Best of Crete

Upon your arrival in Crete, the largest island in Greece, a person from our English-speaking team will be waiting for you at the port or airport of Heraklion to assist you, inform you of the details of your trip and day to day schedule, make a brief presentation of the city and answer any questions you may have. At the hotel, your assistant will help you with the check in and will invite you to a glass of the traditional Cretan liqueur “Raki”. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and enjoy all that Heraklion, home of King Minos and the Minotaur, has to offer!

Overnight: Heraklion Meals: Not Available

Early in the morning, and at the time indicated, we will pick you up from your hotel to go on our first day of adventure. Firstly, we will visit the Palace of Knossos, the oldest palatial complex in Europe, home of King Minos and the mythological Minotaur. We will continue further west with our guide towards Rethymno, a city which was formerly occupied by the Venetians, people who left their mark up to the present day. In this coastal city you will also enjoy a guided tour through its narrow and picturesque streets as well as free time for lunch to savor the excellent gastronomy of the island. Arriving at Chania, you will check into the hotel and use your free time and your guide’s recommendations to get to know this charming city with its many highlights and landmarks, among others the old Venetian port and, of course, the local market.

Overnight: Chania Meals: Breakfast

Early in the morning, and after a tasty breakfast, we will pick you up to discover one of the most hidden treasures of this island. On the way to your destination and past gorges and steep summits you will enter the southwestern region of the island, where idyllic beaches of pink sand are washed by the transparent waters of the Libyan Sea. Among these the indisputable protagonist is the incredible beach
of Elafonisi, a flat morsel of land with sporadic vegetation against the stark bareness of the Cretan mountains.

Free time to swim in one of the loveliest beaches in the world with sun loungers and umbrellas provided for your convenience. After this extraordinary jewel of nature and towards the end of the day you will make your way back to Chania. You will also stop at the “Chrisoskalitisa” monastery or, as its name denotes, “Virgin of the Golden Stair”. According to the legend, when the Ottomans conquered Crete, the nuns hid the golden treasures of the monastery underneath the step of the long staircase in its entrance, to protect them from the invading army. Its centuries-old architecture is one of Southwestern Crete’s landmarks. It is built entirely on the rock face and you will be amazed not only by its great cultural and historical past, but also by the spectacular views it offers. Arriving in Chania, you can join an evening walk through some of the most lovely areas of the town, free of charge.

Overnight: Chania Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast and at the agreed time, transfer to the port or airport of Chania for your return journey. End of our services.

Overnight: Not Available Meals: Breakfast