Exploring Crete
Exploring Crete
Exploring Crete
8 Days Starting and ending in Iraklio
Visiting: Iraklio, Chersonisos
Tour operator:
Tour code:
83503
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 30
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Whether your visit is for relaxation or you are looking forward to exploring and discover the many well-known and countless hidden treasures of Crete, this captivating eight-day tour will satisfy all your desires. Get in touch with the rich Greek culture and impressive history while admiring the diversity of the landscape – the rugged mountains, endless beaches, turquoise seas, as well as enchanting cities, towns and villages. Join this memorable tour and explore one of the most beautiful islands in Europe. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Archaeological Museum of Heraklion: This is one of the largest and most important museums in Greece, and among the most important museums in Europe. It houses representative artefacts from all the periods of Cretan prehistory and history.Cave of Zeus: The Cave of Zeus is a system of caves located on the slopes of Mount Ida, on the island of Crete, Greece. The deep cave has a single entrance and features stalagmites and stalactites.Waterpark Aqua Plus: With pools, slides, and a host of exotic flowers, Aqua Plus Water Park is an ideal place to cool off from the island sun. Take it easy on the lazy river or feel the adrenaline pump as you race down the dark tunnels of the Black Holes.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival Crete (22 Km 30 Min)
Location: Iraklio
Accommodation Name: Hersonissos Central
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 included.
Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area
Day 2 : Crete: Boat Trip To The Island Of Spinalonga (130 Km – 8 Hrs)
Location: Chersonisos
Accommodation Name: Hersonissos Central
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 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.Â
Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area
Day 3 : Crete: Palace Of Knossos And Heraklion Town (42 Km – 7/8 Hrs)
Location: Chersonisos
Accommodation Name: Hersonissos Central
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. Your day ends with a comfortable transfer to your hotel in Gouves or Chersonissos area. Dinner is included.
Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area
Day 4 : Crete: Chania And Rethymnon (326 Km – 10/11 Hrs)
Location: Chersonisos
Accommodation Name: Hersonissos Central
Enjoy a mouthwatering breakfast before your morning pick up. Today we´ll visit two of Crete’s cities, Chania, also known as Little Venice and Rethymnon, with its fascinating mix of Italian and Turkish influences. Both cities have picturesque harbour fronts. Begin your adventure with lovely Chania. Your guide will take you on a tour of the old quarter, its quaint little neighbourhoods and the graceful backstreets that have been beautifully restored. Afterwards, make a visit to the lively Chania market hall with local produce and the famous leather lane, before ending up at the charming Venetian port. Equally beautiful is the old town and harbour of Rethymnon, our second stop. You have free time in both to explore the winding back streets. This will be a day full of discovery, beautiful scenery, and interesting history. Dinner is included.
Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area
Day 5 : Crete: Land Rover Tour And The Birthplace Of Zeus (120Km – 7/8 Hrs)
Location: Chersonisos
Accommodation Name: Hersonissos Central
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel and head towards the central part of Crete to learn about its mythology, culture, and local life, while having lots of fun. Your day starts from the moment you meet your drivers, who will take you to your first stop, the Potamies Reservoir water dam. Continuing our journey through mesmerising paths and olive trees, we reach the ruins of the Roman aqueduct of Lyttos. Admire the beauty of the site and continue towards the quaint village of Kastamonitsa, where we join the locals for a coffee break in the traditional cafeneion. Afterwards, the real off-road adventure begins! We will Climb high into the mountains and follow the ancient minaon path that leads us to the cave of Zeus (entrance not included) where, according to mythology, the father of all the gods was born. Then, you have the chance to take some memorable photographs of the Lassithi Plateau, before we drop down to the plateau for a delicious BBQ lunch with unlimited wine! The journey continues with a stop at Lassithi plateau, where time has virtually stood still and the local people are mainly farmers. Â We continue the adventure until we reach the village of Krassi our last stop of the day. Catch a glimpse of the 2,000-year-old plane tree and learn about its natural spring water source. End this thrilling day with a transfer back to your hotel. Â Lunch is included with wine and bottled water.
Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area
Day 6 : Crete: Waterpark Aqua Plus Adventure (22Km – 4/5 Hrs)
Location: Chersonisos
Accommodation Name: Hersonissos Central
Begin your day with a delightful breakfast. Enjoy a comfortable transfer as you are getting ready for a thrilling day at the best waterpark in Crete. Scream down the vertical kamikaze, enjoy the twister or just relax and work on that tan! There is a multitude of exciting slides and chilled out pools to relax in. This is definitely the ideal day out for the whole family. Dinner is included.
Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area
Day 7 : Crete: Day Free At Leisure
Location: Chersonisos
Accommodation Name: Hersonissos Central
Begin your day with a delectable breakfast at the hotel. Then, relax on the beach or enjoy the day exploring the island on your own. Dinner is included.
Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area
Day 8 : Depart Crete (16–22Km / 20 30 Minutes)
Location: Iraklio
After a tasty breakfast, enjoy a shared transfer from your hotel to the airport and continue with your travel arrangements.
Breakfast includedÂ
What's Included
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Qualified local English speaking guide
Operated with a qualified local English speaking guide on a shared basis on Day 2, 3, and 4.
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Accommodation
7 nights' accommodation.
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Meals
7 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches (1 BBQ lunch during Landrover Tour with unlimited wine and 1 Cretan Lunch in Elounda excluding drinks), and 7 Dinners.
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Transportation
Air-conditioned shared transportation throughout the tour.
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Airport Transfers
Inbound/Outbound air-conditioned shared transfers from/to Heraklion Airport.
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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, entrance ticket to the Waterpark Aqua Plus, Land Rover tour.
