Discovering Crete, Self-drive
Discovering Crete, Self-drive
$601
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating self-drive adventure through Crete with our "Discovering Crete, Self-drive" tour. This 7-day journey offers the freedom to explore the island's rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes at your own pace. Begin in Heraklion, home to the renowned Heraklion Archaeological Museum and the ancient Palace of Knossos. Wander through the medieval streets of Rethymnon and Chania, each boasting unique architectural marvels and charming harbors. Discover the coastal town of Agios Nikolaos, explore the picturesque village of Elounda, and take a boat trip to the historic island of Spinalonga. Enjoy comfortable stays in 3-star hotels and the convenience of a fully insured rental car with unlimited mileage. This tour promises an unforgettable blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival Crete / Car-Pick Up – Heraklion (3Km – 15Min)
Location: Heraklion
Accommodation Name: Hotel Olympic or similar 3*
Upon arrival at Heraklion International Airport, make your way to the car rental office and pick-up your vehicle. Drive to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Heraklion.
Day 2 : Heraklion
Location: Heraklion
Accommodation Name: Hotel Olympic or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a mouth-watering breakfast at the hotel. Start the morning with a walk through the capital of Crete, Heraklion. Visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum which is one of the largest and most important museums in Greece, and among the most important museums in Europe. Continue by car to the most famous and popular of all attractions in Crete, the Palace of Knossos. A journey back 5000 years into myths and legends and learn secrets of the oldest civilisation in Europe, the Minoans.
Overnight in Heraklion.
Day 3 : Heraklion – Chania (141Km – 2Hrs)
Location: Chania
Accommodation Name: Hotel Arkadi or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
After recharging your energies with breakfast at the hotel, drive to Chania town. Chania is a great town for just walking around. It has a gorgeous harbour front. Try starting in the harbour’s eastern edge in the marina, where the Venetian boatyards are and maybe have your eye on a dockside tavern for later. If you are up to it you can walk out to the Egyptian lighthouse from here but definitely do this before dark because it can be a little bumpy. From the lighthouse, you have a great view of the main harbour.
Overnight in Chania.
Day 4 : Chania – Elafonissi – Chania (165Km – 4Hrs)
Location: Chania
Accommodation Name: Hotel Arkadi or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start early in the morning with your car towards the south-west to Elafonissi. Elafonissi ( some people also call it Elafonissos or Elafonissi ) is something like an island and a peninsula because to reach the island you have to walk through the sea. What characterizes the area of Elafonissos and makes it such an exotic place, are the little sand islets formed, the shallow turquoise waters of the sea, which at a point looks like a lagoon, and certainly the fine white sand, pinkish at several spots because of the crushed shell powder.
Overnight in Chania.
Day 5 : Chania – Rethymnon (65Km – 1Hr)
Location: Rethymnon
Accommodation Name: Hotel Olympic Palladium or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Indulge in a tasty breakfast at the hotel before check-out. Drive to Rethymnon and after settle in your room, discover the beautiful old town and harbour and explore the winding back streets. This will be a day full of discovery, beautiful scenery, and interesting history.
Overnight in Rethymnon.
Day 6 : Rethymnon – Agios Nikolaos – Elounda – Spinalonga – Agios Nikolaos (160Km – 2.5Hrs)
Location: Agios Nikolaos
Accommodation Name: Hotel Apollon or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Have breakfast at the hotel and check-out before driving to your next destination: Agios Nikolaos. Located just a 10-minute drive down the coast from Agios Nikolaos, Voulisma Beach is a spectacular, shallow beach with clear turquoise water. It is considered one of Crete's best beaches for its curving ribbon of soft sand backed by cliff walls. One of the best places for shopping is 28is Oktovriou, a pedestrian street just back from the port and the lake, where you can find a wide range of stores that cater to tourists. Other stores line the waterfront of the port area. Continue by car to the small fishing village Elounda where you can take a small boat to the island Spinalonga, which is one of the better- known features in Crete and the location of the top-selling novel “The Island” (author Victoria Hislop). It was a former leaper colony (until 1957) and Venetian fortress and has centuries of history.
Overnight in Agios Nikolaos.
Day 7 : Agios Nikolaos – Sitia – Agios Nikolaos (190Km – 4Hrs)
Location: Agios Nikolaos
Accommodation Name: Hotel Apollon or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sitia is a small and pleasant coastal town, built in a semicircle on the western side of the Bay of Sitia, a typical, peaceful Mediterranean port. Close to Sitia is the Monastery of Toplou – It is a historical monastery of the 15th century, which collapsed in the earthquake of 1612 and was rebuilt with the financial aid of the Venetians. During the Ottoman conquest of Crete, the monastery was destroyed and devastated by the Turks. Continue east for Vai is famous for its palm forest located right on the beach. It is the largest palm forest in Crete and these palms are endemic Cretan palms (Phoenix theophrasti).
Overnight in Agios Nikolaos.
Day 8 : Agios Nikolaos – Car Drop-Off/ Departure Crete (60Km – 1Hr)
Location: Heraklion
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up to one last breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Heraklion International airport and return your car hire and enjoy your flight home!
