Discovering Crete, Self-drive
8 Days Starting and ending in Heraklion, Greece
Visiting: Heraklion, Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Palace of Knossos, Chania, Venetian Harbour, Chania, Egyptian Lighthouse, Chania, Elafonissi, Rethymnon, Agios Nikolaos, Voulisma Beach, Elounda, Spinalonga, Sitia, Monastery of Toplou, Vai
Tour operator:
Tour code:
613272
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Age range:
21-68
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating self-drive adventure through Crete, Greece's largest island, with the "Discovering Crete" tour. This 7-night journey offers a blend of history, culture, and stunning landscapes. Begin in Heraklion, home to the renowned Archaeological Museum and the ancient Palace of Knossos. Explore the romantic streets of Chania, with its medieval architecture and Venetian port. Discover Rethymnon's well-preserved medieval charm, and unwind in the coastal town of Agios Nikolaos, set against the backdrop of ancient ruins. Enjoy the freedom of a self-drive tour with car hire included, allowing you to explore at your own pace. With comfortable accommodations and daily breakfasts, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Crete's rich heritage and natural beauty.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : ARRIVAL CRETE / CAR-PICK UP – HERAKLION (3km – 15min)
Location: Heraklion
Accommodation Name: Hotel Olympic or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Upon arrival at Heraklion International Airport, make your way to the car rental office and pick-up your vehicle. Drive to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Heraklion.
Day 2 : HERAKLION
Location: Heraklion, Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Palace of Knossos
Accommodation Name: Hotel Olympic or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a mouth-watering breakfast at the hotel. Start the morning with a walk through the capital of Crete, Heraklion. Visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum which is one of the largest and most important museums in Greece, and among the most important museums in Europe. Continue by car to the most famous and popular of all attractions in Crete, the Palace of Knossos. A journey back 5000 years into myths and legends and learn secrets of the oldest civilisation in Europe, the Minoans.
Overnight in Heraklion.
Day 3 : HERAKLION – CHANIA (141km – 2hrs)
Location: Heraklion, Chania, Venetian Harbour, Chania, Egyptian Lighthouse, Chania
Accommodation Name: Hotel Arkadi or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
After recharging your energies with breakfast at the hotel, drive to Chania town. Chania is a great town for just walking around. It has a gorgeous harbour front. Try starting in the harbour’s eastern edge in the marina, where the Venetian boatyards are and maybe have your eye on a dockside tavern for later. If you are up to it you can walk out to the Egyptian lighthouse from here but definitely do this before dark because it can be a little bumpy. From the lighthouse, you have a great view of the main harbour.
Overnight in Chania.
Day 4 : CHANIA – ELAFONISSI – CHANIA (165km – 4hrs)
Location: Chania, Elafonissi
Accommodation Name: Hotel Arkadi or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start early in the morning with your car towards the south-west to Elafonissi. Elafonissi ( some people also call it Elafonissos or Elafonissi ) is something like an island and a peninsula because to reach the island you have to walk through the sea. What characterizes the area of Elafonissos and makes it such an exotic place, are the little sand islets formed, the shallow turquoise waters of the sea, which at a point looks like a lagoon, and certainly the fine white sand, pinkish at several spots because of the crushed shell powder.
Overnight in Chania.
Day 5 : CHANIA – RETHYMNON (65km – 1hr)
Location: Chania, Rethymnon
Accommodation Name: Hotel Olympic Palladium or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Indulge in a tasty breakfast at the hotel before check-out. Drive to Rethymnon and after settle in your room, discover the beautiful old town and harbour and explore the winding back streets. This will be a day full of discovery, beautiful scenery, and interesting history.
Overnight in Rethymnon.
Day 6 : RETHYMNON – AGIOS NIKOLAOS – ELOUNDA – SPINALONGA – AGIOS NIKOLAOS (160km – 2.5hrs)
Location: Rethymnon, Agios Nikolaos, Voulisma Beach, Elounda, Spinalonga
Accommodation Name: Hotel Apollon or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Have breakfast at the hotel and check-out before driving to your next destination: Agios Nikolaos. Located just a 10-minute drive down the coast from Agios Nikolaos, Voulisma Beach is a spectacular, shallow beach with clear turquoise water. It is considered one of Crete's best beaches for its curving ribbon of soft sand backed by cliff walls. One of the best places for shopping is 28is Oktovriou, a pedestrian street just back from the port and the lake, where you can find a wide range of stores that cater to tourists. Other stores line the waterfront of the port area. Continue by car to the small fishing village Elounda where you can take a small boat to the island Spinalonga, which is one of the better- known features in Crete and the location of the top-selling novel “The Island” (author Victoria Hislop). It was a former leaper colony (until 1957) and Venetian fortress and has centuries of history.
Overnight in Agios Nikolaos.
