Day 1 Fly from the UK to Heraklion, transfer to the hotel.
Day 2 Full day excursion travelling 4,000 years back in time to visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos, centre of the oldest civilisation in Europe. Then on to Heraklion for a guided walking tour of the city including Saint Minas cathedral, the 1866 Street market, Saint Titus church, Liberty Square and Heraklion Archaeological museum.
Day 3 Full day excursion to Arkadi monastery, the potters village of Margarites and a guided visit to the city of Rethymnon.
Day 4 A day for independent sightseeing.
Day 5 Full day excursion to Southern Crete starting at the archaeological site of Rizenia, followed by the old Roman town of Gortys. Continue to the former hippie village of Matala and a leisurely Cretan lunch at a beach tavern. Lastly a stop at a modern winery for a tasting.
Day 6 Morning excursion to Mount Dicti on the Lassithi Plateau with its traditional villages, stopping in Psychro with its coffee-houses. Finally visit Dicti Cave with its fine stalactites and stalagmites, it is also associated with the birth of Zeus (Jupiter).
Day 7 Full day excursion starting at the Byzantine church at Kera with its 13th century frescoes. On to the whitewashed mountain village Kritsa, famous for its woven handicrafts, then a scenic route with breathtaking views of the Mirabello Gulf leads to the quiet fishing village of Elounda. Boat trips are available to Spinalonga island, an ancient fortress town with a more recent history as a leper colony. Finally on to the picturesque port town of Agios Nikolaos.
Day 8 Time at leisure before transferring to the airport for a return flight to the UK.
All tours are tailored to your requirements and can be adapted for travel by coach and/or air as you prefer. Occasionally itineraries change. Please see our current brochure or contact us for the latest version.