ARKADI MONASTERY, RETHYMNON & CHANIA

Participants of this excursion will get to know the island from its west side. Our program is consisting of a visit of the cities of Rethymno and Chania, both famous for their Venetian and Turkish influences and the Famous Arkadi monastery.

During this tour and after driving along the north co
ast National Road of the island we visit the famous Monastery of Arkadi, where a Cretan Rebellion against the Turks finished with the burning of the monastery back in the 19th century.

In Rethymno you will see the Great Gate, one of the old gates left over from the Venetian fortifications. The Loggia which was a social club where the lords and noblemen used to meet and relax. The Fortezza, built from the Venetians in 1574 a historical monument which offers you a magnificent view of the city.

Our next stop will be at Chania where you can walk at one of the most beautiful harbors in Europe. The old city is full of Venetians influences. You will enjoy walking around the narrow streets, which are full of bazaars.

KNOSSOS PALACE – VILLAGE OF ARCHANES

This tour can as well be done in a half day without the lunch and the visit of Archanes

09h00: Departure from the hotel by luxurious bus escorted by a professional guide.
This guided tour will take you through the fantastic ruins of the ancient palace complex, which served as the administrative and religious centers of the whole region. It has been restored by Sir Arthur Evans and these restorations, though criticized by some for their modernity, help the visitors to both visualize the palace as it was and understand its labyrinth complexity. The living quarters of the king and queen and members of the royal court, rooms for state occasions, theater area, store rooms and pottery workshops are all within the palace complex.

Your excursion will then continue by the tour of Heraklion town

13h30: Lunch in a local tavern

15h00: Visit of the picturesque village of Archanes, and its museum

Return at the hotel at the end of the afternoon.

This tour can as well be done in a half day without the lunch and the visit of Archanes

PHAISTOS, GORTYNE & MATALA

This excursion is a combination of countryside and the history of Crete.

08h30: Departure from the hotel by luxurious bus escorted by a professional guide.

This excursion is a combination of countryside and the history of Crete. A beautiful tour through impressive landscapes (rich cultivation of grapes, thousands of olive trees) to the plain of Messara.

A visit to the Minoan palace of Phaestos, which is 63 kms southwest of Heraklion town, which was the second most important palace of Minos.

The architectural layout is identical to that of Knossos and the rooms are arranged around a court. Here the famous Phaestos disc was found. The disc itself represents one of the world’s mysteries since the clay it is made of, cannot be found in Crete and the language which is impressed on both sides in a circular manner, is still unknown.

Then we visit the ancient Greek – Roman town of Gortys, which is 46 kms south of Heraklion town. A city that flourished particularly during the Roman era, it was the capital of the Roman province of Crete and Cyrenaica. The most distinctive monuments are the Praetorium, the Nympheon the temple of Pythian Apollo, the Egyptian divinities and the Odeon.

Time for optional lunch and swimming in the magnificent bay of Matala, known for its remarkable beaches.

Lunch in a local tavern and free time to visit the village or to swim.

Return at the hotel around 18h00.

AGHIOS NIKOLAOS, ELOUNDA & THE ISLAND OF SPINALONGA

We visit the picturesque fishing village of Elounda,

Departure from the hotel, driving along the north coast of Crete for approximately one and a half hour. We visit the picturesque fishing village of Elounda, the shops and cafes, and enjoy the spectacular scenery of the east coast.

In Elounda we get on board a “caique” to sail to historical island of Spinalonga, a former leper colony for more than half a century. Their houses, their “coffee shop” and churches are more or less well preserved. Proof of the Venetian occupation on the island is the fortress surrounding the abandoned village.

We continue our boat trip to the island of Kolokytha where, besides swimming in the crystal-blue water of the Gulf of Mirabello, you can enjoy a barbeque with free wine.

Then we are heading to the nearby town of Aghios Nikolaos one of the liveliest resorts, with its picturesque port and the legendary bottomless lake, for a coffee break.

Next stop is at the beautiful traditional village of Kritsa, where we can step back in time and sample the village life that has remained unchanged for many centuries. Here visitors have the perfect opportunity to discover a true Cretan village- small white houses and quaint narrow streets, friendly locals and small welcoming cafes. In Kritsa visitors can sample the Greek specialty of yogurt and honey.

MALLIA, KRITSA, LASSITHI

The Lassithi Plateau stands 22 km east of Heraklion the road passes through the wooded villages of the plateau

The Lassithi Plateau stands 22 km east of Heraklion the road passes through the wooded villages of the plateau ( alt.900 m. ,area about 25.000 sq.m.) punctuated by some 7.000 colourful windmills that water the market gardens and apple and pear orchards in this lush region. We continue to the Dikteon Andron Cave.

The legendary birthplace of Zeus,this cave can be reached by going to the outskirts of the village of Psihro ( 48 km.east of Heraklion and 52 km. west of Ag.Nikolaos),where there is a path ascending to it. Significant archaeological finds indicate that the cave was long a place of cult worship. One can go from the village to the cave on foot or by mule or donkey, which can be rented by the locals. The descent into the fascinating cave demands some caution. Stalactites of various shapes adorn the lower cave.

