Tastes of the Island of Crete, 9days

Arrive in Athens and meet our representative to connect to your domestic flight to Heraklion, capital city of Crete. Arrive and transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 7 PM, followed by a reception. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4:30 PM
Overnight: Heraklion

Embark on a walking tour of Heraklion. View the harbor, the Venetian fortress of Koules, the Byzantine Church of Saint Titus and Lions Square, with its Morosini fountain. Later, visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, boasting a magnificent collection of artifacts from the Minoan civilization including finds from Knossos, dating back to the Bronze Age. Walk through exhibits covering over 5,000 years of Crete’s history. Spend the afternoon at leisure
Overnight: Heraklion
Meals: Breakfast

This morning, travel west through the scenic Cretan countryside to the historic town of Rethymnon. Begin the tour at the heart of Rethymnon’s Old Town, a labyrinth of narrow streets and Venetian architecture. View the imposing Fortezza, a 16th century fortress perched atop a hill overlooking the sea, and the Rimondi Fountain, a symbol of the town’s Venetian heritage. During the tour, learn about the city’s history from its Venetian and Ottoman influences to its vibrant Greek culture. Next, visit the workshop of Giorgos Hatziparaschos, a traditional phyllo master, renowned for making ultra-thin phyllo dough by hand. Observe a demonstration and admire the precision and skill of the artisan. Conclude with tasting freshly baked phyllo dough pastries. Later, head to the Monastery of Saint Irene, set amidst the rugged landscapes of Crete. Meet the nuns and learn about monastic life. Proceed to Melidoni Cave (available Apr-Oct) a geological wonder steeped in myth and legend. Admire the rock formations and underground chambers and later return to your hotel*
*For the Dec 22 departure, a Christmas dinner with music will be included.
Overnight: Heraklion
Meals: Breakfast

Today is free to explore Heraklion at your own pace. Perhaps, join the optional Full Day Santorini Tour. This morning, board a ferry to Santorini, a stunning Aegean island. Begin with a visit to the famous clifftop village of Oia. Stroll along the picturesque narrow alleys and marvel at its blue-domed churches, white-washed cave-like houses, and astonishing views. Conclude the tour at Fira, the capital of Santorini. Wander through the famous pebbled streets of the island before boarding the ferry back to Crete. Or partake in the optional Full Day Gergeri & Zaros Villages with Olive Mill. Travel through the picturesque landscapes of Crete to Gergeri Village to visit the Women’s Pastry Cooperation. Sample some of the freshly baked sweets with coffee. Next, venture to Zaros Village, located on the foothills of Mount Psiloritis. Explore the village known for its trout farms and pristine Lake Zaros. Spend free time to soak in the ambience of Zaros and have lunch at one of the tavernas. In the afternoon, tour the family-run Olive Mill to learn about the olive-oil making process, from harvesting the olives to pressing and production techniques that have been passed down through generations. View the groves and mill, then enjoy an olive oil tasting featuring locally produced extra virgin olive oils, celebrated for their distinctive flavor and aroma. Discover how olive oil plays an essential role in Cretan cuisine and culture. Afterward, return to the hotel
Optional: Full Day Santorini Tour (May – Oct)
Optional: Full Day Gergeri & Zaros Villages with Olive Mill (Nov – Apr)*
Overnight: Heraklion
Meals: Breakfast

Your day of exploration begins with a visit to the ruins of the great Palace of Knossos, the ceremonial and political center of the ancient Minoan civilization and residence of the mythical King Minos. As you wander through the labyrinthine ruins, view the original throne of Minos, the mystifying sanctuaries, and the luxurious domestic quarters of the royal family. Continue to the picturesque village of Archanes, located on the slopes of Mt. Giouchtas. The village is famous for its typical Cretan architecture. Visit a winery to learn about traditional winemaking and enjoy a tasting of local wines. Return to Heraklion and enjoy your free time this afternoon relaxing on one of the sandy beaches along the vivid blue Mediterranean Sea
Overnight: Heraklion
Meals: Breakfast

Spend the day at leisure or participate in the optional Chania tour. Journey across Crete’s scenic northern coast to the city of Chania. Along the way, stop at the ancient site of Aptera, offering sweeping views over Souda Bay, home to the U.S. Naval Support Air Force base. In Chania, the former capital of Crete, explore the Old Town, a maze of narrow lanes lined with Venetian, Ottoman, and Neoclassical architecture. Stroll along the 14th-century Venetian harbor, with its lighthouse and waterfront cafes, and discover the covered market bustling with local produce, crafts, and traditional delicacies. Enjoy free time for lunch at one of the many seaside tavernas. Return to Heraklion in the late afternoon
Optional: Chania Tour
Overnight: Heraklion
Meals: Breakfast

On your last day at leisure in Heraklion, choose the optional Spinalonga Boat Tour. Begin the day with a boat ride to the island of Spinalonga, with its 16th century Venetian fortress. Tour the island with its remains of a leper colony. Afterward, head to Elounda, a former fishing village, located at the Gulf of Mirabello for lunch and exploration. In the afternoon, travel to Agios Nikolaos. View Lake Voulismeni and take a walking tour of the town, before returning to Heraklion. Tonight, at dinner bid farewell to your Tour Manager
Optional: Spinalonga Boat Tour
Overnight: Heraklion
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner