Crete Exploration Journey - 8 Days

Upon arrival at Heraklion Airport, you will be directed to a bus that transfers you to your hotel in the Gouves or Chersonissos area for check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and explore the charming surroundings at your own pace. Dinner is included this evening. Overnight accommodation is in the Gouves or Chersonissos area.

After breakfast, we will collect you from your hotel to begin exploring some of Crete’s lesser-known treasures. Our first stop is Spinalonga, often called the ‘island of tears’ due to its history as a leper colony. Originally a Venetian fortress, it later became home to hundreds of lepers who lived there in isolation. We will take a guided walk through the haunting remains of the colony, including its main street lined with shops and houses where residents sought to maintain a semblance of normal life. Afterwards, we sail back to Elounda for a traditional Cretan lunch. You will then have free time to explore the area, shop, or swim at your leisure. Lunch and dinner are included. Overnight in the Gouves or Chersonissos area.

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we will collect you for a visit to the impressive Palace of Knossos. Dating back to around 1900 BC, this archaeological site was the centre of Crete’s Minoan civilisation and is famously linked to the legend of the Minotaur and its labyrinth. During a guided tour, you will explore the palace’s remarkable ruins while learning about its history and the myths surrounding its ancient rulers. Afterwards, we will continue to vibrant Heraklion, where you can see notable landmarks such as the Venetian Lion Fountain and the Loggia, now serving as the Town Hall. The tour concludes at the entrance to the old harbour, where you are free to explore independently. For those interested, there is an optional guided tour of the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, which houses many artefacts from the Minoan era. We will then transfer you back to your hotel in the Gouves or Chersonissos area. Dinner is included.

After a hearty breakfast, we will collect you from your hotel for a full day exploring two of Crete’s most captivating cities – Chania and Rethymnon. Begin in Chania, often called Little Venice, where we’ll take a guided tour through the charming old quarter, wandering its restored neighbourhoods and narrow backstreets. Visit the bustling market hall to see local produce and stroll along the famous leather lane before arriving at the picturesque Venetian harbour. Next, we travel to Rethymnon, known for its blend of Italian and Turkish influences. Here, you’ll have free time to explore the winding streets of the old town and its scenic harbour at your own pace. This day offers a rich mix of history, culture and stunning coastal views. Dinner is included, and you will return to your hotel in the Gouves or Chersonissos area for the night.

After breakfast, we travel to central Crete to explore its rich mythology, culture, flora and fauna, and local life. Our first stop is the Aposelimi dam, followed by a visit to the ruins of the Roman aqueduct at Lyttos. We then head to the village of Kastamonitsa to join the locals for tastings of raki and olive oil. Next, the off-road adventure begins as we ascend into the mountains along an ancient Minoan path to visit a local shepherd. Here, you can sample homemade cheese and observe various wild animals. From a nearby viewpoint, we take in views of the Minoan path and the eastern edge of the Lassithi Plateau. We then descend onto the Plateau itself to explore before enjoying a traditional lunch with unlimited wine (vegetarian options available). Our final stop is the village of Krassi, where we see a 2,000-year-old plane tree and learn about its natural spring water. The day concludes with a transfer back to your hotel in the Gouves or Chersonissos area.

After a leisurely breakfast, we transfer you to Crete’s premier waterpark for a fun-filled day. Experience the thrill of the vertical kamikaze slide, twist through the winding flumes, or simply unwind by the pools and soak up the sun. With a wide variety of slides and relaxing areas, this is an ideal outing for all ages. Dinner is included. You will return to your hotel in the Gouves or Chersonissos area for overnight.

After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, you have the day free to unwind on the beach or explore Crete at your own pace. Enjoy the chance to discover local sights, shops or simply relax in the surroundings. Dinner is included this evening before you return to your accommodation in the Gouves or Chersonissos area.

After breakfast, we provide a shared transfer from your hotel to the airport to continue your onward travel arrangements. Breakfast is included.