Captivating Crete and Aegean Cruise

Captivating Crete and Aegean Cruise

57 Views
15 Days From

$3503

Captivating Crete and Aegean Cruise

15 Days

Tour operator:

Titan Travel

Tour code:

TTCJA

Physical rating:

Moderate

From:
$3503 (USD) including Flights from the UK

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Crete is one of the most beautiful and diverse Greek islands and on this tale of two halves, we’ll spend a week ticking off some of the highlights: Heraklion’s Venetian harbour, the Lasithi Plateau, dotted with white-sailed windmills and the mountains of western Crete. Then we’ll board the newly refurbished MS Celestyal Journey for a fascinating 7-night cruise around the Aegean. Its smaller size allows a more in-depth experience of must-see destinations like Santorini, Mykonos, Athens and Turkey’s Ephesus.

Highlights

  • VIP door-to-door travel service

Places You'll See

Captivating Crete And Aegean Cruise

Captivating Crete And Aegean Cruise

Captivating Crete And Aegean Cruise

Captivating Crete And Aegean Cruise

Captivating Crete And Aegean Cruise

Captivating Crete And Aegean Cruise

Captivating Crete And Aegean Cruise

Captivating Crete And Aegean Cruise

Captivating Crete And Aegean Cruise

Captivating Crete And Aegean Cruise

Captivating Crete And Aegean Cruise

Captivating Crete And Aegean Cruise

Captivating Crete And Aegean Cruise

Captivating Crete And Aegean Cruise

Captivating Crete And Aegean Cruise

Captivating Crete And Aegean Cruise

Captivating Crete And Aegean Cruise

Captivating Crete And Aegean Cruise

Captivating Crete And Aegean Cruise

Captivating Crete And Aegean Cruise

Captivating Crete And Aegean Cruise

Captivating Crete And Aegean Cruise

Captivating Crete And Aegean Cruise

Captivating Crete And Aegean Cruise

Captivating Crete And Aegean Cruise

Captivating Crete And Aegean Cruise

Captivating Crete And Aegean Cruise

Captivating Crete And Aegean Cruise

Captivating Crete And Aegean Cruise

Captivating Crete And Aegean Cruise

Itinerary

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Day 1

Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flight to Heraklion. On arrival, we transfer to Hersonissos.

Day 2

Our Crete tour kicks off with a trip to Heraklion. The dynamic capital of the island is 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. After a guided tour, it’s a delight to explore its streets of cafés and small shops.

Day 3

We journey to the Lasithi Plateau, famous for its centuries-old white-sailed windmills, formerly used for irrigation. We’ll stop at the monastery of Panagia Kera, for a guided visit, before heading to the village of Psychro and nearby Dikteon Cave. In Greek mythology, the cave was recognised as the birthplace of Zeus and is still a significant place to visit today. The energetic may wish to walk 200 steps and through five chambers into the cave, to see the stalactites and stalagmites. Elsewhere on the fertile plateau, we’ll enjoy some free time in the picturesque village of Tzermidao.

Day 4

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 vast 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

Our holidays in Crete also have some leisure time. Today you can relax on Hersonissos’ small sandy beaches, enjoy excellent shopping facilities, and sightseeing boat trips. The main centre has plenty of relaxing cafés and Greek tavernas from where you can watch the world go by. Or learn more about Crete’s folk traditions and culture at Lychnostatis Open Air Museum.

Day 6

The wild and rugged landscape of western Crete, including snow-capped mountains, delightful villages and beautiful coastlines, are highlighted on today’s excursion. We visit Chania for a guided tour, the former capital, known as the ‘Little Venice’ of Crete is home to a street devoted almost entirely to leather goods. There’s also a beautiful Venetian harbour, which was the location for some of the scenes from the film Zorba the Greek.
We 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. After a tour, there’ll be free time to wander the old streets of the town, or perhaps spend time in a harbourside coffee bar.

Day 7

There’s more time today to relax in your surroundings, or perhaps join an optional excursion 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’s now an uninhabited island skirted with small pebble beaches.

Day 8

Later today we’ll transfer to embark our ship, ready to set sail this evening.

