Day 1: Arrival Crete (6km – 15 Min)
Arrive at the airport, where our representative will meet and greet you. Then transfer from Heraklion airport to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the delightful surroundings on your own. Dinner is included.
Overnight in Heraklion.
Day 2: Crete: Boat Trip To The Island Of Spinalonga (130km – 8hrs)
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, 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 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 and have free time to walk around, do some shopping or go for a swim. Lunch and dinner are included.
Overnight in Heraklion.
Day 3: Crete: Palace Of Knossos – Heraklion Town (42km – 8hrs)
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, it was the hub of Crete’s Minoan civilisation and where the fearsome Minotaur was said to have lurked in the labyrinth. Your guide will explain the myths surrounding the palace and its Kings as they lead you around its treasures. Then, visit Heraklion, see the Venetian lion fountain and the loggia that is now the Town Hall before finishing up at the entrance to the old harbour. Here, the time’s your own to explore. Take advantage also of the guided tour in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. Your day ends with a comfortable transfer to your hotel. Dinner is included.
Overnight in Heraklion.
Day 4: Land Rover Safari Experience – Exploring Minoan Route (120 Km – 8 Hrs)
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel and head towards the central part of Crete to learn about its mythology, culture, flora, fauna and local life. Your adventure starts from the moment you meet your drivers, who will take you to your first stop, the Aposelimi 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 Raki and olive oil tasting. Afterwards, the real off-road adventure begins! We will climb high into the mountains and follow an ancient Minoan path that leads to a local shepherd, where you will have the chance to taste homemade cheese and encounter many species of wild animals. From here, we make our way to a magnificent viewpoint where we can see the Minoan path and the first sitting of the Lassithi Plateau. Making our way down onto the Plateau to explore, and from here we cross the Plateau and stop for a delicious traditional lunch with unlimited wine (vegetarian option available). 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.
Overnight in Heraklion.
Day 5: Departure Crete (6km – 15 Min)
Begin your day with a rich breakfast at the hotel. Then, enjoy a transfer to Heraklion airport and continue with your travel arrangements.
