Mythology and Culture Tour in Heraklion, Greece

8 days • Free CancellationMin 2 participantsPickup availableInstant confirmationGuided • Operated by Destination Services Greece

Why we love it?

The "Crete: In the Footsteps of Myth" tour is an immersive 8-day journey through the rich history and stunning landscapes of Crete, Greece, with a focus on its mythological heritage. Ideal for French-speaking travelers, the tour features a licensed guide from Days 3 to 7, ensuring an enriching experience as participants explore key sites in Heraklion and Rethimno. Highlights include visits to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, where guests can delve into the island's ancient past, along with ample opportunities to enjoy local cuisine with included meals throughout the stay. The combination of cultural exploration and leisurely time allows for a well-rounded experience that caters to both history enthusiasts and those seeking relaxation.
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Inclusions

  • Operated with a French-speaking, licensed tour guide (Day 3-7)
  • 7 nights’ accommodation
  • 7 Breakfasts
  • 5 Lunches
  • 7 Dinners
  • Arrival shared transfer from Heraklion Airport to the hotel (Day 1)
  • Departure shared transfer from the hotel to Heraklion Airport (Day 8)
  • Shared transportation in an air-conditioned bus throughout the tour
  • All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: Heraklion Palace of Knossos & Archaeological Museum (Day 3); Boat tour from Elounda to Spinalonga Island (Day 4); Phaestos & Gortys Ancient sites (Day 5); Monastery of Preveli (Day 6); Chania tour (Day 7)
  • Audio Headset for 5 days

Exclusions

  • Visa fees
  • Domestic and International flights
  • Drinks or meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Lunch on a free day on Monday for Sunday arrivals and on Sundays for Monday arrivals
  • Drinks during all meals
  • Climate Change Resilience Fee. Clients will have to pay the TAX on the spot at the hotels.
  • Optional tours (if any)
  • Any visit not mentioned in the program
  • Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program
  • Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any)
  • Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.

Itinerary

Day 1

ARRIVAL HERAKLION (20km - 20min)
  • Arrival at Heraklion Airport

    Arrival at Heraklion Airport. Welcome and shared transfer from the airport to your hotel. Free time to settle in and relax after the journey.

    Overnight in the Heraklion area.

Day 2

HERAKLION
Day 3

HERAKLION: CITY TOUR

  • Today, visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, offering an excellent introduction to Crete’s Minoan civilisation, with outstanding exhibits from Knossos and other ancient sites. Continue with an orientation of the city of Heraklion, including its Venetian walls and harbour area. Proceed to the traditional village of Archanes, known for its neoclassical architecture and local character and enjoy an authentic Cretan lunch. Later, visit the Palace of Knossos, the most important archaeological site on the island, famous for its complex layout and associations with the legend of King Minos.

    Overnight in the Heraklion area.

Day 4

HERAKLION: NORTHEASTERN CRETE ISLAND TOUR (150km – 3hrs)

  • Travel towards the Gulf of Mirabello, one of the most scenic coastal regions of Crete. From Elounda, enjoy a boat excursion to Spinalonga Island, featuring a well-preserved Venetian fortress and a fascinating layered history. Lunch in Elounda, followed by free time in Agios Nikolaos, a charming seaside town built around a picturesque lake. In the afternoon, return to the hotel.

    Overnight in the Heraklion area.

Day 5

HERAKLION – RETHYMNON (200km – 4hrs)

  • Depart Heraklion and travel south to visit the Palace of Phaistos, one of the most important Minoan archaeological sites, offering impressive views over the Messara Plain. Continue to Matala, known for its distinctive rock-cut caves and relaxed coastal atmosphere. After lunch, visit Gortys, once the Roman capital of Crete, where notable ruins and ancient law code inscriptions can be seen. Continue to Rethymnon.

    Overnight in the Rethymnon area.

Day 6

RETHYMNON: SOUTH CRETE ISLAND TOUR (150km – 3.5hrs)

  • Drive through the impressive Imbros Gorge and continue to Frangokastello, an isolated Venetian fortress overlooking the Libyan Sea. Proceed to Plakias, where free time is available for swimming or relaxing by the beach. Later, visit the historic Preveli Monastery, dramatically located above the coast. Return to Rethymnon via the scenic Kourtaliotiko Gorge.

    Overnight in the Rethymnon area.

Day 7

RETHYMNON: WESTERN CRETE ISLAND TOUR (135km – 2.5hrs)

  • Begin the day with panoramic views from the Venizelos Tombs on the Akrotiri Peninsula. Continue to Chania for a guided visit, exploring its Venetian harbour, old town, and historic covered market.

    After lunch, return to Rethymnon, where the remainder of the day is free to explore the old town, fortress, and harbour at your own pace.

    Overnight in the Rethymnon Area.

Day 8

RETHYMNON – HERAKLION DEPARTURE (82km – 1hr)
  • For guests arriving on Sunday, the tour concludes today

    For guests arriving on Sunday, the tour concludes today. After breakfast, a shared transfer is provided from the Rethymnon area to Heraklion Airport according to flight schedules.

    For guests arriving on Monday, this day is free at leisure in Rethymnon, allowing time to relax or explore independently before departure the following day.

Please Note

  • The itinerary listed is for Sunday arrivals. Those arriving on Monday will have one night less in Heraklion and one night more in Rethymnon
  • Sunday & Monday arrivals will be grouped together on one bus and will start the excursion on Tuesday
  • We reserve the right to change itineraries and  activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons
  • Early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms in the hotel are subject to availability and not guaranteed
  • No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed.
  • There is a dress code for admission to the Monastery of Preveli and churches: e.g. long trousers for men, skirts or dresses for women and covered shoulders.
  • In the museums and archaeological sites, video recordings are possible at an extra cost

Cancellation Policy

Fully refundable until 2 days before start

Non-refundable after 2 days before start

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