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Exploring Crete

5.0Based on
8 daysDuration
Group TourJoin a group of travelers
30 peopleMaximum group size
6 - 99 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Relaxed
Minimal physical effort, perfect for travelers seeking an easy-going experience.

Itinerary

Crete beckons with its sun-drenched beaches, rugged mountains, and timeless villages. The "Exploring Crete" tour invites seniors and curious travelers to indulge in eight days of relaxed discovery. From the bustling streets of Heraklion to the tranquil beauty of Gouves and hidden gems across the island, this group art and architecture trip offers a deep dive into local culture and history. With transport, comfortable hotels, and meals provided, you’ll enjoy the freedom to unwind or explore to your heart’s content. What sets this package apart is its well-balanced itinerary—perfect for those who want both leisure and meaningful exploration on one of Europe’s most enchanting islands.

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 - Crete

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 - Crete

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 - Crete

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 - Crete

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel and head towards the central part of Crete to learn about its mythology, culture, flora, fauna and local life. Your adventure starts from the moment you meet your drivers, who will take you to your first stop, the Aposelimi 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 Raki and olive oil tasting. Afterwards, the real off-road adventure begins! We will climb high into the mountains and follow an ancient Minoan path that leads to a local shepherd, where you will have the chance to taste homemade cheese and encounter many species of wild animals. From here, we make our way to a magnificent viewpoint where we can see the Minoan path and the first sitting of the Lassithi Plateau. Making our way down onto the Plateau to explore, and from here we cross the Plateau and stop for a delicious traditional lunch with unlimited wine (vegetarian option available). 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.
Overnight  in Gouves or Chersonissos area

day 6 - Crete

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 - Crete

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 - 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 

Exploring Crete

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What's Included

Accommodation
Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar 3*Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar 4*7 nights' accommodation
Meals
7 Breakfasts2 Lunches (1 BBQ lunch during Landrover Tour with unlimited wine and 1 Cretan Lunch in Elounda excluding drinks)7 Dinners
Transport
Air-conditioned shared transportation throughout the tour
Guide
Operated with qualified local English speaking guide on a shared basis on Day 2, 3 and 4
Others
Gouves or Chersonissos area:OPTIONAL EXTRA:Inbound/Outbound air-conditioned shared transfers from/to Heraklion AirportAll 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

What's Excluded

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