Exploring Crete

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Description

Summary

Starts
Heraklion
Duration
8 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Medium

Description

Embark on an enchanting 8-day journey through the heart of Greece, exploring the captivating island of Crete. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of history, culture, and adventure, taking you from the bustling city of Heraklion to the serene beaches of Gouves and Chersonissos. Discover the ancient ruins of Spinalonga, the Palace of Knossos, and the vibrant cities of Chania and Rethymnon. Experience the thrill of off-road adventures, visit the birthplace of Zeus, and unwind at Crete's best waterpark. With delicious meals included and comfortable accommodation in Gouves or Chersonissos area (or similar), this tour promises an unforgettable Greek holiday.

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Included

7 Breakfasts

2 Lunches (1 BBQ lunch during Landrover Tour with unlimited wine and 1 Cretan Lunch in Elounda excluding drinks)

7 Dinners

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7 nights' accommodation

Day 1-7 Gouves or Chersonissos area:

Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar 4*

Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar 4*

Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar 4*

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Air-conditioned shared transportation throughout the tour

Inbound/Outbound air-conditioned shared transfers from/to Heraklion Airport

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Operated with qualified local English speaking guide on a shared basis on Day 2, 3 and 4

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Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar 4*

Pre-Night in Gouves or Chersonissos area:

Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar 4*

Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar 3*

MEALS:

All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: the Archaeological sites of Knossos, Archaeological Museum, the boat trip (shared basis) to the island of Spinalonga, Spinalonga island tour, entrance ticket to the Waterpark Aqua Plus, Land Rover Tour

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Map

Attractions

Monastery of the Mother Mary Vidiani, Municipality of Kato Metochion, District of Oropedion Lasithiou, Lasithi Regional Unit, Region of Crete, GreeceMonastery of the Mother Mary Vidiani
Watercity Waterpark Crete
Minoan Palace of Phaistos, Municipality of Kamilarion, District of Festos, Heraklion Regional Unit, Region of Crete, GreeceMinoan Palace of Phaistos

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Heraklion - Transfer to Gouves or Chersonissos

Day 1: Arrival in Heraklion - Transfer to Gouves or Chersonissos

Upon landing at Heraklion Airport, a bus will whisk you away to your hotel in either Gouves or Chersonissos. Spend the remainder of the day leisurely exploring the charming surroundings at your own pace. A delightful dinner awaits you at the hotel, followed by a restful night in Gouves or Chersonissos.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Discovering Spinalonga and Elounda

Day 2: Discovering Spinalonga and Elounda

After a hearty breakfast, embark on a journey to uncover Greece's hidden gems. Visit the renowned Spinalonga, often referred to as the 'island of tears' due to its history as a leper colony. Take a guided tour around the poignant remains of the colony before sailing back to Elounda for a traditional Cretan lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring Elounda at your leisure, perhaps shopping or taking a refreshing swim. Enjoy dinner and another restful night in Gouves or Chersonissos.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Exploring the Palace of Knossos and Heraklion

Day 3: Exploring the Palace of Knossos and Heraklion

  • Archaeological Area Tylissos
  • Minoan Palace of Phaistos
  • More

After breakfast, prepare for a day filled with history and culture. Visit the impressive Palace of Knossos, a significant landmark dating back to 1900 BC and the center of Crete's Minoan civilization. Afterward, explore the vibrant city of Heraklion, where you can see the Venetian lion fountain and the loggia, now the Town Hall. If you wish, join a guided tour at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. End the day with a transfer back to your hotel in Gouves or Chersonissos for dinner and overnight stay.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Visiting Chania and Rethymnon

Day 4: Visiting Chania and Rethymnon

After breakfast, embark on a journey to two of Crete's most charming cities, Chania and Rethymnon. Begin your day in Chania, also known as Little Venice, where your guide will take you on a tour of the old quarter and the lively market hall. Next, visit Rethymnon, a city with a fascinating blend of Italian and Turkish influences. Enjoy free time in both cities to explore their winding backstreets at your own pace. Return to your hotel in Gouves or Chersonissos for dinner and overnight stay.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Off-road Adventure to Kastamonitsa, Lassithi Plateau, and Krassi

Day 5: Off-road Adventure to Kastamonitsa, Lassithi Plateau, and Krassi

  • Monastery of the Mother Mary Vidiani
  • Cave Of ZEUS
  • Minoan Palace of Phaistos
  • More

After breakfast, prepare for an exciting off-road adventure. Visit the Potamies Reservoir water dam and the ruins of the Roman aqueduct of Lyttos. Continue to the quaint village of Kastamonitsa for a coffee break before embarking on an off-road journey to the Cave of Zeus. Capture stunning photos of the Lassithi Plateau before enjoying a BBQ lunch with unlimited wine. The day ends with a visit to the village of Krassi, where you can see a 2,000-year-old plane tree and a natural spring water source. Return to your hotel in Gouves or Chersonissos for dinner and overnight stay.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Fun Day at the Waterpark

Day 6: Fun Day at the Waterpark

  • Watercity Waterpark Crete
  • More

After breakfast, get ready for a thrilling day at Crete's best waterpark. Whether you choose to scream down the vertical kamikaze, enjoy the twister, or simply relax and work on your tan, this day promises fun for the whole family. Return to your hotel in Gouves or Chersonissos for dinner and overnight stay.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Leisure Day in Gouves or Chersonissos

Day 7: Leisure Day in Gouves or Chersonissos

After breakfast, enjoy a day at your leisure. Relax on the beach or explore the island at your own pace. Return to your hotel in Gouves or Chersonissos for dinner and overnight stay.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Departure from Gouves or Chersonissos

Day 8: Departure from Gouves or Chersonissos

After breakfast, enjoy a shared transfer from your hotel to Heraklion Airport as you bid farewell to the beautiful island of Crete and continue with your onward travel arrangements.

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