Crete Treasures Exploration - 7 Days

On arrival at Heraklion Airport, you are directed to the bus that takes you around 22 km (roughly 30 minutes) to your accommodation. It's in the Hersonissos area, which takes in Kokkini Hani, Gournes, Gouves and Stalida. With check-in complete, the rest of the day is free to explore the delightful surroundings on your own, and dinner tonight is included.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a full day at your leisure in the Gouves or Chersonissos area. This is an ideal opportunity to relax and explore the local surroundings at your own pace, whether that means visiting nearby beaches, wandering through charming villages, or sampling local cafés and shops. Overnight accommodation remains in the Gouves or Chersonissos area.

After breakfast, you are picked up from your accommodation for a full-day excursion that brings together the natural beauty, history and seaside charm of eastern Crete. It covers around 130 km over 9 to 11 hours.You begin in Agios Nikolaos, where you board a boat and sail out across the beautiful waters of Mirabello Bay. You cruise towards the historic island of Spinalonga, with the scenic coastline and crystal-clear water around you. Once ashore, a guided tour takes you through the fascinating remains of one of the world's last leper colonies. It reveals the history and stories behind this remarkable Venetian fortress and former settlement.The cruise then moves on to Kolokytha Bay for a swim in its crystal-clear waters and lunch on board by the beach. To finish, you visit Agios Nikolaos and its picturesque Lake Voulismeni before heading back to your accommodation.Please note: The entrance fee for the Spinalonga archaeological site is not included and costs 20 euros per person, payable locally.

This morning, after breakfast, you travel to Heraklion, the capital of Crete and a city with deep roots in history and culture. The day covers around 42 km over 7 to 9 hours. First up is Knossos, the legendary centre of Minoan civilisation and one of the island's most important archaeological sites. Here you can explore the remains of the ancient palace and learn about the fascinating history of the Minoan world, whose origins stretch back more than 5,000 years.Moving on to Heraklion city centre, you join a guided walking tour through the historic heart of the city. Its lively streets lead you to landmarks including the Venetian Harbour and the atmospheric Old Town.You also have the opportunity to visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion on your own. Its exceptional collection traces the history of Crete. You could instead explore the city's old market and enjoy some free time. After the tour, you return to your accommodation.Please note: The entrance fee for the Knossos Palace is not included and costs 20 euros per person, payable locally.

Today, after breakfast, you set out to discover the western side of Crete and three of the island's most distinctive destinations. It's a long day of around 326 km and 11 to 13 hours.You begin in Chania, one of Crete's most charming towns, famous for its picturesque streets, Venetian architecture and atmospheric old harbour. A walk through the historic centre lets you take in the unique character of this beautiful waterfront town.From here, you continue to Lake Kournas, Crete's largest natural freshwater lake, surrounded by a peaceful landscape of mountains and lush Cretan nature. You can enjoy the scenery and relax by the water for a while, and pedal boats are available to hire locally at an additional cost.Next is Rethymnon, where you explore the historic town and walk its picturesque streets towards the old port. Along the way you discover the distinctive blend of Venetian and local architecture that gives Rethymnon its unique character. After a full day spent in some of western Crete's most beautiful and historic places, you return to your accommodation.

The day starts after breakfast with a Land Rover tour through the central landscapes of Crete, covering around 120 km over 7 to 8 hours. It brings together mountain scenery, traditional villages and local flavours with fascinating glimpses into the island's history and rural way of life.First comes Aposelemis Dam, where you can see the remarkable remains of the submerged village of Sfendili. You then travel through the countryside on paths surrounded by olive trees to reach the ancient ruins of Lyttos and the remains of its Roman aqueduct. The traditional village of Kastamonitsa follows, with the chance to try local flavours at a tasting of raki and Cretan olive oil.From here, the adventure continues into the mountains along an ancient Minoan route through the rugged Cretan landscape. On the way, you meet a local shepherd to see the animals and taste homemade cheese. You then reach a spectacular mountain viewpoint overlooking the ancient Minoan path, with the first views of the Lassithi Plateau and its characteristic farms and windmills.After soaking up the mountain scenery, you enjoy a traditional lunch with unlimited wine before continuing to the picturesque village of Krasi. The final stop of the day is famous for its impressive ancient plane tree and natural spring, a peaceful setting to end your journey through the heart of Crete.

After breakfast, we will collect you from your hotel for a shared transfer by air-conditioned coach to Heraklion Airport. This concludes your stay in the Gouves or Chersonissos area. Breakfast is included.