When to go
May - June and August - October
Price
From £1,695 pp (including flights) | Private: £3,790pp (including flights)
Flight time
5hrs 35mins
Introduction
Discover Crete’s timeless beauty and fascinating culture, the gateway to the eastern Mediterranean. This captivating island has been ruled by several great powers, from the Minoans – one of Europe’s earliest civilizations – to the Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman empires.
On this tour, you will explore some of this enchanting island’s must-see sights, including the incomparable Palace of Knossos, which stands as a monument to ancient Minoan society. Along with other cultural and scenic highlights such as Chania town, Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the fortified monastery at Arkadi, Crete is full of wonders just waiting to be explored!
Good For
At a Glance
Duration
8 days & 7 nights
Guide price
Group: from £1,695pp (including flights) | Private: from £3,790pp (including flights)
Cities/Destinations (in order)
Heraklion - Rethymno - Aptera - Chania - Arkadi - Eleftherna - Rehtymno - Phaestos - Matala - Heraklion - Knossos - Pediados - Kera - Spinalonga - Heraklion
Tour Type
Experienced local tour manager and guided sightseeing
Tour Theme
Group Tour
Activity Level
Age Range
N/A
Star Rating of Tour
Superior
Accommodation
Theartemis Palace in Rethymno | Aquila Atlantis Hotel in Heraklion
Board Basis
Varied - please see the sample itinerary for details
Min|Max Group Size
Average 14 people with a maximum of 18
Start/Finish
Heraklion - Heraklion
Extensions
Santorini (4 days & 3 nights) from £1,095pp | Mykonos (4 days & 3 nights) from £695pp
Highlights
Beekeeping Experience and Honey Tasting in Crete
Discover the sweet side of Crete with a beekeeping experience and honey tasting. As you immerse yourself in the world of honeybees, you’ll learn about the fascinating beekeeping process and how honey is made. You’ll also get to taste some of the finest local honey, a staple ingredient in many Cretan dishes. Did you know that honey has been used in traditional medicine for centuries and is believed to have numerous health benefits? This is a unique opportunity to not only sample the flavors of Crete but also gain an appreciation for this precious natural resource.
Visits to the Archaeological Sites of Knossos and Eleftherna
Step back in time and explore the fascinating history of Crete. Your first stop will be the ancient Minoan Palace of Knossos, once the center of Europe’s first civilization. The site is also associated with King Minos and the legend of Theseus slaying the Minotaur in the labyrinth. You’ll continue your archaeological journey at the Museum of Ancient Eleftherna, where you’ll see a collection of impressive artifacts from Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt. This is a perfect chance for history buffs to see this beautiful island’s rich cultural heritage.
Wine Tasting with a Traditional Cretan Lunch in Pediados
Indulge in the best of Crete’s culinary delights with a wine-tasting and traditional lunch. You’ll travel to Pediados, the island’s most famous wine-producing region, to sample some of the finest local wines. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about Cretan wine’s unique flavors and characteristics and enjoy a delicious lunch of traditional dishes. This is an excellent opportunity to taste not only some of the best local produce but also gain an appreciation for the island’s rich food culture.
Boat Trip to the Isle of Spinalonga, Once Home to a Lepers Colony
Take a boat trip to the isle of Spinalonga, a place steeped in history and culture. The island was once a leper colony and has been imprinted by the Greeks, Ottomans, Byzantines, and Venetians. As you explore the island, you’ll learn about its rich and diverse history and see the fortifications and buildings that tell its story. This is a truly unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the fascinating history of Crete and the surrounding islands.
Sample Itinerary
Discovering the Enchanting Island of Crete: A Sample Itinerary
Welcome to this exciting sample itinerary that will help you discover the enchanting island of Crete, the birthplace of the first European civilization. This itinerary combines some of the most exciting activities and attractions on the island, from sampling local honey to exploring ancient archaeological sites. Get ready to explore the rich culture and history of this beautiful Mediterranean paradise.
Day 1: Fly to Heraklion | Rethymno
Your journey starts with a flight from London to Heraklion. Upon arrival, you’ll transfer to local accommodations in Rethymno, like Theartemis Palace, for a comfortable three-night stay. Your adventure will kick off with a welcome drink.
(Flight Included | Airport Transfer | N)
Day 2: Aptera | Chania
Today, you’ll explore two of Crete’s most charming towns. First is the ancient site of Aptera, one of the best-preserved Minoan sites in Greece, founded in the 8th century BC on a plateau overlooking Souda Bay.
Then, head to the breathtaking town of Chania, known for its Venetian harbor built between 1320 and 1356 that was used for commerce and to protect against pirate raids. The charming old town should also not be missed.
Also, make sure to visit the Allied Cemetery, a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II. Finally, take a guided city walk through Rethymno, known for its beautiful beaches and charming architecture.
(B)
Day 3: Arkadi | Eleftherna | Rethymno
Start your day with a visit to the fortified monastery of Arkadi, a symbol of freedom and resistance during the Great Cretan Revolution of 1866 – 1869, when Crete rose against the Ottoman rule.
Next, head to the Museum of Ancient Eleftherna, where you’ll see a collection of artifacts from Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt. Finally, to end the day on a sweet note, meet a local beekeeper and learn about the fascinating world of bees and their hives.
(B)
Day 4: Phaestos | Matala | Heraklion
Today, you’ll explore the Messara plain, one of Crete’s most fertile and beautiful areas. First, visit Phaestos, where you’ll find the ruins of two Minoan palaces. The Old Palace was built in 1900 BC and was eventually destroyed by earthquakes. It was replaced with the New Palace, which ultimately suffered the same fate.
Then, head to the seaside town of Matala, known for its sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Before returning to Heraklion, stop at the archaeological site of Gortys, where you’ll discover one of the most important cities of ancient Crete, with a history spanning over 6,000 years.
(B)
Day 5: Knossos | Enjoy a Wine Tasting
Today, you’ll visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos, believed to have been built between 2000 – 1580 BC. One of the biggest and most ornate of the Greek palaces, it was home to King Minos and the site of the legend of Theseus and the Minotaur.
After, drive into the Pediados region, known for its fantastic wine-producing area. Enjoy some Cretan wine and a tasty traditional lunch at one of the local wine estates.
(B, L)
Day 6: Kera | Spinalonga | Heraklion
Today, discover some of Crete’s most stunning Byzantine frescoes at the Church of Panagia Kera. This church is believed to have been built during the early 13th century and is home to many fascinating frescoes.
Next, take a boat trip to the island of Spinalonga, which boasts one of Europe’s most well-preserved fortresses. The island has Greek, Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman influences and is home to many fascinating ruins. It was also used as a leper colony from 1903 – 1957.
After, you’ll go through Agios Nikolaos, a port town, on your way back to Heraklion.
(B)
Day 7: Heraklion
Start your day by taking a leisurely stroll through Heraklion’s old town, where you can admire its Venetian architecture and explore its many shops and cafes.
In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, home to one of Europe’s most important collections of Minoan artifacts. You’ll get to see some of the most iconic pieces from this ancient culture, such as the Snake Goddess figurine and frescoes from Knossos Palace.
End your day with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant where you can sample some authentic Cretan cuisine.
(B, D)
Day 8: Fly to the UK
This morning, you’ll have time to explore more of Heraklion before taking an afternoon flight back to the UK. As you fly over Crete’s craggy coastline and deep blue waters, take a moment to reflect on all that you’ve experienced on this incredible journey.
(Flight Included | Airport Transfer | B)
