Discover Crete: Minoan Legends, Spinalonga Island, and Local Cuisine

from $321 $321

Duration

4 days

Type

Guided, Small Group Tours

Difficaulty

Very Easy

Reviews

(3)

4.53 /5

About This Tour

Join this memorable four-day tour that gives you the opportunity to discover fascinating Crete, learn about its history and mythology, admire its beauty, and indulge in the incredible local cuisine. Visit the Palace of Knossos and learn about the Minoan civilization, stroll the beautifully arranged streets and alleys of Crete´s capital, explore Agios Nikolaos, enjoy an unforgettable boat trip to explore the surroundings and get closer to the mesmerising countryside, while visiting Elounda, a picturesque fishing village that will conquer your heart.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Palace of Knossos: Get closer to the rich Greek past and visit the highlights of the Minoan civilization.

Heraklion city: Wander around the streets of Crete´s largest city and its administrative capital.

Agios Nikolaos: Agios Nikolaos is a charming coastal town, located close to the island’s capital, Heraklion.

Spinalonga: Enjoy a memorable boat trip to the magnificent island of Spinalonga and admire the impressive fortresses dating from the Venetian period.

Elounda: Unwind while visiting the picturesque fishing village in the lovely Mirabello Bay.

Destinations

Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Iceland, Irakleion

Activities

Accessibility

Language

English

Themes

Arts / Culture, Short break

Max People

Operator

Destination Services Greece

Inclusions

TOUR GUIDE:

Operated with qualified local English speaking guide on a shared basis on Day 2 and 3

ACCOMMODATION:

3 Nights' accommodation

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1-3 Gouves or Chersonissos area:

Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar 4*

OPTIONAL EXTRA:

Pre - Night in Gouves or Chersonissos area:

Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar 4*

Post - Night in Gouves or Chersonissos area:

Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar 4*

MEALS:

3 Breakfasts
3 Dinners
1 Cretan Lunch on Elounda excursion (exluding drinks)

TRANSPORT:

Air-conditioned shared transportation on Day 2 and 3
Inbound/Outbound air-conditioned shared transfers from/to Heraklion Airport

ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITIES:

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.

Tour Plan

Itinerary

Expand All

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 includedOvernight 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

Meeting / Pickup

Pick-up only: Customers must be picked up from selected pick-up locations.

What to Bring

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.

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.

Cancellation Policy

We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 7 days or less before the event
We will charge a cancellation fee of 50% if booking is cancelled 20 days or less before the event
We will charge a cancellation fee of 30% if booking is cancelled 30 days or less before the event

Reviews

4.53/5

Wonderful

3 verified reviews

Location (4.67/5)

Amenities (5/5)

Services (4/5)

Price (4.33/5)

Rooms (4.67/5)

3 Comments

Sofia Day September 4, 2023
4.4
- Location
- Amenities
- Services
- Price
- Rooms
We immersed ourselves in captivating myths while savoring delicious local dishes, bringing our friends together over hearty meals that were full of flavor.
Joseph Taylor-Brown March 12, 2024
4.8
- Location
- Amenities
- Services
- Price
- Rooms
Staying in Heraklion (Iraklion) was a delightful experience, especially our visit to Spinalonga Island where the history felt palpable. One of our favorite moments was savoring the local cuisine, which beautifully brought the flavors of Crete to life, though we wished our accommodations had offered a bit more charm.
Willow Moon June 20, 2024
4.4
- Location
- Amenities
- Services
- Price
- Rooms
Exploring ancient legends and indulging in local cuisine truly enriched my experience, though the accommodations were a bit basic for my taste.

Comments are closed.

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Discover Crete: Minoan Legends, Spinalonga Island, and Local Cuisine

About This Tour

Inclusions

Exclusions

Tour Plan

Itinerary

Meeting / Pickup

What to Bring

Please Note

Cancellation Policy

Reviews

3 Comments

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Discover Crete: Minoan Legends, Spinalonga Island, and Local Cuisine

About This Tour

Inclusions

Exclusions

Tour Plan

Itinerary

Meeting / Pickup

What to Bring

Please Note

Cancellation Policy

Reviews

3 Comments

You are a Club Member!

Save 37$ Instantly!

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