Day 1: Arrival in Heraklion
Arrival in Heraklion, transfer to the hotel and accommodation. In the afternoon, walk through the city and have dinner in a typical tavern. Night in Heraklion.
Day 2: The Minoan civilization
Breakfast at the hotel, meeting your guide and departure to visit the Archaeological Museum, a visit essential to get an idea of the splendor of the Minoan civilization. Next we will make a visit walking to see the historic center of Heraklion and lunch in a tavern to taste the delicacies of Crete. Free time to rest and shop. In the afternoon we will visit the ancient Minoan city of Knossos to get to know its archaeological area with its splendid palace. Return to the Heraklion hotel and free time.
Day 3: Agios Nikolaos & Spinalonga
Breakfast at the hotel and departure to the eastern part of the island. First we will visit the fishing village in Elounda, embarking there to reach the island of Spinalonga and visit the impressive 16th century Venetian fortress and ancient leprosarium. We will continue our visit inland to visit the church of Panagia Kera, decorated with impressive frescoes and considered one of the most beautiful examples of Byzantine architecture and then we will head towards the traditional village of Kritsa. Behind the lunch in Agios Nikolaos, walk around the port and lagoon. Return to the Heraklion hotel and free time.
Day 4: From Heraklion to Rethymno
Breakfast at the hotel. Today they'll deliver to you a rental car at the hotel. Drive till the region of Rethymno. What to visit: - Arkadi Monastery, one of the most famous monasteries, symbol of the Cretan resistance against the Turkish invader. - Town of Margarites, the center most important ceramic industry in Crete for enjoy its colorful shops, its small streets and drink Greek cafe with a stunning view of the valley. - Réthymno, to discover its narrow streets with Venetian period buildings discovering the Rimondi fountain, the Venetian loggia, its mosques and its picturesque port Venetian. Lunch and free time to explore Réthymno before leaving for Chania. Free time and night in Chania.
Day 5: Falassarna beach & Chania
Breakfast at the hotel and visit to Falássarna beach to swim and enjoy its turquoise waters. Lunch in a typical tavern with views of the bay. Return to Chania in the evening and explore the old town of Chania which includes the famous Venetian port, one of the most beautiful in Greece, i's charm undoubtedly comes from the mixture of influences of the different cultures that have passed through this city. On the streets cobblestones appear wooden Ottoman houses, palaces Venetians, small local craft businesses, mosques with minarets, strong fortifications and also cafes and restaurants to make the walk through Chania areal pleasure.
Day 6: Boat cruise to Balos
Breakfast at the hotel and get ready to meet Cretes's pearl, Balos Bay. Suggestion to the day: take a boat excursion! In group or private, that's your choice.
Day 7: The Pink Beach, Elafonisi
Breakfast at the hotel and visit to the famous beach of Elafonisi. On the way and after a journey through gorges with views of gorges and abrupt peaks, we will head towards the southwest region of the island, where idyllic pink sand beaches await us bathed by the transparent waters of the Libyan Sea with an undisputed protagonist: the amazing Elafonisi beach. Free time to swim and enjoy one of the best beaches in Greece. (the beach has canteens with soft drinks, snacks, etc.). At night enjoy a tavern with traditional music in the old town of Chania. Night in Chania.
Day 8, 9 & 10: Free day in Chania
Enjoy free days of farniente. Suggestions: - Enjoy Seitan beach - See the Lake Kournas - Do trekking: Samaria, Imbros & Loutro - Private tour to learn how to cook traditional cretan food.
Day 11: Back to Heraklion
Return to Heraklion for your last night. Night in Heraklion.
Day 12: Goodbye Greece
Breakfast at the hotel. Return the rental car at Heraklion Airport. Have a nice flight and see you soon!