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The ultimate summer trip to Crete!
Heraklion – Elounda – Plaka – Spinalonga – Agios Nikolaos – Knossos – CRETAquarium – Zoniana – Sfentoni Cave – Holy Monastery of Diskourio – Anogia – Fodele – Arkadi Monastery – Rethymno – Lake Kournas – Chania – Matala – Agia Galini – Venizelos Tombs – Holy Monastery of Kalyviani
A blessed place, full of light, history, sea, scents, flavors, and images that remain etched in memory forever. Greece’s largest island captivates every visitor with its unique character: from the turquoise waters and endless coastlines to the imposing mountains, traditional villages, historic monasteries, and archaeological treasures. In Crete, every corner hides a story. A place that has been a crossroads of civilizations and peoples, hosting over the centuries the Minoans, Mycenaeans, Arabs, Venetians, and Ottomans over the centuries, preserving an invaluable cultural heritage to this day. Beaches with crystal-clear waters, picturesque harbors, traditional villages, mythical palaces, historical monuments, imposing gorges, caves, authentic flavors, Cretan hospitality, and a summer atmosphere that embraces you from the very first moment. This is Crete. An authentic, proud island, full of contrasts and beauty. An island you don’t just visit… you experience!
Experience the magic and hospitality of Crete with us! We’ve designed a rich, revamped 6-day summer itinerary just for you, perfectly combining history, nature, the sea, culture, pilgrimage, strolls through cosmopolitan cities, traditional villages, and authentic experiences. With a direct flight to Heraklion and a return flight from Chania late at night, we make the most of every day of the trip, without unnecessary travel or tiring long drives. Our accommodation in the center of Heraklion offers comfort and convenience, while throughout the trip we are accompanied by an experienced tour leader—a permanent resident of Crete—who will introduce us to the island’s secrets, stories, and authentic spirit. And because summer calls for comfort and carefree fun, our flights deliver just that.
Here’s why you should join us in Crete:
Direct flights arriving in Heraklion and departing from Chania
6 days full of experiences in Greece’s most beautiful summer setting
Accommodation in the center of Heraklion
An experienced tour guide throughout the trip
Complimentary 23-kg checked bag
Tour of the historic center of Heraklion
Visit to the enchanting Elounda
Stroll through beautiful Plaka with a view of Spinalonga
Optional visit to the stunning Spinalonga
Visit to cosmopolitan Agios Nikolaos
Visit to CRETAquarium, one of Europe’s most important aquariums
Guided tour of historic Knossos with an official local guide
Tour of traditional Anogia
Visit to Zoniana and the impressive Sfendoni Cave
Pilgrimage to the Holy Monastery of Diskourio
Visit to the legendary Arkadi Monastery
Exploring the elegant city of Rethymno
Stop at the enchanting Lake Kournas
Tour of dreamy Chania
Visit to the Venizelos Tombs
Optional excursion to southern Crete, including Matala, Agia Galini, and the Holy Monastery of Kalyviani
Free time for walks, local cuisine, coffee, shopping, and swimming
Thessaloniki "Macedonia" Airport (Google Maps)
Meet at "MAKEDONIA" Airport at 11:15 a.m. and depart on a direct flight to Heraklion. Arrive in Heraklion early in the morning and take a stroll to get a first glimpse of the city. The city’s history is reflected in the changes to its name. The geographer Strabo refers to a port of Knossos called Heraklion. In 824, when the Arabs conquered Crete, they fortified the old settlement. The name Chandax derived from the Arabic word Handaq, and in the 13th century, during Venetian rule, the name Candia prevailed. It was officially named Heraklion in 1922. During World War II, half the city was destroyed by bombing. Today, Heraklion is a modern city and the commercial, industrial, and tourist hub of Crete. The “walled city” captivates visitors with its Venetian monuments, neoclassical buildings, and picturesque pedestrian streets. Free time for lunch in Eleftherias Square, dominated by the statue of Eleftherios Venizelos and the bust of Kazantzakis; we will see the old Venetian Morosini Fountain with its lions, the Church of Saint Titus, the Metropolitan Church of Saint Minas, and the Venetian Loggia. Transfer to the hotel and overnight stay.
