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The Labyrinth of Crete, Private Tour

The Labyrinth of Crete, Private Tour

tourhub | Destination Services Greece | The Labyrinth of Crete, Private Tour | 440969 | Map

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5 Days From

~~$2127~~

$2026

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through Crete with "The Labyrinth of Crete, Private Tour." This immersive experience invites you to explore the island's rich history and stunning landscapes. Begin your adventure with a visit to the iconic Palace of Knossos, Europe's oldest city, and delve into the myths of the Minoan civilization. Discover the tranquil beauty of the Lassithi Plateau, dotted with almond trees and orchards. Sail to the historic island of Spinalonga, once a Venetian fortress and leper colony, and enjoy a guided tour of its poignant past. Wander through the charming fishing village of Elounda, nestled in Mirabello Bay. With private transportation, expert guides, and comfortable accommodations in Heraklion, this tour offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and relaxation. Enjoy delicious local meals and the option for additional stays to further explore the wonders of Crete. ...more ...less

Highlights

Palace of Knossos: Explore Europe's oldest city and the hub of Crete's Minoan civilization.
Lassithi Plateau: Discover the beautiful expanse of green fields and almond trees at 900m above sea level.
Spinalonga: Take a boat trip to the island with Venetian period fortresses and a history as a leper colony.
Elounda: Visit the picturesque fishing village in the lovely Mirabello Bay.
Heraklion: Experience the vibrant town with its Venetian lion fountain and old harbor.

Land Rover tour: Explore the birthplace of Zeus and the Roman aqueduct of Lyttos.
Krassi: See the 2,000-year-old plane tree and learn about its natural spring water source.

Itinerary

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Day 1 : ARRIVAL CRETE (6km – 15 min)

Location: Heraklion

Accommodation Name: Hotel Olympic Heraklion or similar

Meals Included: Dinner

Arrive at the airport, where our representative will meet and greet you. Then transfer from Heraklion airport to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the delightful surroundings on your own. Dinner is included.

Overnight in Heraklion.

Day 2 : CRETE: BOAT TRIP TO THE ISLAND OF SPINALONGA (130km – 8hrs)

Location: Spinalonga, Elounda, Heraklion

Accommodation Name: Hotel Olympic Heraklion or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a tasty breakfast, you will be picked up at your hotel to start discovering the hidden treasures of Greece. Spinalonga is one of the most famous spots in Crete, and sometimes called the ‘island of tears’ due to its past as a leper colony. It was initially a Venetian fortress, it became the home for hundreds of Greece’s lepers who were shipped there and formed a colony. Once there, you’ll take a guided walk around the remains of the colony. See its main street, still lined with the shops and houses where the lepers attempted to live ordinary lives. Later, you’ll sail back to Elounda, where you’ll have a typical Cretan lunch and have free time to walk around, do some shopping or go for a swim. Lunch and dinner are included.

Overnight in Heraklion.

Day 3 : CRETE: PALACE OF KNOSSOS – HERAKLION TOWN (42km – 8hrs)

Location: Palace of Knossos, Heraklion, Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

Accommodation Name: Hotel Olympic Heraklion or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After the delectable breakfast served, you will be picked up at the hotel and transferred to the imposing Palace of Knossos. The landmark dates back to 1900 BC, it was the hub of Crete’s Minoan civilisation and where the fearsome Minotaur was said to have lurked in the labyrinth. Your guide will explain the myths surrounding the palace and its Kings as they lead you around its treasures. Then, visit Heraklion, see the Venetian lion fountain and the loggia that is now the Town Hall before finishing up at the entrance to the old harbour. Here, the time’s your own to explore. Take advantage also of the guided tour in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. Your day ends with a comfortable transfer to your hotel. Dinner is included.

Overnight in Heraklion.

Day 4 : CRETE: LAND ROVER TOUR – EXPLORE THE BIRTHPLACE OF ZEUS (120km – 8hrs)

Location: Potamies Reservoir, Roman Aqueduct of Lyttos, Kastamonitsa, Cave of Zeus, Lassithi Plateau, Krassi, Heraklion

Accommodation Name: Hotel Olympic Heraklion or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel and head towards the central part of Crete to learn about its mythology, culture, and local life, while having lots of fun. Your day starts from the moment you meet your drivers, who will take you to your first stop, the Potamies Reservoir water dam. Continuing our journey through mesmerising paths and olive trees, we reach the ruins of the Roman aqueduct of Lyttos. Admire the beauty of the site and continue towards the quaint village of Kastamonitsa, where we join the locals for a coffee break in the traditional cafeneion. Afterwards, the real off-road adventure begins! We will Climb high into the mountains and follow the ancient minaon path that leads us to the cave of Zeus (entrance not included) where, according to mythology, the father of all the gods was born. Then, you have the chance to take some memorable photographs of the Lassithi Plateau, before we drop down to the plateau for a delicious BBQ lunch with unlimited wine! The journey continues with a stop at Lassithi plateau, where time has virtually stood still and the local people are mainly farmers. We continue the adventure until we reach the village of Krassi our last stop of the day. Catch a glimpse of the 2,000-year-old plane tree and learn about its natural spring water source. End this thrilling day with a transfer back to your hotel. Lunch is included with wine and bottled water.

