Seven Day Treasures of CRETE Tour – 7 days / 6 nights

Join this memorable seven-day tour to see some of the most interesting landmarks and most beautiful spots of Crete, the largest and most diverse of the Greek islands. From Venetian towns to dazzling mountains, Crete’s multitude of things to do and see makes it really stand out from the crowd. Explore Rethymno, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Greece, visit Spinalonga, the intriguing island that used to be a leper colony, admire the romantic Chania, and enjoy an exciting landrover tour and catch sight of the place of birth of well-known Zeus. This fascinating tour gives you the chance to get closer to the interesting Greek culture while enjoying the beaches, inspiring views, and mouthwatering cuisine.

OPERATES EVERY WEDNESDAY FROM HERAKLION

May to October

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Rethymno: Explore one of the best preserved medieval cities in Greece, admiring the perfect combination of Orthodox and Catholic churches, mosques, majestic mansions of Venetian architecture, arches and cobbled paths which create a magical atmosphere.
• Spinalonga: The story of the fascinating book, “The Island” takes place on the island of Spinalonga, during its years as a leper colony.
• Chania: Stroll the romantic streets of Chania, admire its Medieval architecture, elegant mansions and the wonderful Venetian port, the most famous spot in the town.

INCLUDES:

TOUR GUIDE:
– Operated with qualified local English speaking guide on a shared basis on Day 3,4 and 5
ACCOMMODATION:
– 6 Nights’ accommodation in your selected hotel category
MEALS:
– 6 Breakfasts
– 6 Dinners
– 2 Lunches (1 lunch during Landrover Tour with unlimited wine and 1 Cretan Lunch in Elounda excluding drinks)
TRANSPORT:
– Air-conditioned shared transportation throughout the tour
– Inbound/Outbound air-conditioned shared transfers from/to Heraklion Airport
ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITIES:
– 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, Land Rover Tour.
OTHER:
– Meet & Greet on arrival at Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport Heraklion

ITINERARY:

Day 1. ARRIVAL CRETE
Meet and greet upon arrival at the airport, and join the shared Transfer with a/c, modern coach from airport Heraklion to the hotel in Gouves, Chersonissos area. Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area.

Day 2. CRETE: DAY AT LEISURE
Breakfast in the hotel. Today enjoy a day free of leisure and fun. Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area.

Day 3. CRETE: BOAT TRIP TO THE ISLAND OF SPINALONGA (8 hrs)
After breakfast, pick up at your hotel. 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 included and have free time to walk around, do some shopping or go for a swim. Overnightin Gouves or Chersonissos area.

Day 4. CRETE: PALACE OF KNOSSOS AND HERAKLION TOWN (7/8 hrs)
After breakfast, pick up at your hotel.The Palace of Knossos 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 round 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, the time’s your own to explore. Take advantage also of the guided tour in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area.

Day 5. CRETE:WEST CRETE, RETHYMNON AND CHANIA (10/11 hrs)
After breakfast, pick up at your hotel. 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 Rethymon, the second stop. You have free time in both to explore the winding back streets. A day full of discovery, beautiful scenery and history. Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area.

Day 6. CRETE: LAND ROVER TOUR AND EXPLORE THE BIRTHPLACE OF ZEUS (7/8 hrs)
Our day is the perfect way to explore the central part of Crete with two different plateaus, mythology and lots of fun and interesting information about Crete and the local life. Your day starts from the moment you meet your drivers where they take you to your first stop at the Potamies Reservoir water dam. Continuing our journey through paths and olive trees, we reach the ruins of the Roman aqueduct of Lyttos. Next stop is the quaint village of Kastamonitsa where we join the locals for a coffee break in the traditional cafeneion. From here the real off-road adventure begins by climbing high into the mountains and following the ancient minaon path that leads us to the cave of Zeus, whilst these days we will pass only shepherds and their goats on our travels. At Zeus’ Cave (where mythology says that Zeus, the father of all the gods was born!) there is a 6€ entrance fee and walking shoes are recommended. Our next point gives you the opportunity to take photographs as if with a helicopters view of the Lassithi Plateau which is from here where we drop down to the plateau for your delicious BBQ lunch with unlimited wine! Then on to Lassithi plateau itself where time has virtually stood still, the local people are mainly farmers. You will also see many donkeys at work. We then make our way to Seli, where once again we have an opportunity to take amazing photos of this unique scenery. As we continue we reach the village of Krassi our last stop of the day, which is famous for a 2,000-year-old plane tree and also has a natural spring water source. This is a day full of many surprises and the excitement is second to none, you certainly won’t forget your fun day out on our great adventure. Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area.

Day 7. DEPARTURE CRETE
After breakfast, pick up at your hotel. Share Transfer with a/c, modern coach from hotel in Gouves , Chersonissos area to the airport Heraklion. Breakfast Included.

Notes:
– 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.
– Pre and Post night(s) available upon request.

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