Day 7 : AGIOS NIKOLAOS – SITIA – AGIOS NIKOLAOS (190km – 4hrs)
Location: Agios Nikolaos, Sitia, Monastery of Toplou, Vai
Accommodation Name: Hotel Apollon or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sitia is a small and pleasant coastal town, built in a semicircle on the western side of the Bay of Sitia, a typical, peaceful Mediterranean port. Close to Sitia is the Monastery of Toplou – It is a historical monastery of the 15th century, which collapsed in the earthquake of 1612 and was rebuilt with the financial aid of the Venetians. During the Ottoman conquest of Crete, the monastery was destroyed and devastated by the Turks. Continue east for Vai is famous for its palm forest located right on the beach. It is the largest palm forest in Crete and these palms are endemic Cretan palms (Phoenix theophrasti).
Overnight in Agios Nikolaos.
Day 8 : AGIOS NIKOLAOS – CAR DROP-OFF/ DEPARTURE CRETE (60km – 1hr)
Location: Agios Nikolaos, Heraklion
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up to one last breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Heraklion International airport and return your car hire and enjoy your flight home!
What's Included
The tour includes a 7-day car hire with pick-up and drop-off at Crete International Airport, unlimited mileage, and a full insurance package with zero excess and VAT.
What's Not Included
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Tour Guide
A tour guide is not included in the package.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to attractions are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees are not covered by the tour package.
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Flights
Domestic and international flights are not included in the package.
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Drinks During Meals
Drinks during meals are not included unless specified otherwise.
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Optional Tours
Optional tours, if any, are not included in the package.
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Overnight City Tax
Overnight city tax for hotel stays is not included and must be paid on the spot at the hotels.
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Unmentioned Visits
Any visits not mentioned in the program are not included.
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Porterage and Gratuities
Porterage and gratuities are not included in the package.
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Personal Expenditures
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks, meals, or items not explicitly stated in the program are not included.
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Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, and camera/video camera fees are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays or accidents is not included.
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Car Hire Exclusions & Restrictions
The insurance does not cover damages caused to the vehicle on non-asphaltic roads or when violating traffic laws. Additional insurance for glass, tires, and the under part of the car must be paid on the spot.
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Age Restrictions for Car Hire
Drivers must be between 21-68 years old and must present a valid driving license for at least 12 months prior to rental.
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After Hours Charges
Deliveries and collections between 21:00-23:30hrs and 23:30-07:00 hrs will be charged extra.
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One Way Fee
There is a charge for one way car rentals.
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Hotel Delivery Charges
Deliveries and collections to hotels will be charged extra depending on the location of the hotel.
Requirements
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Crete. 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.Please Note
- Please note that this tour is a suggested itinerary. While the sites listed may be visited independently, the package does not cover any applicable entrance or tour fees
- Please consider that the driving times and distances are estimated and that they can vary because of many circumstances, such as the specific route is taken, hotel location, traffic, weather, road conditions, etc.
- 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
- No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed
Mode of Transport
This self-drive tour includes a 7-day car hire with options like Nissan Pixo, Fiat Panda, or Skoda Fabia, offering unlimited mileage and full insurance. Pick-up and drop-off are conveniently located at Crete International Airport.Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights of comfortable hotel accommodation in Crete, staying in standard 3-star hotels such as Hotel Olympic in Heraklion, Hotel Arkadi in Chania, Hotel Olympic Palladium in Rethymnon, and Hotel Apollon in Agios Nikolaos.Accommodation options
Day 1-2 Heraklion
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Olympic or similar 3*
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Arkadi or similar 3*
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Olympic Palladium or similar 3*
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Apollon or similar 3*
- Car Group A = Nissan Pixo A/C or similar
- Car Group B = Fiat Panda or similar
- Car Group C = Skoda Fabia or similar
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is included in the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights of hotel accommodation in standard hotel categories. Specific hotels mentioned are Hotel Olympic in Heraklion, Hotel Arkadi in Chania, Hotel Olympic Palladium in Rethymnon, and Hotel Apollon in Agios Nikolaos, all rated 3 stars or similar.
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What is included in the car hire for this tour?
The car hire includes a 7-day car rental with pick-up and drop-off at Crete International Airport, unlimited mileage, and a full insurance package with zero excess, covering CDW, theft protection, third party insurance, and fire protection.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 7 breakfasts.
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What are some of the key attractions visited during the tour?
Key attractions include the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, the Palace of Knossos, the romantic streets and Venetian port of Chania, the exotic Elafonissi beach, the old town and harbour of Rethymnon, and the island of Spinalonga near Agios Nikolaos.
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Are there any age restrictions for the car hire?
Yes, drivers must be between 21-68 years old and must have a valid driving license for at least 12 months prior to rental.
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What are some exclusions from the tour package?
Exclusions include a tour guide, entrance fees, visa fees, domestic and international flights, drinks during meals unless specified, optional tours, overnight city tax, and personal expenditures such as drinks and meals not stated in the program.
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What should I consider regarding clothing and gear for the tour?
Comfortable and light clothing is recommended, and visitors should avoid sleeveless shirts, shorts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent are also advised.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
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Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
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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.
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When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client´s arrival
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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.
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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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