A Crash Course in Crete

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Chania

   Crete’s most romantic destination offers an irresistible sense of charm. Chania’s Old Town is undeniably captivating, with winding alleyways lined with charming boutique stores, fragrant jasmine trees and bougainvillea, and picturesque squares dotted with local taverns serving Cretan delicacies. The Venetian harbor opens up to panoramic views of the Aegean and the striking Egyptian Lighthouse, which once guided ships safely into the harbor. Traces of centuries of conquests are evident in the amalgam of cultures that intertwine in the cobblestone streets and historical districts of this enchanting town. The district of Splantzia is lined with reminders of the town's Ottoman period. In the afternoon, take a walk along the marina, lined with Venetian boathouses reborn as exhibition spaces and cafes. At sunset people gather by the harbor to witness the magical sunset or simply stroll along the esplanade.

   Upon arrival at Chania airport, a driver will meet you and drive you to your centrally located accommodations.

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Chania

   

   Street Stories of Chania Group Tour

   Experience the unique beauty and culture of Chania by joining this fantastic foodies’ walking tour through one of Greece’s most picture-pretty cities. Chania has everything: ancient ruins, centuries-old monuments, strong local traditions, and exquisite cuisine that you get to taste during the tour.
   

   Escape the tourist traps and dive into secret corners and local neighborhoods — each stop has a story to tell and food is more than enough to skip lunch!
   

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Chania

   

   Elafonisi Beach and Milia Mountain Retreat Small Group Jeep Tour with Lunch

   Have you ever dreamt of being in a place with crystal clear turquoise waters and an endless sandy beach? Well, now you have the chance at famous Elafonisi beach, one of the top 10 best beaches in Europe. Enjoy your swimming there for more than 2 hours and then you will have the chance to have a delicious lunch at the well-known Milia Mountain Retreat a suggestion from - National Geographic Magazine.
   

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 8-9 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

4. Day 4 Traveling to Heraklion by Private Transfer / Arrival in Heraklion

   

   A driver will meet you and take you to your accommodations in Heraklion. After an hour's drive, you'll visit the town of Rethymno where you will have free time for to explore the city. After your free time, you will continue your journey to Heraklion, which takes another hour. This journey takes roughly four hours, depending on how long you would like to stop.

   Visitors to Heraklion, Crete's capital, are greeted by the imposing Venetian Koules Fortress, a reminder of the importance of this historic gateway to the rest of the island. A vibrant university town, Heraklion is home to some of the island's most important landmarks, such as the Knossos Palace, with its striking Bronze Age ruins, complete with colorful, stunning frescoes. Heading to the center, the bustling Old Town has many markets and cafes, along with neoclassical buildings and a 10th century church with impressed stained glass. Heraklion is a great base for exploring the island, but before you hit the road, take the time to stroll along its Venetian harbor, lined with traditional fishing boats and offering spectacular views of the Koules Fortress.

   Upon arrival in Heraklion you'll be taken directly to your accommodation.

   

   Enter Via Koules Fortress

   Koules is an impressive Venetian fortress dating from the early 16th century. An easy and scenic walk from the shoreline along a breakwater takes you to the main entrance. It's an amazing place to go right after your arrival. Grand wooden doors open into rooms where artifacts from Venice's golden age are on display, while thick stone walls keep everything cool. Don't forget to climb to the roof to take in great views of the sea and across the harbor, the town itself.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

5. Day 5 Traveling to Agios Nikolaos by Private Car / Arrival in Agios Nikolaos

   

   Knossos Palace, Archaeological Museum and City Food Private Tour

   One of Greece's most vibrant cities, Heraklion, once known as Kastro, has been at the crossroads of civilizations for centuries. Take a private tour of Heraklion and get to get to know the city not just as it is now, but also as it was centuries ago, uncovering remnants of occupations by the Byzantines, Arabs, Venetians, Turks, and, yes, pirates. You will then continue your tour by visiting the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, where you can admire Minoan treasures. You'll then hit the backstreets and hidden pathways, checking out the highlights, sampling local treats, and discovering the forces that combined to make Heraklion the city it is today. 
   

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 6 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   A driver will meet you at the Heraklion Port and take you to your accommodations in Agios Nikolaos. The drive takes about an hour.

   The heart, soul, and capital of Lassithi (Crete's easternmost region), Agios Nikolaos ("St. Nicholas") has attracted celebrities like Walt Disney since the 60s, but remains small and humble. The town's crown jewel is Voulismeni Lake, a lagoon that has served as an inner harbor since Napoleon's men connected it to the sea. Surrounding Voulismeni are numerous restaurants and cafes, offering charming views and romantic ambience. Agios Nikolaos enjoys a prime location within close proximity to the Lassithi's numerous traditional villages and historical sites. Lassithi's unspoiled beauty, from rugged mountains, to expansive plateaus and deep cliffs, make it one of the most exciting region’s of Crete, as do its important historical sites, with their traces of ancient civilizations. Nearby Spinalonga Island is an important part of Crete's history, thanks to its 15th century Venetian fortress, which later saw use as an infamous leper colony. The seabed of the nearby Mirabello Bay is the site of the ancient sunken city of Olous, the remains of which can be admired from a boat.

   You'll be taken directly to your accommodations upon arrival.

6. Day 6 Your First Full Day in Agios Nikolaos

   

   Cretan Culture Panorama

   Join this authentic tour to truly experience Cretan culture! The Cretan Olive Oil Farm is a traditional Cretan farm and olive oil factory where you can explore the lesser known side of Crete and its foods. The family will guide you around their 140-year-old working farm and olive oil factory and you will engage in several fun activities.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

7. Day 7 Your Second Full Day in Agios Nikolaos

   

   Chrysi Island Small Group Cruise

   Depart the port of Ierapetra for a journey across the emerald green waters of southern Crete to Chrysi Island.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 6 - 7 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

8. Day 8 Departure Day

   It's time to say a fond farewell to Crete. A driver will pick you up at your accommodation in Agios Nikolaos and take you to Heraklion's airport with plenty of time to catch your departing flight.