Crete Through the Minoan, Byzantine & Venetian Ages, Private Tour

Crete Through the Minoan, Byzantine & Venetian Ages, Private Tour

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5 Days From

$2183

$2080

Crete Through the Minoan, Byzantine & Venetian Ages, Private Tour

5 Days Starting and ending in Chania, Greece

Visiting: Chania, Monastery of Agia Triada, Margarites Village, Rethymnon, Palace of Knossos, Heraklion

Tour code:

635259

Group Type:

Private

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

EASY

Age range:

18-99

Tour operated in:

English , French , German , Spanish

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $2183 $2080 (USD) Travel Club discount: -$104

NB: Prices correct on 18-Apr-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through Crete's rich history with the "Crete Through the Minoan, Byzantine & Venetian Ages" private tour. This immersive experience begins in the charming town of Chania, where you'll explore its vibrant streets and historical monuments. Discover the serene Monastery of Agia Triada and the traditional Margarites Village, renowned for its pottery. In Rethymnon, witness a blend of modernity and ancient charm. The highlight of your adventure is the iconic Palace of Knossos, where myths and legends of the Minoans come alive. Enjoy comfortable accommodations in Chania, with guided tours in English, French, or German, and private transfers ensuring a seamless experience. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty, making it an unforgettable exploration of Crete's past.

Highlights

  • Palace of Knossos: Explore the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete, known as Europe's oldest city.

  • Chania: Discover a town influenced by many civilizations, preserving its original colors and historical character.

  • Rethymnon: Experience a blend of modern and old-time charm, with Byzantine and Roman mosaics.

  • Monastery of Agia Triada: Visit this active monastery with an excellent library, located in the green northwest part of the Akrotiri peninsula.

  • Margarites Village: Journey into the Minoan past in this traditional village known for its pottery.

  • Heraklion: Visit the largest city and administrative capital of Crete, rich in history and legend.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : ARRIVAL CHANIA, CRETE (15km – 20min)

Location: Chania

Accommodation Name: Hotel Arkadi or similar 3*

Welcome to Crete! Upon arrival at Chania International Airport, hop on a private taxi transfer to your hotel in Chania town for check-in. 


Overnight in Chania.



Day 2 : CHANIA

Location: Chania

Accommodation Name: Hotel Arkadi or similar 3*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at your hotel. Meeting with your local guide at the hotel for a walking tour. Begin the guidance of the town. Chania, the capital of the prefecture and its administrative, economic, commercial, and transportation centre. Since ancient times, the city of Chania has faced many conquerors and the influences of many civilizations through time, evident on the city monuments. The beautiful city of Chania managed to preserve its original colours and historical character, despite the fast-growing tourist industry. It is considered one of the most beautiful cities of Greece and the most picturesque city of Crete. The remainder of the day is at leisure.                               


Overnight in Chania.



Day 3 : CHANIA – MONASTERY AGIA TRIADA – MARGARITES VILLAGE – RETHYMNON – CHANIA (200km – 3.5hrs)

Location: Chania, Monastery of Agia Triada, Margarites Village, Rethymnon

Accommodation Name: Hotel Arkadi or similar 3*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at your hotel. In the morning, visit the Monastery of Agia Triada (Holy Trinity). It is located in the northwest part of the Akrotiri peninsula, 16km from Chania, and it is placed in green. Although the community decreases the old buildings are gradually restored and the monastery is still active with an excellent library. Afterwards drive to the traditional colourful Margarites Village, a wonderful journey into Minoan past, in which the people in this area were engaged in the art of pottery. On the way back, we will visit the town of Rethymnon. Rethymnon is a blend of modern and old-time dignity and charm, during the Byzantine period the town continued to be inhabited, and parts of Roman and Byzantine mosaics have been found. The Venetian period, also, was a time of great prosperity for Rethymnon, as the Venetians used its harbour as an intermediate stop between Heraklion and Chania, and as an administrative centre for the area. Enjoy free time to explore the winding back streets! A day full of discovery, beautiful scenery, and history. Return to your hotel in Chania for a well-deserved rest.  

Overnight in Chania.

Day 4 : CHANIA – PALACE OF KNOSSOS – HERAKLION – CHANIA (290km – 4hrs)

Location: Chania, Palace of Knossos, Heraklion

Accommodation Name: Hotel Arkadi or similar 3*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at your hotel. Visit the most famous and popular of all attractions in Crete, the Palace of Knossos. Join your expert guide on a journey back 5000 years into myths and legends and learn secrets of the oldest civilisation in Europe, the Minoans. Hear all about the legendary labyrinth and the Minotaur, the half-human monster. This day brings history and legend to life and is a must-see on any visit to Crete. Heraklion is the largest city and the administrative capital of the island of Crete, Greece. It is one of the largest cities in Greece and the capital of Heraklion regional unit. Return to your hotel in Chania. 


Overnight in Chania.




Day 5 : DEPARTURE CHANIA, CRETE (15km – 20min)

Location: Chania

Meals Included: Breakfast

After one last breakfast at your hotel, bid farewell to Crete as you hop onto a comfortable transfer to Chania International Airport, where you will catch your flight to your following destination. We hope the memories of this trip will stay with you for a lifetime – have a safe journey!


What's Included

  • Tour Guide

    Operated with English-, French- or German-speaking local guide during the scheduled activities. Spanish-speaking guide available upon additional supplement.

  • Transport

    Arrival and departure private transfers to and from Chania International Airport, and private transportation during some of the scheduled activities.

