Crete's City & Beach

Days 1-3  Chania  
Make your way to Chania airport to pick up your car and drive to your hotel. Over the next few days, meander the streets of Chania old town to find a myriad of cultural influences, from Egyptian to Ottoman. Scattered amongst the narrow lanes are atmospheric restaurants and welcoming bars providing all the ingredients for the perfect day.  Admire the colourful Venetian Harbour, enjoy a spot of shopping at the bustling street stalls or simply watch the world go by with your new-found relaxed pace of life. For those interested in history, the Archaeological Museum is worth a visit; packed with a fine collection of artefacts and Roman relics to be admired. If you’re feeling more adventurous, why not stroll along the Venetian seawall to admire up close the iconic lighthouse on the water’s edge. If time allows, visit the Samaria Gorge, one of Europe’s longest canyons and marvel at the raw beauty of the dramatic cliffs and tight passageways. The 16km-long gorge can be hiked and there are also shorter walks and boat trips to enjoy.

Day 4  Chania to Heraklion  
This morning, check out of your hotel and head out in your car across the scenic landscape of Crete, where rugged mountain peaks meet the blue Mediterranean. Check in to your hotel, located on Crete’s tranquil north coast, offering a relaxing stay for those who prefer a quieter break.

Days 5-8  Heraklion  
Over the next five days, enjoy the laidback pace of life, delicious Greek cuisine and take a shuttle to the beach to unwind on the sand as you bask in the sun. If you want to explore the area, perhaps visit the archaeological site of Knossos Palace. The largest Minoan Palace offers a vital glimpse into the complex culture and civilisation that flourished on this island. It features elaborate frescoes alongside monumental architecture and is synonymous with the Greek myth of the Labyrinth and the Minotaur. After exploring this historic site, head into Heraklion for lunch, a city defined by its blend of ancient history and modern urban life, before continuing to Elounda. Alternatively, take a day trip to the fortified island of Spinalonga, once a venetian fortress turned leper colony and now a unique open-air museum or head over to Sitia’s UNESCO Geo Park to find a myriad of hiking trails and travel to Lasethi Plateau, high in the Dikti Mountains and rumoured to be Zeus’ birthplace for delightful views or visit the Greek mythology park.

Day 9  Heraklion  
After breakfast, head to Heraklion airport to drop off your car and continue with your onward journey.