Overview:
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 1 night hotel accommodation in Heraklion Crete
- 2 nighst hotel accommodation in Chania Crete
- 1 night hotel accommodation in Rethymnon Crete
- 1 night hotel accommodation in Sitia Crete
- 1 night hotel accommodation in Arolithos Crete
- Car with collision damage Waiver,taxes & unlimited mileage
PACKAGE EXCLUDES:
- Personal & Passenger Accident insurance & Fuel
(car will be delivered with full tank and missing fuel will be charged up on collection)
Car Group
A category
Seicento,Matiz or Similar
B Category
Punto,Micra,Corsa or similar
C category
Accent 1300 or similar
D category
Accent 1400-Megane A/C or similar
Car Group
A category
Seicento,Matiz or Similar
B Category
Punto,Micra,Corsa or similar
C category
Accent 1300 or similar
D category
Accent 1400-Megane A/C or similar
Itinerary
1st Day - Heraklion Crete
Our assistance will meet you there and provide you all the necessary information concerning your itinerary and hotel accommodation. Heraklion is the biggest city of the island. Sites to Visit : The massive Venetian walls, the medieval castle Koules in the Harbour, Morozini’s fountain in the centre and other Venetian buildings & monuments, which gives a very special character to the city. The monastery of St. Catherine (Aghia Aikaterine - a metochi (dependency) of the monastery of synonumous on Mount Sinai) was an important cultural and artistic centre from the 15th till 17thcentury. Archaeological sites: Palace of Knossos *capital of the Minoan civilization. Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, one of the most important Museums worldwide. Overnight at ‘Arolithos’ (traditional Cretan complex, built like an Old Cretan village)
2nd Day - Chania Crete
Departure for Chania, a region of infinite natural beauty and characteristic architecture. Enjoy your first day in Chania by visiting : The Christian Basilica at Almyrida Apokoronou*an early christian 3- aisled Basilica of the 2nd half of the 6th century. The monastery of Gouverneto at Kydonia. The actual monastery complex was built from 1537 till 1548.According to tradition, it was connected with miraculous St John the Hermit , and was used for the housing of the Saints pilgrims. The monastery- typical example of orthodox monastic architecture -flourishes during the 16th century , but has been partly destroyed in 1765 and during the revolution of 1821.The Archeological Museum, in the largest church built on Crete by Venetians .Historical and Naval Museums, the colourful indoor Chaniot Market,city’s extensive public gardens and the historical buildings of Chalepa* suburb of Chania, or you may just drive around the country side,full of lemon tree groves,chestnuts trees ,wild flowers and fragnant shrubs,some of which are unknown outside Crete.Overnight in Chania
3rd Day - Chania Crete
For today the province of Chania offers many fascinating excursions : The famous Gorge of Samaria , the longest in Europe.The old monastery of Chrisoskalitissa. The Venetian Castle of Frangocastello.The ancient city of Aptera or the historical interest monastery of Gonia. Overnight in Chania.
4th Day - Rethymnon Crete
Departure to Rethymnon. Rethymnon , more than any other town retains its ties with the past. A picturresque city on a long stretch of sandy beach with old beautiful house, a Venetian fortress and a Turkish Minaret. In the countryside around Rethymno foreigners can observe the traditional Cretan way of live and its natural setting. Interesting points : The historical Monastery of Arkadi. The wonderful Monastery of Preveli. The archaeological Museum of Rethymno, Venetian fortification of Fortetsa. The ancient Eleftherna, which is located at a distance of around 30 km to the SE of Rethymnon and occupies two long narrow ridges called Pyrgi and Nissi. The Minoan cemetery of Armenioi of which the layout seems to have been pre planned. All the tombs belong to the rock cut chamber tomb with dromos with the exception of the unique built tholos. Overnight in Rethymnon.
