Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Venetian Crete with this private tour, exploring the island's rich history and stunning landscapes. Begin your adventure in Heraklion, where you'll enjoy a leisurely day before setting sail to the historic island of Spinalonga, once a Venetian fortress and leper colony. Discover the charming coastal town of Agios Nikolaos and unwind in the picturesque fishing village of Elounda. Delve into the ancient wonders of the Palace of Knossos, the heart of the Minoan civilization, and wander through the vibrant streets of Heraklion. With comfortable accommodations, guided tours, and delicious meals included, this tour offers an unforgettable glimpse into the cultural and historical treasures of Crete. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : ARRIVAL CRETE (6km – 15 min)
Location: Heraklion
Accommodation Name: Hotel Olympic Heraklion or Hotel Olive Green Heraklion
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrive at the airport, where our representative will meet and greet you. Then transfer from Heraklion airport to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the delightful surroundings on your own. Dinner is included.
Overnight in Heraklion.
Day 2 : CRETE: BOAT TRIP TO THE ISLAND OF SPINALONGA (130km – 8 hrs)
Location: Spinalonga, Elounda, Gouves, Chersonissos, Heraklion
Accommodation Name: Hotel Olympic Heraklion or Hotel Olive Green Heraklion
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Indulge in a delicious breakfast at your selected hotel, getting ready for a memorable day. You will be picked up after breakfast, heading towards Spinalonga, one of the most famous parts of Crete. The beautiful island is known by many as the ‘island of tears’, gaining this nickname because of its past as a leper colony. It was initially a Venetian fortress, and it became the home for hundreds of Greece’s lepers who were shipped there and formed a colony. Arrive on the intriguing island and enjoy an interesting guided walk around the remains of the colony. Catch sight of its main street, still lined with the shops and houses where the lepers attempted to live ordinary lives. After getting in touch with the dark past of Spinalonga, sail back to Elounda to satisfy your taste buds with a typical Cretan lunch. After the delightful meal, explore the village on your own, luxuriate in some shopping, or go for a reinvigorating swim. The day ends with a transfer back to your hotel in Gouves or Chersonissos area. Lunch and dinner are included.
Overnight in Heraklion.
Day 3 : CRETE: THE PALACE OF KNOSSOS AND HERAKLION TOWN (42km – 7/8 hrs)
Location: Palace of Knossos, Heraklion, Archaeological Museum of Heraklion
Accommodation Name: Hotel Olympic Heraklion or Hotel Olive Green Heraklion
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After the tasty 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 part 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. Dinner included.
Overnight in Heraklion.
Day 4 : DEPARTURE CRETE (6km – 15 min)
Location: Heraklion
Meals Included: Breakfast
Indulge in a delicious breakfast at your hotel, before hopping on the transfer to Heraklion airport.
What's Included
-
Tour Guide
Operated with English, German, or French-speaking local guide on a private basis for Day 2 and 3.
-
Transport
Air-conditioned private transportation on Day 2 and 3, including inbound/outbound air-conditioned private transfers from/to Heraklion Airport.
-
Entrance Fees and Activities
All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, including Spinalonga island tour, Elounda Port boat trip, the Archaeological site of Knossos, and Heraklion Museum.
What's Not Included
-
Zeus' Cave Entrance Fee
The entrance fee to Zeus' cave is not included.
-
Visa Fees
Visa fees are not included in the package.
-
Flights
Domestic and international flights are not included.
-
Drinks During Meals
Drinks during meals are not included unless specified otherwise.
-
Optional Tours
Optional tours, if any, are not included.
-
Unmentioned Visits
Any visit not mentioned in the program is not included.
-
Porterage and Gratuities
Porterage and gratuities are not included.
-
Personal Expenditures
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks, meals, or items not stated explicitly in the program are not included.
-
Camera/Video Camera Fees
Any fees for camera or video camera usage are not included.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays or accidents is not included.
-
Overnight City Tax
Overnight city tax for hotel overnights effective from January 1st, 2018, must be paid on the spot at the hotels.
