The Wonders of Ancient Crete
Overview
Itinerary
Arrive in Heraklion and transfer to the seaside city of Rethymno. Stay for the three nights.
Visit to the ancient site of Aptera. Continue to the town of Chania with its Venetian harbour, and visit the Allied Cemetery, which contains 1,545 burials from World War II. Enjoy a welcome lunch, then continue to Rethymno for a guided walk along the facades of Venetian and Turkish buildings up to the old port.
This morning, visit the fortified monastery of Arkadi. Continue to the Museum of Ancient Eleftherna with its impressive collection of artefacts from Greece, Cyprus and Egypt. Meet a beekeeper for an introduction to beehives and their cultivation.
Drive across the island to the Messara Plain and visit Phaestos, the second Minoan palace. Continue to Matala, a pretty seaside town, and enjoy a swim or relax on the beach. Drive to Heraklion, stopping en route at the archaeological site of Gortys. Stay 4 nights at the Aquila Atlantis Hotel (or similar).
Morning drive to the ancient Minoan Palace of Knossos, the centre of Europe's first civilisation. According to myth, it was home to King Minos and site of the legend of Theseus slaying the Minotaur in the labyrinth. Then drive to the Pediados region south of Heraklion, Crete's most famous wine-producing area. Visit a wine estate for an introduction to Cretan wine with tasting and a traditional lunch. Afternoon at leisure.
Visit the Church of Panagia Kera to view the finest Byzantine frescoes in Crete. Continue to Agios Nikolaos for a stroll through this beloved port town, then on to Elounda and take a boat to Spinalonga. Formerly a leper colony, this fortified island has been imprinted by Greek, Ottoman, Byzantine and Venetian occupation. Return to Heraklion.
Morning at leisure to relax by the pool or explore Heraklion's old town. Afternoon guided visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum with its collection of Minoan treasure. Enjoy a farewell drink with the group.
Tour ends in Heraklion.
Trip Inclusions
- Join a beekeeping experience and honey tasting to take in the sweet fruits of the island's rich flora
- Visit the archaeological sites of Knossos and Eleftherna
- Try a local wine tasting with a traditional Cretan lunch
- Take a boat out to Spinalonga, a fortified island which bears traces of Greek, Ottoman, Byzantine and Venetian rule
- Small group size - average 14 people (max 18)
- 4 & 5 star accommodation
- Flexible - extensions & room upgrades available
- Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
- Experienced local tour manager
- 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches
- Guided sightseeing & entrance fees
- Welcome lunch and farewell drink
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Operator
Cox & Kings groups rarely exceed 18 guests, and ninety percent of journeys have at least one guaranteed departure date, letting you plan with peace of mind.
Cox & Kings tours feature deep, authentic local experiences that reveal hidden truths and cultural secrets about each destination.
Cox & Kings partners with charming hotels that are comfortable and capture the essence of their surroundings, whether it’s a historic, characterful building, or an ideally placed location.
All Cox & Kings tours are guided and supported by experienced locals, who use their knowledge and on-the-ground relationships to improve and deepen the travel experience.
Dates & Pricing
AUD
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Cox & Kings. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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