Four-Day Venetian Crete Tour in Heraklion, Greece

4 days Free CancellationMin 2 participantsPickup availableInstant confirmationGuided by Destination Services Greece

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 a qualified local English-speaking guide on a shared basis on Day 2 and 3
  • 3 nights' accommodation
  • 3 Breakfasts
  • 1 Lunch (on the Boat excluding drinks)
  • 3 Dinners
  • 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: boat trip and Spinalonga Island tour, guided tour of Knossos Palace and walking tour of Heraklion

Exclusions

  • Day 2: the entrance fee to the Spinalonga archaeological site (€20 per person, payable locally)
  • Day 3: the entrance fee to the Knossos Palace (€20 per person, payable locally), visit and entrance at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion
  • 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
  • Travel Insurance
  • Gratuities for driver and guide
  • Optional tours
  • Climate Change Resilience Fee. Clients will have to pay the Fee on the spot at the hotels.

Itinerary

Pickup from Heraklion Airport

Day 1

ARRIVAL CRETE

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

    Overnight at a hotel in the Hersonissos area (including Kokkini Hani, Gournes, Gouves, Stalida) or similar.

Day 2

CRETE: BOAT TRIP TO SPINALONGA & KOLOKYTHA BAY (130 km – 9/11 hrs)

  • After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel for a full-day excursion combining the natural beauty, history and seaside charm of eastern Crete.

    Your day begins in Agios Nikolaos, where you will board a boat and set sail across the beautiful waters of Mirabello Bay. Enjoy the scenic coastline and crystal-clear waters as you cruise towards the historic island of Spinalonga. Once on the island, a guided tour will take you through the fascinating remains of one of the world’s last leper colonies, revealing the history and stories behind this remarkable Venetian fortress and former settlement. The entrance fee to the Spinalonga archaeological site is not included (€20 per person, payable locally).

    The cruise then continues to Kolokytha Bay, where you will enjoy a swim in its crystal-clear waters and lunch on board by the beach. The excursion concludes with a visit to Agios Nikolaos, including its picturesque Lake Voulismeni, before returning to your hotel.

    Overnight at a hotel in the Hersonissos area (including Kokkini Hani, Gournes, Gouves, Stalida) or similar.

Day 3

CRETE: PALACE OF KNOSSOS AND HERAKLION TOWN (42 km – 7/9 hrs)

  • After breakfast, depart for Heraklion, the vibrant capital of Crete and a city rich in history and culture. The day begins with a visit to Knossos, the legendary centre of Minoan civilization and one of the island's most important archaeological sites. Discover the remains of the ancient palace and learn about the fascinating history of the Minoan world, whose origins date back more than 5,000 years. The entrance fee to the Knossos Palace is not included (€20 per person, payable locally).

    Continue to Heraklion city centre for a guided walking tour through the historic heart of the city. Explore its lively streets and discover landmarks including the Venetian Harbour and the atmospheric Old Town. There will also be an opportunity to visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion (on your own), home to an exceptional collection tracing the history of Crete, or to explore the city's old market and enjoy some time at leisure.

    After the tour, return to your hotel.

    Overnight at a hotel in the Hersonissos area (including Kokkini Hani, Gournes, Gouves, Stalida) or similar.

Day 4
  • Indulge in a delicious breakfast at your hotel, before hopping on a modern coach to enjoy a comfortable shared transfer to Heraklion airport.

Please Note

  • Please note that depending on the departure day the itinerary may be in a different order
  • Daily excursions may be operated with bilingual guidance
  • 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 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

Fully refundable until 7 days before start

Non-refundable after 7 days before start

From $660.54 Per 2 adults