Compare Captivating Crete by Titan Travel vs Highlights of Crete by Intrepid Travel
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 8 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 1,269 | $ 2,079 |
| Price Per Day | $ 159 | $ 249 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description | Spend a week on the largest and most southerly of the Greek islands; an island that some consider to also be Greece’s most beautiful, as its coastal plains stretch up to high mountainous ranges that almost divide the island in two. Crete’s desirable climate and landscape has created a past filled with turbulence and success, most notably in numerous mythological legends to which it can lay claim and for its advanced former occupants of the Minoan civilisation. Staying for seven nights at your hotel, the choice will be whether to relax by the crystal-blue sea, by the pool, or join included and optional excursions to explore this historical and charming island. |
The island of Crete has so much history and natural wonder to offer to a curious traveller. And in seven days on its shores, you’ll see what’s known as Europe’s oldest city, taste some of the region’s best food and wine, and discover some of the world’s most picturesque beaches. From Heraklion, visit the famous archaeological site of Knossos, hike through forests and gorges, unwind in the secluded seaside village of Sougia, and sip wine in the vibrant port city of Chania to show you what makes the island so special. So quintessentially ‘Greece’ and so full of life, the best of Crete is waiting. |
Day 1 London - Heraklion - Hersonissos
Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your journey to London Gatwick Airport and a direct, scheduled British Airways flight to Heraklion. On arrival we transfer to Hersonissos and your choice of the Hersonissos Maris Hotel (4T) or Aldermar Royal Mare Hotel (5T), where we stay for seven nights on a half-board basis.
Day 2 Heraklion
We head for the dynamic capital of Crete today, the fifth largest city in Greece. Its inner harbour is guarded by the well-preserved Venetian fortress of Rocca al Mare and the bustling city has a rich cultural history, some of which can be seen in the Archaeological Museum. With restaurants, cafés and many small shops, it is a delight to explore.
Day 3 Lasithi Plateau
We join an included excursion today to the Lasithi Plateau, famous for its centuries-old white-sailed windmills, formerly used for irrigation. Greek mythological legend depicts Dikteon Cave, located on the plateau, as the birthplace of Zeus. The energetic may wish to walk into the cave and down steps - up to 200 - through five chambers to see the cave’s stalactites and stalagmites. Elsewhere on the fertile plateau, Karfi is considered the last outpost of Crete’s ancient Minoan civilisation that flourished between the 3rd-2nd centuries BC.
Day 4 Hersonissos
The island of Crete is well known for its ancient Minoan past and the power of this civilisation is illustrated on an optional visit to the Palace of Knossos. Visit the ancient Minoan Palace, believed to be more than 4,000 years old. The complex has a number of buildings on four levels and most of what remains belongs to those built after 1700 BC. In Greek mythology, it is said that the Palace was the home of King Minos, whose wife bore the Minotaur who was imprisoned within the labyrinth and slain by Theseus.
Day 5 Hersonissos
The island of Santorini feels often familiar; its scenery is so commonly featured in books and magazines. To walk on the island, amongst the white-roofed buildings against the contrasting beautiful blue skies, can feel as though you are walking within a picture postcard. Today an optional excursion is on offer to explore this island independently, formed as part of a large volcanic caldera, a feature that can be recognised as you arrive by boat.
Day 6 West Crete
The wild and rugged landscape of western Crete, including snow-capped mountains, delightful villages and beautiful coastlines, will be highlighted on today’s excursion. We will visit Chania, the former capital, known as the ‘Little Venice’ of Crete and home to a street devoted almost entirely to leather goods. There is also a beautiful Venetian harbour, which was the location for some of the scenes from the film Zorba the Greek. Continue to Rethymnon, Crete’s third-largest town, on the north coast. Known as the ‘City of Scholars’, the old part of the town has numerous Venetian palazzos, Turkish houses with wooden balconies and a number of small 18th century mosques. There will be free time to wander the old streets of the town, or perhaps spend time in a harbourside coffee bar.
Day 7 Hersonissos
There is more time today to relax in your surroundings, or perhaps join an optional excursion by boat to visit the island of Spinalonga. The island has had a varied past, from Venetian rule in the 16th century to the setting for a leper colony four centuries later - a subject covered in Victoria Hislop’s 2005 novel, The Island. It is now an uninhabited island, home to small pebble beaches and shallow waters.
