- Home
- Experiences
- Greece
- Greek Islands
- Classic tour of Crete - 6 days on Sundays
TourClassic tour of Crete - 6 days on Sundays
Tour location:Greek Islands
From R$10,421.68 /person
Day 1
The tour begins along the northern coastal road of the island, where we will visit the 12th-century Byzantine church of Panagia Kera, located 1 km from the village of Kritsa. The church houses the best-preserved Byzantine frescoes in Crete and is therefore considered one of the most culturally and historically important churches on the island.
We traveled along the beautiful coastal road and passed through the village of Elounda, located 11 km north of the city of Agios Nikolaos. Elounda maintains its authentic character and offers a unique landscape with several coves and preserved beaches. One of them is the coastal village of Plaka, from where we will depart for the currently uninhabited island of Spinalonga. Our guide will lead us through the ruins of what was a leper colony between 1903 and 1957, where patients had access to a better life, medical care, and economic support.
After visiting Spinalonga, there will be free time for swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Plaka and an optional lunch at Taverna Spinalonga (Plaka). Following this, we will visit the town of Agios Nikolaos, capital of the Lassithi region. There, the bottomless salt lake Voulismeni dominates the landscape, connected to the sea by a narrow channel. The landscape is framed by rocks and reddish trees, enhancing the natural beauty of the place. A small pine park sits above the lake, and a stone path leads to its southern end, where a charming fishing boat harbor is located.
The city boasts interesting museums of archaeology, folklore, and natural history, Byzantine churches, a well-organized marina, bustling pedestrian streets (ideal for leisurely strolls), and traditional squares with lively cafes and restaurants.
In the late afternoon, at 6 PM, return to Heraklion. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2
After breakfast at the hotel, around 8:30 am, we headed to the Palace of Knossos, the largest Minoan palace, built between 1700 and 1400 BC. The palace displays advanced architectural techniques, with areas reaching up to five stories high. The first settlements in Knossos date back to the Neolithic period, around 7000 BC.
During the visit, we will explore approximately 1,300 rooms, corridors, storage areas, and a theater, discovering the ancient Minoan civilization. The archaeological site was discovered in 1878 by Minos Kalokairinos, and excavations began in 1900 under the direction of Sir Arthur Evans, lasting 35 years.
Around 11:30 am, I return to Heraklion to visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, the second largest in Greece after the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. The visit includes the oldest finds from Crete, dating back to 6000 BC, highlights from the Minoan palaces of Phaistos, Malia and Zacros, as well as artifacts from cemeteries, sanctuaries and residences, culminating with the famous Minoan frescoes of Knossos.
After the visit, return to the hotel at 1:30 PM. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 3
After breakfast at the hotel, around 8:30 am, we departed for Gortyna, the Roman capital of Crete and Cyrenaica, first inhabited around 3200 BC. After visiting Gortyna, we crossed the Messara Valley to see the archaeological site of Phaistos and its palace, the most important center of the Minoan civilization and the richest and most powerful city in southern Crete.
After visiting Phaistos, we will continue to Matala, where there will be free time to swim in the crystal-clear waters and have lunch. Next, we will arrive in Zaros, a charming and well-preserved village, famous for its spring water—now bottled and sold throughout Greece—and an excellent base for nature walks. Zaros also boasts beautiful Byzantine monasteries and is known for its delicious trout raised on local farms, served in the village taverns and around Lake Votomos, with its emerald-green waters, which we will visit.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 4
Breakfast at the hotel in Zaros. Around 9:30 am, we depart for the traditional Cretan village of Vatos, a small village hidden amidst the vegetation, where we find all the elements of local tradition. Walking through its narrow streets, we visit the old school, its fountain, and the museum with tools and agricultural implements from times past.
We concluded our visit at the village's caldera, where Raki, the famous alcoholic beverage of Crete, is produced.
Our next stop is Spili, known for its Venetian fountain with a long row of 25 lion heads carved in stone, from whose mouths fresh water gushes. Optional lunch in Spili.
Next, we visited Lampini, its church, and the Panagia Museum. The church has a dome and frescoes from the 12th and 14th centuries. It was an episcopal church, as the village of Lampini housed the seat of the famous Bishopric of Lampis, which existed since the year 431.
We then head to the Santo Antônio Canyon, where we will hike along a beautiful trail, surrounded by lush vegetation, to the Santo Antônio Grotto.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Rethymno.
Day 5
Breakfast at the hotel in Rethymno. Around 9:30 am, we will begin the tour with our first stop in Margarites, a small traditional village located in the Rethymno region, known for its unique pottery tradition, picturesque alleyways, and well-preserved architecture.
Next, we visited the Arkadi Monastery, an important architectural and cultural landmark, notable for its magnificent facade, strong spiritual tradition, and flourishing fine arts. The Holocaust of 1866 gave the monastery a prominent place in history, making it an enduring symbol of freedom and heroism, recognized worldwide.
Our final stop is Rethymno, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Greece and one of the most beautiful in Crete. We will visit the charming historic center and there will be free time for lunch (optional). Afterwards, we will visit the Fortezza Veneziana, built atop Paleokastro hill between 1540 and 1570 as a fortification against Turkish pirates. More than 100,000 Cretans, in forced labor, and more than 40,000 pack animals were used in its construction. The fortress was conquered by the Turks in 1646 and, after centuries of transformations, only the outer fortifications remain intact, with some buildings still under restoration. The Fortezza is visible from all over the city and offers a panoramic view of Rethymno. The entrance is through the East Gate, via an imposing arch.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Rethymno.
Day 6
Breakfast at the hotel in Rethymno. Around 9:30 am, we will travel along the northern coastal road to the town of Souda, port of Chania, to visit the Tombs of Venizelos, at the historical site of Profitis Ilias in Akrotiri, where Eleftherios Venizelos, one of the most important Prime Ministers of Greece, is buried.
We continue to the city of Chania, where we will visit its main tourist attractions: historic neighborhoods, churches and museums, as well as a stroll through the beautiful Venetian Port, with the Chania Lighthouse. During our walk through the picturesque streets of the historic center, we will see unique monuments such as the Rimodi Fountain, the Neradze Mosque (or Gazi Hussein), with its tall minaret, as well as churches and squares.
Optional lunch, free time for shopping and, on the return trip, a stop at the seaside resort of Georgioupolis, famous for its beautiful beaches, for a coffee break.
In the late afternoon, at 6 PM, I will return to Heraklion, disembarking at the Cretan Spiti Travel terminal.
Encontro com o guia no terminal da Cretan Spiti Travel, em frente à entrada do Museu Arqueológico de Heraklion, em frente à Hari’s Creperie, em Heraklion, às 08h30
Doubt or unforeseen? Send a message via Chat.
Check the discounts according to each experience.
6 days
Regular tour
Available
Matches: every Sunday
Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
3rd adult: 10% discount
