Viajes Aurora - CIE 2543
688633845 - 946096517
688633845
Viajes Aurora - CIE 2543
688633845 - 946096517
688633845
The Labyrinth of Crete, Private Tour
From 2.655 €

The Labyrinth of Crete, Private Tour

holiday package
Created: Thursday, September 19, 2024
Ref ID: 11055046
price per person From
2.655 €
Based on 2 adults
Created: Thursday, September 19, 2024
Itinerary
Tours
More pictures (3)

To Greeks, Crete is the Megalonissi (Great Island), a hub of spectacular ancient art and architecture. Fabled is 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. 

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Palace of Knossos: Knossos is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and has been called Europe's oldest city. 

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.

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

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.  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 is included with wine and bottled water.

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.

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, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay. Walking shoes recommended for Zeus Cave visit.

price per person From
2.655 €
Based on 2 adults
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This idea includes
Destinations 1
Tours 1
Tour summary
Included

TOUR GUIDE:

  • Operated with English or German or French-speaking local guide (Day 2, 3) on a private basis

ACCOMMODATION: 

  • 4 nights' accommodation

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1-4 Heraklion:

Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Olympic Heraklion or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Olive Green Heraklion or similar 4*

OPTIONAL EXTRA:

Pre/ Post-stay in Heraklion, on a half-board basis:

Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Olympic Heraklion or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Olive Green Heraklion or similar 4*

MEALS: 

  • 4 Breakfast
  • 2 Lunches (non-exclusivity at local taverns)
  • 4 Dinners

TRANSPORT:

  • Air-conditioned private transportation (Day 2-4)
  • Inbound/Outbound air-conditioned private transfers from/to Heraklion Airport

ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITIES:

  • All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: Spinalonga island tour & Elounda Port (boat trip on shared basis) (Day 2); the Archaeological site of Knossos and Heraklion Museum (Day 3); Land Rover tour and the birthplace of Zeus (Day 4)

OTHER:

  • Meet & Greet 
Excluded
  • Zeus' cave entrance fee
  • Visa fees
  • Domestic flights 
  • International flights 
  • Drinks during meals (unless specified otherwise)
  • Optional tours (if any)
  • Any visit not mentioned in the program
  • Porterage and gratuities  
  • Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program
  • Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any)
  • Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.
  • 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
  • Please note that the inbound and outbound transfers are included only as part of the package or if pre and post-night stay is booked as an extra. Otherwise, additional transfers should be purchased separately
Accommodation

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1-4 Heraklion:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Olympic Heraklion or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Olive Green Heraklion or similar 4*

OPTIONAL EXTRA:

  • Pre/ Post-stay in Heraklion, on a half-board basis:
  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Olympic Heraklion or similar 3*
  • Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Olive Green Heraklion or similar 4

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