Connecting with Crete
11 days, 3-centre.
On this leisurely, 11-day, 3-centre tour, take time to appreciate what makes this ruggedly-beautiful island so special as, experiencing the uniqueness of both East and West, you are truly able to connect with Crete.
11 days, 3-centre.
Day 1: After your flight from the UK, meet your Tour Manager and transfer to the 4* Miramare Hotel and Spa at Aghios Nikolaos for 4 Nights' Dinner, Bed & Breakfast. This comfortable hotel, a pleasant stroll from the centre of pretty Aghios Nikolaos, offers wonderful sea views and easy access to a few small, pleasant beaches.
Day 2: AROUND ELOUNDA: Ancient frescoes glowing jewel-bright at Kritsa. A stroll on the hauntingly-beautiful islet of Spinalonga, immortalised in Victoria Hislop's debut novel, to bring its history vividly to life. Especially the inspiring courage of its last inhabitants. Relaxation in Elounda and free time in Aghios Nikolaos.
Day 3: TREASURES OF EASTERN CRETE: The sapphire and turquoise of the Cretan Sea as you head along the North coast, pausing at the tranquil harbour-town of Siteia, with its relaxing waterfront and small, interesting Archaeological Museum. Intriguing Toplou Monastery with its outstanding collection of icons. The gorgeous, sheltered palm beach at Vai.
Day 4: THE LASITHI PLATEAU: one of the most beautiful and fertile areas of Crete: fields and orchards shielded by mountains: the serenity of tiny monasteries: the old ways of working the land blending seamlessly with the new. An ideal way to round off your travels in Eastern Crete.
Day 5: As you travel West, enjoy free time in Heraklion: colourful market: excellent Archaeological Museum, beautifully-restored Venetian waterfront: the 4000-year-old ruined Palace of Knossos: Agia Lake, a haven for many species of native and migratory birds: through orange-groves and historic villages to the Plateau of Omalos in the White Mountains; the head of the Samaria Gorge. Check into the delightful family-owned Neos Omalos Hotel, for two nights' Dinner, Bed and Breakfast.
Day 6: Sougia: a laid-back village on the South Coast. Enjoy leisurely travel, with plenty of time to appreciate the natural beauty of Crete. Experienced walkers may prefer to walk the Samaria Gorge, then travel by boat to Sougia to rejoin the coach. Please Note: If you intend to walk the Gorge, sturdy footwear is essential.
Day 7: Leaving Omalos, transfer to Rethymno, pausing on your way to visit Chania: Venetian harbour, excellent Maritime and Archaeological Museums - and the Akrotiri Peninsula: Souda Bay's Allied War Cemetery: fabulous views: Aghia Triada Monastery dreaming amidst its vineyards: Stavros Beach, the setting for the iconic dance scene in "Zorba the Greek". Your base in Rethymno, the 4* Theartemis Palace Hotel, is near a sandy beach and an easy stroll from the Old Town. (4 nights' Dinner, Bed & Breakfast).
Day 8: A leisurely start today, exploring the nearby Cretan countryside: sip your coffee in the dappled shade of a mulberry-tree: enjoy Rethymno's intriguing Old Town around the Venetian harbour.
Day 9: Day at leisure to enjoy the facilities of your hotel and Rethymno itself.
Day 10: Not many kilometres, but some of the loveliest coastal and mountain scenery of Crete: the cool, clear fountains of Spili: serene Preveli Monastery, rich in history: the idyllic beach of Plakias.
Day 11: Transfer to Heraklion Airport for your homeward flight.
Your Holiday Includes
Direct flights from your preferred UK airport. To discuss which flights best suit you, please call us on 0800 011 3927 or 07974 022640 at any time. 20/23 kgs' hold-luggage. Reserved seat.
4 Nights' Dinner, Bed and Breakfast, 4* Miramare Hotel, Aghios Nikolaos.
2 Nights' Dinner, Bed and Breakfast, Neos Omalos Hotel, Omalos
4 Nights' Dinner, Bed and Breakfast, 4* Theartemis Palace Hotel, Rethymno.
Transfers and full programme of included excursions as described.
All taxes and duties, except Climate Resilience Tax, 5-10 euros per room per night, payable to the hotels.
Accompanied throughout on Crete by your experienced Living Crete Tour Manager, on hand at all times to help with the smooth running of your holiday.
AVAILABLE DATES
2026: April - October: Call Now for more information
2027: April - October: Call Now for more information.
PHONE US NOW ON 07974 022640 OR 0800 011 3927 TO DISCUSS