Crete
Air trip. 6 days, from 679€+taxes
Schedule:
Day 1: Thessaloniki – Flight to Heraklion – Tour
Meeting at the airport and flight to Heraklion. Arrival and we start our tour of the city. First, we will see the walls, one of the most important monuments of the Venetian occupation. Next is a visit to the church of St. Titus, the Loggia near St. Titus Square. Transfer and check-in at the hotel. In the evening (accompanied by our leader) we will attend the procession of the epitaph in the Metropolitan Church of St. Minas.
Day 2: Selinari – Plaka Elounda – Island Spinalonga – Agios Nikolaos – Heraklion
Breakfast and departure for our full day excursion to the east of the island, with a stop at the Monastery of St. George Selinari, In the area of the monastery Selinari, with its steep slopes, in the past lived ascetics. The old church of the monastery dates back to the 16th century.Arrival in the picturesque Plaka, free time for an optional visit by boat to the martyred island of Spinalonga. The island was a fortress of the Venetians and the Ottomans, but also a leprosarium for over 50 years. Today, it is one of the most popular archaeological sites in Crete, attracting thousands of visitors every year. We will then head to Elounda, the picturesque fishing village that has evolved into a popular Ottoman resort, famous for the beauty of its landscape and its luxurious hotels. Free time for a walk and immediately afterwards we head to Agios Nikolaos, the cosmopolitan town in eastern Crete, which is the capital and largest city of the prefecture of Lassithi. The town is known for the “Voulismeni” Lake, which is located in the center of the town and is connected to the port through a canal. We will tour the city, free time for lunch (on your own) and a walk. Late in the afternoon return to the hotel. In the evening attend the Resurrection Mass.
Day 3: Heraklion – Knossos – Lassithi Plateau – Panagia Kera – Heraklion
After breakfast we start the tour of Knossos, one of the most important and impressive archaeological sites in Greece and Europe. Here is the largest and most magnificent palace of the mythical King Minos, built around 2000 BC and was the center of the famous Minoan civilization. In Knossos you can see up close the grace and craftsmanship of the ancient Cretans, which was evident in the construction, decoration and operation of the palace. We will also learn about famous stories such as the myth of the Labyrinth and the myth of Daedalus and Icarus. We continue to the Lassithi plateau and the next stop will be at the historic The church is dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary and is particularly known for its preserved Byzantine frescoes of the 14th century. Going around the Plateau we will admire the landscape with the remaining windmills and stop at Seli Ambelou, where we will be surprised by the natural beauty of the landscape. Free time for lunch at the wood-fired ovens. Return in the afternoon to our hotel.
Day 4: Heraklion – Arkadi Monastery – Rethymnon – Chania
Breakfast and departure for the historic Arkadi and pilgrimage to the Arkadi Monastery. The most important part of the Arkadi Monastery is the central two-aisled church, the Katholikon, dedicated to the Transfiguration (one aisle) and to Saints Constantine and Helen (the other aisle). The Holy Monastery of Arkadi was founded according to the principles of the Holy Monastery. according to tradition, by the Emperor Heraclius and was rebuilt in the 5th century by the Byzantine Emperor Arcadius, whose name it bears. Arkadi is the most historic monastery of Crete, which was destined to become the most sacred symbol of the Cretan Struggle for Freedom, as it was here that the tragic holocaust of 1866 took place, paving the way for the liberation of the island in 1898. In fact, UNESCO has designated Arkadi as a “European Freedom Monument”. Next stop is the city of Rethymno, old and modern, enchanting the visitor with its unique colour and rich cultural tradition. The old town built around the impressive castle Fortezza, retains its special physiognomy and its stately appearance, with the Venetian layout, the churches next to minarets, the arched passages, the Venetian mansions, the Turkish fountains, the narrow streets, the vaulted ground floors and the old houses with their heavy wooden doors and windows. The heart of the old town is the picturesque Venetian harbour and the lighthouse at the end of the small pier. Free time for lunch and we arrive in Chania. Transfer and check-in at the hotel.
Day 5: Chania – Venizelos Graves – Allied Cemetery – Therissos – Chania
It is no coincidence that Chania attracts visitors from all parts of the world. The city combines incredible natural beauty, with a rich cultural tradition and an excellent tourist infrastructure. We will walk around the old town, the market and the Venetian harbour and head towards Akrotiri, where the Venizelos’ graves are located in a magnificent grove with a unique view. We continue to the Allied cemetery in Souda. A monument to the fallen of the Allies of the Second World War. The silence is awe-inspiring along with the view. The feelings are mixed. It is a big part of the history of Crete. Our next visit is Therissos. One of the most beautiful villages of Chania, a historic village, from which the 1905 Therissos Revolution began, as the mobilization that started there in 1905 and spread throughout the island, officially demanding the union of Crete with Greece. The central square of the village is dominated by the statue of the great Greek politician El. Venizelos. We will have free time for lunch.Back in the late afternoon in Chania.
Day 6: Chania – Airport of Chania – Return flight
After breakfast, we depart for the airport to catch our return flight. Arrival in Thessaloniki, with the best impressions.
What is included:
- One personal item (40x20x25cm) and one hand luggage up to 10kg (55x40x20cm) per person.
- Transfers – Tours according to the program.
- Breakfast daily.
Not included:
- Total taxes 45€ per person
- Entrance fees to museums & attractions and anything optional or suggested
- Municipal accommodation taxes (resistance fee).
