Crete, an Island Getaway on the Mediterranean Sea

Kalimera and welcome to Crete! Please be prepared to meet in the lobby at 6:00 P.M. for a welcome meeting and then depart for your welcome dinner. The dinner reservation time will be finalized closer to your trip date. If you plan on arriving today, we recommend flying into HER.

After breakfast, you'll begin your day visiting the Palace of Knossos archeological site and the birthplace of the Minotaur legend. You will then be transferred to the famous Heraklion Archeological Museum. Afterwards, say goodbye to Heraklion and transfer to Rethymno. In the afternoon, you'll have plenty of time for lunch, to relax by the beach, or to explore! Please wear comfortable walking shoes for your morning exploration. In the afternoon, you should pack a swimsuit, sandals, hat and sunglasses if you plan on hitting the beach.

• Palace of Knossos Site Visit

  Depart your hotel and transfer 15 minutes for your archeological tour. Perhaps one of the most famous stories from Crete, visit the site and see where Knossos stood 3,000 years ago. Admission into the site is included. The vast labyrinth stretched beneath your feet, hiding the terrible Minotaur and all who challenged the king. This tour includes walking on uneven and unpaved ground for roughly half a mile. After time with your guide, you will be able to explore on your own.

  09:00· 90 min· Heraklion
• Heraklion Archeological Museum Visit

  Continue your day with a visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Admission into the museum is included. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is one of the oldest and most remarkable museums in Greece. It prides itself for its unique Minoan collection, which includes the masterpieces of Minoan art. You will have 1 hour 30 minutes to explore the museum at your own pace.

  11:00· 90 min· Heraklion
• Transfer · Heraklion → Rethymno

  Take a private transfer to Rethymno. Stops for the restroom and snacks will be made along the way as needed.

  private · 90 min

Today you'll traverse the island of Crete from north to south as you split up into a Jeep Caravan, off roading and exploring the diverse palm forests, gorges, and beaches of Crete. When you reach the southernmost point of the island you'll reach Preveli Beach. For the jeep tour, you should wear comfortable clothing. Pack your bathing suit if you want to take a swim before heading back to Rethymno. After arriving back into town, you will have the remainder of the day at your leisure.

• Rethymno Jeep Safari

  After breakfast, meet your private drivers and Jeeps at the hotel for a half day of exploring Crete! There will be 4-6 people per vehicle. Rumble along remote roads in the gorgeous Rethymno region, passing landmarks like Prasses Gorge and Potamon Dam and stopping to swim in the Mediterranean Sea. The route is approximately 60 miles.

  09:00· 360 min· Rethymno
• Preveli Beach Visit and Swim

  A picturesque palm beach, stop for a visit and go for a swim! You will have 1 hour to relax and explore before heading back for the remainder of the day. Please do not forget to pack a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and water.

  · 60 min· Crete

The morning is yours to relax by the beach, or explore the old town of Rethymno on foot. The old quarter of the town has many Venetian palazzos, Turkish houses with wooden balconies, and the Venetian citadel with a mosque spanned by a massive dome. Later on you'll transfer to Chania, another quintessential Greek isle beachside town. Along the way you'll stop at Lake Kournas, and have lunch at a local taverna. After arriving in Chania, you will have the remainder of the day at your leisure. Today you'll want to wear or bring your bathing suit, sunscreen, water, a hat, and a towel.

• Lake Kournas Visit

  Depart from your hotel in Rethymno and transfer 40 minutes to the tranquil Lake Kournas, Crete’s only freshwater lake. Spend time taking in the stunning natural scenery, enjoy a refreshing swim, or relax with a coffee at a lakeside café. Later, sit down to a delicious lunch at a traditional taverna before continuing on to Chania, where you’ll check in to your hotel and unwind for the evening.

  10:30· 135 min· Crete
• Transfer · Argyroupoli → Chania

  After lunch take a private transfer to Chania. Stops for the restroom and snacks will be made along the way as needed.

  private · 60 min

This morning, you will take a guided walking tour of Chania, while exploring the history of the town you will taste local bites along the way. Afterwards, you'll have some time for lunch and to explore the town, or to spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach. If you're up for a unique adventure, take the optional Monastery Visit & Wine Tour.

• Chania Guided Walking Tour

  Meeting in the hotel lobby, you will begin exploring the town of Chania and tasting local delicacies. On your private walking tour, your guide will show you the highlights of the city and explain the various influences that have impacted the architecture and the city itself. Afterwards, taste Greek coffee with a local sweet. You will be walking on pedestrian streets and paved roads for approximately 1.5 miles. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and pack a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

  10:00· 120 min· Chania

Today, you will have a free day! Relax at the hotel, sunbathe on the beach, or join an optional cooking class. In the evening, join your group for a final farewell dinner.

All good things must come to an end, but only until your next adventure! Enjoy a final breakfast and then make your own way onward. If departing directly from the hotel, we recommend flying out of CHQ.