Crete Through the Minoan, Byzantine & Venetian Ages, Private Tour

Crete Through the Minoan, Byzantine & Venetian Ages, Private Tour

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5 Days From

$2004

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Tour Overview

Discover the rich history and cultural heritage of Crete on this private tour, "Crete Through the Minoan, Byzantine & Venetian Ages." Begin your journey in Chania, a city that beautifully blends influences from various civilizations. Explore the ancient Palace of Knossos, Europe's oldest city, and delve into the Minoan past in Margarites Village. Visit the Monastery of Agia Triada with its excellent library and restored buildings, and wander through the charming town of Rethymnon, known for its Byzantine and Venetian history. Enjoy comfortable accommodations at the Hotel Arkadi in Chania, with private transfers and guided tours included. This tour offers a perfect blend of archaeology, history, and scenic beauty, making it an unforgettable experience. ...more ...less

Highlights

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

  • Chania: The town with the influence of many civilizations

  • Rethymnon: A blend of modern and old-time dignity and charm, during the Byzantine period the town continued to be inhabited, and parts of Roman and Byzantine mosaics have been found

  • Monastery of Agia Triada: Located in the northwest part of the Akrotiri peninsula, it has an excellent library and restored old buildings

  • Margarites Village: A traditional village known for its pottery and Minoan past

  • Heraklion: The largest city and administrative capital of Crete, Greece

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrival Chania, Crete (15Km – 20Min)

Location: Chania

Accommodation Name: Hotel Arkadi or similar 3*

Welcome to Crete! Upon arrival at Chania International Airport, hop on a private taxi transfer to your hotel in Chania town for check-in. 

Overnight in Chania.

Day 2 : Chania

Location: Chania

Accommodation Name: Hotel Arkadi or similar 3*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at your hotel. Meeting with your local guide at the hotel for a walking tour. Begin the guidance of the town. Chania, the capital of the prefecture and its administrative, economic, commercial, and transportation centre. Since ancient times, the city of Chania has faced many conquerors and the influences of many civilizations through time, evident on the city monuments. The beautiful city of Chania managed to preserve its original colours and historical character, despite the fast-growing tourist industry. It is considered one of the most beautiful cities of Greece and the most picturesque city of Crete. The remainder of the day is at leisure.                               

Overnight in Chania.

Day 3 : Chania – Monastery Agia Triada – Margarites Village – Rethymnon – Chania (200Km – 3.5Hrs)

Location: Chania

Accommodation Name: Hotel Arkadi or similar 3*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at your hotel. In the morning, visit the Monastery of Agia Triada (Holy Trinity). It is located in the northwest part of the Akrotiri peninsula, 16km from Chania, and it is placed in green. Although the community decreases the old buildings are gradually restored and the monastery is still active with an excellent library. Afterwards drive to the traditional colourful Margarites Village, a wonderful journey into Minoan past, in which the people in this area were engaged in the art of pottery. On the way back, we will visit the town of Rethymnon. Rethymnon is a blend of modern and old-time dignity and charm, during the Byzantine period the town continued to be inhabited, and parts of Roman and Byzantine mosaics have been found. The Venetian period, also, was a time of great prosperity for Rethymnon, as the Venetians used its harbour as an intermediate stop between Heraklion and Chania, and as an administrative centre for the area. Enjoy free time to explore the winding back streets! A day full of discovery, beautiful scenery, and history. Return to your hotel in Chania for a well-deserved rest.  

Overnight in Chania.

Day 4 : Chania – Palace Of Knossos – Heraklion – Chania (290Km – 4Hrs)

Location: Crete

Accommodation Name: Hotel Arkadi or similar 3*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at your hotel. Visit the most famous and popular of all attractions in Crete, the Palace of Knossos. Join your expert guide on a journey back 5000 years into myths and legends and learn secrets of the oldest civilisation in Europe, the Minoans. Hear all about the legendary labyrinth and the Minotaur, the half-human monster. This day brings history and legend to life and is a must-see on any visit to Crete. Heraklion is the largest city and the administrative capital of the island of Crete, Greece. It is one of the largest cities in Greece and the capital of Heraklion regional unit. Return to your hotel in Chania. 

Overnight in Chania.

Day 5 : Departure Chania, Crete (15Km – 20Min)

Location: Chania

Meals Included: Breakfast

After one last breakfast at your hotel, bid farewell to Crete as you hop onto a comfortable transfer to Chania International Airport, where you will catch your flight to your following destination. We hope the memories of this trip will stay with you for a lifetime – have a safe journey!

What's Included

  • Tour Guide

    Operated with English-, French- or German-speaking local guide during the scheduled activities (Day 2-4). Spanish-speaking guide available upon additional supplement.

  • Accommodation

    4 nights' accommodation at Hotel Arkadi or similar 3* in Chania.

  • Meals

    4 Breakfasts.

  • Transport

    Arrival private transfer from Chania International Airport (Day 1). Private transportation during some of the scheduled activities (Day 3, 4). Departure private transfer to Chania International Airport (Day 5).

  • Entrance Fees and Activities

    All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: Chania town walking tour (Day 2); Monastery of Agia Triada, Margarites Village, Rethymnon (Day 3); Palace of Knossos, Heraklion (Day 4).

