Exploring Crete, Private Tour
Exploring Crete, Private Tour
$3278
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Exploring Crete, Private Tour," a cultural adventure through Greece's largest island. This tour offers a deep dive into Crete's rich history and stunning landscapes, starting with a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, one of Europe's most significant museums. Explore the Cave of Zeus on Mount Ida, marvel at the blend of modern and ancient charm in Rethymnon, and enjoy a boat trip to the historic island of Spinalonga. With guided tours, private transportation, and accommodations in Heraklion, this tour promises a comprehensive and immersive experience of Crete's treasures. Enjoy local cuisine with included meals and optional wine tastings, making this a perfect blend of culture, history, and relaxation. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival Crete (6Km – 15 Min)
Location: Heraklion
Accommodation Name: Hotel Olympic Heraklion or Hotel Olive Green Heraklion
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrive at the airport, where our representative will meet and greet you. Then transfer from Heraklion airport 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 (148Km – 8Hrs)
Location: Crete
Accommodation Name: Hotel Olympic Heraklion or Hotel Olive Green Heraklion
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 And Heraklion Town (13Km – 6Hrs)
Location: Heraklion
Accommodation Name: Hotel Olympic Heraklion or Hotel Olive Green Heraklion
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After the rich breakfast served at the hotel, you will be picked up 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, time is your own to explore. Take advantage also of the guided tour in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. Dinner is included.
Overnight in Heraklion.
Day 4 : Crete: West Crete, Rethymnon & Chania (286Km – 10/11Hrs)
Location: Crete
Accommodation Name: Hotel Olympic Heraklion or Hotel Olive Green Heraklion
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a mouthwatering breakfast before your morning picks up. Today we´ll visit two of Crete’s cities, Chania (also known as Little Venice) and Rethymnon with its fascinating mix of Italian and Turkish influences both with picturesque harbour fronts. Your guide will take you on a tour of the old quarter, its quaint little neighbourhoods and backstreets that have been restored beautifully. Afterwards, make a visit to the lively Chania market hall with local produce and the famous leather lane before ending up at the breathtakingly beautiful Venetian port of Chania. Equally beautifully is the old town and harbour of Rethymnon, the second stop. You have free time in both to explore the winding back streets. A day full of discovery, beautiful scenery and history. Dinner is included.
Overnight in Heraklion.
Day 5 : Crete: Day Free At Leisure
Location: Crete
Accommodation Name: Hotel Olympic Heraklion or Hotel Olive Green Heraklion
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Begin your day with a delightful breakfast. Then, relax on the beach or enjoy the day exploring the island on your own. Dinner is included.
Overnight in Heraklion
Day 6 : Crete: Land Rover Tour And The Birthplace Of Zeus (120Km – 7/8 Hrs)
Location: Crete
Accommodation Name: Hotel Olympic Heraklion or Hotel Olive Green Heraklion
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 7 : Crete: Archanes Village & Wine Tasting In Kounavoi Village (40 Km - 4/5 Hrs)
Location: Crete
Accommodation Name: Hotel Olympic Heraklion or Hotel Olive Green Heraklion
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin your day with a delectable breakfast at the hotel. Then drive to the village of Archanes, built in a small, closed, Mediterranean valley at an altitude of 380 meters. West of the settlement is the landmark of Archanes, the anthropomorphous mount Gioychta that overshadows the settlement. Ancient fables have linked the mount with stories and legends of gods, and heroes. The settlement of Archanes is more than 4000 years old, and it harmoniously combines historical memories with the liveliness of modern life. Between the modern houses were found the relics of the Minoan rural palace in the place called “Toyrkogeitonia” and the modern houses have been built on ancient or later foundations. Archanes has been characterized as a traditional settlement and is of particular architectural and urban interest. Afterwards, visit of Titakis Fabrica wines! With a history and tradition in wine production dating back to the late 1950s, the Titakis family of winemakers. The specialized know-how accumulated over the years, the combination of native and selected international varieties and the inspired effort to create quality wine bring Titakis Winery to its new era which coincides with what can be called a Renaissance of Cretan wines.
