Cretan Experience
We invite you along a 10-day trip to visit Athens and Crete.
Visit the heart of two of Greece’s greatest civilizations and discover the tradition and incredible landscapes of the island of Crete.
1st Day: Arrive in Athens
Upon arrival at Athens International airport you will be met and greeted by our English speaking chauffeur and you will be transferred to your booked hotel in the comfort of an air conditioned luxury Mercedes Benz car.
The day ahead is yours to explore the city on your own. Our suggestion is to visit the Plaka area, famous for the souvenir shops and the taverns for you to discover.
Overnight in Athens.
2nd Day: Athens
After an early breakfast your guide will meet you at your hotel for your Athens city tour.
Enjoy a private tailor-made tour of the city of Athens led by a personal professional guide. Customize your tour based on your own preferences and according your places of interest. Visit UNESCO-listed sites such as Acropolis, the icon of Athens, and other important landmarks like the Temple of Zeus and Acropolis Museum or stroll around the paths of Plaka district. You may follow our suggested program or you can put together with your guide a program according to your special interests.
You may begin your private city tour from Syntagma square where you can see the Monument of the Unknown Soldier with the characteristic guards named “tsolias”. Next stop is the impressive Acropolis. As you walk up the slopes, see the Dionysus sanctuary and Dionysus Theatre built in the 5th century BC. Your knowledgeable licensed guide will give you a detailed explanation of the glorious monuments of the Acropolis such as, the Parthenon, the Erectheion, the Propylaia, the Nike Temple and the surrounding monuments such as the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Observatory as well as the Philopappos.
Last stop is the Acropolis Museum, home to a multitude of archaeological finds from the Acropolis. Acropolis Museum includes major attractions, votives, artifacts of everyday life, archaic statues, Caryatids and the Parthenon hall with displays from the pediments, the metopes and the frieze.
This tour is your best option to explore the city at your own pace and discover the ancient as well as the modern city of Athens. A flexible tour where you can put together with your guide a program according to your special interests.
Return to your hotel early in the afternoon or you may continue with an optional sunset tour of Sounio along with a pleasant ride at the Athenian Riviera.
Overnight in Athens.
3rd Day: Athens- Elounda (Crete)
After breakfast and check out our driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Athens Airport. Arrival at Heraklion Airport meet our English speaking chauffeur and you will be transferred to your booked hotel in the comfort of an air conditioned luxury car.
Overnight in Elounda.
4th Day: Elounda – Tour of Spinalonga Historical Island
Explore the lovely city of Agios Nikolaos & the historical leper island of Spinalonga on a private, personalized guided tour.
Look across the Elounda Lagoon at the enchanting islands of Spinalonga and Kolokitha. Spinalonga has been an important place throughout history: for the ancient Greeks as a natural protection for the city of Olous for the Saracens as a hiding place for their pirates. For the Venetians as a fortress, for the Turks as a settlement and for a long time the island served as a leper colony.
After a short drive, you will reach Plaka, a small fishing village directly opposite Spinalonga. From there, a 10-minute boat ride takes you to the island. Plaka was the ferry port of the leper colony, whose history was documented in a book and a Greek television series. Visit the filming sites, enjoy lunch or have a refreshing swim.
Return to Elounda and continue to the cosmopolitan city of Agios Nikolaos on the Gulf of Mirabello, passing the north-east coast and St. George’s Gorge. Agios Nikolaos is famous for its scenic deep lake, the subject of numerous myths. Discover the stunning city on your own, stroll through the shops, or relax in one of the cafes and watch the world go by.
Enjoy a traditional Cretan lunch and finally return back to your accommodation.
Overnight in Elounda.
5th Day: The Tour of Knossos Minoan Palace
Discover the Minoan palace of Knossos & the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion in a private, guided, historical tour with the local experts.
Follow us and explore the oldest city of Europe and the first organized human civilization, the Minoans. Discover the greatness of the ancient Minoans and walk around the old stone-paths of Knossos, the cradle of Minoan civilization.
