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Exploring Crete, Private Tour

Exploring Crete, Private Tour

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8 Days From

~~$3060~~

$2923

Exploring Crete, Private Tour

8 Days Starting and ending in Heraklion

Visiting: Heraklion

Tour operator:

Destination Services Greece

Tour code:

440549

Group Type:

Private

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

EASY

Age range:

Min age:18

Tour operated in:

English , French , German

Interests:

Cultural

From:

$3060

$2923 Exclusive Members Discount: -$138

NB: Prices correct on 08-Jun-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Whether your visit is for relaxation or to explore and discover the many well known and countless hidden treasures of Crete, you will not be disappointed by the diversity of the landscape – the rugged mountains, the endless beaches and the turquoise seas, the many cities, towns and villages, and stunning countryside.

Highlights

Archaeological Museum of Heraklion: This is one of the largest and most important museums in Greece, and among the most important museums in Europe
It houses representative artefacts from all the periods of Cretan prehistory and history
Cave of Zeus: The Cave of Zeus is a system of caves located on the slopes of Mount Ida, on the island of Crete, Greece
The deep cave has a single entrance and features stalagmites and stalactites
Rethymnon: a blend of modern and old-time dignity and charm, during the Byzantine period the town continued to be inhabited, and parts of Roman and Byzantine mosaics have been found

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrival Crete (6Km – 15 Min)

Location: Heraklion

Arrive at the airport, where our representative will meet and greet you. Then transfer from Heraklion airport the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the delightful surroundings on your own. Dinner is included.

Overnight in Heraklion.

Day 2 : Crete: Boat Trip To The Island Of Spinalonga (148Km – 8Hrs)

Location: Heraklion

After a tasty breakfast, you will be picked up at your hotel to start discovering the hidden treasures of Greece. Spinalonga is one of the most famous spots in Crete, and sometimes called the ‘island of tears’ due to its past as a leper colony. It was initially a Venetian fortress, it became the home for hundreds of Greece’s lepers who were shipped there and formed a colony. Once there, you’ll take a guided walk around the remains of the colony. See its main street, still lined with the shops and houses where the lepers attempted to live ordinary lives. Later, you’ll sail back to Elounda, where you’ll have a typical Cretan lunch and have free time to walk around, do some shopping or go for a swim. Lunch and dinner are included.

Overnight in Heraklion.

Day 3 : Crete: Palace Of Knossos And Heraklion Town (13Km – 6Hrs)

Location: Heraklion

After the rich breakfast served at the hotel, you will be picked up and transferred to the imposing Palace of Knossos. The landmark dates back to 1900 BC, it was the hub of Crete’s Minoan civilisation and where the fearsome Minotaur was said to have lurked in the labyrinth. Your guide will explain the myths surrounding the palace and its Kings as they lead you around its treasures. Then, visit Heraklion, see the Venetian lion fountain and the loggia that is now the Town Hall before finishing up at the entrance to the old harbour. Here, time is your own to explore. Take advantage also of the guided tour in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. Dinner is included.

Overnight in Heraklion.

Day 4 : Crete: West Crete, Rethymnon & Chania (286Km – 10/11Hrs)

Location: Heraklion

Enjoy a mouthwatering breakfast before your morning picks up. Today we´ll visit two of Crete’s cities, Chania (also known as Little Venice) and Rethymnon with its fascinating mix of Italian and Turkish influences both with picturesque harbour fronts. Your guide will take you on a tour of the old quarter, its quaint little neighbourhoods and backstreets that have been restored beautifully. Afterwards, make a visit to the lively Chania market hall with local produce and the famous leather lane before ending up at the breathtakingly beautiful Venetian port of Chania. Equally beautifully is the old town and harbour of Rethymnon, the second stop. You have free time in both to explore the winding back streets. A day full of discovery, beautiful scenery and history. Dinner is included.

Overnight in Heraklion.

Day 5 : Crete: Day Free At Leisure

Location: Heraklion

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast. Then, relax on the beach or enjoy the day exploring the island on your own. Dinner is included.

Overnight in Heraklion

Day 6 : Crete: Land Rover Tour And The Birthplace Of Zeus (120Km – 7/8 Hrs)

Location: Heraklion

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel and head towards the central part of Crete to learn about its mythology, culture, and local life, while having lots of fun. Your day starts from the moment you meet your drivers, who will take you to your first stop, the Potamies Reservoir water dam. Continuing our journey through mesmerising paths and olive trees, we reach the ruins of the Roman aqueduct of Lyttos. Admire the beauty of the site and continue towards the quaint village of Kastamonitsa, where we join the locals for a coffee break in the traditional cafeneion. Afterwards, the real off-road adventure begins! We will Climb high into the mountains and follow the ancient minaon path that leads us to the cave of Zeus (entrance not included) where, according to mythology, the father of all the gods was born. Then, you have the chance to take some memorable photographs of the Lassithi Plateau, before we drop down to the plateau for a delicious BBQ lunch with unlimited wine! The journey continues with a stop at Lassithi plateau, where time has virtually stood still and the local people are mainly farmers. We continue the adventure until we reach the village of Krassi our last stop of the day. Catch a glimpse of the 2,000-year-old plane tree and learn about its natural spring water source. End this thrilling day with a transfer back to your hotel. Lunch is included with wine and bottled water.

