Day 1: After your direct flight from the UK, meet your Tour Manager and transfer to the 4* Theartemis Palace Hotel, Rethymno for 7 nights' Dinner, Bed and Breakfast. This stylish, comfortable hotel, a firm favourite with Living Crete guests for many years, is near a sandy beach and an easy walk from the Old Town.
Day 2: A leisurely start today, exploring the heart of the Cretan countryside: beautiful scenery and sleepy villages: Rethymno's Venetian harbour and intriguing Old Town: an early evening drink overlooking the Cretan Sea at sunset.
Day 3: Chania: a market fragrant with fresh herbs and spices: a golden harbour excellent Maritime and Archaeological Museums: the gracious buildings and tree-lined squares of the Splantzia quarter. The Akrotiri Peninsula: fabulous views, monasteries set amidst vineyards, and the beach where Zorba danced
Day 4: Optional Excursion - KNOSSOS AND HERAKLION. Step back 4000 years at the Minoan Palace of Knossos, alive with mysteries. Deepen your insight into this amazing civilisation in Heraklion's fabulous Archaeological Museum. This is home to the world's leading Minoan collection, from intricate gold jewellery to everyday objects that just happen to be thousands of years old.
Day 5: A choice of two Optional Excursions today:
EITHER:
By boat from Rethymno to crescent-shaped Santorini including a guided island tour OR Amari Valley Tour: sheltered by the mountains of Kedros and Psiloritis, this lovely valley is a delightful mix of cherry-orchards, olive-groves and unspoilt villages dotted with Byzantine churches.
Day 6: Today's Optional Excursion takes us East to Spinalonga, immortalised by Victoria Hislop. A walk on this tiny island brings its history vividly to life. Relax by Lake Voulismeni in the pretty seaside town of Aghios Nikolaos; unwind even more in Elounda, the setting for "Who Pays the Ferryman?"
Day 7: Jewels of the South: Some of the loveliest coastal and mountain scenery of Crete: the clear, cool fountains of Spili: serene Preveli Monastery: the idyllic beach of Plakias.
Day 8: Transfer to Heraklion Airport for your homeward flight.
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
Direct flights from your preferred UK airport - call us on 0800 011 3927 or 07974 022640 to discuss which flights are the best for you.
Transfers and excursions as described.
All taxes and duties except Climate Resilience Tax, 7 euros per room per night, payable to the hotel.
7 Nights' Dinner, Bed and Breakfast, 4* Theartemis Palace Hotel, Rethymno.
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.
AVAIABLE DATES:
2025 and 2026: April to October; please call/email for details.