For romantics ...
For those who love nature and the outdoors… For those who really want to experience Crete ...
"We know Crete!"
Day 1: Flight to Heraklion.
Arrival at the airport of Heraklion where you are greeted by our professional guide and driver who escort you to your hotel in the Heraklion district. After a short introduction to you program for the next days and a welcoming cocktail in the hotel you are allocated your rooms where you can relax until dinner time.
Day 2: IDA Mountains. (approx.100 km)
Our first experience of the Cretan nature. The Ida Mountains offer magnificent views and a great example of the island’s beauties. Fertile valleys, cold mountain ranges, endless olive groves and luscious vineyards. We drive through the picturesque villages of Tilisos, Gonies and Anogia to the Nida Plateau and the highest mountain peak (2456m) of Crete, the Timios Stavros. From there we take a short walk to the Ideon Andron. On the way back we visit the villages of Axos, Garazo and Perama for a taste of the traditional Cretan lifestyle. Overnight stay in Rethymnon.
Day 3: Beaches of Crete. (apprx.80 km)
Our first stop of the day is the only fresh water lake of the island, Lake Kourna. From there we visit Georgioupolis, a small fishing village with a 12km long sandy beach. After our swim here we continue to the Akrotiri peninsula. We take a short walk to visit the monasteries of Tzagarolon and Gouverneto, two of Crete’s oldest monasteries.
Day 4: Chania
No excursions are scheduled for this day so that you can enjoy a full day in Chania, the most beautiful town of the island. A walk around the narrow streets of the old town and venecian harbour are highly suggested as well as a visit to the market Overnight stay in Chania
Day 5: SAMARIA Gorge (approx. 130 km)
Samaria is the home of the Cretan wild goat (Kri-Kri). This is the longest gorge in Europe (18 km long) and is surrounded by the great White Mountains with the 110 peaks. The walk through Samaria takes up to 5-6 hours and ends at the beautiful beach of Agia Roumeli. After we enjoy our swim we take the boat to Chora Sfakion where our bus will be waiting to take us to our hotel in Plakias.
Day 6: Preveli (approx. 35 km)
Today we visit the palm beach and monastery of Preveli. This is a unique location, known for is natural beauty, golden beach, luscious vegetation and small waterfalls. The monastery dates back to the 10th century and has a magnificent view of the Libyan See. Return to Plakias
Day 7: Spili – Agia Galini – Festos – Gortys (ca.90 km)
Today we drive along the Kourtaliotico Gorge and through the traditional villages of Spili and Agia Galini. This excursion takes into ancient times as far back as 4000 years to the ancient Minoan civilization and the palace of Festos and from there to the old Greek-Roman capital of Crete, Gortys. Overnight stay in Matala.
Day 8: Along the south coast. (approx.120 km)
Through Messara, the most fertile region of Crete with the never-ending olive groves and vineyards, we reach the most southern city in Europe, Ierapetra, also know as the nymph of the Libyan See. Overnight stay in Ierapetra.
Day 9: Eastern Landscapes. (approx.60 km)
Todays destination is Sitia. We drive alon the south cost through picturesque villages, remote bays and golden beaches. We then head north over the Sitia mountains to arrive in idyllic town of Sitia. Overnight stay in Sitia
Day 10: East Crete. (approx.90 km)
Visit to the Valley of the Dead and the remains of the Minoan palace of Zakros. From there to Palekastron and further the the palm forest of Vai, the largest in Europe. On the way back to the hotel we make a stop at the famous monastery of Toplou. Overnight stay in Sitia.
Day 11: Cosmopolitan Lifestyle. (approx.100 km)
We leave East Crete behind us and head towards the pretty port town of Agios Nikolaos with the Venecian fort. We take a boat trip to the island of Spinalonga where the lepers were once outcast. Overnight stay in Agios Nikolaos.
Day 12: The birthplace of Zeus. (approx.110 km)
Today we drive through winding roads into the Lassithi Plateau with the amazing landscapes and the countless windmills. After a short walk we reach the birthplace of the mighty god Zeus, the Dikti Cave. On the way back we visit the nunnery Kera and make a short stop in Krassi with the enormous sycamore tree. Overnight stay in Heraklion
Day 13: Minoan Culture
This is a very interesting excursion. The day begins with a guided tour of Knossos, the palace of king Minos and the labyrinth of the minotaur, followed by a visit to the Museum where all Minoan artefacts are displayed. Overnight stay in Heraklion
Day 14: Heraklion
The capital of Crete is a lively city with modern buildings but also great examples of Venetian and Turkish architecture, it has a great shopping centre with countless cafeterias around every corner and in every square. Overnight stay in Heraklion
Day 15: Flight home
Transfer to the airport or extension of your stay upon request.
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