Exploring Crete

Exploring Crete

tourhub | Today Voyages | Exploring Crete | 83503
tourhub | Today Voyages | Exploring Crete | 83503 | Map
2 Views
8 Days From

$768

Exploring Crete

8 Days Starting and ending in Iraklio

Visiting: Iraklio, Chersonisos

Tour operator:

Today Voyages

Tour code:

83503

Recommended For:

Family-Kids

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 30

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural, Ruins-Archaeology, Wildlife Tours

Activities:

Boat/Cruise Excursion, Walking

From: $768

NB: Prices correct on 19-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Whether your visit is for relaxation or you are looking forward to exploring and discover the many well-known and countless hidden treasures of Crete, this captivating eight-day tour will satisfy all your desires. Get in touch with the rich Greek culture and impressive history while admiring the diversity of the landscape – the rugged mountains, endless beaches, turquoise seas, as well as enchanting cities, towns and villages. Join this memorable tour and explore one of the most beautiful islands in Europe. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Archaeological Museum of Heraklion: This is one of the largest and most important museums in Greece, and among the most important museums in Europe. It houses representative artefacts from all the periods of Cretan prehistory and history.Cave of Zeus: The Cave of Zeus is a system of caves located on the slopes of Mount Ida, on the island of Crete, Greece. The deep cave has a single entrance and features stalagmites and stalactites.Waterpark Aqua Plus:  With pools, slides, and a host of exotic flowers, Aqua Plus Water Park is an ideal place to cool off from the island sun. Take it easy on the lazy river or feel the adrenaline pump as you race down the dark tunnels of the Black Holes.

Highlights

  • Boat trip to the island of Spinalonga, exploring its Venetian fortress and leper colony history.

  • Guided tour of the Palace of Knossos, the hub of Crete’s Minoan civilization.

  • Visit to Heraklion, including the Venetian lion fountain and the Archaeological Museum.

  • Exploration of Chania, known as Little Venice, and Rethymnon with its Italian and Turkish influences.

  • Land Rover tour to the Potamies Reservoir, Roman aqueduct of Lyttos, and the cave of Zeus.

  • Thrilling day at the Waterpark Aqua Plus with exciting slides and relaxing pools.

  • Visit to the village of Krassi, home to a 2,000-year-old plane tree and natural spring water source.

Itinerary

tourhub | Today Voyages | Exploring Crete | 83503 | Route Map

Not what you're looking for?

People that have booked this tour have also searched for the following:

Cultural tours in Greece Cultural tours Tours in Greece Boat/Cruise Excursion tours Ruins-Archaeology tours Wildlife tours Walking tours Family-Kids tours
Expand All

Day 1 : Arrival Crete (22 Km 30 Min)

Location: Iraklio

Accommodation Name: Hersonissos Central

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: Chersonisos

Accommodation Name: Hersonissos Central

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: Chersonisos

Accommodation Name: Hersonissos Central

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: Chersonisos

Accommodation Name: Hersonissos Central

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: Chersonisos

Accommodation Name: Hersonissos Central

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: Chersonisos

Accommodation Name: Hersonissos Central

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: Chersonisos

Accommodation Name: Hersonissos Central

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: Iraklio

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

  • Qualified local English speaking guide

    Operated with a qualified local English speaking guide on a shared basis on Day 2, 3, and 4.

  • Accommodation

    7 nights' accommodation.

  • Meals

    7 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches (1 BBQ lunch during Landrover Tour with unlimited wine and 1 Cretan Lunch in Elounda excluding drinks), and 7 Dinners.

  • Transportation

    Air-conditioned shared transportation throughout the tour.

  • Airport Transfers

    Inbound/Outbound air-conditioned shared transfers from/to Heraklion Airport.

  • Entrance Fees and Activities

    All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: the Archaeological sites of Knossos, Archaeological Museum, the boat trip (shared basis) to the island of Spinalonga, Spinalonga island tour, entrance ticket to the Waterpark Aqua Plus, Land Rover tour.

  • Operated with qualified local English speaking guide on a shared basis on Day 2 3 and 4

  • 7 nights' accommodation

  • 7 Breakfasts

  • 2 Lunches (1 BBQ lunch during Landrover Tour with unlimited wine and 1 Cretan Lunch in Elounda excluding drinks)

show more

What's Not Included

  • Personal Expenditures

    Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks, and meals if not stated explicitly in the programme.

  • Flight Tickets and Visa Fees

    Flight tickets or visa fees.

  • Airport Taxes

    Airport taxes for domestic and international flights.

  • Travel Insurance

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for driver and guide.

  • Optional Tours

    Optional tours.

  • 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.

  • Zeus' Cave Entrance Fee

    Zeus' cave entrance fee.

  • Expenditures of a personal nature drinks and meals if not stated explicitly in the programme

  • Flight tickets or visa fees

  • Airport taxes for domestic and international flights

  • Gratuities for driver and guide

  • Optional tours

  • 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.

  • Zeus' cave entrance fee.

Mode of Transport

Travel in air-conditioned shared transportation throughout the tour, including inbound and outbound transfers from Heraklion Airport.

