Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Crete with our "Exploring Crete" tour. Dive into the island's rich history at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion and the legendary Palace of Knossos. Discover the poignant past of Spinalonga Island, once a leper colony, and explore the vibrant towns of Chania and Rethymnon. Experience the thrill of a Land Rover tour to the Cave of Zeus, and unwind at the Aqua Plus Water Park. Enjoy seven nights in the charming areas of Gouves or Chersonissos, with options for standard or superior accommodations. Delight in local cuisine with included breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, and travel comfortably with air-conditioned transportation. This tour offers a perfect blend of culture, adventure, and relaxation, making it an ideal getaway for families and history enthusiasts alike. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : ARRIVAL CRETE (22 km - 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 in Gouves or Chersonissos area
Day 2 : CRETE: BOAT TRIP TO THE ISLAND OF SPINALONGA (130 km – 8 hrs)
Location: Spinalonga, Elounda, Gouves, Chersonissos
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a tasty breakfast, you will be picked up at your hotel to start discovering the hidden treasures of Greece. 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 but then 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 enchanting 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. Then, walk around on your own, do some shopping or go for a swim. Lunch and dinner are included.
Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area
Day 3 : CRETE: PALACE OF KNOSSOS AND HERAKLION TOWN (42 km – 7/8 hrs)
Location: Palace of Knossos, Heraklion, Archaeological Museum of Heraklion
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After the rich breakfast served at the hotel, you will be picked up and transferred to the imposing Palace of Knossos. The landmark dates back to 1900 BC, and it was the hub of Crete’s Minoan civilization and the place where the fearsome Minotaur was said to have lurked in the labyrinth. Admire the treasures of this fascinating palace during an interesting tour, while your guide explains the myths surrounding it and its kings. Afterwards, visit lively Heraklion, see the Venetian lion fountain and the loggia that is now the Town Hall. The magnificent tour ends at the entrance to the old harbour, the place where you begin to explore on your own. If you want to get even closer to the stunning past of the Greeks, take advantage of the guided tour in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. Your day ends with a comfortable transfer to your hotel in Gouves or Chersonissos area. Dinner is included.
Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area
Day 4 : CRETE: CHANIA AND RETHYMNON (326 km – 10/11 hrs)
Location: Chania, Rethymnon
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a mouthwatering breakfast before your morning pick up. Today we´ll visit two of Crete’s cities, Chania, also known as Little Venice and Rethymnon, with its fascinating mix of Italian and Turkish influences. Both cities have picturesque harbour fronts. Begin your adventure with lovely Chania. Your guide will take you on a tour of the old quarter, its quaint little neighbourhoods and the graceful backstreets that have been beautifully restored. Afterwards, make a visit to the lively Chania market hall with local produce and the famous leather lane, before ending up at the charming Venetian port. Equally beautiful is the old town and harbour of Rethymnon, our second stop. You have free time in both to explore the winding back streets. This will be a day full of discovery, beautiful scenery, and interesting history. Dinner is included.
Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area
Day 5 : CRETE: LAND ROVER TOUR AND THE BIRTHPLACE OF ZEUS (120km – 7/8 hrs)
Location: Potamies Reservoir, Crete, Roman Aqueduct of Lyttos, Crete, Kastamonitsa, Crete, Cave of Zeus, Crete, Lassithi Plateau, Crete, Krassi, Crete
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 6 : CRETE: WATERPARK AQUA PLUS ADVENTURE (22km – 4/5 hrs)
Location: Crete, Aqua Plus Waterpark, Gouves, Chersonissos
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Begin your day with a delightful breakfast. Enjoy a comfortable transfer as you are getting ready for a thrilling day at the best waterpark in Crete. Scream down the vertical kamikaze, enjoy the twister or just relax and work on that tan! There is a multitude of exciting slides and chilled out pools to relax in. This is definitely the ideal day out for the whole family. Dinner is included.
Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area
Day 7 : CRETE: DAY FREE AT LEISURE
Location: Crete
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Begin your day with a delectable breakfast at the hotel. Then, relax on the beach or enjoy the day exploring the island on your own. Dinner is included.
Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area
Day 8 : DEPART CRETE (16–22km / 20-30 minutes)
Location: Crete
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a tasty breakfast, enjoy a shared transfer from your hotel to the airport and continue with your travel arrangements.
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 2, 3, and 4.
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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, entrance ticket to the Waterpark Aqua Plus, 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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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is 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.
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Zeus' Cave Entrance Fee
Entrance fee to Zeus' cave is not included.
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.Please Note
- Please note that depending on the departure day the itinerary may be in a different order
- Day 5: Long walks and climbs require appropriate shoes
- Local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to the tour contents without prior notice.
- 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
Day 1-7 Gouves or Chersonissos area:
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar 4*
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*
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar 4*
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with air-conditioned shared transportation throughout the tour, including inbound and outbound transfers from Heraklion Airport. Enjoy seamless transfers between destinations, ensuring a hassle-free experience as you explore the beautiful island of Crete.Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights' accommodation in the Gouves or Chersonissos area, with options ranging from the 3-star Hotel Hersonissos Central to the 4-star Hotel Hersonissos Maris. Both standard and superior hotel categories are available, ensuring a comfortable stay throughout your tour.Check out our Q&As
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What kind of guide will accompany us during the tour?
The tour is operated with a qualified local English-speaking guide on a shared basis on Day 2, 3, and 4.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches (one BBQ lunch during the Land Rover Tour with unlimited wine and one Cretan lunch in Elounda excluding drinks), and 7 dinners.
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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, entrance ticket to the Waterpark Aqua Plus, and the Land Rover Tour. ...more ...less
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Is transportation provided during the tour?
Yes, air-conditioned shared transportation is provided throughout the tour, including inbound and outbound air-conditioned shared transfers from/to Heraklion Airport.
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What is the accommodation arrangement during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights' accommodation in the Gouves or Chersonissos area. You can choose between a standard hotel category (Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar 3*) and a superior hotel category (Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar 4*).
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Is there a day dedicated to leisure activities during the tour?
Yes, Day 7 is a free day at leisure where you can relax on the beach or explore the island on your own.
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What activities are planned for the visit to the island of Spinalonga?
During the visit to Spinalonga, you will take a guided walk around the remains of the leper colony, see its main street, and later sail back to Elounda for a typical Cretan lunch.
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What can I expect during the Land Rover Tour?
The Land Rover Tour includes a visit to the Potamies Reservoir water dam, the Roman aqueduct of Lyttos, a coffee break in the village of Kastamonitsa, an off-road adventure to the cave of Zeus, and a BBQ lunch with unlimited wine at the Lassithi Plateau.
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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
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Destination Services Greece requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 35 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of destination services greece charges.
Up to 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Exploring Crete
8 Days Starting and ending in Heraklion, Greece
Visiting: Heraklion, Gouves, Chersonissos, Spinalonga, Elounda, Palace of Knossos, Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, Chania, Rethymnon, Potamies Reservoir, Crete, Roman Aqueduct of Lyttos, Crete, Kastamonitsa, Crete, Cave of Zeus, Crete, Lassithi Plateau, Crete, Krassi, Crete, Crete, Aqua Plus Waterpark ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
26729
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
25 - 50
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Please advise request
