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Crete Highlights

Name: Crete Highlights
Brand: Elife Travel
Price: 2244.47 USD
Availability: InStock

Country:

Greece

Flight:

Included

Favorite

Tour id:

297284

Operator:

Gebeco
Length:

8 days
Group size:

16 pax
Age:

0 to 0
Difficulty:
Difficulty levels:
- Relaxing
- Easy
- Moderate
- Serious
- Heart-pumping

27.09-04.10.25 scheduled
18.10-25.10.25 scheduled
28.03-04.04.26 scheduled

Itinerary

Do you love bright sandy beaches, silvery olive groves and rugged mountain ranges? Then Crete is the right place for you! On this beautiful island with a wealth of highlights, myths meet history and ancient palaces meet small churches. We experience Greek hospitality in a unique setting.

Tour program

Day 1

Crete awaits you!

Are the suitcases packed? Then you're ready to go! You fly to Heraklion on the north coast of Crete and make yourself at home in your comfortable hotel. Get to know your fellow travelers over dinner and get in the mood for the trip. (A)

Day 2

Heraklion and Knossos

We start in Knossos, probably the most important Minoan excavation on Crete. The palace complex we roam through was built more than 3,500 years ago. We do our best to breathe life back into the ancient metropolis in the rooms, staircases, corridors, pantries, sacred centers and craftsmen's quarters. In Heraklion, the capital of the island, we visit the Archaeological Museum, where we can refresh our knowledge of the culture of Crete and admire the most important finds of the Minoan civilization. Afterwards, you will have time for yourself. Our tip: visit the Venetian fortress of Koules at the harbor, Liberty Square, the Morosini Fountain with the water-spouting lion or Daedalus Street with its many stores. Together we return to the hotel in the afternoon. 55 km (F, A)

Day 3

Malia and the Lassithi plain

Alongside Knossos, Malia is the second most important Minoan excavation on Crete. The palace was built around 4,000 years ago, only to be destroyed by an earthquake 300 years later. The Lasithi plain is a varied, fertile landscape with vineyards, orchards and vegetable gardens. We pass old windmills that were still pumping water out of the ground for the fields just a few years ago. The foundation of the Kera Kardiotissa monastery dates back to the 14th century. We see a miraculous icon which, according to legend, was stolen by the Turks and taken to Constantinople, but was then able to return to the monastery by itself. We enjoy Greek puff pastries (kalitsounia) with honey in a local restaurant. Do you know which foodstuff Crete is famous for? That's right: for olives and olive oil. That's why we visit a traditional olive oil factory today, where we can look forward to a tasting. 90 km (F, A)

Day 4

On the trail of the Minoans

Slowly but surely, we are becoming experts in all things Minoan: we head south through the fertile Messara plain to Festos, where the second largest Minoan palace awaits our visit. Then we are in the bay of Matala on the south side of Crete, and again there are mythical stories to tell: Zeus came ashore here with Europa, transformed into a bull, only to turn into an eagle and take her to Gortys. We drive there because Gortys is not far from Matala. We find the old Roman capital of Crete, with the Basilica of Titus, the Roman Odeon and the "Great Inscription", the first record of a town charter in Europe. 200 km (F, A)

Day 5

Craftsmanship and Rethymnon

In the pottery village of Margarites, we learn a lot about the ancient Cretan pottery trade. In Eleftherna, we marvel at the treasures of the ancient city of Eleftherna in the new, interactive museum. Rethymnon, one of the most attractive cities in Greece, also entices us with its picturesque old town, where the Venetian and Ottoman heritage is still alive. 180 km (F, A)

Day 6

Picturesque towns of Crete

The journey takes us to the church of Panagia Kera in Kritsa. The church is famous for its wall paintings from the 13th century. In Elounda, we change from the bus to the boat and head out to sea, not too far, only as far as the small island of Spinalonga. Here we open a new chapter in history, as an imposing Venetian fortress lies before us, taking us back to the time when Crete was an important base for the mighty naval and trading power of Venice. The old leper village on the small island, which can be visited within the fortress walls, is impressive. The view of Crete from Spinalonga is breathtaking. On our return to Elounda, we enjoy a traditional lunch before a beautiful harbor awaits us in Agios Nikolaos. 125 km (F, M, A)

Day 7

A day off

The day is yours. Enjoy the amenities of your hotel, relax on the beach or go for a leisurely stroll and shopping tour in nearby Heraklion. Just as you see fit today. (F, A)

Day 8

Farewell to Crete

Today it's time to say goodbye to the diverse Mediterranean island. Drive to Heraklion airport and return flight to Germany. (F)

We expressly reserve the right to make changes to the flight schedule, hotel and program.

(F=breakfast, A=dinner)

Tour Details

others

Air traffic tax, airport and flight security fees*

* not included if traveling on your own

Venetian harbor in Rethymnon

Pottery in Margarites

Use of audio equipment

All entrance fees

accommodation

7 nights incl. local taxes (bath or shower/WC)

flights

Train to flight 1st class *

Flights with a renowned airline in economy class from/to Frankfurt to/from Heraklion (plus flight surcharge if applicable)*

guide

German-speaking qualified Gebeco adventure tour guide

Travel literature to choose from

meals

7x breakfast, 1x lunch, 7x dinner

transport

Round trip/excursions in a typical local coach with air conditioning

Transfers on arrival and departure day*

Boat trip to the leper island of Spinalonga

Good to know

Currency

€

Euro

Greece

Customer reviews

Operator

Faq Tour

How can I book a tour?

You can order a tour on our website by selecting the desired dates and clicking the “Confirm dates” button. You can also contact our sales department by phone or email.

Which payment options are available?

We accept credit cards, bank transfers and other popular payment methods.

Can I change or cancel my reservation?

Yes, changes or cancellations are possible, however penalties may apply depending on the time before the tour starts.

What documents are required to participate in the tour?

You will need a passport with a valid visa (if required) to visit countries along the tour route.