The Beauty of Spring / The colours of Autumn

On this 8-day, 1-centre escorted tour, experience the splendour of the Cretan Spring, bright with poppies, Cretan ebony and orchids, or the soft views of Autumn, in magnificent natural settings where rare birds soar. Enjoy leisurely, comfortable travel amidst scenery of breathtaking beauty.

Day 1
After your direct flight to Crete, meet your Tour Manager and transfer to your hotel, the 4* Theartemis Palace in Rethymno, where we have arranged 7 nights’ Dinner, Bed and Breakfast. This stylish, welcoming hotel, a firm favourite with Living Crete guests, is ideally situated near a sandy beach and an easy walk from the Old Town and its picturesque harbour. Hotel facilities include 2 swimming-pools, fitness suite, excellent restaurant, attractive grounds and pleasant bar and lounge areas. The modern, en-suite bedrooms have hairdryer, telephone, television, refrigerator, air-conditioning and balcony or terrace.

Day 2
Introduction to Rethymno. Get to know this lovely harbour town and the surrounding countryside on our half-day included excursion.

Day 3
Included excursion: West through luxuriant scenery to Souda Bay, with its poignant memories of the Battle of Crete of May 1941, before free time to explore Chania ‘s Venetian harbour, Maritime and Archaeological Museums and colourful market.

Day 4
Optional excursion: The Minoans. After visiting the historic city of Heraklion, enjoy a guided tour of the great Minoan palace at Knossos, before heading off into the countryside for a wine-tasting followed by leisure time in a traditional village.

Day 5
Optional excursion: Around Elounda: Travel the Mirambellou Bay coast road to delightful Plaka, setting for the award-winning novel, “The Island”. Take the short boat ride to the island itself, hauntingly beautiful Spinalonga. Enjoy the ambience of Elounda – and maybe a delicious Cretan meal in a taverna by the sea – before rounding-off the day in attractive Aghios Nikolaos.

Day 6
Admire the wild beauty of the Omalos Plateau, leading to the magnificent Samaria Gorge; an excellent opportunity to appreciate Crete’s wealth of wild flowers and mountain herbs on our leisurely full-day included excursion with lunch.

Day 7
Jewels of the South Coast: Relax and enjoy some of the loveliest coastal and mountain scenery of Crete on this included full-day excursion.

Day 8
Transfer to the airport for your homeward flight.

YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES

• Direct flights with Thomas Cook Airlines between London Gatwick and Heraklion, departing at 08:40 and arriving back at 17:35; also from some regional airports. Please see chart below.
• All dates:-20kgs checked-in luggage, 5 kgs hand-luggage per person.
• In-flight meals on both outbound and homeward flights.
• All taxes including Air Passenger Duty.
• All transfers and excursions as described above.
• Porterage in hotels.
• 7 Nights’ Dinner, Bed and Breakfast at the 4* Theartemis Palace Hotel, Rethymno.
• The services throughout of 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)

By special request, The Colours of Autumn, September 21st all airports £895

Single Room Supplement £85 all dates

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