Greece (Crete), 8 Days · Tailor-made by car

Route through the Island of the Minotaur II

Discover the wonders of Crete

Discover the very best of Crete, the famous Island of the Minotaur, on a fascinating self-drive tour. A trip peppered with fantastic experiences and stunning Mediterranean landscapes that will let you discover its myths and major historical legacy, visit its most emblematic destinations, savour the delicious local cuisine and laze on its excellent beaches. The "Island of the Minotaur II" route starts off in the capital Heraklion, where you can wander among the stalls of one of the best markets in the Mediterranean and visit the magnificent Palace of Knossos, the birthplace of kings and also one of the largest archaeological sites on the island, along with Festos. If you're into mythology, make sure you go to Gortina to hear the story that stole Zeus' heart on this island. Of course, one of the major highlights of Crete is to venture into the cave of Skotino, in Gournes, and check whether the famous minotaur could have hidden there. Its history also includes the monastery of the heroic Arkadiou, example of the Cretan resistance against the Ottoman army. But as well as being the cradle of mythological legends, this paradise island was also the birthplace of El Greco, one of the world's most revered painters. Nature lovers will also find magical places like Agios Nikolaos, where you can photograph a natural lake of volcanic origin attached to the sea. You'll see straight away why this island was the goddess Athena's favourite place in the world. Crete is also home to luxury in Elounda, handicrafts in Kritsa, walled cities such as Rethymno, fortress islands such as Spinalonga and long, inviting beaches such as Matala, perfect for exploring its rock-cut caves, or Elafonissi in Chania, ideal for sitting back and soaking up the sun. A unique and fascinating journey to the heart of the Minoan land.

Route through the Island of the Minotaur II

Departure date

Departures from November 2024 till October 2025

From

London...

NatureArchaeologicalCultural

Travel details

  • Travel details

  • Day 1 City of origin - Heraklion

  • Day 2 Heraklion - Palace of Knossos - Gortina Site - Gournes - Heraklion

  • Day 3 Heraklion - Agios Nikolaos - Elounda - Spinalonga - Sitia - Kritsa - Heraklion

  • Day 4 Heraklion - Chania

  • Day 5 Chania - Elafonissi Beach - Chrysoskalitissa Monastery - Chania

  • Day 6 Chania - Arkadi Monastery - Rethymno

  • Day 7 Rethymno - Platanias - Phaistos Site - Town and Beach of Matala - Rethymno

  • Day 8 Rethymno - Heraklion - City of origin

Your trip includes

  • Return flight.

  • Stay in selected hotel in Heraklion.

  • Selected meal plan in Heraklion.

  • Stay in selected hotel in Chania.

  • Selected meal plan in Chania.

  • Stay in selected hotel in Rethymnon.

  • Selected meal plan in Rethymnon.

  • Rent-a-car.

  • Insolvency protection.

  • Amount of the supplement for collection and return of the vehicle in a different office.

Your trip doesn't include

  • Accommodation taxes in Greece direct payment in facility.

  • Possible toll charges.

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Important remarks

- Triple rooms in Europe are generally rooms with twin beds or a double, in which a folding bed is installed to accommodate the third person. Due to the inconvenience this causes, we advise against using this option as far the possible.

- Check-in time at the hotel on the day of arrival depends on each establishment, but in no case will it be before 3:00 p.m., unless otherwise indicated.

- The proposed excursions and tours for each day are purely suggestions, as you can tailor the trip to suit your times, tastes and needs.

- A credit card is considered a guarantee, so sometimes you will need one for check-in at hotels.

- Hotels usually have cots available. Otherwise, babies will have to share a bed with an adult.

- To pick up your rental car, you'll need a credit (not debit) card in the name of the person who made the booking, who must also be the named driver of the vehicle.

- Consult the necessary documentation to enter the destinations visited and for transit in the countries where air stopovers are made.