Crete Archaeology 613
Crete Archaeology 613
Crete Archaeology 613
8 Days Starting and ending in London, UK
Visiting: Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Rethymnon, Rethymno
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BCRE
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 25
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Please contact Brightwater with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Ruins-Archaeology
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Crete with the "Crete Archaeology 613" tour, a cultural exploration of Greece's rich history. Discover the awe-inspiring Palace of Knossos, delve into the Minoan civilization at Phaistos, and wander through the charming old town of Rethymnon, adorned with Venetian and Turkish architecture. Experience the serene beauty of sleepy fishing villages and the atmospheric island of Spinalonga. This tour offers the perfect blend of guided excursions and leisure time, with comfortable accommodations and the expertise of an archaeological tour manager. Enjoy the scenic landscapes of the Amari Valley, visit Byzantine monuments, and savor a farewell dinner in a local taverna. With coach travel and meals included, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure into the heart of Crete's archaeological wonders.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: Heraklion
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Atrion Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
We depart from London on our direct flight to Heraklion in Crete (departures and connections from regional airports are available on request). On arrival we will proceed by coach to our comfortable hotel, the 3-star Hotel Atrion, conveniently located in the centre of Heraklion, a few yards from the promenade. All rooms have private bathrooms, air-conditioning and a balcony. Dinner is served in the hotel this evening.
Day 2
Location: Heraklion
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Atrion Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Following breakfast this morning we will enjoy some free time in Heraklion, the capital city of Crete, for sightseeing. After lunch (not included) we visit the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion, which brings together archaeological finds from all over Crete, covering over 5500 years of the island’s history. We then travel five kilometres out of town and 4000 years back in time, as we visit a famous relic of the oldest known civilisation in Europe. The Palace of Knossos, centre of the Minoan Civilisation, will leave us breathless as we wonder over the technology and facilities of that period.
Later, we return to the hotel where the evening is at leisure.
Day 3
Location: Agios Nikolaos
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Atrion Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is at your leisure or you can join the optional excursion to Spinalonga. We will take a small boat to visit the island that became famous as the setting of Victoria Hislop’s novel, “The Island”. The island was a former leper colony years ago and houses a Venetian fortress – many of the buildings here are awe-inspiring. In a walking tour of approximately one hour through the narrow main street, we will have the opportunity to admire ruins and renovated houses.
In the afternoon we will have some free time in the picturesque harbour town of Agios Nikolaos (St. Nicholas), with its small lake known as “Voulismeni” located in the centre of the town, at the foot of the cliffs. Walk around and take delight in the panoramic view on the lake and the harbour and take a stroll in the narrow streets with a lot of shops and stores offering a large assortment from typical goods to fine jewellery.
We return to the main island and our hotel, where the evening is once again at leisure.
Day 4
Location: Crete
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Bio Suites Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast we check out of the hotel. Passing through some of the most beautiful areas of Crete, full of vineyards and olive trees, we will travel via the Aghia Varvara Pass to Southern Crete.
The first stop is at Gortyn, an old Greek-Roman town with its famous law stones, Roman amphitheatre and the ruins of the Saint Titus Church – the first Christian Church on the island.
Then we visit Phaistos, one of the most important centres of Minoan civilization, and the most wealthy and powerful city in southern Crete. It was inhabited from the Neolithic period until the foundation and development of the Minoan palaces in the 15th century B.C. The exact location of the Palace of Phaistos was first determined in the middle of the 19th century by the British admiral Spratt, while the archaeological investigation of the palace started in 1884 by the Italians Halbherr and Taramelli.
We continue to Zaros, located on the south slope of Ida Mountain, and here we will have a stop at the small lake, home to trout and turtles. There used to be an aqueduct, which in ancient times supplied Gortys with water; nowadays the whole area of Messara is supplied with water from here.
We then continue to Rethymnon and the 4-star Bio Suites Hotel.
Day 5
Location: Rethymnon
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Bio Suites Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast we depart on a guided walk through the old town of Rethymnon. The town still maintains its old aristocratic appearance, with buildings dating from the 16th century and Byzantine and Hellenic-Roman remains. Rethymnon is a mixture of Venetian and Turkish influences, dominated by a Venetian Fortress. Significant buildings have been renovated and today house the archaeological museum, municipality services offices and restaurants. A walk through the charming old quarter shows Venetian and Turkish architecture in the harbour, arched doorways and stone staircases. In the narrow streets shopkeepers sell a large variety of Cretan goods such as leather, honey, herbs, cheese, yoghurt, olives, oil etc.
