Winter in Crete

Details

DURATION

8 days

DIFFICULTY

Easy

GROUP SIZE

Non indicated

SCHEDULE

Upon request

TYPE

Personalised trip

PICK UP TIME

Depending on the flight

PICK UP PLACE

Airport of Arrival

Price List Contact Us

Highlights

Admire the remains of glorious civilizations
Explore magnificent nature, culture and impressive mountain landscapes
Walk in old venetian cities, while enjoying world-renowned gastronomy
Approach the most known treasures of Crete in a less crowded period
Enjoy the beauty of Crete in its mountains, landscapes and fresh waters
Stay in beautiful hotels during your whole trip
Have us create a 100% personalised trip, just for you

ITINERARY

Step by Step to an unforgettable experience

Arrival at Heraklion

We will meet you at the airport to give you the latest details of your trip before delivering your rental car. You are accompanied to your hotel to deposit your luggage and take the last details of your trip. You will learn about Cretan history and culture by visiting the archaeological museum and the town of Heraklion.

Arrival at Heraklion

The Minoan culture

This "Minoan" day begins with the visit of the palace of Knossos, which makes us shiver until today. Then, you go to the village of Archanes to discover its archaeological museum and the hidden places of the small village as well as the rocky alleys. You will then have lunch at the tavern of Koumos where you can taste your first traditional Cretan meal.

Picturesque villages around Rethymno

You start off your way to Rethymno. Stop at the mountainous village of Anogeia for a walk and continue towards Margarites, where our friend Yorgos will give you a demonstration of pottery, the traditional art of this village. You will then continue to the Arkadi monastery, the most famous monastery of Rethymno, with an exceptional history of the Holocaust in 1866. You can still feel the holiness of the monastery when you walk around the chambers. In the afternoon you will take place in a Gastronomy walking tour in the old town of Rethymno, to discover its history and tradition, tasting small light dishes in a traditional kafeneio, accompanied by a local french or english speaking guide.

Picturesque villages around Rethymno

Experience the real Crete

This day you will take place in a guided visit to the villages in the Cretan mountains. You will visit an authentic pastureland, an old monastery with monks, grandma Antonia, who still occupies herself with traditional weaving and the museum of Yorgos, who is a talented Cretan that makes incredible wooden sculptures, definitely worth seeing! At the end of the day, a real Cretan meal is waiting for us, in the most famous taverna of the region!

On the route towards Chania

Today, you will head towards Chania. On the way, you can stop to visit the mountainous village of Argiroupoli, which is 26 km south-west of Rethymno. It is a traditional village with old houses and authentic taverns, compared to other villages of Crete in Crete. It is relatively large, with around 700 permanent residents. You can also admire its water springs and rich flora. Then, you can pay a visit at Lake Kournas, the island's only freshwater lake. Enjoy the scenery from the terrace of one of the many taverns that line the banks.

On the route towards Chania

Chania and its surroundings

Set off by car to explore the city of Chania and visit the Tsagkarolon Monastery, where monks generate unique varieties of wine, olive and honey. You can take the opportunity to go to Seitan Limania, a beautiful secret beach to relax and admire (and maybe even dive in, if the weather is good!). Return to Chania to discover the many exceptional Byzantine, Venetian or Ottoman monuments. The Nautical Museum, the Archaeological Museum, the house of El Venizelos and the War Museum are also not to be missed.

Wine and Olive oil Tasting

Today, you will visit the Kanakis olive oil factory to discover its manufacturing secrets and taste an extra virgin oil. You then go to one of the best vineyards in the region, the Dourakis estate, where you take advantage of a guided tour, an opportunity for you to get to know the particular characteristics of Cretan wine better. The guided tour is followed by a tasting, accompanied by brusquettes and olives. Finally, you go to the village of Vryses for a light traditional lunch.

Wine and Olive oil Tasting

End of your winter escape

Depending on your flight schedule, you will return to Heraklion city and reach the airport to catch your flight. If you have time left, you can visit the venetian city of Heraklion and have a coffee in one of its hidden "kafeneia" before reaching the airport. Have a great fly and we hope to see you again soon!