Full tour of Crete
Details
14 days
Easy
Private only
Upon request
Personalised trip
Depending on the flight
Airport of Arrival
Highlights
- Admire the historical treasures of the Minoan palace of Knossos.
- Explore the island of Spinalonga and relax in Plaka.
- Unwind on the beaches south of Rethymno.
- Discover the stunning Balos beach after a short hike.
- Enjoy wine and olive oil tastings in Alikampos.
Step by Step to an unforgettable experience
Welcome to Crete!
Welcome! Pick up your rental car at the airport and drive to your first hotel. Depending on the time you have, you can enjoy your first Cretan dinner in the picturesque village of Archanes. Bon appétit! 3-star boutique hotel Distance: 16 km / 23 min
Welcome to Crete!
A day dedicated to history!
A day dedicated to history!
This day is dedicated to the rich history of our island. Begin at the Minoan Palace of Knossos, home to the oldest throne in Europe and the Minotaur's Labyrinth. Continue your historical journey at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, the largest museum on the island, with exhibits spanning 5,500 years of history! Conclude your day with a stroll through the city center or along the Venetian harbor of Heraklion, followed by dinner at one of the city's excellent restaurants. You have the option of hiring a certified English-speaking guide for an additional fee. Entrance fees are not included. 3-star boutique hotel Breakfast included Distance: 30 km / 1 hour
Spinalonga and Agios Nikolaos
Today, you'll visit the island of Spinalonga and its surroundings. A short stop at Selinari, a small monastery nestled in nature, is highly recommended. You'll continue on to the village of Plaka. At the port, you'll find small boats that can take you directly to Spinalonga (12 euros per person). Thanks to its strategic location, it has served as a Venetian fortress, a refuge for rebels, and much more! On your return from Spinalonga, you can spend some time in Plaka. You'll find numerous fish tavernas along the waterfront. 3-star boutique hotel Breakfast included Total distance: 165 km / 2 hours 40 minutes
Spinalonga and Agios Nikolaos
South of Heraklion: history and beaches
South of Heraklion: history and beaches
Today, you're heading south of Heraklion. Start with Lake Zaros, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike who want to admire the beautiful scenery. Next, you'll visit the Minoan palace of Phaistos, where the Phaistos Disc was discovered, or the ancient city of Gortyn. Then, it's off to the beach. You can choose to go to Matala, the famous beach with its caves, which became a symbol of the hippie movement in the 1960s. Another option is Kommos Beach, a much larger and less crowded beach than Matala. 3-star boutique hotel Breakfast included Distance: 119 km / 2h27
Under the Cretan sun!
Today, you'll visit two large, well-equipped beaches south of Rethymno, perfect for relaxing! The first is Agios Pavlos, with its emerald waters and stunning rocky seabed. Above the beach, you can visit the small church of St. Paul. The other option is Triopetra. This beach is famous for its rock formations and colorful stones. Its name, Triopetra, comes from the three imposing rocks that stand at the water's edge (Triopetra – three stones in Greek). Finish your day at a superb fish and seafood taverna by the water! Total distance: 98 km / 2h17 Meals included: Breakfast Accommodation in the village of Agia Galini
Under the Cretan sun!
Preveli: Beach, River and Palm Forest
Preveli: Beach, River and Palm Forest
Today, you'll visit the jewel of southern Rethymno, Preveli Beach. There are two ways to get there: for the more adventurous, take the stairs at the top of the beach. The 20-minute descent and 30-minute climb back up will be rewarded with an unforgettable view! You can also take the left-hand side, and the beach will be just a 10-minute walk away. On the way to Rethymno, it's worth stopping in Spili for a coffee in the main square or a visit to the Folklore Museum! In the afternoon, you'll participate in a Cretan cooking class where you'll have the chance to prepare some of the most representative dishes of the world-renowned Cretan diet! 3-star boutique hotel Meals included: Breakfast & dinner Distance: 93 km / 2 hours
Tasting of Cretan wine and olive oil
Today, we offer a unique wine and olive oil tasting in Alikampos, with a local French-speaking guide. You'll start at a family-run olive oil mill, where you'll have the opportunity to see different methods of extracting Crete's most prized product. Then, you'll continue to a vineyard where you'll taste the different wines produced on their land! No day is complete without a good meal! The experience will end in a nearby village where you'll enjoy the famous Cretan "meze"! 3-star boutique hotel Breakfast & lunch included Distance: 85 km / 1 hour 45 minutes
Tasting of Cretan wine and olive oil
Around Rethymnon: Between villages and mountains
Around Rethymnon: Between villages and mountains
Start in Margarites, the pottery village, where you can see a short pottery demonstration (upon request). A 20-minute drive away is the Arkadi Monastery, a symbol of Cretan courage. In 1866, rebels, women, and children chose to die rather than surrender to the Ottomans. Next, you continue to the Patsos Gorge. It's a small but magnificent gorge and with any luck you will be able to see water as well! 3-star boutique hotel Breakfast included Distance: 58 km / 1 hour 35 minutes
Become a Cretan for the day!