Then we are heading to the nearby town of Agios Nikolaos one of the liveliest resorts, with its picturesque port and the legendary bottomless lake, for a coffee break.

Next stop is at the beautiful traditional village of Kritza, where we can step back in time and sample the village life that has remained unchanged for many centuries. Here visitors have the perfect opportunity to discover a true Cretan village - small white houses and quaint narrow streets, friendly locals and small welcoming cafes. In Kritza visitors can sample the Greek specialty of yoghurt and honey, characteristic bell tower bears relief crowns and crosses. It also contains an inscription from the 2nd century B.C and a famous 18th century icon by Ioannis Kornaros.

SAMARIA GORGE

You can choose: LAZY WAY or �LONG� TOUR:

Departing from the hotel early in the morning, we drive along the north coast of Crete.

Passing through the nice town of Rethymnon we are now taking the road to the inner part of the island and the countryside.

We arrive after driving through the vineyards and the olive trees to the small traditional village of Chora Sfakion.

At that point we take the small boat to Aghia Roumeli and there we have the chance to visit the gorge of Samaria going in from the entrance of the south coast.

LAZY WAY:
07h00 departure from the hotel
10h30 boat from Chora Skafion for to Aghia Roumeli
12h00 Arrival in Aghia Roumeli – trekking of 8 km until the most narrow point of the gorge.
14h00-15h00 Lunch
15h00 Departure by boat for Chora Skafion and after by bus for the hotel.
19h30 Arrival to the hotel

‘LONG’ TOUR:
06h00 Departure from the hotel
09h00 Arrival to Omalos + 15 min. Break
09h30 Beginning of the gorge descent
15h00 End of trekking at the other side at Aghia Roumali – Lunch
18h00 Boat from Aghia Roumeli to Chora Sfakion.

CRETAN NIGHT

A spectacle in 2 parts

19h00 : Departure from the hotel.

This evening takes place in a tavern of a little village in the middle of an olive tree forest. The menu comprises of special Cretan dishes and as much as local white and red whine, as you can drink.

A spectacle in 2 parts. The first will take you on a travel through time and the island’s traditions.
In the second part the dancers will lead you on to dance and to discover why the bouzouki is called the instrument that makes your feet move.

Return to the hotel at 23h00

CRUISE TO THE ISLAND OF SANTORINI; Full day

Santorini, the most famous of the Cycladic Islands, one of the most spectacular sites you will ever see ....

Transfer early in the morning to the portof Heraklion or Rethymnon and embarkation ... on your cruise ship – capacity 550 persons.

08h30 : Depart towards the volcanic island of Santorini.

Santorini, the most famous of the Cycladic Islands differentiates itself from the rest by its geological formation since it is the caldera of a long extinguised volcano. Its west side with the deep volcanic cliffs and the white houses going over the clif is one of the most spectacular sites you will ever see ....

11h15: Arrival in the port of Athinios, depart by bus for an island tour.
12h00-14h30 Visit of the colorfull village of Oia and free time.
15h00 Arrival in Fira, the capital of the island, visit and free time for shopping.
17h00 Transfer to the port for departure.
18h00 Departure for the journey back to Crete
20h30 Arrival in the port of Heraklion and transfer to your hotel.

DISCOVERING THE CRETAN TRADITIONS

En route to the village of Peza, situated 17 km south of the city of Heraklion

09h00 : Departure from the hotel accompanied by your guide.

En route to the village of Peza, situated 17 km south of the city of Heraklion. During the trip the group can admire the beautiful scenery of Crete as well as the splendid fields of olive trees.

Arrival in Reza and visit of the Union of PEZA (cooperative of olive oil and wine production).The visit takes place in the exposition center of the cooperative. This visit will give you a unique insiders perspective on all aspects of the production of olive oil.

This cooperative consists of 4500 farmers totaling 1100000 olive trees produce 5000 tons of extra virgin olive oil.
The union of Peza posses:
• 4 factories that produce Olive Oil
• 1 factory producing soap from olive oil.
• Many tanks and distilling installations
• 1 bottling factory.

The quality of the Cretan olive oil is globally acknowledged since it is a product non industrialized but still naturally made, resulting in one of the worlds best tasting and healthier olive oil.

The clients will be able to taste 3 different wines accompanied by a meze and several different kinds of olives.

Then on for lunch in a local taverna, savoring the delicate, refreshing tastes that the menu, composed of typical Cretan plates has to offer. This is a great opportunity to discover the world famous secrets of the notorious Cretan diet.

Then on towards the village of Thrapsano where you will have the unique opportunity to discover the secrets of Cretan pottery making, traditional in the island since the Minoan era.

You will be able to visit the workshop and be shown the construction process of the pottery utilized there and if you are interested even take a course in making them yourself.

Return to the hotel.

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