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Venetian Crete

From $381 • 4 days • Destination Services Greece • Greece, Heraklion (Iraklion) • Pickup available • Not Cancellable

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Why we love it?

The Venetian Crete tour offers a four-day exploration of the rich history and stunning landscapes of Crete, Greece, focusing on the vibrant city of Heraklion. Ideal for history enthusiasts and culture seekers, the itinerary includes a guided boat trip to the island of Spinalonga, known for its Venetian architecture and leper colony history, as well as a visit to the ancient Palace of Knossos, a key site of Minoan civilization. Participants will enjoy three nights of accommodation, daily meals including a traditional Cretan lunch, and the insights of a local English-speaking guide on selected days, making this experience both informative and immersive.

Inclusions

Operated with qualified local English speaking guide on a shared basis on Day 2 and 3
3 Nights' accommodation
3 Breakfasts
3 Dinners
1 Cretan Lunch on Elounda excursion (exluding drinks)
Air-conditioned shared transportation on Day 2 and 3
Inbound/Outbound air-conditioned shared transfers from/to Heraklion Airport
All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: the Archaeological sites of Knossos, Archaeological Museum, the boat trip (shared basis) to the island of Spinalonga, Spinalonga island tour

Exclusions

Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals if not stated explicitly in the programme
Flight tickets or visa fees
Airport taxes for domestic and international flights
Gratuities for driver and guide
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.

Itinerary

Day 1 ARRIVAL CRETE

Upon arrival at Heraklion Airport you will be directed to the bus that will take you to the hotel in Gouves or Chersonissos area for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the delightful surroundings on your own. Dinner is included

Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area

Day 2 CRETE: BOAT TRIP TO THE ISLAND OF SPINALONGA (130km – 8 hrs)

Indulge in a delicious breakfast at your selected hotel, getting ready for a memorable day. You will be picked up after breakfast, heading towards Spinalonga, one of the most famous parts of Crete. The beautiful island is known by many as the ‘island of tears’, gaining this nickname because of its past as a leper colony. It was initially a Venetian fortress, and it became the home for hundreds of Greece’s lepers who were shipped there and formed a colony. Arrive on the intriguing island and enjoy an interesting guided walk around the remains of the colony. Catch sight of its main street, still lined with the shops and houses where the lepers attempted to live ordinary lives. After getting in touch with the dark past of Spinalonga, sail back to Elounda to satisfy your taste buds with a typical Cretan lunch. After the delightful meal, explore the village on your own, luxuriate in some shopping, or go for a reinvigorating swim. The day ends with a transfer back to your hotel in Gouves or Chersonissos area. Lunch and dinner are included.

Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area

Day 3 CRETE: THE PALACE OF KNOSSOS AND HERAKLION TOWN (42km – 7/8 hrs)

After the tasty 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, and it was the hub of Crete’s Minoan civilization and the place where the fearsome Minotaur was said to have lurked in the labyrinth. Admire the treasures of this fascinating palace during an interesting tour, while your guide explains the myths surrounding it and its kings. Afterwards, visit lively Heraklion, see the Venetian lion fountain and the loggia that is now the Town Hall. The magnificent tour ends at the entrance to the old harbour, the place where you begin to explore on your own. If you want to get even closer to the stunning past of the Greeks, take advantage of the guided tour in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. Your day ends with a comfortable transfer to your hotel in Gouves or Chersonissos area. Dinner included

Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area

Day 4 DEPARTURE CRETE

Indulge in a delicious breakfast at your hotel, before hopping on a modern coach to enjoy a comfortable shared transfer to Heraklion airport.

Breakfast Included

Please Note

Please note that local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to the tour contents without prior notice
Hotel early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms are subject to availability and are not guaranteed.
The distances and travel times described in the itinerary may vary.
No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed
Please note the clients will have to pay the TAX on the spot at the hotels
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.