After our hearty breakfast at the hotel, our day begins with a visit to the Heraklion Aquarium, the famous CRETAquarium. The Crete Aquarium is one of the largest and most modern in Europe and has been in operation since 2005. It is part of the “Thalassokosmos” complex and belongs to the Hellenic Center for Marine Research. Marine life—small and large fish, mollusks, and much more—is what we will see at the aquarium in a unique way. We will continue our program with the wonderful Plaka, one of the most beautiful spots in Crete. A hallmark of Plaka is the magnificent view of the island of Kalydon, where the famous fortress of Spinalonga is located, which served as a leper colony until the mid-20th century. Plaka’s history is closely tied to Spinalonga, as the first supplies—and the patients themselves—were transported from Plaka to Spinalonga. We’ll board a small boat that will take us to the island to explore it up close. We’ll spend some time in Plaka to enjoy the unique Cretan raki in the wonderful traditional cafes or take a dip in its crystal-clear waters. Next, we’ll visit the lovely Agios Nikolaos, where whitewashed houses dot the landscape against the backdrop of the sea. Here we’ll have lunch at a local tavern overlooking the beautiful and picturesque Lake Voulismeni, a small lagoon in the center of town. In the afternoon, we’ll return to our hotel in Heraklion to rest. In the evening, join us for an optional outing to a Cretan restaurant featuring live music and local dances.
Breakfast at the hotel, and we begin our day with a visit to Knossos. The Minoan Palace is the main attraction in Knossos, an important city in ancient times. According to tradition, it was the seat of the wise King Minos. There, with the help of an official local guide, we will explore the famous ancient city, including the palace, the “Prince of the Lilies,” the Purification Pool, the Small Palace, the Royal Villa, the Royal Tomb, and more. Next, we will visit the Sfentoni Cave, located near Zoniana in Mylopotamos. The cave is considered the most beautiful accessible cave in Crete, one of the most beautiful in Greece, with a very rich stalactite and stalagmite formation. It is part of the Psiloritis Natural Park (UNESCO). We continue with a visit to the magnificent and historic Diskourio Monastery, considered one of the oldest monasteries in Crete. Next, we’ll take a mountainous route of wild beauty to the famous Anogia, where we’ll have free time to taste the renowned local antikristo. Return to Heraklion and free time in the city center.
Breakfast at our hotel and departure for Rethymno. On the way, we will stop at the small museum and former residence of Domenikos Theotokopoulos (El Greco) in Fodele. The Arkadi Monastery is our next stop. The monastery, which was burned to the ground in 1866, served as a powerful wake-up call to the peoples of Europe regarding the suffering of the Cretans. But Rethymno awaits us, ready to be explored. We’ll stroll through the small harbor with its lighthouse and little taverns and wander through the narrow streets of the old town. There, we’ll pass by the Rimondi Fountain, Mikrasiaton Square with the Neratzes Mosque, and the House of Culture. A little further down, we’ll come across the Archaeological Museum, the Great Gate, and the Municipal Garden. Free time in the city center for lunch and souvenir shopping. Next, we’ll pass by the Fortezza, the city’s castle. Return to Heraklion and free afternoon.
Breakfast at our hotel, and today is a free day. Alternatively, join us on a wonderful optional excursion to southern Crete. We depart from Heraklion and head to the famous Matala, the legendary hippie village, with its distinctive caves carved into the rocks. Here you’ll have time to enjoy the sun and the sea on this beautiful beach. Next, we continue to Agia Galini, a seaside gem with a special charm on the Libyan Sea. On our way back, we’ll stop at the Holy Monastery of Kaliviani, a place of spiritual renewal, service, and charity. In the afternoon, we’ll return to our hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel, then we set off to explore the natural beauty of Lake Kournas, the only natural lake on Crete. Next, we head to Akrotiri, home to the Venizelos Tombs, a spot offering a unique view of the city of Chania. We’ll then arrive at the beautiful Old Town of Chania. We’ll walk through the narrow alleys, passing by Splantzia and the Church of Saint Nicholas. We’ll continue to the Venetian Harbor, where we’ll admire the Firka Fortress, the Great Arsenal, the old Yali Mosque, and of course the Chania Lighthouse. Free time for coffee, lunch, and souvenir shopping. In the afternoon, transfer to Chania Airport for the return flight.
The possibility of a refund and/or any deductions depends on the terms of the specific package, the timing of the cancellation, and the relevant suppliers. For your specific case, please review the General Terms and Conditions or contact us.
Some packages include travel insurance, or optional coverage may be available, depending on the destination and itinerary. For available options and coverage terms, please contact us or refer to the General Terms and Conditions.
The reservation is finalized in accordance with the procedure set forth in the General Terms and Conditions (e.g., confirmation and payment of the amount/deposit, where required). For specific steps and deadlines applicable to this package, please contact us.
The itinerary is based on available schedules and services; however, changes or adjustments may occur before and/or during the trip due to operational reasons and/or unforeseen circumstances. In any case, the General Terms and Conditions of Participation apply, and relevant updates will be provided.