan palace is the main site of interest at Knossos, an important city in antiquity, which was inhabited continuously from the Neolithic period until the 5th c. AD. According to tradition, it was the seat of the wise king Minos. The Palace of Knossos is connected with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth, with the Minotaur, and the story of Daidalos and Ikaros.Phaestos was the second-most-important Minoan palace-city after Knossos. There you will be able to see the palace and the Venetian church of St. George of Phalandra.
Before returning, we will stop in Matala beach for a swim if the weather permits it. In the evening free time to Heraklio. Overnight Heraklio
DAY 3: Day trip to Agios Nikolaos
In the morning, your private driver will pick you and drive you to Agios Nikolaos, a very beautiful town of easter Crete and capital of Lasithi province. You will visit the lake where according to the legend Athena and Artemis are bathing in its waters. Free time to explore agios Nikolas and if you wish to swim in the blue waters. Return back to Heraklio. On the way back, we will pass from Koutouloufari, a traditional settlement of Crete to see a different part of the island. Great opportunity to try some raki and some meze. Overnight Heraklio.
DAY 4: Heraklio-Rethymno
Today, we drive to Rethymno, an amazing town with a huge sandy beach at the frontside, that offers an amazing promenade opportunity. The impact of the Venetina and Ottomans is obvious with the Fortezza, the Big Door and the old town of the city. You can also visit the museum of Cretan Lyra, the traditional musical instrument of the island.
On our way we will stop at the seaside village of Bali, one of the best beaches of the area with crystal clear waters. Overnight Rethymno
DAY 5: Day trip to Arkadi monastery and ancient Eleutherna
In the morning after a good breakfast we head to ancient Eleutherna and Arkadi monastery.The monastery is the symbol of Cretan revolution against the Ottomans. In 1866, the Cretan fighters, trapped in the monastery, exploded themselves to avoid surrender to the enemy. Eleutherna is an ancient town where the archaeologists have revealed the Acropolis and the necropolis. After Eleutherna, it’s time to visit Panormos, a small seaside village with an amazing beach to relax an d enjoy the water.
Return back to Rethymno in the afternoon and free time to explore the city. Overnight Rethymno
DAY 6: Rethymno- Free day
Today it is a free day to enjoy the Rethymno beach and wander around. Overnight Rethymno
DAY 7: Rethymno-Chania
In the morning our driver meets us at the hotel and we head to Chania. For many, Chania is the most beautiful town of Crete. The old town of Chania and the Venetian port with the picturesque lighthouse is the symbol of beauty in Crete. On top of that,
On the way, we will stop to Georgioupoli, to visit the picturesque church in the sea, and then stop in Kournas Lake, to admire the natural environment. Our final stop will be in ancient Aptera where you can see both the arcaheological site but also the Ottoman Castle of Apetra. Overnight Chania
DAY 8: Chania
Today we will have a guided tour in Chania with a local guide. We will walk through the old town and we will learn about the history and the culture of Chania. One full day is needed to spend leisurely in the town, wander and taste the local specialties and of course raki. Overnight Chania
DAY 9: Day trip in Elafonissi or hike the Samaria Gorge
Depending on your interests, you can either hike the famous Samaria gorge as a full day activity, or take a daytrip to the magnificent Elafonissi beach, for many the best beach of Crete. In the last option we can includ a visit at the Chrysoscalitisa Monastery and the Manousakis winery to taste the local wine but also see the production at the winery.
Hiking in Samaria gorge lasts about 8h depending on your pace, begins from Omalos and ends in Agia Roumeli at the south Crete. From there you must take a small boat and our driver will pick you up at the end to drive you back to Chania. Overnight Chania
DAY 10: Departure
After a good breakfast we check out from your hotel and we drive to Chania airport to fly back to Athens.
We Greeks don’t like to say goodbye. Instead we prefer to say «Εις το επανιδείν» which means that we hope to see you again some time!
PRICING
Price Includes:
Accommodation for 9nights/10days in 3* hotels in double/twin room with breakfast included
Walking tour in Chania
Transportation as mentioned the program
The price does not include:
Ferry/Flight tickets
Meals
Personal Expenses
Accommodation
During this tour you will stay in 3* Hotels or Apartments. All accommodations have been selected by us and are checked in person by our crew. They fulfill a minimum level of standards set like cleanness, stuff behavior, breakfast, comfort and more. In terms of our Responsible Travel Policy, all accommodations are owned by locals, they mainly employee locals and do care about the environment. Most probably you will meet the owners themselves, have a cup of coffee with them or taste the breakfast made by their hands! For the most demanding there is also the possibility of upgrade in for 4* Hotels but only in some places. Contact us for more details.
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