The palace of Knossos, the centre of Minoan civilization, was constituted the main force of the island’s population during the Bronze Age. Their society and the palace were possibly destroyed at the explosion of the Santorini Volcano. The excavation conducted by Arthur Evans 1900-1913 and 1922-1930 brought to light the grand palace of Knossos, along with other significant findings of immense importance concerning the culture and the life of the Minoans, which are, as of yet, kept at the archaeological museum of Heraklion.
In this private tour, you’ll have the chance to explore the most important monuments of the site such as The Palace of Knossos, the Little Palace, the Royal Villa, house of the Frescoes, Caravanserai, the “Unexplored Mansion”, the Temple Tomb, the House of the High Priest, the South Mansion, the Villa of Dionysos etc.
The trip starts from Elounda. The pick-up is from your hotel’s lobby.
Heading to Heraklion, which is approximately 1 ½ hours away, you’ll enjoy the route and beautiful surroundings. The first stop is the palace of Knossos, and a tour by a professional licensed local guide is following. After the palace tour, you’ll reach the centre of Heraklion, and the tour of the archaeological museum starts.
You’ll also have plenty of time to eat and shop. After approximately 3-4 hours stay in Heraklion, we head back to Elounda.
Overnight in Elounda.
6th Day: Elounda – Chania
Check out from your hotel and transfer to the western part of Crete and stay at the famous Chania region.
Arrive at Chania and the day is at leisure for you to relax.
Overnight in Chania.
7th Day: “The Locals” – The Private Walking Tour of Chania Old Town
Morning free at leisure.
In the afternoon you will have the chance to visit the Old town of Chania.
On this tour, you will do something different! There are streets, buildings, high spots, neighbourhoods, monuments that only the locals know. You will walk on the stone-paths where the Venetians, the Ottomans and the old Cretans used to live and work.
You will admire the incredible flower-decorated neighbourhoods, learn about Cretan history, mythology and traditions, meet the locals and eat like locals. Join us on a unique tour through the ages and explore the other side of the city. You will visit the old societies of Topanas, Splantzia, Kolombo and Kasteli, hills to admire the panoramic view of the harbour, traditional Cretan shops and magnificent buildings.
You will also visit the ancient ruins of the great Minoan Kydonia and the Byzantine-Venetian moats’ high walls. The most important thing that you will learn from this experience is that in two hours you will tour and learn about five old civilizations, see their architecture, know about their culture and hear the ancient spirits’ history and tales!
Overnight in Chania
8th Day: Chania
The day is at leisure for you to enjoy all the resort has to offer.
Overnight in Chania. (B)
9th Day: Discover the Miracle of Wine and Olive Oil
Today you will travel through wonderful nature’s landscapes. Up to the mountains of the Northwest province of Chania, you will visit a traditional family winery and olive mill.
You will have a tour for learning about the modern machinery and the fully automated bottling line, the standardization facility and a purpose-built warehouse with stainless steel tanks. After that, you will have the chance to admire the monumental olive tree in Chania area, which age is estimated at 3000 years old and the olive museum. The miracle of nature stands proud in front of you, and its deep roots are holding it through the centuries.
The day continues with wine. You will taste different expressions of Cretan and international varieties paired with delicious local dishes. Visit a local family winery in a beautiful environment, surrounded by olive trees and citrus fruits. Wine specialists will analyze the harvesting process and the wine-making traditions through the tour around the place. Tasting is following and experiences of different local varieties. Wine-makers with specialized knowledge and fresh ideas of modern processes of farming and wine production will introduce you to different labels of wines. Traditional Cretan light lunch in the winery paired with wine will make you fall in love with this special place. Diving deep into nature’s miracle, tasting awarded wine labels and experience the local Terroir will offer you unforgettable experiences and beautiful memories from your trip.
Overnight in Chania
10th Day: Depart Chania
Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.
