Treasures of Crete

Upon arrival at Heraklion airport, you will be 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 a hearty breakfast at the hotel, you have the morning free to relax on the beach or explore Heraklion and its surroundings at your own pace. This is a perfect opportunity to discover local shops, caf�s or nearby sights independently. Dinner is included, and you will spend the night in Heraklion.

After breakfast, we will collect you from your hotel to explore one of Crete�s most intriguing sites�Spinalonga. Known as the �island of tears� due to its history as a leper colony, Spinalonga was originally a Venetian fortress before becoming a refuge for hundreds of leprosy patients. We will take a guided walk through the remains of the colony, including its main street lined with shops and houses where residents sought to live as normally as possible. Afterwards, we sail back to Elounda for a traditional Cretan lunch. You will then have some free time to stroll around the village, browse local shops or enjoy a swim. Both lunch and dinner are included. We return to Heraklion for your overnight stay.

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we will collect you for a visit 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 myth of the Minotaur and its labyrinth. Your guide will share the stories and history of the palace as you explore its ruins and treasures. Afterwards, we will head to Heraklion to see key landmarks including the Venetian Lion Fountain and the Loggia, now serving as the Town Hall. The tour concludes at the entrance to the old harbour, where you will have free time to explore independently. You may also choose to join a guided visit to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion to deepen your understanding of the region�s ancient past. Dinner is included. 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 Rethymnon, known for its blend of Italian and Turkish influences. Our guided tour takes us through the old quarters, where restored neighbourhoods and narrow backstreets reveal the character of these historic towns. We visit Chania�s lively market hall, famed for its local produce, and stroll along the renowned leather lane before arriving at the stunning Venetian harbour. Later, we continue to Rethymnon, where you have free time to wander its picturesque old town and harbour at your leisure. This day offers a rich mix of history, culture and scenic beauty. Dinner is included, and we return to Heraklion for the night.

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 Aposelemi 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 meet a local shepherd, where you can sample homemade cheese and observe native wildlife. From a stunning viewpoint, we take in views of the Minoan path and the edge of the Lassithi Plateau. We descend onto the Plateau to explore before enjoying a traditional lunch with unlimited wine (vegetarian options 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. We then return to the hotel in Heraklion to rest overnight.

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we will transfer you to Heraklion airport for your onward journey.