Highlights of Crete

Highlights of Crete

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8 Days From

$1921

$1833

Highlights of Crete

8 Days Starting and ending in Chania

Visiting: Chania, Knossos, Heraklion, Botanical Park, Crete, Rethimno

Tour operator:

Travel Department

Tour code:

1621

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium, 3-Moderate

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

One Centre Based

Activities:

Swimming

From: $1921 $1833 including Flights from the UK Operator discount: -$88

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Your Guided Group Holiday To Crete Join us on a trip to Greece’s largest island, Crete, on this 7-night guided group holiday. We’ll stay in the coastal resort town of Stalos, which boasts beautiful beaches and serves as the perfect base to explore the nearby historic town of Chania. Discover the sights of the island on three full day excursions, including a trip to the Skordalou Botanical Park, the capital city of Heraklion, the remarkable Arkadi monastery, and one of the island’s most delicious wineries. Another day trip will take us to visit the ruins of Knossos, the ancient capital of the mythical king Minos and home of the minotaur, which legend says lived in a great labyrinth beneath the palace. We’ll also have plenty of free time to enjoy some of the region’s enchanting beaches and villages, making this holiday the perfect combination of relaxation, history and culture.

Highlights

  • Discover Greece’s largest island, Crete, on this 7-night guided holiday.

  • Explore the historic towns of Knossos, ancient seat of King Minos, & Heraklion, Crete’s capital city.

  • Visit the Venetian-style harbour town of Rethymnon on a day trip including wine tasting.

  • Enjoy a full day trip to the Skordalou Botanical Park & the beautiful city of Chania.

  • Soak up the sun at our beachside resort or explore at your own pace with plenty of free time.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Chania

Location: Chania

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 4* Star

Meals Included: Dinner

Arrive in Chania
Upon arrival in Chania, you will be met by our local representative at the airport before being transferred to your hotel. As you travel to your hotel, your guide will share some information about the local region, suggest activities for you to enjoy and answer any questions you may have.

Day 2 : Knossos & Heraklion

Location: Knossos, Heraklion

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 4* Star

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast at your hotel, depart for a full day guided excursion to Knossos and Heraklion. In the morning you will enjoy a guided city tour of Knossos, the ancient capital of the great king Minos, constructed around 1900 BC. A visit to its Archaeological Museum (entrance included), which houses a unique collection of artifacts from the Minoan civilisation, will give you an insight into this artistic-minded community.
Guided Walking Tour of Heraklion
In the afternoon you will have the chance to walk around the sites of Heraklion accompanied by your guide, followed by some free time to discover the town at your own pace.

Day 3 : Botanical Park & Chania

Location: Chania, Botanical Park

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 4* Star

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Botanical Park guided tour
After breakfast at your hotel, depart for a full day excursion including the Botanical Park and Chania. In the morning visit the Botanical Park in Skordalu, where you will see more than 150 species of fruit trees together with the dozens of herbs, medicinal and ornamental plants, while enjoying your walk through a lush natural environment.
Chania guided tour
Continue to Chania to visit the old city, including its beautiful Venetian and Ottoman buildings, the cathedral, the market, the mosque of the janissaries and the Venetian docks. You will also enjoy a guided tour of Agia Triada Monastery, the most impressive monastery of Crete, with beautiful wall paintings in the Byzantine style. Then you will visit Akrotiri, where you can enjoy views of Chania before returning to your hotel.

Day 4 : Explore Crete At Your Own Leisure

Location: Crete

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 4* Star

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Take the day to explore your surrounding area in Stalos, or relax at your hotel with beautiful mountainous back drop and the panoramic views from the hotel pool. If you want to explore further afield, there are the villages of Plantanias or Agia Marin, where you have even more choices of beaches, restaurants, cafes, bars and nightlife. End your evening with a relaxing drink while watching the sun set over the beach.

Day 5 : Rethymnon

Location: Rethimno

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 4* Star

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Rethymnon full day guided excursion
After breakfast at your hotel depart by coach along the scenic Chania-Rethymnon highway that runs along the north coast of Crete. On arrival at the family-run Dourakis winery and cellar, enjoy a wine tasting. Afterwards, transfer to Rethymnon for a visit to the Arkadi Monastery (entrance included), which is set in spectacular scenery and represents the symbol of freedom for the Cretans. Afterwards, you will have a guided walking tour of the old part of Rethymnon, with its little narrow streets and innumerable shops in Venetian style. You will also have some free time for discovering the town at your own pace.

Day 6 : Free Time In Crete

Location: Chania

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 4* Star

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today you will have a free day to enjoy the delights of Crete at your leisure. When out and about, you might like to try some regional dishes, such as the famous Dakos (a Cretan barley rusk topped with local cheese, olive oil and tomatoes) or Chania's speciality ; Kaltsounia, a cheese pie in both salty and sweet versions. Your guide will be delighted to make suggestions for places to try these local treats.

Day 7 : Free Time In Crete

Location: Chania

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 4* Star

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, you will have a day free for shopping and sightseeing. Your local guide will be delighted to suggest activities to suit your interests and advise which highlights are a must-see, or take the time to relax and enjoy your surroundings.

Day 8 : Depart Crete

Location: Chania

Meals Included: Breakfast

Spend your final day soaking up the blue skies and convivial atmosphere of Crete. Pay a last visit to the Venetian Lighthouse, located at the entrance to the port and considered to be the symbol of Chania, before you bid farewell to this lovely town.
You will be transferred with guide assistance from your hotel to Chania airport, for your flight home.

What's Included

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

  • Accommodation

    4*

  • International Travel

  • Fully Guided

  • Meals – Half Board

What's Not Included

Tipping and Gratuities

Check out our Q&As

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    You will be met on arrival at your destination airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will be accompanied on all included excursions by your Travel Department guide. Your expert local guide is also available to give you tips and advice on any aspect of your holiday.

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    4* Star

  • What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

    Moderate itinerary likely to have some early starts, longer days and coach journeys, including walking tours of 2-4 hours possibly on uneven terrain with stops. You should have reasonable health and mobility.

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    Yes

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Will there be a guide to meet us when we arrive at our destination?

    You will be met on arrival at your destination airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will be accompanied on all included excursions by your Travel Department guide.

  • I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?

    We have holidays suitable for varying levels of mobility. We want to ensure that you make the correct choice when booking a holiday with us. If you have any concerns about the suitability of a tour, please contact us and discuss this with one of our experienced sales staff.

  • What is the activity level for my holiday?

    In order to ensure you chose the right holiday for you, we rate all our holidays with an activity level. This will help you to determine how suitable a particular holiday is for your needs.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents (tickets and Itinerary) will be provided to you approximately 10 days prior to your departure.

  • Do I need travel insurance?

    Yes, all passengers must have travel insurance for Travel Department holidays. We would suggest you pay special attention to any exclusion clauses and excess on your insurance policy to ensure you are happy with your cover. It is your responsibility to ensure you have adequate insurance for the holiday you are booking.

Save on this tour

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1 Select your preferred date

Monday - Monday

May 12, 2025 - May 19, 2025
$1921 $1833

Operator discount: -$88

Including UK Flights

Monday - Monday

May 19, 2025 - May 26, 2025
$1884

Including UK Flights

Monday - Monday

Sep 22, 2025 - Sep 29, 2025
$2009

Including UK Flights

Prices last published on 22-Dec-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Travel Department requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travel department charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.

    At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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