  • Entrance Fees and Activities

    All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, including Chania town walking tour, Monastery of Agia Triada, Margarites Village, Rethymnon, Palace of Knossos, and Heraklion.

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What's Not Included

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees are not included.

  • Flights

    Domestic and international flights are not included.

  • Drinks

    Drinks during meals are not included unless specified otherwise.

  • Optional Tours

    Optional tours, if any, are not included.

  • City Tax

    City tax is not included and is payable on the spot.

  • Unmentioned Visits

    Any visit not mentioned in the program is not included.

  • Porterage and Gratuities

    Porterage and gratuities are not included.

  • Personal Expenditures

    Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program are not included.

  • Camera/Video Fees

    Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any) are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc., is not included.

Requirements

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Greece. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay. Walking shoes recommended for Zeus Cave visit.


Please Note

  • We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons
  • Early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms in the hotel are subject to availability and not guaranteed
  • In many hotels in Greece, the triple rooms are double room with an additional bed or sofa bed. 
  • No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed 
  • Please note that the inbound airport-hotel transfers are included only as part of the package and if pre and post-night stay is booked as an extra. Otherwise additional transfers should be purchased separately.

Mode of Transport

Experience seamless travel with private transfers from and to Chania International Airport, and private transportation during select scheduled activities on Days 3 and 4.

Accommodation

Enjoy a comfortable stay with 4 nights' accommodation at the Hotel Arkadi or a similar 3-star hotel in Chania. Optional pre/post-night stays are available at the same standard hotel category.

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1-4 Chania:
  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Arkadi or similar 3*
OPTIONAL EXTRA:
Pre/post - Night in Chania:
  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Arkadi or similar 3*

Check out our Q&As

  • What languages are available for the tour guide?

    The tour is operated with English, French, or German-speaking local guides during the scheduled activities from Day 2 to Day 4. A Spanish-speaking guide is available upon additional supplement.

  • What is included in the accommodation for this tour?

    The tour includes 4 nights' accommodation in Chania at a standard hotel category, such as Hotel Arkadi or a similar 3-star hotel.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes 4 breakfasts.

  • What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes a private transfer from Chania International Airport on Day 1, private transportation during some scheduled activities on Days 3 and 4, and a departure private transfer to Chania International Airport on Day 5.

  • Are entrance fees included in the tour?

    Yes, all entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary are included, such as the Chania town walking tour on Day 2, visits to the Monastery of Agia Triada, Margarites Village, and Rethymnon on Day 3, and the Palace of Knossos and Heraklion on Day 4.

  • What should I wear during the tour?

    Comfortable and light clothing is recommended for traveling in Greece. Visitors should avoid wearing sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious, or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay. Walking shoes are recommended for the Zeus Cave visit.

  • What does the price include?

    What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.

  • Do you offer any travel insurance?

    We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure. 

  • Are Visa fees included in the price?

    No, visa fees are not included

  • Are flights included in the tour?

    No, they are not included

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers

  • Is there any option for solo traveller?

    Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.

  • When are there specific hotel names confirmed?

    Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client´s arrival

Reviews of this operator

Indra  

Best Tpur Operator for Greece

06-Jul-2023

The best Tour Operator. The planning and timing by the agency was great. Accommodation was also good. The package was reasonable. Thanks to Destination Services Greece

Giovanni B.  

Great

27-Jul-2022

Very committed service with proper follow-up. Service provided as per their schedule with a hassle free journey... thanks to ITS tours and travels for providing services

Duran  

Excellent company

15-Jun-2022

Based on their very positive reviews, we booked with Destination Services Greece. I found the service and response of this travel agency to be excellent. Easily 5-stars. My emails were promptly responded to, and everyone showed up when they were supposed to.

1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Thursday

Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 06, 2025
$2183 $2080 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$104 (USD)

Monday - Friday

Nov 03, 2025 - Nov 07, 2025
$2183 $2080 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$104 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

Nov 04, 2025 - Nov 08, 2025
$2183 $2080 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$104 (USD)

Wednesday - Sunday

Nov 05, 2025 - Nov 09, 2025
$2183 $2080 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$104 (USD)

Sunday - Thursday

Nov 09, 2025 - Nov 13, 2025
$2183 $2080 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$104 (USD)

Monday - Friday

Nov 10, 2025 - Nov 14, 2025
$2183 $2080 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$104 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

Nov 11, 2025 - Nov 15, 2025
$2183 $2080 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$104 (USD)

Wednesday - Sunday

Nov 12, 2025 - Nov 16, 2025
$2183 $2080 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$104 (USD)

Sunday - Thursday

Nov 16, 2025 - Nov 20, 2025
$2183 $2080 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$104 (USD)

Monday - Friday

Nov 17, 2025 - Nov 21, 2025
$2183 $2080 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$104 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

Nov 18, 2025 - Nov 22, 2025
$2183 $2080 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$104 (USD)

Wednesday - Sunday

Nov 19, 2025 - Nov 23, 2025
$2183 $2080 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$104 (USD)

Sunday - Thursday

Nov 23, 2025 - Nov 27, 2025
$2183 $2080 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$104 (USD)

Monday - Friday

Nov 24, 2025 - Nov 28, 2025
$2183 $2080 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$104 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

Nov 25, 2025 - Nov 29, 2025
$2183 $2080 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$104 (USD)

Wednesday - Sunday

Nov 26, 2025 - Nov 30, 2025
$2183 $2080 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$104 (USD)

Sunday - Thursday

Nov 30, 2025 - Dec 04, 2025
$2183 $2080 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$104 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.

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