Crete Beach & Culture – Minoas

Arrival at port/airport and transfer to the hotel were you will be greeted with a shot of our traditionial ''raki''. (it is best to try and arrive early in the morning so you have the chance to enjoy the day). Free time to explore the town of Heraklion with its historical center, the market, the archaeological museum and the local gastronomy. Our English and Spanish-speaking staff will assist you with proposals concerning your visit.

We will pick you up from you hotel, at the indicated time to take you to get to know the Knossos palace.Knossos was the most important city of Crete during the Minoan civilization which is considered the oldest civilization in Europe. Therefore, the palace of Knossos forms the oldest palatial complex in Europe.The Minoan civilization reached its peak in the second millennium BC. During the visit you will see the ruins of the impressive palace that was one of the most important administrative and religious centres in the region. Part of the palace has been restored to allow a better visualization of how the architectural complex was and to understand the complexity of the labyrinth where, according to the legend, the famous Minotaur lived. Accompanied by Maria, our professional guide, you will visit the apartments of the king, the queen and the members of the royal court and also the halls of major events, the theatre area and the laboratories.

We shall then continue our tour to see the town of Rethymno. In this beautiful Cretan town we can discover remains of the Venetian and Turkish past and enjoy its picturesque harbour and the wonderful views from the coast. We will enjoy a guided tour by the narrow and picturesque paved streets that will travel us back in time, as if time and history had stopped. You will have free time to have lunch and to get lost in the old town to discover the Cretan essence and spirit. In the afternoon we shall head towards the town of Chania were you will have free time to get to know this beautiful town. Our English and Spanish-speaking staff will assist you with ideas for things you can do on your visit like visiting the Old Town and the Venetian port, the market and the local gastronomy.

We will be picking you up from the indicated place at the indicated time, to take you to enjoy the spectacular beach of Elafonisi.

We will start our journey by going through gorges with views of steep summits while we will be heading to the south western region of the island. There we will find the idyllic beaches of pink sand and transparent waters with the most famous being the incredible Elafonisi beach. Free time to swim and enjoy one of the best beaches in Greece (sunbeds and umbrella service included). In front of the beach there is a little island that is called the 'Island of Deer' that you can swim or walk to, since the water is not deep. The beach has canteens with fast food and refreshments. If you want to visit a less crowded beach you can follow the E4 path that goes parallel to the coast to get to Kedrodasos beach. (an easy 30 minute trail). Our next stop, will be a taverna with panoramic views for lunch or a Greek coffee.

On our way back we shall visit the convent of Chrisoskalitissa found on top of a rock. It is a monastery with a great cultural and historical past and the seaviews from above are definitely worth it. In the afternoon we will return to Chania.

Optional service (included) In the evening we also include a walking city tour through the most charming areas of Chania town.

Transfer to port/airport of Chania.