8-Day Exploring Crete Group Tour from Heraklion

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
ARRIVAL CRETE (22 km - 30 min)
1 stop
1
Heraklion International Airport N. Kazantzakis
Upon arrival at Heraklion Airport, you will be directed to the bus that will take you to the hotel in the Hersonissos area for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the delightful surroundings on your own. Dinner is included. Overnight at a hotel in the Hersonissos area (including Kokkini Hani, Gournes, Gouves, Stalida) or similar.
12 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
CRETE: BOAT TRIP TO SPINALONGA & KOLOKYTHA BAY (130 km – 9/11 hrs)
1 stop
2
Spinalonga
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel for a full-day excursion combining the natural beauty, history and seaside charm of eastern Crete. Your day begins in Agios Nikolaos, where you will board a boat and set sail across the beautiful waters of Mirabello Bay. Enjoy the scenic coastline and crystal-clear waters as you cruise towards the historic island of Spinalonga. Once on the island, a guided tour will take you through the fascinating remains of one of the world’s last leper colonies, revealing the history and stories behind this remarkable Venetian fortress and former settlement. The entrance fee to the Spinalonga archaeological site is not included (€20 per person, payable locally). The cruise then continues to Kolokytha Bay, where you will enjoy a swim in its crystal-clear waters and lunch on board by the beach. The excursion concludes with a visit to Agios Nikolaos, including its picturesque Lake Voulismeni, before returning. Overnight in the Hersonissos area.
12 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
CRETE: PALACE OF KNOSSOS AND HERAKLION TOWN (42 km – 7/8 hrs)
1 stop
3
Heraklion
After breakfast, depart for Heraklion, the vibrant capital of Crete and a city rich in history and culture. The day begins with a visit to Knossos, the legendary centre of Minoan civilization and one of the island's most important archaeological sites. Discover the remains of the ancient palace and learn about the fascinating history of the Minoan world, whose origins date back more than 5,000 years. The entrance fee to the Knossos Palace is not included (€20 per person, payable locally). Continue to Heraklion city centre for a guided walking tour through the historic heart of the city. Explore its lively streets and discover landmarks including the Venetian Harbour and the atmospheric Old Town. There will also be an opportunity to visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion (on your own), home to an exceptional collection tracing the history of Crete, or to explore the city's old market and enjoy some time at leisure. Overnight at a hotel in the Hersonissos area.
12 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
CRETE: CHANIA, KOURNAS LAKE & RETHYMNON (326 km – 11/13 hrs)
1 stop
4
Chania Town
After breakfast, set out to discover the western side of Crete, visiting three of the island’s most distinctive destinations. Begin in Chania, one of Crete’s most charming towns, renowned for its picturesque streets, Venetian architecture and atmospheric old harbour. Take a walk through the historic centre and admire the unique character of this beautiful waterfront town. Continue to Lake Kournas, Crete’s largest natural freshwater lake, surrounded by a peaceful landscape of mountains and lush Cretan nature. Enjoy the scenic surroundings and take some time to relax by the lake (pedal boats are available for hire locally, at an additional cost). The day continues to Rethymnon, where you will explore the historic town and walk through its picturesque streets towards the old port. Discover the distinctive blend of Venetian and local architecture that gives Rethymnon its unique character. Overnight in the Hersonissos area.
12 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
CRETE: LAND ROVER TOUR AND THE BIRTHPLACE OF ZEUS (120km – 7/8 hrs)
1 stop
5
Sfendili
After breakfast, set out to discover the central landscapes of Crete, combining mountain scenery, traditional villages, local flavours. Begin at Aposelemis Dam, where you can see the remains of the submerged village of Sfendili. Continue through the countryside before reaching the ancient ruins of Lyttos and the remains of its Roman aqueduct. Continue to the traditional village of Kastamonitsa, to experience some of the local flavours with a tasting of raki and Cretan olive oil. From here, continue into the mountains, following an ancient Minoan route. Along the way, meet a local shepherd to see the animals and taste homemade cheese. Continue to a spectacular mountain viewpoint overlooking the ancient Minoan path and the first views of the Lassithi Plateau. Enjoy a traditional lunch with unlimited wine before continuing to the picturesque village of Krasi. The final stop is famous for its impressive ancient plane tree and natural spring. Overnight in the Hersonissos area.
12 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 6
CRETE: DAY FREE AT LEISURE
1 stop
6
Hersonissos
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a relaxing day at leisure. Take time to unwind on the beach, make the most of the hotel’s facilities, or explore the island independently and discover Crete at your own pace. Overnight the Hersonissos area.
12 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 7
CRETE: DAY FREE AT LEISURE
1 stop
7
Hersonissos
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before spending the day at your own pace. Relax by the sea, take a refreshing swim, or venture out to discover the nearby villages, coastal scenery and local atmosphere. The day is yours to enjoy Crete exactly as you wish. Overnight in the Hersonissos area.
12 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 8
DEPART CRETE (16–22km / 20-30 minutes)
1 stop
8
Heraklion International Airport N. Kazantzakis
After a tasty breakfast, enjoy a shared transfer from your hotel to the airport and continue with your travel arrangements. Breakfast included.
12 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• 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.
• What do I need to bring? 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 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.

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