Today, we invite you to spend the day exploring mountainous Crete, accompanied by a local English-speaking guide and a Cretan couple: Mrs. Eleni, the beekeeper, and Mr. Andreas, the shepherd. In the heart of Mylopotamos, you will visit authentic sites, participate in honey extraction, and enjoy lunch with a local family! 3-star boutique hotel Distance: 95 km / 2 hours Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Become a Cretan for the day!
The Magnificent Seaside Villages in the South
The Magnificent Seaside Villages in the South
Today, we invite you to spend the day exploring exceptionally beautiful seaside villages. You'll drive to Chora Sfakion, and from there, you'll take a boat to Loutro (a village accessible only by boat or on foot) or to Glyka Nera beach with its crystal-clear waters! For trekking enthusiasts, the route from Chora Sfakion to Loutro is part of the famous E4, a renowned European trekking route. (7 km - 4-5 hours). 3-star boutique hotel Breakfast included Distance: 140 km / 2 hours 50 minutes
The city of Chania!
Chania is full of charming alleyways perfect for strolling and discovering boutiques, traditional tavernas, and small "kafeneia" (Greek cafes). If you're up for a walk, you can visit the Katholiko Monastery. The path leading to the monastery is an easy 3.2 km hike, which you can extend by 2 km to reach Katholiko Bay, a beautiful fjord. 3-star boutique hotel Breakfast included Distance: 60 km / 1.5 hours
The city of Chania!
The Balos Lagoon
The Balos Lagoon
Today, we recommend visiting Balos Beach (part of the Natura 2000 protected area. Please respect the region), an emblem of Cretan nature! You can reach the beach in several ways: by car, then a 30-minute walk, or by boat from a nearby port (easy but touristy). Alternatively, visit Falassarna Beach, where you can enjoy the famous Cretan sunset! 3-star boutique hotel Breakfast included Distance: 140 km / 2h50
The Exotic Beaches of the Extreme West
Today, we're heading to the far west and the pink sand beach of Elafonisi! Elafonisi is one of Crete's most famous beaches, and rightly so. Because it's extremely popular, you might find it very crowded, so it's best to go super early or super late! Alternatively, you could visit the nearby beach of Kedrodasos, with its black sand and cedar forest... Spend the day at the beach and have lunch at one of the local restaurants! Both beaches are part of the Natura 2000 network. Please respect the area! 3-star boutique hotel Breakfast included Distance: 135 km / 2h45
The Exotic Beaches of the Extreme West
On the way to Heraklion: The beautiful villages of Apokoronas
On the way to Heraklion: The beautiful villages of Apokoronas
Today, you'll visit the Apokoronas region on your way to Heraklion! Start with the ancient city of Aptera, offering 360-degree views of the Aegean Sea! Continue to the famous Lake Kournas, Crete's only natural freshwater lake! Finish in the charming village of Argyroupoli, with its traditional character, old houses, and authentic tavernas, beloved by all! 3-star boutique hotel Distance: 153 km / 2h33 Meals included: Breakfast
End of your journey
Depending on your flight schedule, you will return to Heraklion city and reach the airport to catch your flight. If you have time left, you can visit the venetian city of Heraklion and have a coffee in one of its hidden "kafeneia" before reaching the airport. Have a great fly and we hope to see you again soon!
End of your journey
What’s Included
- Accommodation in charming boutique hotels; a mix of equivalent 3* and 4* hotels.
- Car rental Cat. A - smallest (Fiat 500, Toyota Aygo or similar manual) x 15 days.
- FDW insurance (Full Damage Waiver, no excess, insurance except for windows, mirrors, tires, undercar), second driver insurance, unlimited mileage, 24/7 roadside assistance.
- Pick-up and drop-off of the car at Heraklion or Chania Airport.
- Three excursions of gastronomical and cultural caracter including English speaking guide and meals.
- Trip preparation and booking fees.
- Road book in the form of an online application facilitating day-to-day travel (you will find addresses of hotels, visits, parking, restaurants, tips and advice from the local agency).
- WhatsApp group with all agents (not just one) throughout the trip guaranteeing responses within seconds.
| FROM LATE MARS TO BEGINNING NOVEMBER ( 2 PARTICIPANTS ) | FROM 1835 EURO P/P |
| NOT SUITABLE FOR OTHER PERIODS |
