Highlights of Crete

Highlights of Crete

Highlights of CreteGreece
Fully GuidedFully Guided
77 Nights
Nights
-
Half Board
Transport: Flights & TransfersFlights & Transfers

    Your Guided Group Holiday To Crete 

    Join us on a trip to Greece’s largest island, Crete, on this 7-night guided group holiday. We’ll stay in the coastal resort town of Hersonissos, which boasts beautiful beaches. Discover the sights of the island on three full day excursions, including a trip to the Skordalou Botanical Park, the capital city of Heraklion, the remarkable Arkadi monastery, and one of the island’s most delicious wineries. Another day trip will take us to visit the ruins of Knossos, the ancient capital of the mythical king Minos and home of the minotaur, which legend says lived in a great labyrinth beneath the palace. We’ll also have plenty of free time to enjoy some of the region’s enchanting beaches and villages, making this holiday the perfect combination of relaxation, history and culture.

    Tour Map

    Trip Itinerary

    Activity Level 3

    Activity Level: Moderate

    What does this level mean?

    Day

    Travel to Greece

    1

    Arrive in Hersonissos

    Upon arrival in Heraklion, you will be met by our local representative at the airport before being transferred to your hotel. As you travel to your hotel, your guide will share some information about the local region, suggest activities for you to enjoy and answer any questions you may have.

    At Leisure

    2

    Explore Crete at Your Own Leisure

    Time: Full DayFull Day

    Take the day to explore your surrounding area in Hersonissos, or relax at your hotel. If you want to explore further afield, our guide will be happy to advise your on local attractions and excursions. End your evening with a relaxing drink while watching the sun set over the beach.

    Knossos & Heraklion

    3

    Knossos Guided Tour

    Time: MorningMorning

    After breakfast at your hotel, depart for a full day guided excursion to Knossos and Heraklion. In the morning you will enjoy a guided city tour of Knossos, the ancient capital of the great king Minos, constructed around 1900 BC. A visit to its Archaeological Museum (entrance included), which houses a unique collection of artifacts from the Minoan civilisation, will give you an insight into this artistic-minded community.

    Guided Walking Tour of Heraklion

    Time: AfternoonAfternoon

    In the afternoon you will have the chance to walk around the sites of Heraklion accompanied by your guide, followed by some free time to discover the town at your own pace.

    Botanical Park & Chania

    4

    Botanical Park guided tour

    Time: MorningMorning

    After breakfast at your hotel, depart for a full day excursion including the Botanical Park and Chania. In the morning visit the Botanical Park in Skordalu, where you will see more than 150 species of fruit trees together with the dozens of herbs, medicinal and ornamental plants, while enjoying your walk through a lush natural environment.

    Chania guided tour

    Time: AfternoonAfternoon

    Continue to Chania to visit the old city, including its beautiful Venetian and Ottoman buildings, the cathedral, the market, the mosque of the janissaries and the Venetian docks. You will also enjoy a guided tour of Agia Triada Monastery, the most impressive monastery of Crete, with beautiful wall paintings in the Byzantine style. Then you will visit Akrotiri, where you can enjoy views of Chania before returning to your hotel.

    At Leisure

    5

    Free Time in Crete

    Time: Full DayFull Day

    Today you will have a free day to enjoy the delights of Crete at your leisure. When out and about, you might like to try some regional dishes, such as the famous Dakos (a Cretan barley rusk topped with local cheese, olive oil and tomatoes) or Chania's speciality ; Kaltsounia, a cheese pie in both salty and sweet versions. Your guide will be delighted to make suggestions for places to try these local treats.

    Rethymnon

    6

    Rethymnon full day guided excursion

    After breakfast at your hotel depart by coach along the scenic Chania-Rethymnon highway that runs along the north coast of Crete. On arrival at the family-run Dourakis winery and cellar, enjoy a wine tasting. Afterwards, transfer to Rethymnon for a visit to the Arkadi Monastery (entrance included), which is set in spectacular scenery and represents the symbol of freedom for the Cretans. Afterwards, you will have a guided walking tour of the old part of Rethymnon, with its little narrow streets and innumerable shops in Venetian style. You will also have some free time for discovering the town at your own pace.

    At Leisure

    7

    Day at leisure

    Time: Full DayFull Day

    Today, you will have a day free for shopping and sightseeing. Your local guide will be delighted to suggest activities to suit your interests and advise which highlights are a must-see, or take the time to relax and enjoy your surroundings.

    Return Home

    8

    At Leisure

    Spend your final day soaking up the blue skies and convivial atmosphere of Crete. Pay a last visit to the Venetian Lighthouse, located at the entrance to the port and considered to be the symbol of Chania, before you bid farewell to this lovely town.

    Depart Crete

    You will be transferred with guide assistance from your hotel to Chania airport, for your flight home.

    * We aim to operate your tour itinerary according to the format shown. Occasionally, local conditions and unexpected events may result in adjustments to the planned schedule. We kindly ask for your understanding and flexibility in the event of any changes.

    Customer Reviews

    Know before you go

    What if there is an emergency?

    We have local representatives in all of our destinations who are available 24/7 as well as an emergency contact number for our offices in Ireland should you ever need it.

    Do I need a Visa?

    Please visit our visa page for information on requirements for each country's entry requirements

    Will I be met at the airport?

    You will be met on arrival at your destination airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will be accompanied on all included excursions by your Travel Department guide. Your expert local guide is also available to give you tips and advice on any aspect of your holiday.

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