Treasures of Crete, Private Tour
7 Days Starting and ending in Heraklion, Greece
Visiting: Heraklion, Spinalonga, Elounda, Palace of Knossos, Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, Chania, Rethymnon, Potamies Reservoir, Lyttos, Kastamonitsa, Cave of Zeus, Lassithi Plateau, Krassi
Tour operator:
Tour code:
441209
Group Type:
Private
Guide Type:
Partially Guided
Age range:
18-99
Tour operated in:
English , French , GermanInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Treasures of Crete, Private Tour" and immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of Greece's largest island. This exclusive journey begins in Heraklion, offering a blend of leisure and exploration. Discover the medieval charm of Rethymno and the romantic allure of Chania, with their Venetian architecture and picturesque harbors. Experience the poignant history of Spinalonga, once a leper colony, and explore the legendary Palace of Knossos, home to the mythical Minotaur. Enjoy guided tours, private transportation, and authentic Cretan cuisine, with accommodations in Heraklion. This tour promises a captivating blend of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, all tailored for a private and personalized experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : ARRIVAL CRETE (22km – 30 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 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: DAY AT LEISURE
Location: Heraklion
Accommodation Name: Hotel Olympic Heraklion or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Begin your day with a delectable breakfast at the hotel. Then, relax on the beach or enjoy the day exploring the island on your own. Dinner is included.
Overnight in Heraklion.
Day 3 : 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 4 : CRETE: PALACE OF KNOSSOS AND HERAKLION TOWN (42km – 7/8hrs)
Location: Palace of Knossos, Heraklion, Archaeological Museum of Heraklion
Accommodation Name: Hotel Olympic Heraklion or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After the rich breakfast served at the hotel, you will be picked up 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, time is your own to explore. Take advantage also of the guided tour in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. Dinner is included.
Overnight in Heraklion.
Day 5 : CRETE: WEST CRETE, RETHYMNON AND CHANIA (326km – 10/11hrs)
Location: Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion
Accommodation Name: Hotel Olympic Heraklion or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a mouthwatering breakfast before your morning picks up. Today we´ll visit two of Crete’s cities, Chania (also known as Little Venice) and Rethymnon with its fascinating mix of Italian and Turkish influences both with picturesque harbour fronts. Your guide will take you on a tour of the old quarter, its quaint little neighbourhoods and backstreets that have been restored beautifully. Afterwards, make a visit to the lively Chania market hall with local produce and the famous leather lane before ending up at the breathtakingly beautiful Venetian port of Chania. Equally beautifully is the old town and harbour of Rethymnon, the second stop. You have free time in both to explore the winding back streets. A day full of discovery, beautiful scenery and history. Dinner is included.
Overnight in Heraklion.
Day 6 : CRETE: LAND ROVER TOUR AND EXPLORE THE BIRTHPLACE OF ZEUS (120km – 7/8hrs)
Location: Heraklion, Potamies Reservoir, Lyttos, Kastamonitsa, Cave of Zeus, Lassithi Plateau, Krassi
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 7 : DEPARTURE CRETE (16/22km – 20/30min)
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
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Tour Guide
Operated with English, German, or French-speaking local guide on a private basis from Day 3 to Day 5.
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Transport
Air-conditioned private transportation throughout the tour from Day 3 to Day 6, including inbound and outbound air-conditioned private transfers from/to Heraklion Airport.
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Entrance Fees and Activities
All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, including Spinalonga island tour, Elounda Port boat trip, the Archaeological site of Knossos, Heraklion Museum, Rethymnon and Chania tours, and Land Rover tour to the birthplace of Zeus.
What's Not Included
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Zeus' Cave Entrance Fee
The entrance fee to Zeus' cave is not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees are not included in the tour package.
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Flights
Domestic and international flights are not included.
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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.
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Unmentioned Visits
Any visit not mentioned in the program is not included.
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Porterage and Gratuities
Porterage and gratuities are not included.
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Personal Expenditures
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks, meals, or items not stated explicitly in the program are not included.
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Camera/Video Camera Fees
Any fees for camera or video camera usage 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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Overnight City Tax
Overnight city tax for hotel overnights is not included and must be paid on the spot at the hotels.
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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 6: 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 throughout the tour, including inbound and outbound transfers from Heraklion Airport, ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey.Accommodation
Enjoy 6 nights' accommodation in Heraklion with options ranging from the 3-star Hotel Olympic Heraklion to the 4-star Hotel Olive Green Heraklion, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your stay.Accommodation options
Day 1-5 Heraklion:
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Olympic Heraklion or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Olive Green Heraklion or similar 4*
- 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
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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 from Day 3 to Day 5.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 6 breakfasts, 6 dinners, and 2 lunches at local taverns.
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What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes air-conditioned private transportation throughout the tour from Day 3 to Day 6, as well as inbound and outbound air-conditioned private transfers from and to Heraklion Airport.
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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, Heraklion Museum, Rethymnon, Chania, and the Land Rover tour to the birthplace of Zeus.
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Is there a guided tour of the Palace of Knossos included?
Yes, there is a guided tour of the Palace of Knossos included, where the guide will explain the myths surrounding the palace and its Kings.
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What activities are planned for the visit to Spinalonga?
During the visit to Spinalonga, you will take a guided walk around the remains of the leper colony, see its main street, and later sail back to Elounda for a typical Cretan lunch with free time to walk around, shop, or swim.
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What is the itinerary for the Land Rover tour on Day 6?
The Land Rover tour on Day 6 includes visiting the Potamies Reservoir water dam, the ruins of the Roman aqueduct of Lyttos, a coffee break in the village of Kastamonitsa, an off-road adventure to the cave of Zeus, and a BBQ lunch with unlimited wine at the Lassithi Plateau.
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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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Terms and Conditions