Accommodation

Enjoy a comfortable stay at Hersonissos Central in the Gouves or Chersonissos area, with 7 nights' accommodation included.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of meals are included in the tour?

    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.

  • What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides air-conditioned shared transportation throughout, including inbound and outbound transfers from/to Heraklion Airport.

  • 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, and the entrance ticket to the Waterpark Aqua Plus.

  • Is there a guide provided during the tour?

    Yes, the tour is operated with a qualified local English-speaking guide on a shared basis on Days 2, 3, and 4.

  • What activities are planned for the day at the waterpark?

    At the Waterpark Aqua Plus, you can enjoy a variety of exciting slides such as the vertical kamikaze and the twister, or relax in the chilled-out pools.

  • What can I expect during the Land Rover Tour?

    During the Land Rover Tour, you will visit the Potamies Reservoir water dam, the ruins of the Roman aqueduct of Lyttos, and the village of Kastamonitsa. You will also climb high into the mountains to the cave of Zeus, take photographs of the Lassithi Plateau, and enjoy a BBQ lunch with unlimited wine. The tour ends with a visit to the village of Krassi.

  • What historical sites will be visited during the tour?

    The tour includes visits to the Palace of Knossos, the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, and the island of Spinalonga, which was a former leper colony.

  • Is there any free time during the tour?

    Yes, there is free time on Day 2 in Elounda, on Day 4 in both Chania and Rethymnon, and the entire Day 7 is free at leisure for you to relax on the beach or explore the island on your own.

  • How does Today Voyages work?

    We are an Online Travel Agency, specialized in Group Vacations and Private Vacations. We have been in business for over 30 years through our sister company Go West Tours and, throughout the years, have developed an extensive network of trusted professionals around the world and a structured methodology to screen our suppliers. Today Voyages offers a selection of tours that are designed, managed and operated by our network of trusted Tour Operators and DMCs. Our database is connected with our partners so that when you make a booking with us this will immediately be received and processed by the Tour Operator.

  • Where should I buy the flights to reach my destination?

    Today Voyages does not sell flights directly. None of our tours come with flights included. Why? Because we prefer to give full flexibility to our valued customers to select the airlines and the booking platform they prefer. As soon as your flight is booked and confirmed, we invite you to update your flight plan within your Today Voyages booking confirmation page by entering your flight number, departure and arrival times, as well as your Passport information (if needed). None of these fields are mandatory but we highly encourage you to provide as much information as possible. This will allow us to provide you with the excellent service you are looking for.

  • What is an additional excursion or tour optional?

    Certain tours might show a selection of additional excursions/optional activities that you may want to add to our standard itinerary. These services are priced separately and can be added to the cart before completing the booking. We believe these optional services to contribute to making your vacation unforgettable; however, you are in no way obliged to purchase them. All our tours are awesome with our without optional services!

  • What is the difference between Group Vacations and Private Vacations?

    If you purchase one of our Group vacation packages, you will be escorted by a professional tour guide and will be traveling with other like-minded travelers you may not know. The group size depends on the tour you select. If you purchase one of our Private vacation packages, you will be traveling only within your group of friends. You may or may not be escorted by a professional tour guide; this depends on the type of private tour you are interested in.

  • When and how will I receive the travel documents (vouchers)?

    If you book one of our Group or Private tours, you will receive your travel documents via email approximately 20 days prior to travel date. If you reserve one of our Vacation Rentals, you will hear back from the property manager via email a few days prior to checking-in. We recommend checking your emails on a regular basis as this is our most reliable method of communication. If you have questions or need additional support, you can always chat with us or email us directly.

  • What happens if a Group tour does not get confirmed?

    It is very simple... you will be offered an alternative departure date or be refunded the full amount you pre-paid. No questions asked!

  • What happens after I book?

    The majority of our tours are confirmed at the time of booking. This means that, after submitting the payment online, you will receive an order confirmation email; make sure to save this email and to note down your confirmation number for any future communication with us. Some tours may be sold on a 'on request' basis. This means that for these tours we reserve the right to check the availability of your spot(s) with the Tour Operator before confirming the tour to you. As soon as you submit the payment online for a 'on request' tour you will receive an email notification that confirms your order request. Within 72 hours, you will receive either a confirmation email or a denial email. Do not worry... we will do everything we can to confirm your tour!

Reviews of this operator

Paula  

Unforgettable tour in the US National Parks

04-May-2022

I booked a guided tour in the National Parks through Today Voyages and couldn't have been happier! Our guide was great, he knew the destination very well and gave us great advice for the best hikes and view points. The itinerary was well-packed and we were amazed at the scenery of the South West. We would definitely consider booking another tour next year.

Date of experience: May 04, 2022
Emily  

Helengeli island is stunning

12-Apr-2023

Wow, Helengeli island is stunning. The resort is clean, the staff are so attentive, the grounds are pristine, and the food is 5*. Spending a week at this resort was simply paradise, white sand, crystal blue ocean, what more could you want! As I wasn't able to tailor-make my holiday, the Today Voyages team helped me find the tour that best matched my expectations, and they definitely didn't disappoint!!!

