Heraklion Trip Overview
To Greeks, Crete is the Megalonissi (Great Island), a hub of spectacular ancient art and architecture. Fabled as the land of King Minos, it is a unique world where civilization is counted by the millennium. From every point of view, travellers discover landscapes of amazing variety. Mountains split with deep gorges and honeycombed with caves rise in sheer walls from the sea. Snow-capped peaks loom behind sandy shorelines, vineyards, and olive groves. Miles of beaches, some with a wealth of amenities and others isolated and unspoiled, fringe the coast. Join us to discover the Palace of Knossos, explore Spinalonga island, admire Lassithi Plateau and much more during this memorable five-day tour of the island.
Additional Info
Duration: 5 days
Starts: Heraklion, Greece
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Heraklion Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Heraklion, Heraklion Prefecture, Greece
To Greeks, Crete is the Megalonissi (Great Island), a hub of spectacular ancient art and architecture. Fabled as the land of King Minos, it is a unique world where civilization is counted by the millennium. From every point of view, travellers discover landscapes of amazing variety. Mountains split with deep gorges and honeycombed with caves rise in sheer walls from the sea. Snow-capped peaks loom behind sandy shorelines, vineyards, and olive groves. Miles of beaches, some with a wealth of amenities and others isolated and unspoiled, fringe the coast. Join us to discover the Palace of Knossos, explore Spinalonga island, admire Lassithi Plateau and much more during this memorable five-day tour of the island.
Itinerary
Day 1: ARRIVAL HERAKLION (25 km – 30 min)
Pass By: Heraklion Airport N. Kazantzakis, Heraklion 716 01, Greece
Arrive at the airport, where our representative will meet and greet you. Then transfer from Heraklion airport to 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
Meals included:
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar
Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Astir Beach or similar
Day 2: CRETE: BOAT TRIP TO THE ISLAND OF SPINALONGA (130km – 8 hrs)
Stop At: Astir Beach, Kato Gouves 700 14, Greece
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.
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar
Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Astir Beach or similar
Day 3: CRETE: PALACE OF KNOSSOS – HERAKLION TOWN (42km – 8 hrs)
Stop At: Astir Beach, Kato Gouves 700 14, Greece
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.
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar
Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Astir Beach or similar
Day 4: CRETE: LAND ROVER TOUR – EXPLORE THE BIRTHPLACE OF ZEUS (120km – 7/8 hrs)
Stop At: Astir Beach, Kato Gouves 700 14, Greece
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 .
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar
Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Astir Beach or similar
Day 5: DEPARTURE CRETE (25 km – 30 min)
Stop At: Heraklion Airport N. Kazantzakis, Heraklion 716 01, Greece
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.
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.
