Highlights of Crete

Take time to enjoy the gentle warmth and beauty of Crete on our leisurely 8-day tour. Get a real taste of what makes this ruggedly-beautiful island so special.

Day 1
Fly direct to Heraklion from your chosen airport. On arrival meet your Tour Manager and transfer to the 4* Magda Hotel in tranquil Kato Gouves, for 3 nights’ Dinner, Bed and Breakfast. (Transfer time 20 minutes) This comfortable hotel, a few minutes’ stroll from a sandy Blue Flag beach, has indoor-and outdoor swimming-pools, fitness suite, well-tended gardens and attractive restaurant, bar and lounge areas.

Day 2
Relax and enjoy your new surroundings; later, you may like to join our optional excursion to a nearby village for a Cretan Evening (including Dinner with wine) of vivid traditional costumes and dance.

Day 3
Full-day optional excursion “AROUND ELOUNDA”. Travel the coast road around Mirambellou Bay to delightful Plaka, setting for the award-winning novel “The Island”. Take the short boat ride to the island itself, hauntingly beautiful Spinalonga, retracing the steps of those courageous people who created their community against overwhelming odds. Enjoy the ambience – and maybe a delicious Cretan meal in a tavern by the sea  – in Elounda, reminiscent of “Who Pays the Ferryman?”, before rounding off the day in attractive Aghios Nikolaos.

Day 4
After visiting Heraklion, and the fabulous Minoan Palace at Knossos, enjoy a relaxing transfer through beautiful countryside to Rethymno, arriving in good time for your evening meal. Here, your base is the 4* Theartemis Palace Hotel, where we have arranged 4 nights’ Dinner, Bed and Breakfast. This stylish, welcoming  hotel, near a sandy beach and an easy stroll from the picturesque Venetian Harbour and Old Town, has an excellent restaurant, 2 swimming-pools, fitness suite, attractive grounds and pleasant bar and lounge areas. The modern, en-suite bedrooms have hairdryer, refrigerator, safe, television, telephone, air-conditioning and balcony or terrace.

Day 5
Included full-day excursion: Chania and Souda Bay. West through luxuriant scenery to spectacular Souda Bay, followed by free time to take in Chania’s honey-coloured Venetian harbour, colourful market and excellent Maritime and Archaeological Museums.

Day 6
Spend the day at leisure in Rethymno, or join our optional excursion to Omalos in the White Mountains, at the head of the magnificent Gorge of Samaria (lunch included).

Day 7
Jewels of the South Coast. This full-day included excursion takes in some of the loveliest coastal and mountain scenery of Crete.

Day 8
Transfer to Heraklion Airport for your homeward flight.

YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES

• Direct flights between Heraklion and your chosen UK airport (subject to availability). Flights are operated by Thomas Cook Airlines and abide by their terms and conditions.
• 20 kgs checked-in luggage and 5 kgs hand-luggage per person.
• In-flight meals on both outbound and homeward flights.
• All taxes including Air Passenger Duty.
• All transfers on Crete.
• Porterage in hotels.
• 3 Nights Dinner, Bed and Breakfast, 4* Magda Hotel, Kato Gouves, Crete.
• 4 Nights Dinner, Bed and Breakfast, 4*Theartemis Palace Hotel, Rethymno, Crete.

Excursions as described above:-

• Included guided tour of the Minoan Palace of Knossos and Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
• Included full-day excursion to Souda Bay and Chania.
• Included full-day excursion to Crete’s beautiful South Coast.

Optional Excursions:- Cretan Evening: Around Elounda: Omalos. Accompanied throughout by your Living Crete Tour Manager, on hand at all times to assist with the smooth running of your holiday.

DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES (in pounds sterling)

SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT: ONLY £85 - ALL DATES!

• Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions
• Download Booking Form