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Overview
Crete, a strategic gateway to the eastern Mediterranean, has a rich history, having been ruled by ancient civilizations like the Minoans, as well as the Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman empires. This tour takes you through the island’s scenic and cultural highlights, including the ancient Palace of Knossos, an unparalleled monument of Minoan society.
Itinerary
Day 1: Fly to Heraklion • Rethymno
- Fly from London (regional connections available) to Heraklion with British Airways.
- Transfer to Theartemis Palace in Rethymno (or similar) for a 3-night stay.
- Enjoy a welcome drink. (N)
Day 2: Aptera • Venizelos • Chania
- Morning visit to the ancient site of Aptera. Meet a beekeeper to learn about beehives and their cultivation.
- Continue to the town of Chania with its Venetian harbour.
- Visit the poignant Allied Cemetery, containing Second World War burials. (B)
Day 3: Arkadi • Eleftherna • Rethymno
- Morning visit to the fortified monastery of Arkadi.
- Near Eleftherna, visit the MAE museum, which houses an impressive collection of artefacts from Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt.
- Continue to Rethymno for a guided city walk. (B)
Day 4: Phaestos • Matala • Heraklion
- Drive across the island to the Messara Plain and visit Phaestos, the second Minoan palace.
- Continue to Matala, a charming seaside town, where you can enjoy a swim or relax on the beach.
- Drive to Heraklion, stopping en route at the archaeological site of Gortys.
- Stay 4 nights at the Aquila Atlantis Hotel (or similar). (B)
Day 5: Knossos • Wine Tasting
- Morning visit to the ancient Minoan Palace of Knossos, the center of Europe’s first civilization.
- According to myth, this was the home of King Minos and the site of the legend of Theseus slaying the Minotaur.
- Drive into the Pediados region, Crete’s most famous wine-producing area. Visit a wine domaine for an introduction to Cretan wine, followed by a tasting and traditional lunch.
- Afternoon at leisure. (B, L)
Day 6: Kera • Spinalonga • Heraklion
- Morning visit to the Church of Panagia Kera to view the finest Byzantine frescoes in Crete.
- Continue to Elounda and take a boat to Spinalonga, a former leper colony with traces of Greek, Ottoman, Byzantine, and Venetian occupation.
- Return to Heraklion via the port town of Agios Nikolaos. (B)
Day 7: Heraklion
- Morning at leisure to relax by the pool or explore Heraklion’s old town.
- Afternoon guided visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, home to a collection of Minoan treasures.
- Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D)
Day 8: Fly to London
- Morning at leisure.
- Afternoon flight to London with British Airways. (B)
