Crete Labyrinth Exploration
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This 5-day tour starts and ends in Heraklion, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and stunning landscapes. You’ll explore the hauntingly beautiful island of Spinalonga, delve into the myths of the ancient Palace of Knossos, and wander through Heraklion’s charming streets and museum. The adventure continues with a scenic journey into Crete’s heart—visiting Roman ruins, tasting local raki and cheese, and trekking ancient Minoan paths with breathtaking mountain views. Expect a relaxed pace with plenty of opportunities to soak up authentic village life, sample traditional cuisine, and enjoy the island’s natural beauty before your departure from Heraklion.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Overview
Duration
5 daysHotel Rating
3-4 star hotelsStarts
HeraklionEnds
HeraklionMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Greece that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
NoDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guide.Country
GreecePassengers
$4,267.50
$2,163.00
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - English speaking guide.Group Size
Min 2 / Max Private TourRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Private ToursAccommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Itinerary
Day 1 - Heraklion - Heraklion
Upon arrival at Heraklion airport, our representative will welcome you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and explore the charming surroundings at your own pace. Dinner is included this evening. You will stay overnight in Heraklion.
Day 2 - Heraklion
After breakfast, we will collect you from your hotel to explore one of Crete’s most poignant sites – Spinalonga. Known as the ‘island of tears’ due to its history as a leper colony, Spinalonga was originally a Venetian fortress before becoming home to hundreds of patients who lived there in isolation. We take a guided walk through the remains of the colony, including the main street lined with shops and houses where residents sought to maintain a semblance of normal life. Afterwards, we sail back to Elounda for a traditional Cretan lunch. You then have free time to stroll around the village, shop, or enjoy a swim. Lunch and dinner are included. We return to Heraklion for an overnight stay.
Day 3 - Heraklion Town - Heraklion
After a hearty breakfast, we collect you from your hotel and transfer to the impressive Palace of Knossos. Dating back to around 1900 BC, this archaeological site was the centre of Crete’s Minoan civilisation and is famously linked to the legend of the Minotaur and its labyrinth. Your guide will share the fascinating myths and history as you explore the palace’s remains. Afterwards, we visit Heraklion city, where you will see the Venetian Lion Fountain and the Loggia, now serving as the Town Hall, before arriving at the entrance to the old harbour. Here, you have free time to explore at your own pace. You may also choose to join a guided tour of the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion to deepen your understanding of the region’s ancient past. The day concludes with a comfortable transfer back to your hotel. Dinner is included.
Day 4 - Heraklion
After a hearty breakfast, we travel to central Crete to explore its mythology, culture, flora, fauna and traditional life. Our first stop is the Aposelimi dam, followed by a visit to the ruins of the Roman aqueduct at Lyttos. We then head to the charming village of Kastamonitsa to join the locals for tastings of raki and olive oil. Next, the off-road adventure begins as we ascend into the mountains along an ancient Minoan path to visit a local shepherd. Here, you can sample homemade cheese and observe native wildlife. From a nearby viewpoint, we take in views of the Minoan trail and the eastern edge of the Lassithi Plateau. We then descend onto the Plateau itself to explore before enjoying a traditional lunch with unlimited wine, including a vegetarian option. Our final stop is the village of Krassi, where we see a 2,000-year-old plane tree and learn about its natural spring. The day concludes with a transfer back to your hotel in Heraklion.
Day 5 - Heraklion
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we will transfer you to Heraklion airport to continue with your onward travel arrangements.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Reviews
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Prices & Dates
'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices (if available) are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room.
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