Classic Crete Tour
Greece
Archaeology, beaches, and lush nature will be the protagonists of this tour that will take you on a discovery of the island of a thousand colors and scents.
Day 1
May 22 - DAY 1
Welcome to Heraklion!
Arrival at Heraklion Airport, greeted by the assistance staff, and transferred to the hotel. The evening will be dedicated to exploring the historic center of Heraklion, with its central square dominated by the Fountain of the Lions, built in 1628 by the Venetian governor Morosini, the Venetian Loggia, and the Byzantine Church of Agios Titos, culminating in the "Rocca a Mare" fortress, built by the Venetians to protect the city. Overnight stay at a hotel in Heraklion.
Day 2
May 23 - DAY 2
Palace of Phaistos, the Roman archaeological site of Gortyna, and the hippie beach of Matala.
Departure with an archaeological guide for the Minoan palace of Phaistos, located on the Messara plain, where the famous disc was found. We will continue with a visit to the archaeological site of Gortyna, where the Gortynian Laws, which governed life in the ancient colony, are engraved on large blocks of marble. After the visit, we will continue to the charming "hippie" beach of Matala, where you will have free time for lunch and relaxation by the sea. Overnight stay at a hotel in Heraklion.
Day 3
May 24 - DAY 3
Lassithi Plateau, Zeus's Cave, and Agios Nikolaos
Breakfast at the hotel and departure with a guide for the Lassithi Plateau. Along the way, we'll stop at the church of Panagia Kera, home to the most beautiful Byzantine frescoes in Crete, and then reach Dikteon Andron, the cave where, according to legend, Zeus was born. We'll continue to the town of Agios Nikolaos, for lunch and free time to stroll through its streets and its famous Lake Voulismeni, where the goddess Athena swam. Overnight at a hotel in Heraklion.
Day 4
May 25 - DAY 4
Relax on the beach and visit the Palace of Knossos and its archaeological museum.
After breakfast, transfer to nearby Karteros Beach and a beach bar for a morning of swimming and relaxation. In the early afternoon, depart with an archaeological guide to visit the famous Minoan Palace of Knossos, home of the legendary King Minos. The afternoon will continue with a visit to the archaeological museum, with its rich collection spanning all eras. Overnight stay at a hotel in Heraklion.
Day 5
May 26 - DAY 5
Rethymno and the Arkadi Monastery
Breakfast at the hotel and departure with a guide for the western part of the island to the Arkadi Monastery, a symbolic site of the Cretan revolt against the Ottomans. A visit to the beautiful town of Rethymno will follow, where you will be accompanied to discover its fascinating Venetian-style historic center. In the evening, we will reach the town of Chania, where we will spend the night.
Day 6
May 27 - DAY 6
Chania and the Akrotiri Peninsula
After breakfast, depart with a guide for the Akrotiri Peninsula, stopping at the Agia Triada Monastery and Stavros Beach (the famous beach featured in the film "Zorba the Greek"). After lunch, we will continue with a stroll through the town of Chania, known as the "Venice of the East", with its historic alleys, the old port, and the Venetian arsenals. Overnight stay at a hotel in Chania.
Day 7
May 28 - DAY 7
Relax on Falasarna Beach
Breakfast at the hotel and departure with a guide for the beautiful Falasarna Beach with its turquoise waters, for a truly UNIQUE experience!
Return in the afternoon and overnight stay at a hotel in Chania.
Day 8
May 29 - DAY 8
Return to Italy.
Breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport and return flight to Italy.
Included in the price
- Airport pick-up and assistance during your stay;
- Private minibus for all transfers listed in the program;
- 4 nights in a standard double room with half board (breakfast and dinner) at a 3-star hotel in Heraklion;
- 3 nights in a standard double room with half board (breakfast and dinner) at a 3-star hotel in Chania;
- 2 days of private archaeological guidance during visits to the Palace of Knossos, the Archaeological Museum and the city of Heraklion, the Palace of Phaistos, and the Roman archaeological site of Gortyna;
- 3 days of an Italian-speaking tour leader during visits to Chania, Rethymno, and the Arkadi Monastery;
- Registration fee with medical and baggage insurance.
Additional charges
- International flights (prices available on request);
- Meals not listed in the program;
- Entrance fees to archaeological sites, museums, and monasteries;
- Tourist tax to be paid on-site.