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The Labyrinth of Crete

New5 daysHeraklion
1 / 7
From $515
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Length

5 days

Itinerary

5 days planned

Group

Max 50

Guides

English

Overview

To Greeks, Crete is the Megalonissi (Great Island), a hub of spectacular ancient art and architecture. Fabled as the land of King Minos, it is a unique world where civilization is counted by the millennium. From every point of view, travellers discover landscapes of amazing variety. Mountains split with deep gorges and honeycombed with caves rise in sheer walls from the sea. Snow-capped peaks loom behind sandy shorelines, vineyards, and olive groves. Miles of beaches, some with a wealth of amenities and others isolated and unspoiled, fringe the coast. Join us to discover the Palace of Knossos, explore Spinalonga island, admire Lassithi Plateau and much more during this memorable five-day tour of the island.

Day by day itinerary

  1. 1ARRIVAL 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 the Hersonissos area for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the delightful surroundings on your own. Dinner is included. Overnight at a hotel in the Hersonissos area

    Meals: Dinner

    Overnight: Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Almare Beach or similar3* Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar4*

  2. 2CRETE: BOAT TRIP TO SPINALONGA & KOLOKYTHA BAY (130 km – 9/11 hrs)⌄

    After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel for a full-day excursion combining the natural beauty, history and seaside charm of eastern Crete. Your day begins in Agios Nikolaos, where you will board a boat and set sail across the beautiful waters of Mirabello Bay. Enjoy the scenic coastline and crystal-clear waters as you cruise towards the historic island of Spinalonga. Once on the island, a guided tour will take you through the fascinating remains of one of the world’s last leper colonies, revealing the history and stories behind this remarkable Venetian fortress and former settlement. The entrance fee to the Spinalonga archaeological site is not included (€20 per person, payable locally). The cruise then continues to Kolokytha Bay, where you will enjoy a swim in its crystal-clear waters and lunch on board by the beach. The excursion concludes with a visit to Agios Nikolaos, including its picturesque Lake Voulismeni, before returning. Overnight in the Hersonissos area.

    Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

    Overnight: Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Almare Beach or similar3* Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar4*

  3. 3CRETE: PALACE OF KNOSSOS AND HERAKLION TOWN (42 km – 7/9 hrs)⌄

    After breakfast, depart for Heraklion, the vibrant capital of Crete and a city rich in history and culture. The day begins with a visit to Knossos, the legendary centre of Minoan civilization and one of the island's most important archaeological sites. Discover the remains of the ancient palace and learn about the fascinating history of the Minoan world, whose origins date back more than 5,000 years. The entrance fee to the Knossos Palace is not included (€20 per person, payable locally). Continue to Heraklion city centre for a guided walking tour through the historic heart of the city. Explore its lively streets and discover landmarks including the Venetian Harbour and the atmospheric Old Town. There will also be an opportunity to visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion (on your own), home to an exceptional collection tracing the history of Crete, or to explore the city's old market and enjoy some time at leisure. Overnight at a hotel in the Hersonissos area.

    Meals: Breakfast · Dinner

    Overnight: Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Almare Beach or similar3* Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar4*

  4. 4CRETE: LAND ROVER TOUR – EXPLORING MINOAN ROUTE (120 km – 7/8 hrs)⌄

    After breakfast, set out to discover the central landscapes of Crete, combining mountain scenery, traditional villages, local flavours. Begin at Aposelemis Dam, where you can see the remains of the submerged village of Sfendili. Continue through the countryside before reaching the ancient ruins of Lyttos and the remains of its Roman aqueduct. Continue to the traditional village of Kastamonitsa, to experience some of the local flavours with a tasting of raki and Cretan olive oil. From here, continue into the mountains, following an ancient Minoan route. Along the way, meet a local shepherd to see the animals and taste homemade cheese. Continue to a spectacular mountain viewpoint overlooking the ancient Minoan path and the first views of the Lassithi Plateau. Enjoy a traditional lunch with unlimited wine before continuing to the picturesque village of Krasi. The final stop is famous for its impressive ancient plane tree and natural spring. Overnight in the Hersonissos area.

    Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

    Overnight: Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Almare Beach or similar3* Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar4*

  5. 5DEPART CRETE (22 km - 30 min)⌄

    Begin your day with a rich breakfast at the hotel. Then, enjoy a transfer to Heraklion airport and continue with your travel arrangements. Breakfast included.

    Meals: Breakfast

What's included

  • ✓All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: boat trip and Spinalonga Island tour
  • ✓Air-conditioned shared transportation throughout the tour
  • ✓Operated with local English-speaking guide on a shared basis on day 2 and 3
  • ✓Lunch
  • ✓4 Nights' accommodation
  • ✓Dinner
  • ✓Breakfast
  • ✓Land Rover Tour
  • ✓Air-conditioned transportation for outbound and inbound transfers from/to Heraklion airport
  • ✓guided tour of Knossos Palace and walking tour of Heraklion

Not included

  • ✕Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals if not stated explicitly in the programme
  • ✕Flight tickets or visa fees
  • ✕Airport taxes for domestic and international flights
  • ✕Gratuities for driver and guide
  • ✕Optional tours
  • ✕Climate Change Resilience Fee. Clients will have to pay the Fee on the spot at the hotels.
  • ✕Day 2: the entrance fee to the Spinalonga archaeological site
  • ✕Day 3: the entrance fee to the Knossos Palace
  • ✕visit and entrance at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

Good to know

Cancellation: All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to the tour contents without prior notice
  • What do I need to bring? Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Greece. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sun glasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
  • Hotel early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms are subject to availability and are not guaranteed.
  • No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed
  • The distances and travel times described in the itinerary may vary.
  • Day 4: Long walks and climbs require appropriate shoes
  • Please note that depending on the departure day the itinerary may be in a different order
  • Daily excursions may be operated with bilingual guidance

From

$515

Check availability