The Wonders of Ancient Crete
8 Days Starting and ending in Heraklion, Greece
Visiting: Heraklion, Aptera, Chania, Arkadi, Rethimno, Messara Plain, Matala, Knossos, Pediados, Elounda, Nisida Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 18
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
15-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Adventure Tours, Luxury, Small Group, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Art, Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, History, Ruins-Archaeology
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
From:
$2395 (USD) including Flights from the UKTour Overview
As a strategic gateway to the eastern Mediterranean, Crete has been ruled by a number of great powers, from the Minoans, one of Europe’s first civilisations, to the Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman empires. This tour explores Crete’s scenic and cultural highlights, including the Palace of Knossos, an incomparable monument of ancient Minoan society.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Fly To Heraklion • Rethymno
Location: Heraklion
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: No Meals
Fly from London (regional connections available) to Heraklion with British Airways. Transfer to Theartemis Palace in Rethymno (or similar) for three nights. Welcome drink.
Day 2 : Aptera • Venizelos • Chania
Location: Aptera, Chania
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Full day excursion visiting the ancient site of Aptera and meet a beekeeper for an introduction to beehives and their cultivation. Continue to the town of Chania with its Venetian harbour. Also make a poignant visit to the Allied Cemetery, containing second world war burials.
Day 3 : Arkadi • Eleftherna • Rethymno
Location: Arkadi, Rethimno
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, visit the fortified monastery of Arkadi. Near Eleftherna, visit the MAE museum with its impressive collection of artefacts from Greece, Cyprus and Egypt. Continue to Rethymno for a guided city walk.
Day 4 : Phaestos • Matala • Heraklion
Location: Messara Plain, Matala, Heraklion
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Full day tour across the island to the Messara plain and visit Phaestos, the second Minoan palace. Continue to Matala, a pretty seaside town, and enjoy a swim or relax on the beach. Continue to Heraklion, stopping en route at the archaeological site of Gortys. Stay 4 nights at the Aquila Atlantis Hotel (or similar)
Day 5 : Knossos • Wine Tasting
Location: Knossos, Pediados
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Morning drive to the ancient Minoan Palace of Knossos, the centre of Europe’s first civilisation. According to myth, it was home to King Minos and site of the legend of Theseus slaying the Minotaur in the labyrinth. Then drive into the Pediados region south of Heraklion, Crete’s most famous wine producing area. Visit a wine domaine for an introduction to Cretan wine, with tasting and a traditional lunch. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 6 : Kera • Spinalonga • Heraklion
Location: Elounda, Nisida Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Morning visit to the Church of Panagia Kera to view the finest Byzantine frescoes in Crete. Continue to Elounda and take a boat to Spinalonga. Formerly a leper colony, the legacies of Greek, Ottoman, Byzantine and Venetian occupation over the centuries have left their imprint on this fortified island. Return to Heraklion via the port town of Agios Nikolaos.
Day 7 : Heraklion
Location: Heraklion
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Morning at leisure to relax by the pool or explore Heraklion’s old town. Afternoon guided visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum with its collection of Minoan treasure. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 8 : Fly To London
Location: Heraklion
Meals Included: Breakfast
Morning at leisure. Afternoon flight to London with British Airways.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4 & 5-star -
Meals
7 breakfasts -
Entrance Fees
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Fully Guided
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International Travel
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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Country Entry Visas
Accommodation
Hotel Aquila Atlantis, Heraklion (Crete)
The Hotel Aquila Atlantis is located less than 200 metres from the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion and just under 6km from the archaeological site of Knossos. The hotel's outdoor swimming pool has unobstructed views across Heraklion harbour. In the impressive atrium of the hotel you will find the main restaurant, elegantly decorated and an ideal place to enjoy fresh local dishes.
Features: 164 rooms & suites, restaurant, lounge bar, swimming pool, Wi-Fi.
Room amenities: Air conditioning, satellite television, coffee facilities, minibar.
Please note that gentlemen are kindly requested to respect hotel regulations and wear long trousers in all hotel areas during the...
Hotel Theartemis Palace, Rethymno
Hotel Theartemis Palace is located a short walk from the historic centre and sandy beach of Rethymno. Guestrooms are elegant and comfortable and public areas are furnished with antiques.
Features: 245 rooms, outdoor pool, hot tub/jacuzzi, fitness centre, bar, restaurant, complimentary Wi-Fi.
Room amenities: Balcony, air conditioning, heating, hairdryer, desk, safe, telephone, minibar,...
Check out our Q&As
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Why do I have to pay more for my holiday if I am a single traveller?
