Springtime In Crete
Day 1: After your direct flight from the UK, meet your Tour Manager and transfer to the 4* Theartemis Palace Hotel in Rethymno, for 5 nights' Dinner, Bed & Breakfast. This comfortable, stylish hotel, a firm favourite with Living Crete guests for many years, is an easy stroll from a sandy beach and the picturesque Old Town.
Day 2: A leisurely start today, exploring the heart of the Cretan countryside: beautiful scenery and sleepy villages: carpets of wildflowers: Rethymno's Venetian harbour and intriguing Old Town: an early evening drink by the Cretan Sea at sunset
Day 3: Chania: golden Venetian harbour: excellent Naval and Archaeological museums: market fragrant with local produce. The graceful buildings and tree-lined squares of the Splantzia quarter. The hillsides and meadows of the Akrotiri Peninsula - wonderful views, monasteries set amidst vineyards, and the beach where Zorba danced
Day 4: Argiroupolis: Once the powerful city-state of Lappa, now a village of luxuriant greenery and spectacular waterfalls, as renowned for its delicious local cuisine as it is for its natural beauty.
Day 5: Jewels of the South: 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 6: MOVING ON: After visiting Agia Lake, with its abundance of native and migratory birds, we continue past orange-groves and historic villages to the Plateau of Omalos in the White Mountains. Here, the coach brings us to the head of the Samaria Gorge, the longest canyon in Europe, with its stunning backdrop of mountains. A few minutes' drive away lies a delightful family-owned hotel, the Neos Omalos, our base for the next two nights.
Day 7: Sougia: a laid-back village on the South Coast, where the beautiful Aghia Eirini Gorge meets the sea. As always, our emphasis is on leisurely travel, with plenty of time to appreciate the natural beauty of Crete. Experienced walkers may prefer to walk the Samaria Gorge and travel by boat to Sougia to rejoin the coach
NOTE: If you intend to walk the Gorge, sturdy footwear is essential.
Day 8: Transfer to the airport for your homeward flight.
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
Direct flights between the UK and Crete. To discuss what flights and timings would best suit you, please call us on 0800 011 3927/07974 022640 at any time.
Transfers and full programme of included excursions as described.
All taxes and duties, except Hotel Room Tax, 3 euros per room per night, paid directly to the hotel. 5 nights' Dinner, Bed & Breakfast, 4* Theartemis Palace Hotel, Rethymno.
2 nights' Dinner, Bed & Breakfast, Neos Omalos Hotel, Omalos.
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 AND PRICES 2019:
April 30th £ 1495
May 14th £ 1545
Single Room Option both dates £ 98
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY
J and R Richards
"Ann was a first-class guide who was very well-informed about the history and customs of the country. She was also a very caring person who looked after us all extremely well. George was a marvellous driver, very proud and knowledgeable about his country. He was generous with his time, and we enjoyed meeting members of his family. The hotel was very good. Food was delicious with a wide variety of dishes. Very friendly staff; nothing was too much trouble for them. Room was kept beautifully clean. Everywhere we visited was interesting and fascinating, and the right amount of time was spent at each location. An excellent and relaxing holiday. Highly recommended