Crete Treasures Exploration

Upon arrival at Heraklion Airport, we will direct you to a bus transfer to your hotel in the Gouves or Chersonissos area for check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and explore the local surroundings at your own pace. Dinner is included this evening. You will stay overnight in the Gouves or Chersonissos area.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a full day at your leisure in the Gouves or Chersonissos area. This is an ideal opportunity to relax and explore the local surroundings at your own pace, whether that means visiting nearby beaches, wandering through charming villages, or sampling local cafés and shops. Overnight accommodation remains in the Gouves or Chersonissos area.

After breakfast, we will collect you from your hotel for a visit to Spinalonga, one of Crete’s most notable sites. 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 leprosy patients who formed a small community there. We will take a guided walk around the ruins, including the main street lined with former shops and houses where residents sought to live as normally as possible. Afterwards, we sail back to Elounda for a traditional Cretan lunch, which is included. You will then have some free time to explore the town, browse the shops or enjoy a swim. We return to your hotel in the Gouves or Chersonissos area for the evening.

After breakfast, we collect you from your hotel for a visit to the Palace of Knossos, dating back to 1900 BC. This was the centre of Crete’s Minoan civilisation and the legendary setting of the Minotaur’s labyrinth. Your guide will share the history and myths as you explore the palace’s ruins and treasures. Afterwards, we continue to Heraklion, where you will see the Venetian Lion Fountain and the Loggia, now serving as the Town Hall, before finishing 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. We return to your hotel in the Gouves or Chersonissos area for overnight.

After breakfast, we will collect you from your hotel for a full-day tour of two of Crete’s most charming cities – Chania and Rethymnon. Known as ‘Little Venice’, Chania boasts a picturesque harbour front and a vibrant old quarter, where we will explore its restored neighbourhoods and narrow backstreets. You’ll visit the lively Chania market hall, famous for its local produce, and stroll along the renowned leather lane before arriving at the stunning Venetian port. Next, we travel to Rethymnon, where the blend of Italian and Turkish influences is evident in its beautiful old town and harbour. You will have free time in both towns to wander at your own pace, discovering winding streets and soaking up the atmosphere. This day offers a rich mix of history, culture and scenic views. We return to your hotel in the Gouves or Chersonissos area for overnight.

After breakfast, we travel to central Crete to explore its rich mythology, culture, flora and fauna, and local traditions. Our first stop is the Aposelemi Dam, followed by a visit to the Roman aqueduct ruins at Lyttos. We then head to the charming village of Kastamonitsa to join the locals for tastings of raki and olive oil. Next, the adventure continues off-road 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 edge of the Lassithi Plateau. Descending onto the Plateau, we explore before enjoying a traditional lunch with unlimited wine, with a vegetarian option available. Our final stop is the village of Krassi, where you will see a 2,000-year-old plane tree and learn about its natural spring water. We then return to the hotel in the Gouves or Chersonissos area for the evening.

After breakfast, we will collect you from your hotel for a shared transfer by air-conditioned coach to Heraklion Airport. This concludes your stay in the Gouves or Chersonissos area. Breakfast is included.