Overnight in Heraklion.

Day 7 : Crete: Archanes Village & Wine Tasting In Kounavoi Village (40 Km - 4/5 Hrs)

Location: Heraklion

Begin your day with a delectable breakfast at the hotel. Then drive to the village of Archanes, built in a small, closed, Mediterranean valley at an altitude of 380 meters. West of the settlement is the landmark of Archanes, the anthropomorphous mount Gioychta that overshadows the settlement. Ancient fables have linked the mount with stories and legends of gods, and heroes. The settlement of Archanes is more than 4000 years old, and it harmoniously combines historical memories with the liveliness of modern life. Between the modern houses were found the relics of the Minoan rural palace in the place called “Toyrkogeitonia” and the modern houses have been built on ancient or later foundations. Archanes has been characterized as a traditional settlement and is of particular architectural and urban interest. Afterwards, visit of Titakis Fabrica wines! With a history and tradition in wine production dating back to the late 1950s, the Titakis family of winemakers. The specialized know-how accumulated over the years, the combination of native and selected international varieties and the inspired effort to create quality wine bring Titakis Winery to its new era which coincides with what can be called a Renaissance of Cretan wines.

Overnight in Heraklion.

Day 8 : Departure Crete (6Km - 15Min)

Location: Heraklion

After a tasty breakfast, enjoy a transfer from your hotel to the airport and continue with your travel arrangements.

What's Included

TOUR GUIDE:

Operated with English, German or French-speaking local guide (Day 2-4) on a private basis
English, German or French-speaking private escort on day 7

ACCOMMODATION:

7 nights' accommodation

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1-7 Heraklion:

Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Olympic Heraklion or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Olive Green Heraklion or similar 4*

OPTIONAL EXTRA:

Pre/ Post-stay in Heraklion, on a half-board basis:

Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Olympic Heraklion or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Olive Green Heraklion or similar 4*

MEALS:

7 Breakfasts
7 Dinners
2 lunches (non-exclusivity at local taverns)

TRANSPORT:

Air-conditioned private transportation throughout the tour (Day 2-7)
Inbound/Outbound air-conditioned private transfers from/to Heraklion International Airport

ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITIES:

All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: Spinalonga island tour & Elounda Port (boat trip on shared basis) (Day 2); the Archaeological site of Knossos and Heraklion Museum (Day 3); Rethymnon and Chania (Day 4); Land Rover tour and the birthplace of Zeus (Day 6); village of Archanes visit and Wine experience of 5 different wines & food pairing in Kounavoi (Day 7)

OTHER:

Meet & Greet

What's Not Included

Zeus' cave entrance fee
Visa fees
Domestic flights
International flights
Drinks during meals (unless specified otherwise)
Optional tours (if any)
Any visit not mentioned in the program
Porterage and gratuities
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program
Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any)
Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.
Overnight city tax for the hotel overnights effective from January 1st 2018. Clients will have to pay the TAX on the spot at the hotels
Please note that the inbound and outbound transfers are included only as part of the package or if pre and post-night stay is booked as an extra. Otherwise, additional transfers should be purchased separately

Requirements

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Greece. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sun glasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay. Walking shoes recommended for Zeus Cave visit.

Please Note

Day 6: Long walks and climbs require appropriate shoes
Private group transfers require all participants to arrive and depart with the same flight/time or same boat/time
We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons
Early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms in the hotel are subject to availability and not guaranteed
No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed
In many hotels in Greece, the triple rooms are a double room with an additional bed or sofa bed. Their comfort conditions are lower than the international standards of the triple room
Please note that the inbound airport-hotel transfers are included only as part of the package and if pre and post-night stay is booked as an extra. Otherwise additional transfers should be purchased separately.

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1-7 Heraklion:
Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Olympic Heraklion or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Olive Green Heraklion or similar 4*

OPTIONAL EXTRA:

Pre/ Post-stay in Heraklion, on a half-board basis:
Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Olympic Heraklion or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Olive Green Heraklion or similar 4*

Check out our Q&As

What does the price include?

What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
Do you offer any travel insurance?

We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
Are Visa fees included in the price?

No, visa fees are not included
Are flights included in the tour?

No, they are not included

What documents will I receive before I travel?

Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
Is there any option for solo traveller?

Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
When are there specific hotel names confirmed?

Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client´s arrival

Reviews of this operator

Indra

Best Tpur Operator for Greece

06-Jul-2023

The best Tour Operator. The planning and timing by the agency was great. Accommodation was also good. The package was reasonable. Thanks to Destination Services Greece

Giovanni B.

Great

27-Jul-2022

Very committed service with proper follow-up. Service provided as per their schedule with a hassle free journey... thanks to ITS tours and travels for providing services

Duran

Excellent company

15-Jun-2022

Based on their very positive reviews, we booked with Destination Services Greece. I found the service and response of this travel agency to be excellent. Easily 5-stars. My emails were promptly responded to, and everyone showed up when they were supposed to.

1 Dates & Availability

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Jun
2024 Jul
2024 Aug
2024 Sep
2024 Oct
2024 Nov
2024 Feb
2025 Mar
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025

Sunday - Sunday

Jun 16, 2024 - Jun 23, 2024

~~$3136~~ $2995