The cradle of the Minoan civilization
Heraklion is the largest city of Crete and one of Greece’s major urban centers. The city flourished under a multicultural influence throughout the centuries; that’s why there is a plethora of Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman structures to look out for! The city’s landmark is the 16th c. Koules fortress on the westernmost side of the old Venetian port, which along with the fortification walls (dating back to the same period) are among the most significant and imposing sights.
Chania
Chania (also spelled: Hania) is the capital city, a place where different civilizations have flourished throughout the centuries. Strolling around the Old Town’s maze-like alleys with the beautiful Venetian mansions, the fountains and the churches will guide you through well-preserved historical monuments.
The city of Chania is built on the area of Minoan Kidonia, at the end of the homonym gulf between Akrotiri and Onicha peninsulas. It was the former capital city of Crete (from 1847 until 1972). Nowadays, it is the second largest city of Crete after Heraklion and capital of the homonym prefecture.
Get familiar with the city of Chania by wandering around in its streets, visiting its museums and admiring the different architectural styles presenting the historical route of the city.
Rethymno
Rethymno is in the north end of the prefecture, built by the sea and is a city with many faces. Rithymna as it was once called has been inhabited since the Later Minoan III period. Nowadays, it kepts the elements inherited by its history (from antiquity up to now), preserving at the same time the characteristics of a modern city.
Arrival at Heraklio airport at Alikarnassos area, meet and greet with your guide & start the Panoramic city tour. During this tour will have the opportunity to visit (bus & walking tour) Marina, Venetian fortress koules, the Eastern walls of the city, 25hs Augoustou ,that is today a pedestrian street , the road with the most beautiful neoclassical buildings in Heraklio. Such as, Cathedral of Titos, Cathedral of Agios Minas, the Lions in Heraklion, situ- ated in the square with the Morozini Fountain, the ornate Venetian fountain with the four lions, which springs out of their mouths, Liberty Square, central Cretan market and more. Afterwards, time for lunch at a traditional restaurant in Heraklio. Drop off Hotel in Heraklion, dinner & overnight at hotel.
After breakfast at hotel, depart for your guided tour to the Archaeolog ical Museum of Heraklion, the museum in which almost the whole Minoan civilization is being demonstrated. And then depart for Knossos, visit the cradle of the ancient Minoan civilization, admire the palace of the Ancient city of Knossos. Afterwards, lunch at Archanes traditional village and transfer to Hotel in Heraklion, dinner & overnight at hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel the guided tour to Festos, which is located in south central Crete, in the high plains of Mesara and visit the Minoan palace. Then depart for Gortys, in which you will see in the heart of Roman Gortyn the Pretorio, the seat of the Roman governor of Crete. Also in the same area are the ruins of the Roman baths as well as the temple of Apollo and the temple of the Egyptian Goddesses. Afterwards, transfer to Rethymno and enjoy the walking tour with visits to the old town, coastal side, Venetian gate, square of Mikrasiaton, Ottoman baths and more. Then lunch at a tra ditional restaurant, drop off at hotel in Rethymno, dinner & overnight at hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel transfer to Chania in approximately 1,5 hrs. Have lunch and drop off at the Hotel in Chania, (restaurant THE XANI). Dinner & overnight at a hotel.
After breakfast at hotel in Chania start your walking guided city tour in Chania town, then depart for Akrotiri for the visit of the tombs of Venizelos, that are located there on the hill of Prophet Elias, just 5 kilometers east of the city of Chania, in which you can admire the panoramic Chania view. (Optionally visit the monastery of Agia triada Tzakarolon). Then depart for lunch and drop off Hotel in Chania, dinner & overnight at hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel in Chania depart for your guided tour to the port of Souda, pass by the village of Vrysses Merambelo,s that it is one of the most heroic and enchanting villages. Time for walking or coffee at the lovely square of the village. Then depart for Fodele , which is between Heraklion and Rethymnon, about 27 km west of Heraklion or 50 km east of Rethymnon. There you will see among others, the museum of Dominicos Theotokopoulos, Medieval settlements, Fodele towers, Fodele bay. Afterwards, transfer to Heraklion Airport to catch your flight back home.
Rates upon request.
*All our trips are suitable for individual travelers or groups and adjustable according to your specific needs*
Duration: 6 days/5 nights
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