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights' hotel accommodation in standard hotel categories.
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Meals
7 breakfasts included.
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Car Hire
7-day car hire with pick-up and drop-off at Crete International Airport, unlimited mileage, and a full insurance package with zero excess and VAT (CDW, theft protection, third party insurance, and fire protection).
What's Not Included
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Tour Guide
Tour guide services are not included.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to attractions are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees are not included.
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Flights
Domestic and international flights are not included.
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Drinks During Meals
Drinks during meals are not included unless specified otherwise.
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Optional Tours
Optional tours, if any, are not included.
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Overnight City Tax
Overnight city tax for hotel stays effective from January 1st, 2018, must be paid on the spot at the hotels.
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Unmentioned Visits
Any visits not mentioned in the program are not included.
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Porterage and Gratuities
Porterage and gratuities are not included.
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Personal Expenditures
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks, meals, or items not explicitly stated in the program are not included.
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Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, and camera/video camera fees (if any) are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc., is not included.
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Car Hire Exclusions & Restrictions
The insurance does not cover all damages caused to the vehicle while using it on a non-asphaltic road or when violating traffic laws. Insurance for glass coverage, tires, and the under part of the car must be paid on the spot. Drivers must be between 21-68 years old and have a valid driving license for at least 12 months prior to rental. Deliveries and collections between 21:00-23:30hrs and 23:30-07:00 hrs will be charged extra. One-way rentals and deliveries/collections to hotels will be charged extra depending on the location. ...more ...less
Requirements
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Crete. 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.
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Please Note
- Please note that this tour is a suggested itinerary. While the sites listed may be visited independently, the package does not cover any applicable entrance or tour fees
- Please consider that the driving times and distances are estimated and that they can vary because of many circumstances, such as the specific route is taken, hotel location, traffic, weather, road conditions, etc.
- 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
- No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1-2 Heraklion
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Olympic or similar 3*
Day 3-4 Chania
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Arkadi or similar 3*
Day 5 Rethymnon
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Olympic Palladium or similar 3*
Day 6-7 Agios Nikolaos
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Apollon or similar 3*
CAR HIRE OPTIONS
- Car Group A = Nissan Pixo A/C or similar
- Car Group B = Fiat Panda or similar
- Car Group C = Skoda Fabia or similar
Mode of Transport
This self-drive tour includes a 7-day car hire with options like Nissan Pixo A/C, Fiat Panda, or Skoda Fabia. Pick-up and drop-off are at Crete International Airport, with unlimited mileage and a full insurance package.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights of comfortable hotel accommodation in Crete, staying at 3-star hotels such as Hotel Olympic in Heraklion, Hotel Arkadi in Chania, Hotel Olympic Palladium in Rethymnon, and Hotel Apollon in Agios Nikolaos.
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1-2 Heraklion
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Olympic or similar 3*
Day 3-4 Chania
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Arkadi or similar 3*
Day 5 Rethymnon
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Olympic Palladium or similar 3*
Day 6-7 Agios Nikolaos
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Apollon or similar 3*
CAR HIRE OPTIONS
- Car Group A = Nissan Pixo A/C or similar
- Car Group B = Fiat Panda or similar
- Car Group C = Skoda Fabia or similar
Check out our Q&As
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What type of car is included in the self-drive tour?
The self-drive tour includes a 7-day car hire with options like Nissan Pixo A/C, Fiat Panda, or Skoda Fabia. Pick-up and drop-off are at Crete International Airport, with unlimited mileage and a full insurance package.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights of comfortable hotel accommodation in Crete, staying at 3-star hotels such as Hotel Olympic in Heraklion, Hotel Arkadi in Chania, Hotel Olympic Palladium in Rethymnon, and Hotel Apollon in Agios Nikolaos.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, 7 breakfasts are included in the tour package.
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Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour?
No, entrance fees to attractions are not included in the tour package.
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Is a tour guide provided during the tour?
No, tour guide services are not included in the tour package.
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What are the insurance details for the car hire?
The car hire includes a full insurance package with zero excess and VAT, covering CDW, theft protection, third party insurance, and fire protection. However, the insurance does not cover all damages caused to the vehicle while using it on a non-asphaltic road or when violating traffic laws. Insurance for glass coverage, tires, and the under part of the car must be paid on the spot.
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What are the age and license requirements for the car hire?
Drivers must be between 21-68 years old and have a valid driving license for at least 12 months prior to rental.
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Are there any additional charges for car hire services?
Yes, deliveries and collections between 21:00-23:30hrs and 23:30-07:00 hrs will be charged extra. One-way rentals and deliveries/collections to hotels will also be charged extra depending on the location.
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What should I wear when visiting temples or religious buildings in Crete?
Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious, or official buildings.
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What items are recommended to bring for the tour?
It is recommended to bring comfortable and light clothing, sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
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Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
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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.
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When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client´s arrival
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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.
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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.
Discovering Crete, Self-drive
8 Days Starting and ending in Heraklion, Greece
Visiting: Heraklion, Chania, Rethymnon, Agios Nikolaos
Tour operator:
Tour code:
613272
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Age range:
21-68