Crete Island Escape: Explore & Experience, French-speaking guide
Why we love it?
The Crete Island Escape offers a four-day immersive experience in Greece, perfect for French-speaking travelers seeking a blend of history and natural beauty. Participants will explore the ancient Palace of Knossos, delve into the rich culture of Heraklion, and enjoy a scenic boat trip to the island of Spinalonga. With three nights of accommodation, daily meals, and the guidance of a local French-speaking expert on two of the days, this tour provides a distinctive opportunity to engage with Crete's heritage while enjoying the island's stunning landscapes.
Inclusions
- Operated with a local French-speaking guide on Day 2 and 3
- 3 nights' accommodation
- 3 Breakfasts
- 3 Dinners
- 1 Lunch (Day 3)
- Air-conditioned shared transportation throughout the tour
- Inbound/Outbound air-conditioned shared transfers from/to Heraklion Airport
- All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: boat trip to the island of Spinalonga and the Spinalonga island tour (Day 2); the Archaeological sites of Knossos and Heraklion town tour (Day 3)
- Meet & Greet
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
- Climate Change Resilience Fee. Clients will have to pay the Fee on the spot at the hotels.
Itinerary
Day 1 ARRIVAL CRETE
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Upon arrival at Heraklion Airport, you will be directed to the bus that will take you to the hotel in the Central Area (Chersonissos, Gouves, Kokkini Hani, Gournes, Stalida, Malia) for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the delightful surroundings on your own. Dinner is included.
Overnight in the Central Area
Day 2 CRETE: BOAT TRIP TO THE ISLAND OF SPINALONGA
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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 is sometimes called the ‘island of tears’ due to its past as a leper colony. It was initially a Venetian fortress but then 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 enchanting 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. Then, walk around on your own, do some shopping or go for a swim. Lunch and dinner are included.
Overnight in the Central Area
Day 3 CRETE: THE PALACE OF KNOSSOS AND HERAKLION TOWN
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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, 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 (optional, not included). Your day ends with a comfortable transfer to your hotel. Dinner is included.
Overnight in the Central Area
Day 4 DEPARTURE CRETE
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After a tasty breakfast, enjoy a shared transfer from your hotel to Heraklion Airport and continue with your travel arrangements.
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.
- No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed
Cancellation Policy
Fully refundable until 7 days before start
Non-refundable after 7 days before start