Day 8 Hersonissos - Heraklion - London
Today we travel to the airport for a direct, scheduled British Airways flight to London Gatwick Airport. On arrival you will be met and guided to your Titan vehicle, for the journey home.
Day 1 Heraklion
Welcome to Crete! Greece’s largest island delights with clear waters, charming villages and a tangible history. Your island adventure begins with an 6pm welcome meeting where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. After the group meeting, perhaps head out for dinner with the group, and get your bearings around the capital with a leader-led orientation walk of Heraklion.
Day 2 Knossos / Agios Ioannis
This morning head out of the city to the renowned archaeological site of Knossos, considered to be Europe’s oldest city. Explore the ruins with your leader and soak in hundreds and thousands of years of history within its walls. Continue your Crete discovery with one of its most celebrated commodities during a visit to a nearby winery for a wine tasting. Take your time discovering the grape varietals grown in Crete, sampling a range of small-batch vintages. Then it’s time to check out some quiet corners of Crete – continue to the tiny coastal town of Chora Sfakion (sometimes referred to as Sfakia) and the historic village of Anopolis for some short stops, then carry on to Aradaina, teetering on the edge of a gorge, and learn about the history of this dramatic area. Your final stop for the day is the delightful village of Agios Ioannis, nestled into the foothills of the White Mountains. Your well-earned dinner this evening will be a lively affair – feast on local specialties accompanied by a wonderful live performance of traditional music, a perfect introduction to village life in Crete. Spend the night in a traditional guesthouse
Day 3 South Coast / Sougia
Bid farewell to Agios Ioannis and drive back to Chora Sfakion where you’ll board our private boat along Crete's stunning south coast to the village of Sougia. This is Crete at its very best – an undiscovered sweep of beach overlooked by brooding mountains. It’s almost too pretty to believe, but believe it, you’re here! Upon arrival in Sougia the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure, and it’s certainly not hard to find something amazing to do. You may like to explore one of the coastal trails, take a swim in the warm waters, or just lay back on the beach and let life tick along around you with a drink in hand.
Day 4 Agia Irini Gorge / Sougia
Rise early and board a local bus bound for the Agia Irini Gorge, carved through the west side of the White Mountains. Set off on a shady hike through the gorge as your leader shares stories of the area’s historical past and how it once hid Greek rebels during the Turkish Occupation. The hike is expected to take around three hours and you’ll be rewarded with fantastic views along the way, plus the chance to spot the unique flora and fauna of the region, including endangered Cretan wild goats, cypress, pine, and dittany trees. The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend as you please in Sougia.
Day 5 Chania
Say goodbye to Sougia this morning and catch a local bus to Chania. Beachside, colourful and full of culture, Chania is definitely a traveller’s favourite. On arrival, follow your leaders advice and directions to visit two local artisans and learn about how local pottery and knife are produced . The rest of the afternoon is free for your own explorations in Chania. Perhaps take a walk through the city markets, the Ottoman neighbourhood and Jewish quarter, passing by the workshops of traditional artisans of local pottery, knives and many more The town is also bursting with excellent restaurants, so be sure to ask your leader for dinner recommendations this evening.
Day 6 Chania
Start the day with a ‘kalitsounia’ workshop and experience firsthand how one of the most famous Cretan pastries is made. Kalitsounia is commonly had as an appetizer or for breakfast and you can choose your fillings according to your taste: Cretan ‘mizithra’ or ‘anthotyro’ cheese, legendary Cretan greens or choose a sweet filling instead. It’s tasty, nutritious and you can take them with you to enjoy later in the day. Enjoy some free time at leisure in Chania, perhaps taking the time to visit any spots you may have missed yesterday, or simply sitting back with a coffee and watching the locals go about their business. This evening you may like to head out to a local restaurant for a final dinner and use your knowledge of Cretan wine to pair with your meal.
Day 7 Chania
With no activities planned for the day, your adventure on Crete comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to spend some more time exploring the island, just get in touch ahead of time and we can assist in arranging some additional accommodation to extend your stay (subject to availability).
