Crete Labyrinth Experience - 5 Days

Upon arrival at Heraklion Airport, you will be guided to a coach 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.

Travel time and distance for the day: 25km; 30 minutes

After breakfast, we will collect you from your hotel to explore 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 leprosy patients who lived here 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 stroll around, shop, or enjoy a swim.

Travel time and distance for the day: 130km; 8 hours

After a hearty breakfast, we collect you from the hotel for a visit to the impressive Palace of Knossos. Dating back to around 1900 BC, this archaeological site was the centre of Minoan civilisation and is famously linked to the legend of the Minotaur’s labyrinth. During a guided tour, you will explore the palace’s fascinating ruins while learning about the myths and history of its ancient rulers.

Afterwards, we head to vibrant Heraklion, where you can see 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 visit to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion to deepen your understanding of the region’s past.

Travel time and distance for the day: 42km; 8 hours

After breakfast, we travel to central Crete to explore its rich mythology, culture, flora and fauna, as well as local life. Our first stop is the Aposelemi 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 native wildlife. 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 crossing it to enjoy 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.

Travel time and distance for the day: 120km; 8 hours

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we transfer you to Heraklion Airport to continue with your onward travel arrangements.

Travel time and distance for the day: 25km; 30 minutes