-
Additional Transfers
Inbound and outbound transfers are included only as part of the package or if pre and post-night stay is booked as an extra. Otherwise, additional transfers should be purchased separately.
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
- Private group transfers require all participants to arrive and depart with the same flight/time or same boat/time
- We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons
- Early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms in the hotel are subject to availability and not guaranteed
- No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed
- In many hotels in Greece, the triple rooms are a double room with an additional bed or sofa bed. Their comfort conditions are lower than the international standards of the triple room
- 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.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with air-conditioned private transportation on Days 2 and 3, including inbound and outbound private transfers from/to Heraklion Airport.Accommodation
Enjoy a comfortable stay with 3 nights' accommodation in Heraklion, choosing between the Standard Hotel Category at Hotel Olympic Heraklion or similar 3-star, and the Superior Hotel Category at Hotel Olive Green Heraklion or similar 4-star.Accommodation options
Day 1-3 Heraklion:
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Olympic Heraklion or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Olive Green Heraklion or similar 4*
- Pre/ Post-stay in Heraklion, on a half-board basis:
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Olympic Heraklion or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Olive Green Heraklion or similar 4
Check out our Q&As
-
What languages are available for the tour guide?
The tour is operated with a local guide who speaks English, German, or French on a private basis.
-
What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch at a local tavern, and 3 dinners.
-
What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes air-conditioned private transportation on days 2 and 3, as well as inbound and outbound air-conditioned private transfers from/to Heraklion Airport.
-
Are entrance fees included in the tour package?
Yes, all entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary are included, such as the Spinalonga island tour, Elounda Port boat trip, the Archaeological site of Knossos, and Heraklion Museum.
-
What is the accommodation arrangement during the tour?
The tour includes 3 nights' accommodation in Heraklion, with options for a standard hotel category at Hotel Olympic Heraklion or similar 3-star, and a superior hotel category at Hotel Olive Green Heraklion or similar 4-star.
-
Is there a meet and greet service included in the tour?
Yes, a meet and greet service is included upon arrival at the airport.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
-
Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
-
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.
-
When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client´s arrival
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Wednesday - Saturday
Oct 01, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Oct 02, 2025 - Oct 05, 2025Friday - Monday
Oct 03, 2025 - Oct 06, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 07, 2025Sunday - Wednesday
Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 08, 2025Monday - Thursday
Oct 06, 2025 - Oct 09, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Oct 07, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025Wednesday - Saturday
Oct 08, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Oct 09, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025Friday - Monday
Oct 10, 2025 - Oct 13, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 14, 2025Sunday - Wednesday
Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 15, 2025Monday - Thursday
Oct 13, 2025 - Oct 16, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Oct 14, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025Wednesday - Saturday
Oct 15, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Oct 16, 2025 - Oct 19, 2025Friday - Monday
Oct 17, 2025 - Oct 20, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 21, 2025Sunday - Wednesday
Oct 19, 2025 - Oct 22, 2025Monday - Thursday
Oct 20, 2025 - Oct 23, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Oct 21, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025Wednesday - Saturday
Oct 22, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Oct 23, 2025 - Oct 26, 2025Friday - Monday
Oct 24, 2025 - Oct 27, 2025Saturday - Tuesday
Oct 25, 2025 - Oct 28, 2025Sunday - Wednesday
Oct 26, 2025 - Oct 29, 2025Monday - Thursday
Oct 27, 2025 - Oct 30, 2025Tuesday - Friday
Oct 28, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025Wednesday - Saturday
Oct 29, 2025 - Nov 01, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Oct 30, 2025 - Nov 02, 2025Friday - Monday
Oct 31, 2025 - Nov 03, 2025Book with Confidence
-
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.
-
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.
Venetian Crete, Private Tour
4 Days Starting and ending in Heraklion, Greece
Visiting: Heraklion, Spinalonga, Elounda, Gouves, Chersonissos, Palace of Knossos, Archaeological Museum of Heraklion ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
441383
Group Type:
Private
Guide Type:
Partially Guided
Age range:
18-99
