CRETE
Some writers claimed Crete to be the mother of the history. From ancient mythology, to Minoan civilizations to Venetians, Crete has proof to all these claims. The caves where the myth of the Minotaur was staged, the wonderful ruins of the Knossos Palace with colorful frescoes, the royal chambers and all the sings of an advanced civilization buried for over 3000 years, including its capital, the walled city of Iraklion.
Crete a very fertile island with a almost tropical climate, is carpeted with orchards and an unending sea of olive trees.
Crete has two airports: Heraklion and Chania. Crete is linked to the mainland by air from Athens, by sea routes from Piraeus and by car ferries from Santorini and Rhodes.
SELF DRIVE TOUR OF CRETE
8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS
DAY 1: ARRIVE HERAKLION / AROLITHOS
You will be met on arrival at Heraklion airport or at the port of Heraklion and given all necessary information about your itinerary and accommodation. Whilst in Heraklion, the largest city of the island, you can visit the massive Venetian walls, the medieval castle Koules, the harbor, the Marozini Fountain and other monuments dating to Venetian time.
Knossos, nearby and the Heraklion Museum are a most to see. Overnight at Arolithos, a traditional Cretan complex, built like an old Cretan village.
DAY 2: AROLITHOS / CHANIA
Today you depart for Chania, a region of infinity natural beauty and characteristic architecture. You can enjoy your first day in Chania by visiting: the archaeological Museum, in the largest church built on Crete by Venetians, the Historical and Naval Museum, the colorful Chanion market, the extensive public garden and the suburb of the Chapela with its historical buildings, or you can tour the country side, where you will find an abundance of orange and lemon tree groves, chestnut-tree, flowers and fragrant shrubs, some of which are unknown outside of Crete. Overnight Chania
Πηγή εικόνας: Περιφέρεια Κρήτης / Region of Crete – www.incrediblecrete.gr
DAY 3: CHANIA / SAMARIA GORGE / OMALOS PLATEAU / CHANIA
For today the province of Chania offers many fascinating excursions:
The famous gorge of Samaria, the longest in Europe
The old monastery of Chrisoskalitissa
The fishing village of Paleochora
The Venatian castle Frangocastello
The ancient city of Aptera or the historically interesting monastery of Gonia.
Overnight in Chania
DAY 4: CHANIA / RETHYMNON
Departure to Rethymnon
Rethymnon, more than any other town, retains it ties with the past. A picturesque city on a long stretch of sandy beach, with old beautiful homes, their balconies bright with flowers, narrow streets, a Venetian fortress and a Turkish Minaret. In the countryside around Rethymnon visitors can observe the traditional Cretan way of life in its natural setting. Interesting points:
The historical monastery of Arkadi
The wonderful monastery of Preveli
The Archeological Museum of Rethymnon
The Venetian fortification of Fortetsa
Overnight at Rethymnon
Πηγή εικόνας: Περιφέρεια Κρήτης / Region of Crete – www.incrediblecrete.gr
DAY 5: RETHYMNON / KOKKINOS PYRGOS
Your trip will continue by traveling through the region of Rethymnon, starting from the Cretan Sea and fishing in Kokkinos Pyrgos or Matala on the coast facing the Libyan sea. The following archeological site would be visiting from here: Phaistos, Aghia Triada, Gortys or visited the village of Aghia Gallini and the Plakias.
Overnight in Kokkinos Pyrgos or Matala
DAY 6: MATALA / LASSITHI PLATEAU / SITIA
Leaving behind the region of Rethymnon, you will still have many beauties to discover by coming into the province of Lassithi. The easternmost province of Crete with its unbelievable variety of landscape. You can visit the the fertile plateau of Lassithi, where 10.000 windmills used to be on foul sail, and also many quaint small villages. Ierapetras long beaches where you can even swim in winter is a must to visit.
Your next destination is the town of Sitia, there you will view: The monastery of Toplou and the ruins of ancient Zakros. Overnight Sitia
DAY 7: SITIA / VAI / AGHIOS NIKOLAOS / AROLITHOS
Unique in Europe, Vais forest of palm trees can be found a short distance from Sitia.
Continuing your exploring you will have the chance to see the magnificent gulf of Mirabello (again in the north side of Crete). Also, the picturesque town of Aghios Nikolaos, the capital of Lassithi province which is built of the Mirabello gulf and is a typical island village. The area of Lassithi offers wonderful opportunities for excursions including: a wonderful trip to the medieval fortress of Spinalonga, the famous nearby bay of Elounda. By the following small roads you can also discover some very nice villages like Fourni and Skinias, as well as many ald orthodox churches. Late afternoon arrival in Arolithos for overnight.
DAY 8 DEPARTURE HERAKLION
Before ending your Cretan discovery, you may wish to revisit Knossos before drooping off your cat at Heraklions airport early in the afternoon or Ferry to Pireaus.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- Private coach or vehicle for all the visits and transfers
- Hotel taxes and service charges
- 7 nights Accomodation based on BB or ΗΒ in 4* or 5 * hotels ( variety of boutique charming hotels handpicked and tailor made to your wishes)• Breakfast Daily
- Roundtrip Domestic Air from Athens to Heraklion or Roundtrip Ferry Tickets in DELUXE exterior cabins with window
Local Representation & Personal Assistance/service 24/7
Guided Tours, activities & unique experience
The price is tailor made on final accommodation choices, travel dates, and other preferences.
