Private Crete Exploration Journey

Upon arrival at Heraklion airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your 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.

After breakfast, we will collect you from your hotel to explore one of Crete's most remarkable 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 Greece's lepers. You will take a guided walk around the remains of the colony, including its main street lined with shops and houses where residents sought to live normal lives. Afterwards, sail back to Elounda for a traditional Cretan lunch. You will then have free time to stroll around the village, shop, or enjoy a swim. Lunch and dinner are included. Return to Heraklion for an overnight stay.

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we will transfer you 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 history and myths surrounding the palace as you explore its ruins and artefacts. 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 leisure. You may also choose to join a guided tour of the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, which houses an extensive collection of Minoan artefacts. Dinner is included, and you will overnight in Heraklion.

After a satisfying breakfast, we set off to explore two of Crete's most charming cities - Chania, often called Little Venice, and Rethymno, known for its blend of Italian and Turkish influences. Your guide will lead you through the old quarters, revealing quaint neighbourhoods and narrow backstreets that have been carefully restored. We'll visit Chania's vibrant market hall, where local produce is on display, and stroll along the famous leather lane before arriving at the stunning Venetian harbour. Later, we continue to Rethymnon, where you'll have free time to wander its atmospheric old town and harbour at your own pace. This day offers a rich mix of history, culture and scenic beauty. Dinner is included, and you will return to Heraklion for the night.

After a leisurely breakfast, you have the day free to relax on the beach or explore Crete at your own pace. Whether you choose to unwind by the sea or discover more of the island's charms independently, the day is yours to enjoy. Dinner is included, and you will overnight in Heraklion.

After breakfast at the hotel, we travel to central Crete to explore its rich mythology, culture, flora and fauna, and local life. Our first stop is the Aposelimi 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 various wild animals. From this vantage point, we enjoy panoramic views of the Minoan path and the edge of the Lassithi Plateau. We descend onto the Plateau itself to explore before stopping for a traditional lunch with unlimited wine - vegetarian options are available. Our final stop is the village of Krassi, where we see a 2,000-year-old plane tree and learn about its natural spring water. The day concludes with a transfer back to your hotel in Heraklion.

After breakfast at the hotel, we drive to the village of Archanes, nestled in a small Mediterranean valley at 380 metres above sea level. Overlooking the village is Mount Gioychta, a distinctive landmark linked to ancient myths and legends. Archanes itself is over 4,000 years old, blending historical heritage with vibrant modern life. Among the contemporary homes lie the remains of a Minoan rural palace at a site known as Toyrkogeitonia, where modern buildings stand on ancient foundations. The village is recognised for its traditional architecture and urban character. Later, we visit Titakis Winery, a family-run estate with a winemaking tradition dating back to the late 1950s. Here, we explore their blend of native and international grape varieties, reflecting the ongoing renaissance of Cretan wines. We then return to Heraklion for the night.

After breakfast, we will transfer you from your hotel to Heraklion airport for your onward journey.