3-Day Tour of Crete

Tour Description

Day 1: Heraklion - Gortyna - Festo - Matala - Zaros

We'll pick you up at the indicated time in front of Hari’s Creperiê and leave Heraklion behind as we drive to Gortyna, the ancient Roman capital of Crete. This place, inhabited since 3200 BC, will amaze you with its archaeological remains and rich history.

After exploring Gortyna, we'll cross the Mesara valley to visit the archaeological site of Festo, one of the main Cretan vestiges of the Minoan civilisation. This archaeological site will allow you to discover how the inhabitants of one of the richest and most powerful cities of southern Crete lived.

The next stop will be in Matala, where you'll have free time to swim in the crystal clear waters and enjoy a delicious lunch on your own. Finally, we'll reach the charming village of Zaros, known for its natural springs and surrounded by a dreamlike environment.

After settling into your accommodation, you'll have free time to explore the village on your own. Don't miss the Votomos Lake, famous for its beauty and tranquillity. In the evening, we'll meet again to enjoy a typical Cretan dinner with a show and then rest until the next day.

Day 2: Zaros - Vatos - Spili - Lampini - St. Antonio's Gorge - Rethymno

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll depart for the traditional Cretan village of Vatos, a hidden corner of green landscapes that has preserved its cultural essence intact. We'll stroll through its narrow streets and visit the old school and a museum of farming tools. Before leaving, we'll also enter a place where raki, a typical alcoholic drink of Crete, is made.

Our next stop will be in Spili, a picturesque village known for its Venetian fountain, formed by 25 lion heads pouring fresh water. Here, we'll enjoy a delicious Cretan lunch before continuing to Lampini, where we'll visit the church of Panagia and its museum. This church, decorated with frescoes from the 12th and 14th centuries, was an important episcopal centre in ancient times.

Then, we'll walk along the St. Antonio's Gorge, a path that will lead us through a lush natural environment to the cave of St. Antonio—the perfect experience for nature lovers!

After arriving at the hotel in Rethymno, you'll have the afternoon free to explore the town on your own.

Day 3: Rethymno - Margarites - Arkadi Monastery - Heraklion

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll leave at 9:30 am for Margarites, a charming village famous for its pottery tradition. We'll stroll through its alleys full of pottery workshops and enjoy its well-preserved architecture.

We'll continue to the Arkadi Monastery, a symbol of the Cretan freedom struggle and heroism. Its majestic façade and rich history will captivate you, as we tell you the sad story of the holocaust of 1866. Did you know that this monastery played a crucial role during the resistance against the Ottoman Empire?

Before heading back to Heraklion, we'll tour the old town of Rethymno, one of the best preserved towns in Greece. We'll explore its medieval fabric and visit the imposing Venetian fortress of Fortezza, which offers spectacular panoramic views.

Finally, we'll drive along the north coast of Crete, passing the picturesque villages of Bali, Fodele and Agia Pelagia until we reach Heraklion. The tour will end at 6 pm at the point from where we left Heraklion on the first day.

Accommodation

The tour includes 2 nights of accommodation with breakfast at the following 2 and 3-star hotels:

• Zaros: Idi Hotel (3*)
• Rethymno: Ideo Hotel or similar (2*)

Please note that if there is no availability at the hotel in Zaros, we'll spend the first night in Heraklion, at the Marin Hotel or similar.

Tickets

When booking, you can choose the option that includes entrance fees to the archaeological sites.