Most hotels around the world charge more per person for a single occupancy room than for a shared twin room, because the cost of maintaining a room for one person can be almost as high as it is for two. In addition, many single occupancy rooms are the same as twin / double rooms.
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Are flights included in this tour?
All prices for Cox & Kings holidays include international flights, except where indicated. For all destinations, you may be able to arrange your own flights. If you wish to do so, the cost will be deducted from the tour price.
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What is the maximum group size?
All Cox & Kings group tours have a maximum group size of 18 and average just 14 guests. Travelling in such a small group allows you to make stronger and deeper connections with fellow travellers.
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What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?
If a group tour does not reach its minimum numbers, we will either offer for you to take your holiday on a private basis (which may involve a supplement), or you will be fully refunded.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes. We only work with passionate local guides who have a firm grasp of English – so they can answer all your questions and offer invaluable insight into your destination.
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Can Cox & Kings arrange my visa?
We cannot arrange your visa but we can recommend a reputable visa assistance company who can help with your application. Please contact your tour consultant for details.
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes. Quoted prices include all entrance fees.
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
Superior: Most Cox & Kings tours fall under this category and are based in 4- or 5-star accommodation where available, or the best alternative elsewhere.
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What is the difference between a 'single' supplement and 'sole' supplement?
A 'single' traveller is someone occupying a single room while travelling with one or more other people, for example a single person travelling on a group tour. A 'sole' traveller is someone travelling on their own. As a single traveller on a group tour (except those in the SoloTravellers collection), please check the single supplement price. If you wish to add an extension to that tour, please th
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When will I get my tickets?
Travel documents will be sent approximately two weeks prior to departure (third party suppliers' policies may vary), unless your booking is made within six weeks of departure, in which case final documents will be sent as soon as possible.
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When do I need to pay my final balance?
Final payment must be made no less than 75 days before departure.
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Why do I have to pay more for my holiday if I am a single traveller?
Most hotels around the world charge more per person for a single occupancy room than for a shared twin room, because the cost of maintaining a room for one person can be almost as high as it is for two. In addition, many single occupancy rooms are the same as twin / double rooms. The Solo Travellers collection of small group tours is specially created to include accommodation based on single occu
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Can Cox & Kings arrange my visa?
We cannot arrange your visa but we can recommend a reputable visa assistance company who can help with your application. Please contact your tour consultant for details.
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Do your prices include flights?
All prices for Cox & Kings holidays include international flights, except where indicated. Australasia and Canada holidays do not include international flights so that you may benefit from the best prices at the time you choose to book, taking advantage of major seasonal variations and short term special offers. For all destinations, you may be able to arrange your own flights. If you wish to do
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What is a non-exclusive escorted group tour?
The vast majority of our group tours are exclusive to Cox & Kings clients. However, there are a few exceptions where holidaymakers who booked their tour with another travel company travel in the group.
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When will I get a detailed itinerary?
If you are travelling on a group tour, you will receive a detailed itinerary with your travel pack. If travelling on a private basis, you will receive your detailed itinerary with your confirmation invoice.
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What are the four tour categories
***LUXURY These are our most comfortable tours and will usually feature 5-star deluxe accommodation throughout*** ***SUPERIOR Most Cox & Kings tours fall under this category and are based in 4- or 5-star accommodation where available, or the best alternative elsewhere*** ***STANDARD Simpler in emphasis, these itineraries typically feature 4-star or good 3-star accommodation throughout, or the best alternative elsewhere*** ***DISCOVERY Best suited to the hardier traveller, these tours typically include some quite basic accommodation, possibly longer and rougher road journeys and, in some cases, more strenuous activities, such as trekking***
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Do I need inoculations?
Many of our destinations have recommended health precautions, which you can read about in our regional documents and health pages. However, we recommend that you contact your doctor who will be able to give you professional advice, arrange any vaccinations and give advice on malaria protection. Alternatively, visit the NHS website for more information.
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What happens if a group tour does not reach its minimum numbers? Will it be cancelled?
If a group tour does not reach its minimum numbers, we will either offer for you to take your holiday on a private basis (which may involve a supplement), or you will be fully refunded.
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
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Dates & Availability
Saturday - Saturday
May 11, 2024 - May 18, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Sep 14, 2024 - Sep 21, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Oct 05, 2024 - Oct 12, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Oct 19, 2024 - Oct 26, 2024Saturday - Saturday
May 10, 2025 - May 17, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jun 07, 2025 - Jun 14, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Cox & Kings requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cox & kings charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.