Crete Tour 8 Days

Welcome to Heraklion!
Arrival at Heraklion airport, welcome by the staff, assistance, and transfer to the hotel in Heraklion. The evening will be dedicated to exploring the historic center of Heraklion, with the main square dominated by the Lion Fountain, built in 1628 by the Venetian governor Morosini, the Venetian Loggia, the Byzantine church of Agios Titos, and finally the Sea Fortress, built by the Venetians to protect the city.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Heraklion.

Palace of Phaistos, Roman archaeological site of Gortina, and Matala Hippie Beach
Departure with an archaeological guide to the Minoan palace of Phaistos, located in the Messara plain, where the famous disc was discovered. The tour will continue with a visit to the archaeological site of Gortina, where the Gortyn Laws are inscribed on large marble blocks, regulating the life of the ancient colony. After the visit, proceed to the picturesque "hippie" beach of Matala, where you'll have free time for lunch and relaxation by the sea.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Heraklion.

Lassithi Plateau, Zeus Cave, and Agios Nikolaos
Breakfast at the hotel and departure with the guide to the Lassithi Plateau. Along the way, there will be a stop at the Panaghia Kera church, home to the most beautiful Byzantine frescoes in Crete, before reaching the Dikteon Cave, where, according to legend, Zeus was born. We will then continue to the town of Agios Nikolaos for lunch and free time to stroll through its streets and visit the famous Voulismeni Lake, where the goddess Athena once swam.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Heraklion.

Relax on the beach and visit the Palace of Knossos, Archaeological Museum
After breakfast, transfer to the nearby Karteros beach for a morning of swimming and relaxation at a beach bar. In the early afternoon, depart with the archaeological guide for a visit to the famous Minoan Palace of Knossos, the home of the legendary King Minos. After the visit, the afternoon will continue with a tour of the archaeological museum, with its rich collection spanning all periods.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Heraklion.

Rethymno and the Arkadi Monastery
Breakfast at the hotel and departure with the guide to the western part of the island, reaching the Arkadi Monastery, a symbol of the Cretan revolt against the Ottomans. Afterward, visit the beautiful town of Rethymno, where you will be guided through its charming Venetian old town. In the evening, we will continue to the town of Chania.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Chania.

Chania and the Akrotiri Peninsula
After breakfast, depart with the guide for the Akrotiri Peninsula, with stops at the Agia Triada Monastery and Stavros Beach (the famous beach from the movie "Zorba the Greek"). After lunch, continue with a walk through the town of Chania, known as the "Venice of the East," with its historic alleys, old harbor, and Venetian arsenals.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Chania.

Relax on the "Caribbean" beach of Elafonissi
Breakfast at the hotel and departure to the beautiful Elafonissi Beach for perfect relaxation, finding your own cove in the stunning peninsula (returning in the early afternoon).
Overnight stay at the hotel in Chania.

Return to Italy
Breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport, and return flight to Italy.