Day 9

With an early arrival, we have a full day to explore one of the world’s most spectacular islands. You could choose to take a cable car to the capital, Fira, and wander through the picturesque streets of whitewashed houses cascading down the cliffs. Or excursions are available to visit the newly reopened excavations at Akrotiri, the ‘Pompeii of the Aegean’, and the stunning clifftop village of Oia, known for some of the best sunsets in the world. Ship to shore tender service.

Day 10

The playground of Hollywood A-listers and footballers, Mykonos was the first of the smaller Greek islands to open up to tourism in the 1960s. Its picture-postcard harbour leads to a charming labyrinth of tiny streets full of fashion boutiques, high-end restaurants and blue-shuttered houses framed by pink bougainvillea. A short boat ride away is the small uninhabited island of Delos, sacred to Apollo and the largest archaeological site in the Aegean. Ship to shore tender service.

Day 11

Laid-back Milos is known for its amazing coastline, full of hidden coves, grottoes and unbelievably crystal-clear water. It’s far less busy than its near neighbours and if you venture inland, you’ll discover a thriving and unique island culture. Ship to shore tender service.

Day 12

The birthplace of democracy, Athens was the intellectual powerhouse of the ancient world. Today’s lively metropolis is still crowned by the awe-inspiring Acropolis, but there’s lots more to discover: the winding lanes of the Plaka district are like walking through a picturesque village, the National Gardens are the cool lungs of the city and the Archaeological Museum houses the most extraordinary ancient art from the whole country.

Day 13

Greece’s second city is known for its vibrant food scene, fascinating old town and seafront promenade with its lively cafés. Maybe join an excursion to visit Pella, Alexander the Great’s capital city and the UNESCO site of Vergina, where the Macedonian royal tombs (including that of Phillip II, Alexander’s father) have yielded priceless treasures.

Day 14

Today we visit Turkey’s buzzy port of Kusadasi, for the opportunity to explore nearby ancient Ephesus, the second largest city in the Roman empire. It’s remarkably well preserved and walking through the Hercules gate you’ll gaze wide-eyed at the two-storey Library of Celsus and the magnificent 25,000-seat open-air theatre, said to be the largest in the ancient world.

Day 15

Back in Greece, we’ll disembark in Heraklion and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival, your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.

What's Included

  • 7 nights in hotel and 7 nights cruise on MS Celestyal Journey

  • International flights. Prices are based on return flights with British Airways or easyJet from London Heathrow or Gatwick.

  • Titan tour manager

  • 35 meals: 14 breakfasts 7 lunches 14 dinnersundefined excursions and visits

  • Half-day excursion to Heraklion

  • Full-day excursion to Lasithi Plateau, including entrances to Panagia Kera monastery and Dikteon Cave

  • Full-day excursion to the west of the island, including Chania and RethymnonPlus

  • Celestyal’s ‘Enhance’ package

  • Gratuities for crew on MS Celestyal Journey

  • Drinks with meals on cruise (house wine, beer or soft drinks)

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Check out our Q&As

  • Do I have to pay a Single Supplement?

    In most cases a single supplement will apply. If the price for a Single room for sole occupancy is not shown, please ask our team for details and we will be able to check the details for you.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    We've been taking our customers across the world on escorted tours for more than 40 years

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Our commitment to sustainable travel is part of our ethos. We love exploring the world and hope that, alongside our customers, we can be part of a bigger change in respecting the people and wildlife on our planet and minimising the impact we have on our environment.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    With some COVID-19 rules and restrictions still in place there are a few details that you need to know. This information is subject to change. It’s your responsibility to monitor changes and ensure you fulfil all relevant criteria for travel. Rest assured that we’re on hand to help and answer any questions you might have.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    You’ll receive your Final holiday documents via email approximately 14 days prior to your departure.

Reviews of this Operator

Brian Jones (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from the great...

