Day 1: Arrival To Heraklion
Welcome to the airport! Upon your arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Day 2: Anissaras
Free Day
Day 3: Spinalonga Agios Nikolaos
Breakfast.
Set off by coach to the charming port of Elounda, where you’ll board a mini-cruise to the historic Spinalonga Island — once a Venetian fortress and later a leper colony. Discover the island famously featured in Victoria Hislop’s novel The Island of the Forgotten. Enjoy the opportunity to swim in the crystal-clear waters of Mirabello Bay.
Lunch will be served either onboard or at a local restaurant.
Afterward, continue your journey by coach to Agios Nikolaos, a vibrant and fashionable seaside resort known for its charming shops and lively atmosphere. Enjoy some free time to explore at your leisure.
Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.
Day 4: Knossos – Heraklion
Breakfast.
Departure for Knossos to visit the archaeological site of the Palace of Knossos — the largest Minoan site in Crete and the most extensive archaeological area in Greece. This visit will transport you back to the ancient world (circa 1900 BC) and evoke legendary tales such as the bloody adventures of King Minos, his son the Minotaur, the noble expedition of Theseus, and the boundless love of Ariadne, who betrayed her father Minos to save her great love.
Lunch included.
Continue to Heraklion for a panoramic walking tour of the city. Enjoy free time to explore the traditional market or the picturesque harbor at your leisure.
Return to the hotel
Day 5: Wild Crete
Breakfast.
Discover authentic Crete with its traditional villages, local crafts, and unique natural beauty. Journey towards the Idi Mountains (2,456 m) southwest of Heraklion, passing through charming typical villages around Mount Stroumbolos. As you ascend to the Nida Plateau, which offers panoramic views, you will stop at Anogia, a mountain village perched at 800 m known for its traditional cafés (“kafénions”) and shops where women display their handmade linens.
Optional (to be booked and paid locally): visit to the Sfendoni Cave, famous for its stunning stalagmites and stalactites millions of years old — €5 per person.
Enjoy a tasting and lunch in a traditional taverna in the charming village of Axos, savoring authentic Cretan dishes
Return to the hotel.
Day 6: Chania / Rethymno
Breakfast.
Departure westward to discover the city of Chania, considered the most beautiful town in Crete. Explore the old covered market, Venetian harbor, numerous historic mansions, and charming narrow streets, including the famous Leather Street.
Lunch.
Continue to Rethymno, the third largest city in Crete and capital of its region, renowned for its Venetian-built fortress and port. Enjoy a walking tour of the old town.
Return to the hotel.
Day 7: Anissaras
Free Day or Optional Tour: Santorini – Full-Day Island Escape
Day 8: Departure Day
Transfer to the airport according to the flight schedule