END OF TOUR
Cretan Experience
Hotels used - Standard Package:
- Athens: Electra Hotel or similar at classic room
- Elounda: Elounda Palm Hotel or similar at Sea View room
- Chania: Thalassa Beach Resort Hotel or similar at Sea view room
Hotels used - Deluxe Package :
- Athens: Nyx Esperia Hotel or similar at deluxe space room
- Elounda: Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa Hotel or similar at Executive room with private pool - Sea View room
- Chania: Domes Noruz Chania Hotel at Upbeat Retreat King Sea view plunge pool room or similar
PACKAGE INCLUDES
- Accommodation with breakfast on selected hotels (02 in Athens, 03 in Elounda & 04 in Chania)* Elounda Hotel will be on AI basis
- Transfers on Private Basis by luxury AC van
- All local taxes applicable
- H/d Athens City tour with entrances at Acropolis and Acropolis Museum on private basis
- Spinalonga Historical island tour on private basis including entrances fees and RT boat tickets (boat is not private)
- Private tour to Knossos Palace and Heraklion town including entrance fees.
- Private walking tour of Chania Town
- Private tour The Miracle of Wine & Olive Oil including Wine and food tasting, Olive oil tasting & Traditional Cretan light lunch
- Professional Liability Insurance
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Tips or personal expenses
- Drinks of any kind
- International or domestic airfare tickets that are not mentioned
- Meals that are not mentioned
- Porterage at hotels or airport
- Tours not mentioned at the above services
- Early check in or late check out
- Stayover accommodation tax payable directly at the hotels (Prices per room/per night : 0,50€ for 2*, 1,50€ for 3*, 3€ for 4* and 4€ for 5* properties)
Packages Payment & Cancellation Policy:
Packages Payment & Cancellation PolicyAs soon as we have finalized your booking, we require 30% deposit upon confirmation.
We will charge the balance 45 days prior to your arrival, unless otherwise stated.
If we have offered any non-refundable deals we require full prepayment and the 100% of the amount is non-refundable.
Cancellation Policy:
- 45 days prior to arrival date: Full refund
- 44 – 35 days prior to arrival date: 50% cancellation fees apply
- 34 – 25 days prior to arrival date: 75% cancellation fees apply
- 24 – 0 days prior to arrival date: 100% cancellation fees apply
The above is not valid for air tickets or ferry tickets.
Air tickets cancellation policy according to each airline company fare rules.
Ferry tickets cancellation policy:
Tickets are only canceled by the issuing agencies.
Tickets cannot be canceled by phone, fax, or e-mail. Those interested must submit the tickets to the issuing agency.
Refunds to canceled tickets are made by the issuing agency, up to 1 year from the date of cancellation of the tickets and in exceptional cases by the local cooperating central agencies.
Tickets by Sea jet (speed ferry tickets) Cancellation Policy according to 2023 terms.
- Up to 14 days before departure: full fare refund
- Up to 7 days before departure: 75% fare refund
- Up to 12 hours before departure: 50% fare refund
- The fare is NOT refundable for cancellations made less than 12 hours before departure.
Tickets by Blue Star Ferries (normal ferry tickets) Cancellation Policy according to 2023 terms.
HIGH SEASON: 07/04/23-23/04/23, 28/04/23-02/05/23 & 01/06/23-24/09/23*
- Up to 7 days prior to departure: Tickets are cancelled without charge or can be converted to open date tickets or for another departure date.
- Up to 12 hours prior to departure: A 50% cancellation charge is applied or alternatively tickets can be converted to open date tickets or for another departure date.
- Up to the departure: A 50% cancellation charge is applied and the tickets cannot be converted to open date tickets or to travel another date.
- After departure: Tickets cannot be cancelled or converted to open date tickets or to travel another date.
LOW SEASON: All other dates except those mentioned in HIGH SEASON
- Up to 3 days prior to departure: Tickets are cancelled without charge or can be converted to open date tickets or for another departure date.
- Up to 1 hour prior to departure: A 50% cancellation charge is applied or alternatively tickets can be converted to open date tickets or for another departure date
- Up to the departure: A 50% cancellation charge is applied and the tickets cannot be converted to open date tickets or to travel another date.
After departure: Tickets cannot be cancelled or converted to open date tickets or to travel another date.