5th Day - Sitia
Leaving behind you the region of Rethymnon, you still have many beauties to discover by coming into the province of Lassithi. The easternmost province of Crete with its unbelievable variety of landscape. The fertile Plateau of Lassithi where 10.000 windmills used to be on full sail and also one can visit small villages. You can visit a cyclopean wall , two houses completely uncovered date to theNewPalace period. The central Palatian building covers an area of 0,3 hec. You can also visit the church of Panagia Kera Ierapetras, long beaches where you can swim also in winter will impress you.Your next destination is town of Sitia ,where you can see the monastery of Toplou and ruins of ancient city of Zakros.Overnight in Sitia.
6th Day - Arolithos
The unique in Europe , Vai’s forest of Palm trees can be found in a short distance from Sitia. Continuing your exploring you will have the chance to see the magnificent gulf of Mirabello (again in the north side of Crete.). Also the tourist , but still picturesque town of Aghios Nikolaos , the capital of Lassithi province, built in the Mirabello gulf , has the delightfull air of typical island village The area of Lassithi offerss wonderful opportunities for excursions included : An unforgettable boat - trip to the medieval fortress of Spinalonga. The famous nearby bay of Elounda. By following small roads you can also discover some very nice villages like Fourni Skinia, lots of Orthodox Churches. Late in the afternoon, arrival in Heraklion. Overnight in Arolithos.
7th Day
Departure
Optional Tours
Heraklion City & Knossos Palace Half Day Private Tour
DURATION 4 HOURS
Crete is the largest and the most rugged of the Greek islands. It is also the home of the great Minoan Civilization and the mythological home of Zeus. After a short drive through the town of Heraklion the tour will arrive at the Knossos excavations. Here, Sir Arthur Evan’s archaeological discoveries revealed a civilization dating back to 4000 B.C., when a great empire flourished on the island of Crete. Based on the wealth of artefacts that were found, Evans theorized that this was the site of the ancient Minoan Kingdom. These findings will be viewed in detail, as your guide will lead you on a journey of discovery to learn of the sophisticated culture that flourished thousands of years ago on this island.The Palace, decorated with frescoes and shields houses the Hall of the Royal Guard, the Hall of the Double Axes, the King’s Chamber with the alabaster throne, the Queen’s Apartment, beautiful courtyards and shrines. Having visited this remarkable site your coaches will take you to the heart of Heraklion where you will be given some free time to explore its beauties combining the facilities of a modern city with the unique Greek islands’ ambience. You will then re board your motor coach for the return journey to the Venetian lion-guarder port of Heraklion to rejoin your ship. REMARKS Walking in the archaeological site of Knossos will be on uneven gravel surfaces. Passengers may not be allowed to enter the site with big bags/rucksacks.
DURATION 4 HOURS
Crete is the largest and the most rugged of the Greek islands. It is also the home of the great Minoan Civilization and the mythological home of Zeus. After a short drive through the town of Heraklion the tour will arrive at the Knossos excavations. Here, Sir Arthur Evan’s archaeological discoveries revealed a civilization dating back to 4000 B.C., when a great empire flourished on the island of Crete. Based on the wealth of artefacts that were found, Evans theorized that this was the site of the ancient Minoan Kingdom. These findings will be viewed in detail, as your guide will lead you on a journey of discovery to learn of the sophisticated culture that flourished thousands of years ago on this island.The Palace, decorated with frescoes and shields houses the Hall of the Royal Guard, the Hall of the Double Axes, the King’s Chamber with the alabaster throne, the Queen’s Apartment, beautiful courtyards and shrines. Having visited this remarkable site your coaches will take you to the heart of Heraklion where you will be given some free time to explore its beauties combining the facilities of a modern city with the unique Greek islands’ ambience. You will then re board your motor coach for the return journey to the Venetian lion-guarder port of Heraklion to rejoin your ship. REMARKS Walking in the archaeological site of Knossos will be on uneven gravel surfaces. Passengers may not be allowed to enter the site with big bags/rucksacks.
Contact us - Enquiry Form
Please fill in the following enquiry form, and one of travel specialists will contact you latest within 48 hours. If you do not receive our answer please check in your spam folder, and resend your request.
(fields with * are required)
(fields with * are required)