Picturesque Crete
Picturesque Crete
Picturesque Crete
7 Days Starting and ending in Crete
Visiting: Greece
Tour Overview
Discover one of the largest and most diverse islands in Greece with this trip to Crete! Magnificent beaches, breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and dreamy villages will give you the perfect opportunity for a truly relaxing vacation. Taste the fine delicacies of traditional Greek cuisine on this wonderful and awe-inspiring holiday where you will visit Spinalonga often referred to as the Island of Tears, and explore Rethymno, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Greece. Admire the Chania and visit the birthplace of Zeus. You will also get the chance to discover landmarks of the Minoan civilization such as the Palace of Knossos! This is a Solo Tour You don't pay single supplement and get a room for yourself!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Crete (Arrival) (-/-/D)
Welcome to Greece! Upon arrival at Heraklion International Airport, you will be met and transferred (shared) to your hotel in Gouves or the Hersonissos areas. As one of the most popular resort areas in Crete, the Hersonissos port was significant from the classical Greek era until Byzantine times and hosts the only Golf club on the island. Gouves, on the other hand, is known for its long sandy beaches and traditional villages. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Crete
Day 2: Crete — Boat Trip To Island Of Spinalonga (B/L/D)
This morning you will be picked up from your hotel for guided sightseeing of Spinalonga, a small rocky island situated at the mouth of the natural port of Elounda, first fortified to protect the ancient city of Olus. Later, it served as a Venetian Fortress in the 16th Century. In the early 20th Century, hundreds of lepers were shipped there and formed a colony, their pain earned it the sobriquet of the ‘island of tears. Once you are there, head on a guided walk around the remains of the colony. Its main street is still lined with shops and houses where the lepers tried to live ordinary lives. Later, sail back to Elounda, where a typical Cretan lunch awaits you. Enjoy free time to walk around, do some shopping, or go for a swim.
Overnight in Crete
Day 3: Crete — Palace Of Knossos And Heraklion Town (B/-/D)
After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Heraklion Town and the Palace of Knossos. Dating back to 1900 BC, the Palace of Knossos was the hub of Cretes Minoan civilization, 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. Next, you will visit Heraklion. Stroll around and you will discover many charming historical buildings and landmarks such as the Koules Fortress at the Venetian port, Turkish and Venetian Fountains, Venetian buildings, the Venetian Loggia, and extraordinary museums, such as the Archaeological Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Museum of Natural History. Enjoy a guided tour of the Archaeological Museum and get a closer understanding of Cretan History.
Overnight in Crete
Day 4: Crete — Birthplace Of Zeus (B/L/D)
Today you will explore the central part of Crete. Study the incredible mythology and fascinating information about Crete and the local life. You will be picked up from the hotel and driven towards your first stop — the Potamies Reservoir Water Dam. Continue your journey through paths and olive trees, to reach the ruins of the Roman aqueduct of Lyttos. Your next stop will be in the quaint village of Kastamonitsa where you may join locals for a coffee break in the traditional kafenion. From here the real off-road adventure will begin as you climb high into the mountains and follow the ancient Minoan path guiding you to the cave of Zeus. En route, you will pass only shepherds and their goats. At Zeus Cave (where mythology says that Zeus, the father of all the gods was born!). You will get the option to explore the cave by paying a small entrance fee (walking shoes are recommended). Your next stop will give you the opportunity to get a birds eye view of the Lassithi Plateau. Drop down to the plateau for a delicious BBQ lunch with unlimited wine! Discover the Lassithi Plateau, where time has virtually stood still and the local people are mainly farmers. Here you can see many donkeys still at work. Make your way to picturesque Seli, where you will find countless opportunities to snap the perfect photos. Next, reach the village of Krassi for your last stop of the day, famous for a 2,000-year-old plane tree. It also has a natural spring water source. From here head back to your hotel to end a day of surprises, adventures, and unforgettable memories.
Overnight in Crete
Day 5: Crete — West Crete, Rethymnon And Chania (B/-/D)
After a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up and proceed for a guided tour of two of Cretes cities, Chania (also known as Little Venice), and Rethymnon, with its fascinating mix of Italian and Turkish influences and picturesque harbor fronts. Visit the old quarter, its quaint little neighborhoods and backstreets that have been restored beautifully. Afterward, visit the lively Chania Market Hall, where locals throngs buy their daily supply of vegetables, fish, meat, herbs, and spices. Cretan products such as cheeses, olives, raki and more can also be found. Continue to the famous leather lane before you end up at the breathtaking Venetian port of Chania. Equally beautiful is the old town and harbor of Rethymnon, which will be the second stop. You will have free time in both destinations to explore the winding back streets. This will be a fascinating day full of discovery, beautiful scenery, and rich history.
Overnight in Crete
Day 6: Crete (B/-/D
After a leisurely breakfast, the day will be free for you to explore on your own. Enjoy strolling on the sandy beaches soaking in the atmosphere or immerse yourself in Greek culture. Walk down to the traditional villages of Ano Hersonissos, Koutouloufari, and Piskopiano. History buffs should pay a visit to the Minoan Palace of Malia and Kokkini Hani, Eileithyia Cave, dedicated to the Greek Goddess of fertility and childbirth of Cretan origin, and the monasteries of Kera Eleousa and Saint John Theologs. CretAquarium, one of the largest and most modern aquariums in Europe, is another attraction that is certainly worth the visit.
Overnight in Crete
What's Included
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06 nights accommodation at listed hotels or similar
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Daily breakfast
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06 Dinners at hotel
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02 special Lunches
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Arrival and departure transfers
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Transportation in a deluxe AC vehicle on Shared basis
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Services of an English Speaking Guide during sightseeing
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All entrance fees to the monuments
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Land Rover tour to the cave of Zeus with Lunch
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Shared boat ride to the Island of Spinalonga
What's Not Included
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Entrance fees to all suggested activities
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Items of personal nature, tips and gratuities
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Optional excursions
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Travel insurance
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Baggage fees may apply, and vary by carrier
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Visa fees, if applicable
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International flights for land-only option
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Arrival and departure transfers land only option
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Accommodation Tax– EUR 5 per room/per night: collected by hotels directly at reception on arrival
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Items not mentioned as included
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Items of personal nature, tips and gratuitiesBaggage fees may apply, and vary by carrierVisa fees, if applicableInternational flights for land-only optionArrival and departure transfers land the only option
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Accommodation Tax in Greece– EUR 5 per room/per night: collected by hotels directly at reception on arrivalItems not mentioned as included
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Arrival and departure transfers land the only option
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Accommodation Tax in Greece– EUR 5 per room/per night: collected by hotels directly at reception on arrival
Check out our Q&As
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but only in case it was previously agreed by both sides and arranged by us.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our e-document package includes all local contact details, daily itinerary, airline e-ticket information, service vouchers, and travel tips which should be everything you require to go on your trip.
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If I need one, who is responsible to obtain my visa?
You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the Visa section in the Know Before You Go document for the countries you will be visiting.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, not as standard. Solo travellers can book and occupy their own room for a supplement.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We have been organizing unforgettable trips since 2001.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Changes to an existing reservation up to the Final Payment Date, whatever the cause, will incur a $100 per person amendment fee, potential loss of any supplier fees (such as non-refundable event tickets, park permits, and sea cruise reservations) plus any costs for replacement services. On/ after the Final Payment Date, the $100 change fee is no longer valid, instead cancellations terms apply.
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Indus Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of indus travels charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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