Treboltur - C.I.AN-297918-2
614123178
Treboltur - C.I.AN-297918-2
614123178
The Labyrinth of Crete
From 390 €

The Labyrinth of Crete

holiday package
Created: Wednesday, December 25, 2024
Ref ID: 10865095
price per person From
390 €
Based on 2 adults
Created: Wednesday, December 25, 2024
Itinerary
Tours

To Greeks, Crete is the Megalonissi (Great Island), a hub of spectacular ancient art and architecture. Fabled is the land of King Minos, it is a unique world where civilization is counted by the millennium. From every point of view, travelers discover landscapes of amazing variety. Mountains split with deep gorges and honeycombed with caves rise in sheer walls from the sea. Snow-capped peaks loom behind sandy shorelines, vineyards, and olive groves. Miles of beaches, some with a wealth of amenities and others isolated and unspoiled, fringe the coast. Join us to discover the Palace of Knossos, explore Spinalonga island, admire Lassithi Plateau and much more during this memorable five-day tour of the island.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Palace of Knossos:  Known for being one of the oldest cities in Europe,  Knossos is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on the beautiful island of Crete.

Lassithi Plateau: The tranquil Lasithi Plateau, 900m above sea level, is an arrestingly beautiful expanse of green fields interspersed with almond trees and orchards.

Spinalonga:  Boat trip to the magnificent island with fortresses dating from the Venetian period.

Elounda: Visit the picturesque fishing village in the lovely Mirabello Bay.

Day 1: ARRIVAL HERAKLION (25 km - 30 min)

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: BOAT TRIP TO THE ISLAND OF SPINALONGA (130 km – 8 hrs)

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: PALACE OF KNOSSOS – HERAKLION TOWN (42 km – 8 hrs)

After the delectable breakfast served , you will be picked up at the hotel 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: LAND ROVER TOUR – EXPLORE THE BIRTHPLACE OF ZEUS (120 km – 8 hrs)

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 5: DEPARTURE HERAKLION (25 km - 30 min)

Begin your day with a rich breakfast at the hotel. Then, enjoy a transfer to Heraklion airport and continue with your travel arrangements.

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.

Walking shoes recommended for Zeus Cave visit.

price per person From
390 €
Based on 2 adults
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This idea includes
Destinations 1
Tours 1
Tour summary
Included

TOUR GUIDE:

  • Operated with local English speaking guide on a shared basis on day 2 and 3

ACCOMMODATION: 

  • 4 Nights' accommodation

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1-4 Gouves or Chersonissos area: 

Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar 4*

OPTIONAL EXTRA: 

Pre - Night in Gouves or Chersonissos area:

Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar 4*

Post - Night in Gouves or Chersonissos area:

Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar 4*

MEALS: 

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

TRANSPORT:

  • Air-conditioned shared transportation throughout the tour
  • 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, Land Rover Tour 
Excluded
  • 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 on Day 4
Accommodation

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1-4 Gouves or Chersonissos area: 

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar 4*

OPTIONAL EXTRA: 

Pre - Night in Gouves or Chersonissos area:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar 4*

Post - Night in Gouves or Chersonissos area:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar 4*

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