Tour Overview
Embark on the "Treasures of Crete" tour and immerse yourself in the rich history and stunning landscapes of Greece's largest island. This journey takes you through the medieval charm of Rethymno, the poignant history of Spinalonga, and the romantic streets of Chania. Enjoy guided tours of the Palace of Knossos and Heraklion's archaeological wonders, and experience the thrill of a Land Rover adventure to the mythical birthplace of Zeus. With six nights in comfortable accommodations, savor local cuisine with included breakfasts, dinners, and select lunches. Travel in comfort with air-conditioned transportation and knowledgeable local guides. This tour offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and leisure, ensuring a memorable Greek getaway. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : ARRIVAL CRETE (22km-30 min)
Location: Heraklion, Gouves, Chersonissos
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
Upon arrival at Heraklion Airport you will be directed to the bus that will take you to the hotel in Gouves or Chersonissos area for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the delightful surroundings on your own. Dinner is included.
Overnight n Gouves or Chersonissos area
Day 2 : CRETE: DAY AT LEISURE
Location: Crete
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast in the hotel. Today enjoy a day free of leisure.
Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area
Day 3 : CRETE: BOAT TRIP TO THE ISLAND OF SPINALONGA (130km–8 hrs)
Location: Spinalonga, Elounda, Gouves, Chersonissos
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, pick up at your hotel. 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 included and have free time to walk around, do some shopping or go for a swim.
Overnightin Gouves or Chersonissos area
Day 4 : CRETE: PALACE OF KNOSSOS AND HERAKLION TOWN (42km–7/8 hrs)
Location: Palace of Knossos, Heraklion
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, pick up at your hotel.The Palace of Knossos 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 round 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.
Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area
Day 5 : CRETE: WEST CRETE, RETHYMNON AND CHANIA (326km–10/11 hrs)
Location: Chania, Rethymnon
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, pick up at your hotel. 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 Rethymon, the second stop. You have free time in both to explore the winding back streets. A day full of discovery, beautiful scenery and history.
Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area
Day 6 : CRETE: LAND ROVER TOUR AND EXPLORE THE BIRTHPLACE OF ZEUS (120km–7/8 hrs)
Location: Potamies Reservoir, Roman Aqueduct of Lyttos, Kastamonitsa, Cave of Zeus, Lassithi Plateau, Krassi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Hersonissos Central 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 Gouves or Chersonissos area
Day 7 : DEPARTURE CRETE (16/22km-20/30 minutes)
Location: Gouves, Chersonissos, Heraklion Airport
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, pick up at your hotel. Share Transfer with a/c, modern coach from hotel in Gouves , Chersonissos area to the airport Heraklion.
Breakfast Included
What's Included
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Tour Guide
Operated with a qualified local English-speaking guide on a shared basis on Day 3, 4, and 5.
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Transport
Air-conditioned shared transportation throughout the tour and inbound/outbound air-conditioned shared transfers from/to Heraklion Airport.
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Entrance Fees and Activities
All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, including the Archaeological sites of Knossos, Archaeological Museum, the boat trip to the island of Spinalonga, Spinalonga island tour, and Land Rover Tour.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenditures
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks, and meals if not stated explicitly in the programme.
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Flight Tickets and Visa Fees
Flight tickets or visa fees are not included.
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Airport Taxes
Airport taxes for domestic and international flights are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for driver and guide are not included.
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Optional Tours
Optional tours are not included.
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Overnight City Tax
Overnight city tax for the hotel overnights effective from January 1st, 2018. Clients will have to pay the TAX on the spot at the hotels.
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, sun glasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
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Please Note
- Day 6: Long walks and climbs require appropriate shoes
- Please note that local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to the tour contents without prior notice
- Hotel early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms are subject to availability and are not guaranteed.
- The distances and travel times described in the itinerary may vary.
- No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed
- Please note the clients will have to pay the TAX on the spot at the hotels
- 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.
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1-5 Gouves or Chersonissos area:
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar 4*
OPTIONAL EXTRA:
Pre - Night in Gouves or Chersonissos area:
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar 4*
Post - Night in Gouves or Chersonissos area:
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar 4*
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably with air-conditioned shared transportation throughout the tour, including inbound and outbound transfers from Heraklion Airport. Enjoy seamless travel between destinations in Crete with modern, shared coaches.
Accommodation
Enjoy 6 nights' accommodation in the Gouves or Chersonissos area, with options ranging from a standard 3-star hotel like Hotel Hersonissos Central to a superior 4-star hotel such as Hotel Hersonissos Maris. Pre and post-night stays are also available.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of guide will accompany us during the tour?
The tour is operated with a qualified local English-speaking guide on a shared basis on Days 3, 4, and 5.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour includes 6 breakfasts, 6 dinners, and 2 lunches. One lunch is during the Land Rover Tour with unlimited wine, and the other is a Cretan lunch in Elounda, excluding drinks.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides air-conditioned shared transportation throughout, including inbound and outbound air-conditioned shared transfers from/to Heraklion Airport.
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Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour?
Yes, all entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary are included, such as the Archaeological sites of Knossos, the Archaeological Museum, the boat trip to the island of Spinalonga, the Spinalonga island tour, and the Land Rover Tour.
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What is the accommodation arrangement during the tour?
The tour includes 6 nights' accommodation in your selected hotel category in the Gouves or Chersonissos area. Options include a standard hotel category like Hotel Hersonissos Central or a superior hotel category like Hotel Hersonissos Maris.
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Is there an option for additional nights before or after the tour?
Yes, there is an optional extra for pre-night and post-night stays in the Gouves or Chersonissos area, with accommodation options in both standard and superior hotel categories.
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What should I wear during the tour?
Comfortable and light clothing is recommended for traveling in Greece. Visitors should avoid 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.
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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
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Book with Confidence
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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
Treasures of Crete
7 Days Starting and ending in Heraklion, Greece
Visiting: Heraklion, Gouves, Chersonissos, Crete, Spinalonga, Elounda, Palace of Knossos, Chania, Rethymnon, Potamies Reservoir, Roman Aqueduct of Lyttos, Kastamonitsa, Cave of Zeus, Lassithi Plateau, Krassi ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
26745
Guide Type:
Partially Guided
Group size:
25 - 50
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
