Compare Exploring Crete: Archaeology, Nature & Food by Peter Sommer Travels vs Celebrating love the Greek way: Athens, Santorini & Chania (Crete) by Eros and Psyche Travel
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 13 days | 11 days |
| Price From | $ 4,861 | $ 1,250 |
| Price Per Day | $ 374 | $ 114 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Luxury |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
All meals except one lunch and two dinners |
Breakfast is always included. Meals are not included unless specified in the itinerary. |
| Description |
Our Exploring Crete tour is the ideal opportunity to experience this fascinating island to the full. You will visit its most important ancient sites, including the famous prehistoric Minoan palaces, but also veer off the beaten track to explore many of Crete’s hidden gems. To take full advantage of the island’s extraordinary beauty and its unique wealth in spring flowers, our tour of Crete includes a series of walks, bringing you into direct contact with its coasts, mountains, gorges and fertile plains, as well as its historical villages and towns. |
Start your life as a married couple by coming with us on this multi-day trip that will show you around Athens and its historical sites; Santorini, with its whitewashed houses perched on a caldera cliff facing the Aegean Sea; and Chania with its picturesque old town, maze-like alleys and famous Venetian lighthouse. |
Day 1:
Arrival in Iraklio (Heraklion). Transfer from airport about 15 minutes away. Welcome drinks and dinner in a traditional taverna.
Day 2:
After touring the Venetian walls of Iraklio, we visit Crete’s most famous archaeological site, the great Minoan palace of Knossos. Lunch and wine tasting in the lush Peza region, the heart of Cretan wine-making. Free afternoon in Iraklio.
Day 3:
North along the coast to the extensive remains of the Minoan Palace at Malia and its surrounding town, founded over 4,000 years ago. We drive up into the Dykti mountains to the celebrated Lasithi Plateau, 1,000m above sea level and famous for its white-sailed windmills. In the afternoon we take a panoramic walk to the stupendous Dyktaian cave, a geological wonder, where according to legend Zeus himself was raised. Our village hotel to the east is situated in a picturesque mountain village.
Day 4:
Morning drive to the spectacular Zakros Gorge, or Gorge of the Dead, in the romantically wild east of the island. We walk (approx. 4km) through the gorge to the tiny coastal plain of Kato Zakros, site of a Minoan town and palace which we explore. On the way back to our hotel, we stop for coffee on the seafront of Siteia.
Day 5:
We explore the incredibly well- preserved Minoan town of Gournia and the scenic Hellenistic city of Lato boasting wonderful views over the gulf of Mirabello. We visit the Byzantine/ Venetian church of Panayia Kera with its famous frescoes and head west through central Crete into the Asterousia Mountains, towering above the rugged southern coast.
Day 6:
A morning visit to the beautifully located Minoan town of Agia Triada, which may have been a summer residence of the Bronze Age rulers of southern Crete. In the afternoon, we explore the Minoan palace at Phaistos, the most impressive of its kind, in a panoramic setting overlooking the huge Mesara Plain and the snow-topped peaks of Mt. Ida.
Day 7:
We investigate the island’s Roman capital, Gortyn, with an array of excavated buildings and other largely unexcavated ruins scattered among the olive groves. We continue into the western half of Crete, to enjoy lunch and a tasting at a famous winery in the most fertile part of Crete. We end the day at a lovely seafront hotel in the beautiful Venetian city of Chania.
Day 8:
Free day, yours to relax or explore the lanes and vistas of Chania. You are free to choose your own options for lunch and dinner.
Day 9:
A stunning drive along the edge of the White Mountains to Souyia on the south coast. We walk (approx. 3km) through a rocky gorge across to rarely visited Lissos, one of the loveliest ancient cities in Crete, set in a cove only reachable by foot or boat.
Day 10:
A morning drive to the Akrotiri peninsula to visit the small monastery of Gouverneto. We walk down a magnificently scenic hillside to view the famous ‘Bear Cave’ and its chapel overlooking a gorge leading to a rocky cove below. After a village lunch, we explore the vast Classical and Roman city of Aptera, overlooking the grand bay of Souda. We end the day in the grand Venetian city of Rethymno, where we stay in a 16th century palazzo.
Day 11:
We explore the highlights of Rethymno: its archaeological museum, Venetian castle and Ottoman mosque. Southeast to Eleftherna, one of the oldest most important ancient cities, set in the beautiful Amari valley and still undergoing excavation.
Day 12:
After dropping by the Late Minoan cemetery at Armenoi, we return to Iraklio to visit the Archaeological Museum, one of the world’s most important exhibits of prehistoric art and artefacts, a magnificent showcase of the Minoan culture. Afterwards, we head out for another lunch-and-wine-tasting and a visit to the Minoan town surrounding Knossos Palace. The day concludes with a final gourmet dinner.