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Operated with qualified local English speaking guide on a shared basis on Day 2 3 and 4
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7 nights' accommodation
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7 Breakfasts
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2 Lunches (1 BBQ lunch during Landrover Tour with unlimited wine and 1 Cretan Lunch in Elounda excluding drinks)
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenditures
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks, and meals if not stated explicitly in the programme.
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Flight Tickets and Visa Fees
Flight tickets or visa fees.
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Airport Taxes
Airport taxes for domestic and international flights.
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Travel Insurance
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Gratuities
Gratuities for driver and guide.
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Optional Tours
Optional tours.
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Overnight City Tax
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. -
Zeus' Cave Entrance Fee
Zeus' cave entrance fee.
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Expenditures of a personal nature drinks and meals if not stated explicitly in the programme
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Flight tickets or visa fees
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Airport taxes for domestic and international flights
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Gratuities for driver and guide
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Optional tours
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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.
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Zeus' cave entrance fee.
Mode of Transport
Travel in air-conditioned shared transportation throughout the tour, including inbound and outbound transfers from Heraklion Airport.
Accommodation
Enjoy a comfortable stay at Hersonissos Central in the Gouves or Chersonissos area, with 7 nights' accommodation included.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches (one BBQ lunch during the Land Rover Tour with unlimited wine and one Cretan lunch in Elounda excluding drinks), and 7 dinners.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides air-conditioned shared transportation throughout, including inbound and outbound transfers from/to Heraklion Airport.
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Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour?
Yes, all entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary are included, such as the Archaeological sites of Knossos, the Archaeological Museum, the boat trip to the island of Spinalonga, the Spinalonga island tour, and the entrance ticket to the Waterpark Aqua Plus.
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Is there a guide provided during the tour?
Yes, the tour is operated with a qualified local English-speaking guide on a shared basis on Days 2, 3, and 4.
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What activities are planned for the day at the waterpark?
At the Waterpark Aqua Plus, you can enjoy a variety of exciting slides such as the vertical kamikaze and the twister, or relax in the chilled-out pools.
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What can I expect during the Land Rover Tour?
During the Land Rover Tour, you will visit the Potamies Reservoir water dam, the ruins of the Roman aqueduct of Lyttos, and the village of Kastamonitsa. You will also climb high into the mountains to the cave of Zeus, take photographs of the Lassithi Plateau, and enjoy a BBQ lunch with unlimited wine. The tour ends with a visit to the village of Krassi.
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What historical sites will be visited during the tour?
The tour includes visits to the Palace of Knossos, the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, and the island of Spinalonga, which was a former leper colony.
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Is there any free time during the tour?
Yes, there is free time on Day 2 in Elounda, on Day 4 in both Chania and Rethymnon, and the entire Day 7 is free at leisure for you to relax on the beach or explore the island on your own.
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How does Today Voyages work?
We are an Online Travel Agency, specialized in Group Vacations and Private Vacations. We have been in business for over 30 years through our sister company Go West Tours and, throughout the years, have developed an extensive network of trusted professionals around the world and a structured methodology to screen our suppliers. Today Voyages offers a selection of tours that are designed, managed and operated by our network of trusted Tour Operators and DMCs. Our database is connected with our partners so that when you make a booking with us this will immediately be received and processed by the Tour Operator.
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Where should I buy the flights to reach my destination?
Today Voyages does not sell flights directly. None of our tours come with flights included. Why? Because we prefer to give full flexibility to our valued customers to select the airlines and the booking platform they prefer. As soon as your flight is booked and confirmed, we invite you to update your flight plan within your Today Voyages booking confirmation page by entering your flight number, departure and arrival times, as well as your Passport information (if needed). None of these fields are mandatory but we highly encourage you to provide as much information as possible. This will allow us to provide you with the excellent service you are looking for.
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What is an additional excursion or tour optional?
Certain tours might show a selection of additional excursions/optional activities that you may want to add to our standard itinerary. These services are priced separately and can be added to the cart before completing the booking. We believe these optional services to contribute to making your vacation unforgettable; however, you are in no way obliged to purchase them. All our tours are awesome with our without optional services!
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What is the difference between Group Vacations and Private Vacations?
If you purchase one of our Group vacation packages, you will be escorted by a professional tour guide and will be traveling with other like-minded travelers you may not know. The group size depends on the tour you select. If you purchase one of our Private vacation packages, you will be traveling only within your group of friends. You may or may not be escorted by a professional tour guide; this depends on the type of private tour you are interested in.
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When and how will I receive the travel documents (vouchers)?
If you book one of our Group or Private tours, you will receive your travel documents via email approximately 20 days prior to travel date. If you reserve one of our Vacation Rentals, you will hear back from the property manager via email a few days prior to checking-in. We recommend checking your emails on a regular basis as this is our most reliable method of communication. If you have questions or need additional support, you can always chat with us or email us directly.
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What happens if a Group tour does not get confirmed?
It is very simple... you will be offered an alternative departure date or be refunded the full amount you pre-paid. No questions asked!
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What happens after I book?
The majority of our tours are confirmed at the time of booking. This means that, after submitting the payment online, you will receive an order confirmation email; make sure to save this email and to note down your confirmation number for any future communication with us. Some tours may be sold on a 'on request' basis. This means that for these tours we reserve the right to check the availability of your spot(s) with the Tour Operator before confirming the tour to you. As soon as you submit the payment online for a 'on request' tour you will receive an email notification that confirms your order request. Within 72 hours, you will receive either a confirmation email or a denial email. Do not worry... we will do everything we can to confirm your tour!
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Free Date Changes
Today Voyages allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 65 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Today Voyages requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of today voyages charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.