Overnight in Heraklion.

Day 5 : DEPARTURE CRETE (6km – 15 min)

Location: Heraklion

Meals Included: Breakfast

Begin your day with a rich breakfast at the hotel. Then, enjoy a transfer to Heraklion airport and continue with your travel arrangements.

What's Included

Tour Guide

Operated with English, German, or French-speaking local guide on a private basis.
Transport

Air-conditioned private transportation and inbound/outbound air-conditioned private transfers from/to Heraklion Airport.
Entrance Fees and Activities

All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, including Spinalonga island tour, Elounda Port, the Archaeological site of Knossos, Heraklion Museum, Land Rover tour, and the birthplace of Zeus.
Other

Meet & Greet service.

What's Not Included

Zeus' Cave Entrance Fee

The entrance fee to Zeus' cave is not included.
Visa Fees

Visa fees are not included.
Flights

Domestic and international flights are not included.

Drinks During Meals

Drinks during meals are not included unless specified otherwise.
Optional Tours

Optional tours, if any, are not included.
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, meals, or items not stated explicitly in the program are not included.
Camera/Video Camera Fees

Any camera/video camera fees, 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.
Overnight City Tax

Overnight city tax for hotel overnights is not included and must be paid on the spot at the hotels.
Additional Transfers

Additional transfers should be purchased separately if not part of the package or if pre and post-night stay is not booked as an extra.

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

Day 4: Long walks and climbs require appropriate shoes
Private group transfers require all participants to arrive and depart with the same flight/time or same boat/time
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
In many hotels in Greece, the triple rooms are a double room with an additional bed or sofa bed. Their comfort conditions are lower than the international standards of the triple room
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

Travel in style with air-conditioned private transportation from Day 2 to Day 4, including inbound and outbound transfers from/to Heraklion Airport. Enjoy the convenience and comfort of private transfers throughout your journey.

Accommodation

Enjoy a comfortable stay with 4 nights' accommodation in Heraklion, choosing between the Standard Hotel Category at Hotel Olympic Heraklion or similar 3-star, and the Superior Hotel Category at Hotel Olive Green Heraklion or similar 4-star. Optional pre/post-stay on a half-board basis is available.

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1-4 Heraklion:

Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Olympic Heraklion or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Olive Green Heraklion or similar 4*

OPTIONAL EXTRA:

Pre/ Post-stay in Heraklion, on a half-board basis:
Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Olympic Heraklion or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Olive Green Heraklion or similar 4

Check out our Q&As

What languages are available for the tour guide?

The tour is operated with a local guide who speaks English, German, or French on a private basis during Day 2 and Day 3.
What meals are included in the tour?

The tour includes 4 breakfasts, 2 lunches at local taverns, and 4 dinners.
What type of transportation is provided during the tour?

The tour provides air-conditioned private transportation on Days 2 to 4, as well as inbound and outbound air-conditioned private transfers from/to Heraklion Airport.
Are entrance fees included in the tour package?

Yes, all entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary are included, such as the Spinalonga island tour, Elounda Port boat trip, the Archaeological site of Knossos, and Heraklion Museum.
Is the Zeus' cave entrance fee included in the tour?

No, the entrance fee for Zeus' cave is not included in the tour package.

What is the accommodation arrangement during the tour?

The tour includes 4 nights' accommodation in Heraklion, with options for a standard hotel category at Hotel Olympic Heraklion or similar 3-star, and a superior hotel category at Hotel Olive Green Heraklion or similar 4-star.
What activities are included on Day 4 of the tour?

Day 4 includes a Land Rover tour exploring the birthplace of Zeus, visiting the Potamies Reservoir water dam, the Roman aqueduct of Lyttos, and the village of Kastamonitsa. It also includes a BBQ lunch with unlimited wine and a visit to the village of Krassi.
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. ...more ...less

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May 02, 2025 - May 06, 2025

~~$2177~~ $2073 (USD)