Overnight in Heraklion.
Day 8 : Departure Crete (6Km - 15Min)
Location: Heraklion
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a tasty breakfast, enjoy a transfer from your hotel to the airport and continue with your travel arrangements.
What's Included
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Tour Guide
Operated with English, German or French-speaking local guide (Day 2-4) on a private basis. English, German or French-speaking private escort on day 7.
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Accommodation
7 nights' accommodation in Heraklion. Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Olympic Heraklion or similar 3*. Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Olive Green Heraklion or similar 4*.
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Meals
7 Breakfasts, 7 Dinners, and 2 lunches (non-exclusivity at local taverns).
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Transport
Air-conditioned private transportation throughout the tour (Day 2-7). Inbound/Outbound air-conditioned private transfers from/to Heraklion International Airport.
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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); Rethymnon and Chania (Day 4); Land Rover tour and the birthplace of Zeus (Day 6); village of Archanes visit and Wine experience of 5 different wines & food pairing in Kounavoi (Day 7). ...more ...less
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Other
Meet & Greet.
What's Not Included
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Zeus' Cave Entrance Fee
Zeus' cave entrance fee is not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees are not included.
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Domestic Flights
Domestic flights are not included.
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International Flights
International flights are not included.
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Drinks During Meals
Drinks during meals (unless specified otherwise) are not included.
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Optional Tours
Optional tours (if any) are not included.
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Unmentioned Visits
Any visit not mentioned in the program is 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 and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program are not included.
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Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (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. are not included.
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Overnight City Tax
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.
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Additional Transfers
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.
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, sun glasses, 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
- Day 6: Long walks and climbs require appropriate shoes
- Private group transfers require all participants to arrive and depart with the same flight/time or same boat/time
- 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
- In many hotels in Greece, the triple rooms are a double room with an additional bed or sofa bed. Their comfort conditions are lower than the international standards of the triple room
- 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 1-7 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*
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with air-conditioned private transportation throughout the tour (Day 2-7), including inbound and outbound transfers from/to Heraklion International Airport.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights' accommodation in Heraklion, with options ranging from the 3-star Hotel Olympic Heraklion to the 4-star Hotel Olive Green Heraklion. Both standard and superior categories are available, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
- Day 1-7 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*
Check out our Q&As
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What languages are the tour guides available in?
The tour guides are available in English, German, or French.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes 7 breakfasts, 7 dinners, and 2 lunches at local taverns.
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What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides air-conditioned private transportation throughout the tour (Day 2-7) and air-conditioned private transfers from/to Heraklion International Airport.
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Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour package?
Yes, all entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary are included, such as the Spinalonga island tour, the Archaeological site of Knossos, Heraklion Museum, Rethymnon and Chania, Land Rover tour, and the birthplace of Zeus, as well as the village of Archanes visit and wine experience in Kounavoi. ...more ...less
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Is the entrance fee to the Cave of Zeus included?
No, the entrance fee to the Cave of Zeus is not included.
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights' accommodation in Heraklion. You can choose between a Standard Hotel Category (Hotel Olympic Heraklion or similar 3*) and a Superior Hotel Category (Hotel Olive Green Heraklion or similar 4*).
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Is there an option for a pre or post-stay in Heraklion?
Yes, there is an optional extra for a pre or post-stay in Heraklion on a half-board basis. You can choose between a Standard Hotel Category (Hotel Olympic Heraklion or similar 3*) and a Superior Hotel Category (Hotel Olive Green Heraklion or similar 4*).
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What should I wear when visiting temples or religious buildings in Greece?
Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious, or official buildings.
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What should I bring for the visit to Zeus Cave?
Walking shoes are recommended for the visit to Zeus Cave.
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Are there any specific requirements for the Land Rover tour on Day 6?
Yes, long walks and climbs require appropriate shoes for the Land Rover tour on Day 6.
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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.
Exploring Crete, Private Tour
8 Days Starting and ending in Heraklion, Greece
Visiting: Heraklion, Crete
Tour operator:
Tour code:
440549
Group Type:
Private
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat