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5 Days at The Labyrinth of Crete

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Duration

5 days

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Tour Type

Daily Tour

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Group Size

1 -50 persons

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Languages

English

Join us to discover the Palace of Knossos, explore Spinalonga island, admire Lassithi Plateau and much more during this memorable 5 day tour of magnificent Crete.

Tour Highlights

Palace of Knossos:  Known for being one of the oldest cities in Europe,  Knossos is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on the beautiful island of Crete.

Lassithi Plateau: The tranquil Lasithi Plateau, 900m above sea level, is an arrestingly beautiful expanse of green fields interspersed with almond trees and orchards.

Spinalonga:  Boat trip to the magnificent island with fortresses dating from the Venetian period.

Elounda: Visit the picturesque fishing village in the lovely Mirabello Bay.

ARRIVAL CRETE/ TRANSFER TO HOTEL (16–22km / 20–30 minutes)

Arrive at the airport, where our representative will meet and greet you. Then transfer from Heraklion airport the hotel in Gouves or Chersonissos area. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the delightful surroundings on your own. Dinner is included

Overnight  in Gouves or Chersonissos area 

CRETE: BOAT TRIP TO THE ISLAND OF SPINALONGA (130km – 8 hrs)

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.

Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area

CRETE: PALACE OF KNOSSOS – HERAKLION TOWN (42km – 7/8 hrs)

After the delectable breakfast served , you will be picked up at the hotel 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

CRETE: LAND ROVER TOUR – EXPLORE THE BIRTHPLACE OF ZEUS (120km – 7/8 hrs)

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel and head towards the central part of Crete to explore its two different plateaus, learn about its mythology, culture, and the 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 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. Enjoy this idyllic place for a moment, before we make our way to Seli, for more  impressive photos of this unique scenery. 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.  Lunch and dinner are included.

Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area

DEPARTURE CRETE (16–22km / 20-30 minutes)

Begin your day with a rich breakfast at the hotel. Then, enjoy a transfer to Heraklion airport and continue with your travel arrangements.

Breakfast included 

What’s included

TOUR GUIDE:

  • Operated with qualified local English speaking guide on a shared basis on day 2 and 3

ACCOMMODATION:

  • 4 Nights’ accommodation

MEALS:

  • 4 Breakfast
  • 2 Lunches (1 lunch during Landrover Tour with unlimited wine and 1 Cretan Lunch in Elounda excluding drinks)
  • 4 Dinners

TRANSPORT:

  • Air-conditioned shared transportation throughout the tour
  • Inbound/Outbound air-conditioned shared transfers from/to Heraklion Airport

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, Land Rover Tour

OTHER:

  • Meet & Greet on arrival at Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport Heraklion

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

Optional tours

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

Know before you go

Instant confirmation at time of booking

Local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to the tour contents without prior notice

What to bring with you

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Greece. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sun glasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.

Walking shoes recommended for Zeus Cave visit

Cancellation policy

80% refund if booking is cancelled 30 days or less before the experience

70% refund if booking is cancelled 14 days or less before the experience

50% refund if booking is cancelled 7 days or less before the experience

No refund if booking is cancelled 1 day or less before the experience

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