After an opportunity for lunch (not included), we travel west to Chania. This city of exceptional beauty, full of colourful aromatic flowers and rich cultural heritage has a remarkable natural beauty. It is built on the ruins of ancient Kydonia and it has seen and survived many invaders, but has also tasted civilisations that left their mark on building faces, castles, walls, antiquities, monasteries and churches. We will have a short walking tour of the old centre with its picturesque neighbourhoods and day to day life, followed by free time to enjoy the atmosphere of the Venetian Harbour.
We return to our hotel where the evening is free.
Day 6
Location: Rethymnon
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Bio Suites Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Following breakfast, the day is free to relax in the hotel or explore Rethymnon and the surrounding area on your own. Alternatively, join our optional excursion to the pottery village of Margaritas, surrounded by green rolling hills, and the Arkadi Monastery at an altitude of 500 metres above sea level. We also visit the Eleutherna Museum. Lunch in a local taverna is included in the excursion.
Day 7
Location: Rethymno
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Bio Suites Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy your breakfast. We have a relaxed day today, visiting the Minoan cemetery of Armeni and two of the many scenic Byzantine monuments found in the picturesque Amari Valley. The valley is surrounded by mountains, the great Psiloritis on one side and the Kedros range on the other.
We return to Rethymnon and this evening gather for a farewell dinner in a local taverna (wine included), an opportunity to reflect on the wonderful sights we have seen in this archaeological and historical treasure trove of an island.
Day 8
Location: Heraklion
Meals Included: Breakfast
Following breakfast today, we will check out of the hotel and transfer to Heraklion airport for our flight back to London, where the group will disperse or make onward connections.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is included throughout the tour.
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Services of an archaeological expert as tour manager
The tour includes the services of an archaeological expert as the tour manager.
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Comfortable coach travel throughout
Comfortable coach travel is provided throughout the tour.
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Meals - as per the itinerary
Meals are included as per the itinerary.
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included in the tour price.
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Lunch on Day 2 and Day 5
Lunch is not included on Day 2 and Day 5.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions, such as the visit to Spinalonga, are not included in the tour price.
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably throughout Crete with coach transfers, including a direct flight from London to Heraklion. Optional excursions include a boat trip to Spinalonga, with all transportation arranged for a seamless experience.
Accommodation
Stay at the 3-star Atrion Hotel in Heraklion and the 4-star Bio Suites Hotel in Rethymnon, offering comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, air-conditioning, and balconies. Enjoy convenient locations near promenades and local attractions, with meals included as per the itinerary.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of expert will accompany us on the tour?
The tour will be managed by an archaeological expert who will provide insights and guidance throughout the trip.
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What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
Comfortable coach travel is provided throughout the tour to ensure a pleasant journey between destinations.
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Is there an optional excursion available during the tour?
Yes, on Day 3, there is an optional excursion to the island of Spinalonga, which includes a boat trip and a walking tour of the island.
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Will there be any free time during the tour?
Yes, there are several opportunities for free time, such as in Heraklion on Day 2, Agios Nikolaos on Day 3, and Rethymnon on Day 6.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Meals are included as per the itinerary, with breakfast provided daily and some dinners included, such as the farewell dinner on Day 7.
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What is the accommodation like during the tour?
Accommodation is provided in comfortable hotels, such as the 3-star Atrion Hotel in Heraklion and the 4-star Bio Suites Hotel in Rethymnon.
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What historical sites will we visit on the tour?
The tour includes visits to several historical sites such as the Palace of Knossos, the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion, Phaistos, and the Byzantine monuments in the Amari Valley.
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Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?
You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.
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What facilities do your coaches have?
Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.
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Do I have to go on the included excursions?
Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.
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Is there time to relax?
Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.
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Do I need to be an expert?
Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.
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How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?
You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding
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Do you have self-drive holidays?
Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!
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What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?
There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.
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Where are your departure points?
UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .
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What about the company that will be kept?
For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.
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What is a Brightwater Holiday?
Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.
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Why is there a single supplement?
Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.
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How much are your optional excursions?
Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.
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Can I pre-book my coach seats?
Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.
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How to get there? Easy!
With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.
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Do I need to have travel insurance?
Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.
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Cancellation Policy
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