Ruins Knossos, Crete
The Minoan Crete
Description
“In the middle of the wine-dark sea is a country called Crete, lovely and prosperous, surrounded by water, densely inhabited, and with ninety cities” says Homer about Crete. But whoever writes about Crete is often aware how impossible it is to describe this unique spot with its countless historical, cultural and natural attraction.
The distinct variety of the geophysical scenery, the mild climate, as well as the innumerable cultures influencing the island, spanning from 6.000 B.C. when the first prehistoric settlements appeared, to 1913, when Crete annexed the rest of Greece, are the decisive factors that created Crete’s image today. Spectacular, beautiful and unique, Crete dominates the southern Aegean, full of pride and enchants, all who visit, with its irresistible charm.
Itinerary
( 5 days )Your tour’s schedule in detail:
DAY 1
ARRIVAL IN HERAKLION
WELCOME on CRETE! Our assistant will meet you there and provide you all the necessary information concerning your itinerary and hotel accommodation. Heraklion is the biggest city of the island.
DAY 2
KNOSSOS / HERAKLION
Only few kilometers south of Heraklion, Knossos, the capital of King Minos and the center of the magnificent Minoan civilization is located. Then visit to the town’s famous Archeological Museum, which is situated in the center of the city. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 3
AGIOS NIKOLAOS/SPINALONGA
Driving along the North-East coast through the gorge of St George we reach the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos. Here we board a boat and Spinalonga Cruise starts. A Cruise along the Mirabelo gulf. Later we return to Agios Nikolaos where you have time to look at the shop windows and visit the bottomless lake, where the “Lotus Eaters” the well-known film was shot.
DAY 4
WINE TASTING/SCALANI VILLAGE/HERAKLION
Drive through the city to the famous wine producing area of Scalani, south of Heraklion. The drive is through breath-taking landscape of countryside and vineyards as old as Minoan times. Our stop is in a modern winery, where you will see the updated methods of wine making and sample some of the delicious Cretan wines. The drive continues through the rural village of Scalani.
Then we continue for a city tour in Heraklion, where we may wander on road, around the city to see its sightseeing, the Venetian buildings and castle, the Venetian Harbor, the impressive Cathedral, the fountains, the open street markets to sense the heart of the city. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 5
DEPARTURE
After breakfast transfer to Heraklion Port or airport for departure.
Departure / Return location
HERAKLION CRETE/HERAKLION CRETE
Departure days:
Daily except some holidays.
Included
- Accommodation at the hotel category of your choice – 4 nights including breakfast daily and all taxes except the accommodation tax,
- Private Tours as per schedule
- Private car or Mini Van or Mini Bus
- Fuel
- Official licensed guide
- Road assistance
- Private Transfers (arrival & departure)
- 24hrs Assistance phone number
- All Taxes
Not Included
- Travel Insurance
- Personal expenses
- Entrance fees to the sites visited [Knossos & Museum – currently Euro 16 per adult]
- Entrance fees for Spinalonga island [Euro 8 per person ]
- Boat to/from [Euro 15 per person]
- Wine tasting fees [Euro 7 per person]
- Accommodation tax
- Anything not clearly stated above as included
Highlights
- Heraklion Town
- Knossos
- Spinalonga Island
- Cretan wines
