Treasures of Crete, Private Tour

Treasures of Crete, Private Tour

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7 Days From

$2669

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Tour Overview

Discover the enchanting island of Crete on the "Treasures of Crete, Private Tour." This immersive journey takes you through the best-preserved medieval city of Rethymno, the romantic town of Chania with its stunning Venetian port, and the historically rich island of Spinalonga, once a leper colony. Explore the ancient Palace of Knossos and the vibrant town of Heraklion, where myths and history intertwine. Enjoy a thrilling Land Rover tour to the birthplace of Zeus, and savor local Cretan cuisine with included meals. With private transportation and guided tours, this cultural adventure offers a perfect blend of history, mythology, and breathtaking landscapes. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Rethymno: explore one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Greece, and search for your fairy-tale romance in Rethymno

  • Venetian fortification works mingle harmonically with orthodox and catholic churches, mosques, majestic mansions of Venetian architecture, arches and cobbled paths which create a magical atmosphere

  • Spinalonga: "The Island", one of the best seller books in 2009

  • Chania: the Town is a romantic place to stroll around, with Medieval architecture, elegant mansions and a wonderful Venetian port, the most famous spot of the town

  • Palace of Knossos: the hub of Crete’s Minoan civilisation and where the fearsome Minotaur was said to have lurked in the labyrinth

  • Land Rover tour and explore the birthplace of Zeus

  • Visit to the lively Chania market hall with local produce and the famous leather lane

  • Guided tour in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrival Crete (22Km – 30 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: Day At Leisure

Location: Heraklion

Accommodation Name: Hotel Olympic Heraklion or Hotel Olive Green Heraklion

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Begin your day with a delectable breakfast at the hotel. Then, relax on the beach or enjoy the day exploring the island on your own. Dinner is included.

Overnight in Heraklion.

Day 3 : Crete: Boat Trip To The Island Of Spinalonga (130Km – 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 4 : Crete: Palace Of Knossos And Heraklion Town (42Km – 7/8Hrs)

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 5 : Crete: West Crete, Rethymnon And Chania (326Km – 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 6 : Crete: Land Rover Tour And Explore The Birthplace Of Zeus (120Km – 7/8Hrs)

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 : Departure Crete (16/22Km – 20/30Min)

Location: Heraklion

Meals Included: Breakfast

Begin your day with a rich breakfast at the hotel. Then, enjoy a transfer to Heraklion airport and continue with your travel arrangements.

What's Included

  • Tour Guide

    Operated with English, German, or French-speaking local guide (Day 3-5) on a private basis.

  • Accommodation

    6 nights' accommodation in Heraklion.

  • Meals

    6 Breakfasts, 6 Dinners, and 2 Lunches (non-exclusivity at local taverns).

  • Transport

    Air-conditioned private transportation throughout the tour (Day 3-6) and 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 3); the Archaeological site of Knossos and Heraklion Museum (Day 4); Rethymnon and Chania (Day 5); Land Rover tour and the birthplace of Zeus (Day 6).

  • Other

    Meet & Greet service.

What's Not Included

  • Zeus' Cave Entrance Fee

    The entrance fee to Zeus' cave is not included.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees are not included.

  • Domestic Flights

    Domestic flights are not included.

  • International Flights

    International flights are not included.

  • Drinks During Meals

    Drinks during meals are not included unless specified otherwise.

  • Optional Tours

    Optional tours (if any) are not included.

  • 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.

  • Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Drinks

    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.

  • 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.

  • Additional Transfers

    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, 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

  • 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 1-5 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, including inbound and outbound transfers from Heraklion Airport.

Accommodation

Enjoy 6 nights' accommodation in Heraklion with options ranging from the 3-star Hotel Olympic Heraklion to the 4-star Hotel Olive Green Heraklion, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1-5 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

  • What languages are the local guides available in?

    The local guides are available in English, German, or French.

  • What meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes 6 breakfasts, 6 dinners, and 2 lunches at local taverns.

  • What type of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides air-conditioned private transportation throughout the tour (Day 3-6) and inbound/outbound air-conditioned private transfers from/to Heraklion Airport.

  • Are entrance fees included in the tour package?

    Yes, all entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary are included, such as the Spinalonga island tour, Elounda Port boat trip, the Archaeological site of Knossos, Heraklion Museum, Rethymnon, Chania, and the Land Rover tour to the birthplace of Zeus.

  • Is there a guide for the entire duration of the tour?

    A local guide is provided on a private basis from Day 3 to Day 5.

  • What is the accommodation like during the tour?

    The tour includes 6 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*).

  • Are there any optional extras available?

    Yes, you can opt for a pre/post-stay in Heraklion on a half-board basis, with accommodation options similar to those provided during the tour.

  • What should I wear when visiting temples or religious buildings?

    Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious, or official buildings.

  • What should I bring for the visit to Zeus Cave?

    Walking shoes are recommended for the visit to Zeus Cave.

  • Are there any exclusions in the tour package?

    Yes, exclusions include Zeus' cave entrance fee, visa fees, domestic and international flights, drinks during meals (unless specified otherwise), optional tours, any visit not mentioned in the program, porterage and gratuities, personal expenditures, travel insurance, and overnight city tax for hotel overnights.

  • 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

Tuesday - Monday

Feb 25, 2025 - Mar 03, 2025
$2669 (USD)

Wednesday - Tuesday

Feb 26, 2025 - Mar 04, 2025
$2669 (USD)

Thursday - Wednesday

Feb 27, 2025 - Mar 05, 2025
$2669 (USD)

Friday - Thursday

Feb 28, 2025 - Mar 06, 2025
$2669 (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.

Treasures of Crete, Private Tour

7 Days Starting and ending in Heraklion, Greece

Visiting: Heraklion, Crete

Tour code:

441209

Group Type:

Private

Guide Type:

Partially Guided

Physical rating:

EASY

Age range:

18-99

Tour operated in:

English , French , German
From: $2669 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 17-Feb-2025 but subject to change.

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