Day 13:
Transfer to Heraklion airport about 15 minutes away.
Day 1 to 3: Athens
Welcome to Athens. As soon as you arrive at the Greek capital, let us drive you to your hotel for the check-in. Get ready for your first day in Greece! Meet with your friendly, local guide for a magical private evening walking tour around the city center of Athens. Sink into the fascinating history of the city while wandering around some of its most alluring neighborhoods. A tasty Greek ‘meze’ dinner at a local tavern will round up perfectly your first night in Athens.
The next morning is the perfect time to indulge in a mythological tour of the impressive Acropolis and the modern Acropolis Museum. With the help of your expert guide, time-travel to ancient Athens and unravel the captivating myths that shaped the history and the religion of this ancient city. In the afternoon, continue the exploration of the town on your own. Taste Greek delicacies, shop traditional products and have a romantic walk along Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, the longest pedestrianized pathway in Athens that goes around the Acropolis Hill. At night, mingle with the locals at one of the coolest neighborhoods, Koukaki. It is one of the hippest neighborhoods in Athens and the perfect place for a night drink to celebrate the beginning of your new life.
On day 3, spend a relaxing morning in the capital city of Athens, visiting any unexplored sites or buying souvenirs for your friends and family. In the evening, a romantic city escape awaits you. Enjoy a ride along the scenic Athens Riviera on your way to Cape Sounio and catch the spectacular sunset at the Temple of Poseidon. Before going back to the city center, revel in a delicious dinner at a seaside restaurant while toasting to your happiness.
Day 4 to 7: Santorini
Your perfect honeymoon trip continues in Santorini, an idyllic Cycladic island of the cerulean Aegean Sea. Once you reach Santorini, you’ll get transferred to your accommodation in the comfort of a modern private vehicle. Settle in and rest for the day.
On day 5, you’ll get a private tour of Santorini’s highlights. Stroll around the island and marvel at its beauties along with your local guide. Admire the breathtaking views from the iconic caldera; discover ruins of an ancient Greek settlement at the Akrotiri Excavations; visit a traditional winery to sample local wine and complete your tour by wandering around the narrow streets of Oia village. If you want to explore Santorini through a hands-on activity, you can also visit two wineries, together with other travelers, to learn about the island’s unique viticulture and taste up to 8 different kinds of wine. Later on, indulge in a cooking class of Santorini signature dishes with the help of a local chef and, in the end, savor your freshly-made creations.
The next day is free for you to explore the island on your own. Go for a swim at one of its stunning volcanic beaches. Discover the charming towns of Fira and Oia, with their cubed white houses, blue-domed churches, and winding cobbled streets. Head to Akrotiri Lighthouse and catch the breathtaking sunset. If you want to spend your night dancing, you can experience the vigorous nightlife of Santorini in one of the many bars and clubs of Fira.
On the seventh day, go on a sailing trip around the postcard-perfect island of Santorini. Snorkel and swim in the ever-blue waters, soothe your senses while soaking in the hot volcanic springs, and dine on a freshly cooked meal with plenty of wine and refreshments. Choose between a sun-soaked day trip or an evening sunset cruise and have an unforgettable day!
Day 8 to 10: Chania, Crete
The following day, pack your bags and get ready to travel to the next and final destination of your trip, the town of Chania in Crete. Get transferred to the airport of Santorini by your private, luxury vehicle and catch the flight to Chania. When you arrive, your driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel where you can relax for the rest of the day.
On day 9, set on an adventure of your choice. Join other fellow travelers and your knowledgeable guide and take a day trip to 7 traditional Cretan villages to get a feel of the everyday life of the locals. Pay a visit to a folklore museum, try some raki at a family-run raki distillery, taste local dairy products at a cheese factory, and have a Cretan lunch in a traditional ‘kafeneio.’ Alternatively, engage in a tour that will bring you close to nature and its flavors. Visit an organic Cretan herb farm to make your own tea blend, take in the stunning views at the entrance of Samaria Gorge, and enjoy a pairing of wine and local food in the lush gardens of a famous winery.
The tenth day of your journey is free. Explore the town of Chania and the old Venetian quarter near the picturesque harbor. Its waterfront promenades, the famous lighthouse, and cobblestone alleyways are perfect for romantic strolls. If you’d rather swim and sunbathe, the beaches of the region won’t disappoint you. The most impressive ones are Falasarna beach, with its shimmering waters and golden sand, and Elafonisi beach with its white and pink sand and blue-green waters.
Day 11: Athens
Your magical honeymoon trip has come to an end. Let us drive you to Chania airport in plenty of time to catch your flight back home. Having experienced precious moments and formed lifetime memories with your significant other, leave with a promise for a soon return!
