Crete's Enigmatic Maze
Day 01: Upon reaching Heraklion Airport, board a designated bus to your Gouves or Chersonissos hotel for check-in. Spend the day at your leisure, discovering the charming surroundings. Dinner is provided, and your night will be in Gouves or Chersonissos.
Day 02: Indulge in a delightful morning meal before embarking on a journey to explore the captivating secrets of Greece. Visit Spinalonga, renowned as the ‘island of tears’ for its history as a leper colony. Originally a Venetian fortress, it later became a haven for Greece’s lepers. Stroll through the remains of the colony, witnessing the main street adorned with shops and houses where lepers once led ordinary lives. Return to Elounda for a Cretan lunch and enjoy free time for shopping or a swim. Your day concludes with dinner, and you’ll stay overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos.
Day 03: Indulge in a delightful breakfast before embarking on a journey to the historic Palace of Knossos. Dating back to 1900 BC, this landmark played a central role in Crete’s Minoan civilization, and legend has it as the dwelling place of the fearsome Minotaur. Explore the palace’s treasures with a knowledgeable guide, unraveling the myths and stories of its kings. Afterward, venture into lively Heraklion, where you’ll encounter the Venetian lion fountain and the transformed loggia, now serving as the Town Hall. The tour concludes at the entrance to the old harbor, allowing you to continue your exploration independently. For a deeper dive into Greek history, opt for a guided tour of the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. Your day wraps up with a comfortable transfer to your hotel in Gouves or Chersonissos, where dinner awaits. Enjoy an overnight stay in the area.
Day 04: Embark on a captivating journey through central Crete, immersing yourself in mythology, culture, and local life. Start the day with a scrumptious hotel breakfast before venturing to the Potamies Reservoir water dam and exploring the Roman aqueduct ruins. Experience a traditional coffee break in Kastamonitsa and then set off on an exhilarating off-road adventure, climbing mountains to reach the mythical cave of Zeus. Capture memorable photos of the Lassithi Plateau and enjoy a delightful BBQ lunch with unlimited wine. Explore the timeless Lassithi plateau and the village of Krassi, home to a 2,000-year-old plane tree. Conclude the day with a transfer back to your hotel in Gouves or Chersonissos. Lunch, including wine and water, is provided.
Day 05: Start your morning with a hearty hotel breakfast before embarking on a seamless journey to Heraklion airport, setting the tone for the rest of your travels.