Peter  

Good Bali experience

03-Feb-2023

There is no better place on Earth than Bali to celebrate your honeymoon. We are so glad we came across this tour. Two unforgettable weeks of jungle adventures, beaches and snorkeling, massages, nature. And the price was great. We cannot be happier! Planning Vietnam for 2024!

Date of experience: January 29, 2023
Chetcu  

Top Experience!

03-Feb-2023

The Las Vegas and the National Parks Hiking Tour is a deal not to be missed. What a phenomenal trip! We were 14 people in our minibus and it was great to connect to all of them. So many stories to share. The cool thing about this tour is that it attracts hikers of all kinds: laid back hikers as well as more experienced ones could find beauty in every single destination this tour took us to. I will for sure join another tour soon. Thank you guys, also, for the assistance provided throughout the trip. Loved it!

Date of experience: October 19, 2022
Emmanuelle  

Amazing affordable trip!

20-Jan-2023

I booked a self-drive vacation to Greece for my family. The trip was amazing, easy communication, great customer service since we had an issue on the road with the car and we got immediate assistance.

Date of experience: September 22, 2022
Adelaide  

Unforgettable 8-day trip to Kenya

01-Mar-2023

I just came back from an unforgettable 8-day trip to Kenya. A mix of relaxation and adventure. I had never traveled with a group before and, honestly, I was a little skeptical at the beginning. Pauline at Today Voyages convinced me that this was the right tour and the right destination for me. And the truth is... she was right. Tsavo and Watamu are such awesome destinations, our guide was impeccable and it was a small group: a family of 4, a young couple, and us. We became friends. Highly recommended!

1 Select your preferred date

May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025

Friday - Friday

May 02, 2025 - May 09, 2025
$768

Wednesday - Wednesday

May 07, 2025 - May 14, 2025
$768

Friday - Friday

May 09, 2025 - May 16, 2025
$768

Wednesday - Wednesday

May 14, 2025 - May 21, 2025
$768

Friday - Friday

May 16, 2025 - May 23, 2025
$768

Wednesday - Wednesday

May 21, 2025 - May 28, 2025
$768

Friday - Friday

May 23, 2025 - May 30, 2025
$768

Wednesday - Wednesday

May 28, 2025 - Jun 04, 2025
$956

Friday - Friday

May 30, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025
$956

Wednesday - Wednesday

Jun 04, 2025 - Jun 11, 2025
$956

Friday - Friday

Jun 06, 2025 - Jun 13, 2025
$956

Wednesday - Wednesday

Jun 11, 2025 - Jun 18, 2025
$1069

Friday - Friday

Jun 13, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025
$1069

Wednesday - Wednesday

Jun 18, 2025 - Jun 25, 2025
$1069

Friday - Friday

Jun 20, 2025 - Jun 27, 2025
$1069

Wednesday - Wednesday

Jun 25, 2025 - Jul 02, 2025
$1069

Friday - Friday

Jun 27, 2025 - Jul 04, 2025
$1069

Wednesday - Wednesday

Jul 02, 2025 - Jul 09, 2025
$1069

Friday - Friday

Jul 04, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025
$1069

Wednesday - Wednesday

Jul 09, 2025 - Jul 16, 2025
$1163

Friday - Friday

Jul 11, 2025 - Jul 18, 2025
$1163

Wednesday - Wednesday

Jul 16, 2025 - Jul 23, 2025
$1163

Friday - Friday

Jul 18, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025
$1163

Wednesday - Wednesday

Jul 23, 2025 - Jul 30, 2025
$1163

Friday - Friday

Jul 25, 2025 - Aug 01, 2025
$1163

Wednesday - Wednesday

Jul 30, 2025 - Aug 06, 2025
$1163

Friday - Friday

Aug 01, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025
$1163

Wednesday - Wednesday

Aug 06, 2025 - Aug 13, 2025
$1163

Friday - Friday

Aug 08, 2025 - Aug 15, 2025
$1163

Wednesday - Wednesday

Aug 13, 2025 - Aug 20, 2025
$1163

Friday - Friday

Aug 15, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025
$1163

Wednesday - Wednesday

Aug 20, 2025 - Aug 27, 2025
$1163

Friday - Friday

Aug 22, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025
$1163

Wednesday - Wednesday

Aug 27, 2025 - Sep 03, 2025
$1069

Friday - Friday

Aug 29, 2025 - Sep 05, 2025
$1069

Wednesday - Wednesday

Sep 03, 2025 - Sep 10, 2025
$1069

Friday - Friday

Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025
$1069

Wednesday - Wednesday

Sep 10, 2025 - Sep 17, 2025
$1069

Friday - Friday

Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025
$1069

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Today Voyages allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 65 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Today Voyages requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of today voyages charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Not what you're looking for?

People that have booked this tour have also searched for the following:

Cultural tours in Greece Cultural tours Tours in Greece Boat/Cruise Excursion tours Ruins-Archaeology tours Wildlife tours Walking tours Family-Kids tours

Similar Tours

More like this