08-Apr-2024

Recently returned from the great Indian rail journey.My wife and I could hardly believe the value for money.From pick ups from Durham to Heathrow and back,to the number of coach and train journeys , quality hotels, great choice of food throughout and our first night in Heathrow Hilton. What really made our trip a success was our guide, Prashant,who managed a party of twenty four very varied, sometimes a little unpredictable travellers with ease.Nothing was too much trouble for him and as a group we gelled and warmed to Prashant as he kept us safe, well informed and a little entertained by his mix of authority and humanity.Where do I begin with the tour itself ? India,a country of extremes.Poverty,wealth,order,chaos.Sometimes bleak,often breathtakingly beautiful.The people,the cities,art, architecture,flaura and fauna.Delhi,Jaipur, Amritsar,Agra, Ranthambore, Chandigarh and the icing on the cake that is Shimla. An absolute masterclass of man versus nature,the railway and buildings are an unbelievable feat,but wait until you see the dual carriageway being built on the mountainside.🤯I could go on for a very long time but I'll just post some photos.Thanks to Titan,thanks to the excellent Prashant and and a massive thanks to the other twenty two travellers who helped shape our holiday of a lifetime.🏁💜

Odile Lawen (Google Reviewer)  

I have booked the Icelandic...

11-Mar-2024

I have booked the Icelandic Adventure holiday with Titan Travel, the Booking Staff was pleasant throughout. What I love about Titan Travel, transfer from your home to the airport and vice versa is included in the holiday.

Thomas Fisher (Google Reviewer)  

Danube cruise was great value....

13-Sep-2023

Danube cruise was great value. Well organised. Clear instructions from Titan prior to travel. Door to door service great.

Sarah Hoad  

Exceptional trip and service by Titan

04-Oct-2022

Just returned from a fabulous tour of California & the golden west. It’s a full on tour with early starts but you see so much varied landscape from the ocean to the desert to Yosemite. My 2nd tour with Titan & my first solo tour. Thoroughly enjoyed it & met some great people. Grand Canyon was amazing would definitely recommend

Trustpilot
Ms Margaret Aldgate  

Not merely a holiday, rather a memorable experience

29-Dec-2022

I have used other travel operators; this was the 1st time of touring with Titan----Israel, The Holy Land, from being collected from home and returned at the end of the holiday this was an unforgettable experience; the Tour Manager, a PhD Archaeology made the whole tour so interesting, he enlightened us throughout each day from an historical, archeological and Biblical viewpoint, bringing each site we visited come to life, and went over and above his remit escorting us for evening trips around the local area; thanks also to our very patient driver who coped with the very busy traffic; our hotels were good, professional and pleasant staff and really good food; I would recommend Titan to anyone looking for a fascinating tour with excellent efficient service thank you Titan nor just for a holiday for a memorable experience

Trustpilot
Sella Shan (Google Reviewer)  

We had a 2 weeks...

05-Dec-2023

We had a 2 weeks fantastic holiday arranged by Titan to Vietnam and Cambodia. Excellent,well organised Throughly enjoyed. Very good service by Vietnam Airlines, if you could afford book it in premium economy. We had a door to door service , picked up to airport from home and then dropped at home from airport, very convinient. Particular credit goes to our guide THI who is a caring, knolegeable, friendly down to earth man who made our trip a memorable one. I will not hesitate to book another holiday through Titan, their staff are friendly and helpful

Eileen Bulsara (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic holiday...

26-May-2023

We had a fantastic holiday in Mississippi. Right from our chauffeur driven car picking us up to the return journey, we had a great time. The first hotel The Gaylord was amazing,absolutely huge,first class. The second The Double tree in Memphis unfortunately wasn't, the hotel was tired and very basic, the only plus was where it is situated in the centre of town, we were only there two nights so it wasn't to bad. The American Queen Steam Boat was first class all the way, thoroughly enjoyed the seven nights sailing down the Mississippi. The last hotel the Sheraton New Orleans was very comfortable too. Our guide throughout our time away was Laura Tuttle. she was amazing, very knowledgeable, and helpful. We also had a coach driver Guil, who went over and beyond to give you the best time. Other coach guides included Jim,who was so funny, and also very knowledgeably. Very entertaining throughout. The entire itinerary itinerary was very well thought out, included a huge variety of visits to different Interesting locations. Highly recommend using Titan for all your holiday destinations.

