This tour guides you through time and space, from the history of the ancient civilizations and the heritage left to contemporary Crete to the beauties of the island and its magical atmosphere. During the week we stay at different hotels as each part of the island is unique.

Day 1: Flight to Crete
Arrival at Heraklion airport where you meet your guide and driver. Upon arrival at your beach hotel you are greeted with a welcoming cocktail and have a small discussion about the itinerary. After rooms have been allocated you can relax at the pool or beach until dinner time at the hotel’s restaurant.

2.Tag: Knossos Palace - Lassithi Plateau-Sitia. (approx. 180 km)
The day begins with a visit to the Palace of Knossos. Inhabited since 5000 BC the island of Crete developed a very advanced civilization around 2000BC under the command of the famous King Minos. After a very interesting tour of the palace we head east towards the third largest mountain range of the island, Dikti. At a height of 800m we reach the Lassithi-Plateau known for its windmills. Just over the beautiful village of Psychro lies the Dikti-Cave where the Zeus, the father of all gods in Greek mythology, was born. Leaving the magnificent view of the see the surrounding villages and mountains behind us we continue south to the lively resorts and drive up the east coast to Sitia and our new hotel.

Day 3: Kato Zakros – Palm tree forest Vai. (ca. 90 km)
From Sitia we head southeast through the bizzare landscapes of the Valley of the Dead to the 4th largest Minoan palace of Kato Zakros. In the earlier days of the minoan civilization the power was shared for reasons unknown among various Kings, one of which resided in Kato Zakros. Around noon we depart with direction to the northeast tip of the island and the only palm tree forest in Europa, Vai. This forest as created by dates that were thrown away by the soldiers of the Arab conqueror Abu Hafs who disembarked in Crete in 828 AD. Before returning to our hotel in Sitia we visit the richest monastery in the area, the monastery of Toplou, known for for its unique icons from the Byzantine era. We then return to our hotel in Sitia

Day 4: Gournia-Kritsa-Mallia. (approx.140 km)
Today we leave Sitia and drive along the north coast to the remains of the Minoan settlement in Gournia. We then visit the picturesque village of Kritsas on the east foothills of Mt.Dikti. Kritsas is famous for its beautiful and complicated Cretan embroideries. Our last destination for the day is Minoan palace in Malia. From there we return to our hotel in Heraklion.

Day 5: Festos Palace- Gortys- Matalla - Rethymnon. (approx.200 km)
Todays excursion takes us through the most fertile valley in Crete, Messara, to the second largest Minoan palace, Festos. Our next stop is Gortys. Once the Greek-Roman capital of Crete, Gortys is a place of great historical meaning. This is where Europe’s first law code was found. Through Agia Triada we arrive in Matala to relax at the sandy beach with the famous caves. From Mataly we continue through beautiful landschapes to Spili with the large fresh water springs. Our next and final destination is our Hotel in Rethymnon. A walk around the little streets of the old town is highly recommended!

Day 6: Monastery of Arkadi - Anogia. (approx.90 km)
Along the north cost towards the west and up into the island’s highest mountain, Mt.Ida, we come the monastery of Arkadi. During the Turkish occupation many sought refuge in the monastery until 1866 when over 1000 people preferred to the blow up the monastery and themselves rather than surrender to the enemy. Next we pay a visit to the village of Anogia and form there back to our hotel in Heraklion

Day 7: Archaeological Museum, Archanes. (approx. 40 km)
Tday we visit the archaeological museum in the centre of Heraklion. All Minoan artefacts found on the island are displayed here offering a unique look into the ancient civilization. We then go the beautiful village of Archanes to visit the Minoan cemetery and from there to Vathipetro. We then return to our hotel in Heraklion

Day 8: Flight home
Transfer from the hotel to the airport for the flight home. Upon request the hotel reservation can be prolonged for a week.