Greece ala Carte

Greece's biggest island will give you the warmest welcome you ever imagined! Get to know Zeus' favorite island (!) with its many places of interest, its diverse natural beauty and its hospitable people. No matter your taste, one thing is certain; you'll never want to leave!

Day 1 – Chania -  Day at leisure in Chania

Outline:  Flight arrival in Chania - Meet with our representative & transfer to hotel  - Check-in - Free evening to explore the city of Chania

Overnight in Chania

Highlights:  A leisurely afternoon stroll through the ‘Venice of the East’, as Chania is often referred to. Enjoy the rich cultural heritage and traditional neoclassical architecture mixed in balance with the modern day lifestyle to produce a charming, colorful city. Savor nostalgic images from the past and don’t miss its unique monuments, like the Grand Arsenal, the Egyptian Lighthouse & the Venetian dockyard ("Neoria").

Day 2 - Chania – Cooking class and visit to local winery

Outline:  Breakfast – Cretan cooking class in the morning  – Enjoy the fruits of your labor for lunch - Return to hotel for a siesta – Visit Nostos winery at the foothills of Lefka Ori (White Mountains) in the afternoon

Overnight in Chania

Highlights: The Tastes of Crete, is a hands-on journey through Crete’s culinary traditions for food lovers and cooking enthusiasts. An insight into regional cuisine, a key element of the island’s culture, this creative activity highlights the simple, seasonal foods of Crete. Friendly and informal, it features hands-on instructions and  delicious home-cooked food, along with wine and cheese tasting. In the afternoon, enjoy the local vintages at Nostos winery whilst touring the traditional winery and taking in the nature around Lefka Ori.

Day 3 -  Chania - Samaria Gorge

Outline:  Early breakfast and departure to Omalos – Hike the Samaria Gorge (optional) – Late lunch at Sougia, the village at the bottom of the gorge – Relax at the beach at Sougia in the afternoon – Return to Chania late in the afternoon

Overnight in Chania

Highlights:  For those with stamina, the hike through the breathtaking and constantly changing landscape of the gorge will be the experience of a lifetime! Still, for those who are not up to it, the magnificent views from Omalos plateau and the relaxing, clear waters of the Libyan sea at Sougia will be plenty rewarding. Optionally, for city lovers, you can return to Chania earlier in the day to explore anew.

Day 4 - Rethymnon  - Evening at leisure at the port city of Rethymnon

Outline:  Leisurely breakfast  – Transfer to Rethymnon – Check-in at hotel – Lunch at Avli restaurant (local cuisine) – Free afternoon to explore Rethymnon city and wider area

Overnight in Rethymnon

Highlights:  The prefecture of Rethymno Greece, one of the four of the Greek Island of Crete, lies between the prefecture of Chania and the one of Heraklion. It is full of magnificent beaches, interesting archaeological sites and Byzantine churches, lovely villages and lively resorts. Its capital, the town of Rethymnon, is a very attractive city which has kept many examples of the sumptuous Venetian architecture. The plethora of charms and beauties astonishes every visitor.

Day 5 - Anogia – A day at a traditional Cretan village

Outline:  Leisurely breakfast – Enjoy the drive  to Anogia village on Mount Psiloritis – Explore the village and its history and local produce – Lunch at Anogia – Continue to Gouves village – Afternoon at leisure in Gouves village

Overnight in Gouves

Highlights:  The Village of Anogia is located at an altitude of 740 meters, a short hop from the stunning Nida Plateau and the Ideon cave (mythology: Zeus grew up here). Stockbreeding is the source of wealth in this area, birthplace of the famous Greek singer Nikos Xylouris and a place of powerful history and great natural beauty. The square of Agios Georgios is a splendid exhibition of local life and a good place to stop for coffee or Raki at the Kafeneia. Have lunch with locally produced ingredients, buy local cheese and visit the small church.

Day 6 -  Knossos – The highlight of the Minoan civilization

Outline:  Early morning breakfast  – Morning tour of Knossos archaeological site & Heraklion Archaeological Museum – Afternoon at leisure in Gouves village

Overnight in Gouves

Highlights:  The palace of Knossos is one of the major must-see archaeological sites in Greece, presenting visitors with a rare glimpse into Minoan civilization. Accompanied by a first class guide who will offer in-depth personal attention, you will walk around the ruins and excavations of the vast ancient palace, and learn about the Greek mythological tales that are linked to it. Continue with a visit to the recently renovated Archaeological Museum in Heraklion, where the most magnificent collection of Minoan art and culture in the world is housed.

Day 7 – Elounda – Visit to Spinalonga islet

Outline:  Leisurely breakfast – Transfer to Elounda and visit to Spinalonga islet – Check-in at the hotel after the tour - Afternoon at leisure in Elounda

Overnight in Elounda

Highlights:  The islet of Spinalonga, at the entrance of Elounda bay, held a fortress since antiquity. In 1579 the Venetians built a mighty fortress there, which remained under their rule even after the Ottoman occupation of Crete in 1669. In 1903, by law of the Cretan government, it was appointed as the place of stay for the lepers of Crete. The 13th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities carried out restoration works in some of the old buildings. Today Spinalonga islet is one of the main attractions in Elounda.

Day 8  - Elounda - Day at leisure in Elounda

Outline:  Breakfast – Swimming or sunbathing in Elounda bay – Stroll to the nearby village of Plaka

Overnight in Elounda

Highlights:  Enjoy the day at leisure  in Elounda and spend some time to relax and enjoy time at the beach to unwind . Alternatively  take in the local culture  and stroll into   the nearby village of Plaka. The village has a down to earth atmosphere with some excellent quay side cafes and local eateries.   

Day 9 - Depart Crete and Return to Athens

After you early morning breakfast our Greece a la carte representative will meet you and drive you to Heraklion airport. From there you will fly to Athens to take your connecting flight back home. Alternatively you can extend your stay in Greece and spend a few days in Athens.