  • Other

    Meet & Greet. Headset per person during the guided activities (Day 2-4).

What's Not Included

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees are not included.

  • Flights

    Domestic and international flights are not included.

  • Drinks

    Drinks during meals (unless specified otherwise) are not included.

  • Optional Tours

    Optional tours (if any) are not included.

  • City Tax

    City tax is not included and is payable on the spot.

  • Unmentioned Visits

    Any visit not mentioned in the program is not included.

  • Porterage and Gratuities

    Porterage and gratuities are not included.

  • Personal Expenditures

    Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program are not included.

  • Camera Fees

    Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any) are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc. are not included.

Requirements

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.


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Please Note

  • We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons
  • Early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms in the hotel are subject to availability and not guaranteed
  • In many hotels in Greece, the triple rooms are double room with an additional bed or sofa bed. 
  • No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed 
  • Please note that the inbound airport-hotel transfers are included only as part of the package and if pre and post-night stay is booked as an extra. Otherwise additional transfers should be purchased separately.

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1-4 Chania:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Arkadi or similar 3*

OPTIONAL EXTRA:

Pre/post - Night in Chania:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Arkadi or similar 3*

Mode of Transport

Private transfers are provided from Chania International Airport to your hotel upon arrival and departure. Private transportation is also available during some scheduled activities on Days 3 and 4.

Accommodation

Enjoy 4 nights' accommodation at the Hotel Arkadi or a similar 3-star hotel in Chania, offering a comfortable stay with modern amenities. Optional pre/post-night stays are also available at the same hotel.

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1-4 Chania:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Arkadi or similar 3*

OPTIONAL EXTRA:

Pre/post - Night in Chania:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Arkadi or similar 3*

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of transportation is provided during the tour?

    Private transfers are provided from Chania International Airport to your hotel upon arrival and departure. Private transportation is also available during some scheduled activities on Days 3 and 4.

  • What kind of accommodation is included in the tour?

    The tour includes 4 nights' accommodation at the Hotel Arkadi or a similar 3-star hotel in Chania, offering a comfortable stay with modern amenities. Optional pre/post-night stays are also available at the same hotel.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour package includes 4 breakfasts.

  • What activities and entrance fees are included in the tour?

    All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary are included. This includes a Chania town walking tour (Day 2), visits to the Monastery of Agia Triada, Margarites Village, and Rethymnon (Day 3), and a visit to the Palace of Knossos and Heraklion (Day 4).

  • Is a tour guide provided during the tour?

    Yes, the tour is operated with an English-, French-, or German-speaking local guide during the scheduled activities (Day 2-4). A Spanish-speaking guide is available upon additional supplement.

  • Are there any additional costs not included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour package does not include visa fees, domestic and international flights, drinks during meals (unless specified otherwise), optional tours, city tax, unmentioned visits, porterage and gratuities, personal expenditures, camera fees, and travel insurance.

  • What should I wear and bring for the tour?

    Comfortable and light clothing is recommended for traveling in Greece. Visitors should avoid 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 are recommended for the Zeus Cave visit.

  • Can the itinerary or activities change during the tour?

    Yes, the itinerary and activities may change due to weather conditions, technical problems, or security reasons.

  • Is early check-in or late check-out available at the hotel?

    Early check-in, late check-out, connecting, or adjoining rooms in the hotel are subject to availability and not guaranteed.

  • What happens if I do not use some of the services included in the tour package?

    No refund is provided for unused services, and splitting of the package is not allowed.

  • What does the price include?

    What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.

  • Do you offer any travel insurance?

    We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure. 

  • Are Visa fees included in the price?

    No, visa fees are not included

  • Are flights included in the tour?

    No, they are not included

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers

  • Is there any option for solo traveller?

    Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.

  • When are there specific hotel names confirmed?

    Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client´s arrival

Reviews of this operator

Indra  

Best Tpur Operator for Greece

06-Jul-2023

The best Tour Operator. The planning and timing by the agency was great. Accommodation was also good. The package was reasonable. Thanks to Destination Services Greece

Giovanni B.  

Great

27-Jul-2022

Very committed service with proper follow-up. Service provided as per their schedule with a hassle free journey... thanks to ITS tours and travels for providing services

Duran  

Excellent company

15-Jun-2022

Based on their very positive reviews, we booked with Destination Services Greece. I found the service and response of this travel agency to be excellent. Easily 5-stars. My emails were promptly responded to, and everyone showed up when they were supposed to. ...more ...less

1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Thursday

Feb 23, 2025 - Feb 27, 2025
$2004 (USD)

Monday - Friday

Feb 24, 2025 - Feb 28, 2025
$2004 (USD)

Tuesday - Saturday

Feb 25, 2025 - Mar 01, 2025
$2004 (USD)

Wednesday - Sunday

Feb 26, 2025 - Mar 02, 2025
$2004 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Destination Services Greece requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 35 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of destination services greece charges.

    Up to 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Crete Through the Minoan, Byzantine & Venetian Ages, Private Tour

5 Days Starting and ending in Chania, Greece

Visiting: Chania, Crete

Tour code:

635259

Group Type:

Private

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

EASY

Age range:

18-99

Tour operated in:

English , French , German
From: $2004 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 13-Feb-2025 but subject to change.

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