Mrs Crompton  

Perfect Italian Holiday…

31-Oct-2022

Just returned from a lovely week in Sorrento at the Grand Hotel Hermitage, we had an excellent guide Peter Macchristopher. we loved the hotel the staff were very nice especially in the dining rooms, the food was good and the room we had was really nice with a wonderful view. Altogether very good value holiday.we felt the trip to Pompei was very good also boat trip to Amalfi. I would recommend a walk to the village of St Agatha and a three hour ride on the Little Blue Train. Great fun.this can be booked at reception.

Trustpilot
Susan Hawken (Google Reviewer)  

THE GREAT INDIAN RAIL JOURNEY!!!!...

03-Feb-2024

THE GREAT INDIAN RAIL JOURNEY!!!! (Dreadful) Avoid Titan and Saga at all costs. False descriptions of the tour and dreadful administration Returned to the UK last evening with a great sigh of relief after the worst holiday ever. 1. No block booking of airplane seats by Titan. (Husband and I sat apart on the long, overnight flight) 2. Unable to pre-book seats as Titan reference numbers did not coincide with anything. 3. Husband and I not sat together on any of the train journeys! In fact, on one occasion I was sat, alone on a sleeper carriage, a couple of carriages away from the rest of the group who were scattered over two or three carriages. Terrifying as a female to be sat alone in the midst of noisy locals!!!!! (Eventually the guide, Rahi, did come to rescue me and found a seat near the main group) 4. The guide, Rahi, would usually get off the coach and begin walking off without waiting for all the group to disembark the coach. (Spot the guide in the crowd!) 5. The guide, Rahi, refused to use any identifying prop such as a flag, hat, jacket or umbrella. Frightening to be in the manic crowds of Delhi and other crowded places to be unable to see the guide. 6. NO AUDIO HEADSET system on any excursion 7. The guide, Rahi, didn’t face the whole group, but stood sideways on and was unable to be heard by the majority. 8. OUTRAGEOUS behaviour by the guide when he enquired as to the whereabouts of my husband, whom I explained was in bed with an upset stomach and was feeling unwell. Rahi DID A REVERSE AIR PUNCH😳😳. This was in response to an earlier conversation when my husband had complained about our separate seating arrangements. TOTALLY UNPROFESSIONAL 9. When we arrived at Heathrow to find our aircraft seats were not allocated, we were advised to speak to our guide on arrival at Delhi. Rahi merely shrugged his shoulders and said he couldn’t do anything. 10. Tour pace incorrect - gruelling pace and only half a day relaxation due to the guide, Rahi, throwing in visits to shops and factories fie him to earn his commission as I head him tell another!!!!!!! 11. When off loaded the return flight due to illness, we were unable to get in contact with Titan/Saga. Left in Delhi without an hotel or flight!!! Found accommodation but didn’t remove shoes or clothes due to the poor standard. Final summary: Poor, disappointing, inefficient, incompetent, misleading, misrepresentations, are just a few words to describe.

Linda Vokes (Google Reviewer)  

Luxury VIP door to door...

17-Jul-2023

Luxury VIP door to door travel! I don't think so....Titan sent a Toyota Prius uber to Stanstead for a return journey to Newport, S Wales. 4 adults plus luggage! the experience was anything but luxurious. Contacted Titan on the return journey and since return. They simply didn't seem interested and offered us a £300 travel discount off a future trip! After a lot of emails they converted it to a £300 cash refund. Give it a lot of thought before booking !

Dates & Availability

Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

May 28, 2024 - Jun 11, 2024
$3503 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jun 11, 2024 - Jun 25, 2024
$3503 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jun 25, 2024 - Jul 09, 2024
$3503 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

Sep 03, 2024 - Sep 17, 2024
$3754 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

Sep 10, 2024 - Sep 24, 2024
$3754 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Instant Booking Available

Tuesday - Tuesday

Sep 24, 2024 - Oct 08, 2024
$3629 (USD)

Including UK Flights

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Titan Travel allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 75 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Titan Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform titan travel, 75 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Titan Travel requires a minimum deposit of 395 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of titan travel charges.

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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