Hide Away in the Greek Isles Crete in 8 -Days

The treasures of Athens . . . the romance of the Greek isles. What's better than a journey with a cherished companion to one of these prized destination?

This is a trip tailored to make the most of that special company and unique occasion, be it an anniversary, a honeymoon, or a singular chance to be alone and away. We have selected superior and deluxe hotels notable for their charm, atmosphere, and, of course, fine service.

Tour starts Daily in Crete : April- Oct
Available also Athens/Crete with All Inclusive hotels

DAY 1 - CRETE (B)
As your flight over the blue Aegean lands in Crete our local rep will escort you to your hotel.
CLICK HERE for more images of the Romantic Hideaways hotels of Crete.

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DAY 2-DAY 6 - Crete - Own activities(B)
To stay in your lovely hotel and enjoy the beach, the service, and the amenities, or to venture out to explore some of the , coves, and villages . . . that is the question! No doubt, you'll mix a bit of both; Relax, and revisit a favorite café or shop ,sip an ouzo or retsina at a waterside café, discover a beach or two, pick up a loaf of fresh bread and cheese and olives, and picnic on a hillside as you look out to sailboats at sea. Your days will be filled. See below more details on tours in Crete.

DAY 7 - CRETE (B)
Today in Heraklion. We visit the unique 5000 year old museum, enjoy lunch in a local tavern, and tour to the three-story Minoan palace of Knossos. If you prefer private tour , please add $ 50 per person.

DAY 8 - DEPARTURE (B)
Do your last-minute shopping this morning, or just linger deliciously in bed. Then we'll call for you and see you to the airport .

Bon Voyage.

RATE in US $, per person in double occupancy
8 Days : Crete Only

RATE in US $, per person in double occupancy
8 Days : ATHENS - Crete ( All Inclusive hotels)

Price includes:

• Car rental (7 days) Nissan Almera, Suzuki Baleno or equivalent.
  Rates include third party insurance, unlimited mileage, CDW, our handling fee and tax.
  
  
• Transportation between airport and hotels in Crete
  
• One Tour in Crete as listed, including entrance fees.
  
  
• Accommodations with breakfast (B) as indicated below, or at comparable properties, according to availability:
  

For the Athens -Crete Edition:

• Transfers in Athens on Day 1 Athens Airport to your hotel.
  And transfer from hotel to Athens Airport for your flight to Crete.
• Two nights in Athens at Stanley hotel for the first class and Divani Place for 5 stars ( or similar), with breakfast & tax included.
• Five nights in Crete at the ALL Inclusive hotels : Pantheon ( sea View Room) for the First Class Category, and Candia Maris ( Bungalow) for the 5 stars.
• Half day group tour of Athens, including entrance fees.
• Domestic air fare round trip :Athens / Crete/ Athens
  
  

Crete:

Heraklio / Hersonissos Area:
* Creta Maris ( 5 stars)
* Knossos Royal Village (5 stars)
* Royal Mare Village (5 Stars)
* Atlantis Hotel ( 5 stars - Town property)
* Aldemar Royal Mare (5 stars)

Heraklio /Amoudara Area:
* Candia Maris Hotel ( 5 stars)

Elounda Area:
* Hotel Elounda Mare (5 stars):
Supplement $65 per person per night with breakfast & dinner included (part of the deal, cant delete).

Lasithi Area:
* Hotel Elounda Mare (5 stars) : PRIVATE BUNGALOW with private pool: Supplement $200 Per person per night.

4 - Star Properties:

Heraklio Area:
* Sylva Maris Bungalows hotel ( 4 stars)
* Galaxy Iraklio Hotel ( Town property)
* Asotria Capsis Hotel ( Town Hotel)
* Marina Beach in Gouves area
* Pantheon Palace in Gouves area

Lasithi Area:
Miramar in Aghios Nikolaos

Rethymno Area:
Atlantis Beach

Gouves Area:
Pantheon Palace

Not Included:

• International or domestic air transportation
• Optional excursions,
• cruising .
• Any meal not specifically mentioned, beverages, and personal expenses
• Gratuities for local personnel
• Travel insurance (please inquire about flyer). Airport taxes.

CRETE
One of the largest islands in the Mediterranean ,and for thousands of years it has been a crossroads of three continents- Europe, Asia and Africa.

The birthplace of the first glorious Greek civilization, the Minoan one, as well as that Zeus, El Greco, the famous painter, and Kazantzakis, well known for his Zorba the Greek, Crete is a spirited and enchanting place with a wonderful climate. Ravishing scenery, picturesque harbors, ancient Minoan palaces and Byzantine churches are but a few Crete's pleasures. Add to that the friendliness of the Cretan people and one has the setting for a memorable convention or incentive destination. Crete demands to be explored by ca or by jeep and there are several interesting excursions that may be organized. Heraklion, the capital of the island with its world class Archaeological Museum and the Palace of Knossos dating back to 1500 BC, the town of Rethymno with its Venetian Fortress and the old Turkish quarter with mosques and minarets, the town of Chania, a typical Venetian town with a small secluded harbor with picturesque houses and cafes and last but not least, the port of Aghios Nikolaos and the village of Elounda around the Bay of Mirabello are all visiting points.

Trekking through the Samaria Gorge, mountain biking on the Lassithi Plateau with its countless windmills, watching a traditional Cretan wedding ceremony or enjoying a glass of Raki whilst listening to the traditional Cretan music played by the lyra during one of the Cretan nights and shopping for handicrafts and local wines can be a part of interesting incentives activities.

KNOSSOS - MUSEUM They say that if you try to leave without visiting Knossos, you are turned away from the airport. Knossos is not simply foundations but a three story Palace complex of rooms, halls and passengers, dating from 2.500 B.C. And the center of Minoan civilization (when in most parts of the world people were still living in caves). This is the labyrinth were Theseus slew the Minotaur, and where history and legend go hand in hand. After Knossos, we visit Heraklion's Archaeological Museum where all the best finds of Knossos and other cities are housed. Included in the tour is a sightseeing trip of Heraklion.

PHAESTOS-GORTYS-MATALA This trip takes South the mountains and more of Crete's unique scenery and stopping first at Gortys, the Capital during the Roman occupation. You can view the ancient forum and theater and see the famous Doric law code, chiseled forever into stone and publicity displayed in Dorian times. Also at Gortys is one of the best & most beautiful of ancient churches on Crete -St.Titus dating from 5-6 AD From here we move to Phaestos, the second major Minoan site, situated overlooking the beautiful Messara plain. At Phaestos you can evidence of the original complex destroyed by fire and earthquake, and also the second, rebuilt complex. Since we believe that too much culture is not the best way to spend a holiday the afternoon is spent on the beach of Matala, overlooked by the famous Neolithic caves.