DAILY ITINERARY

• DAY 1

  ATHENS – CHANIA

  Arriving at Crete Island in Chania and a private transfer will take you for check-in at the hotel. Settle in your room and then we suggest you plunge into the pool and get some rest. Leave the hotel for an afternoon walk in order to get to know Chania and see this truly beautiful coastline city. See the Venetian harbour, the Lighthouse and the narrow streets of Chania. There you will find all kind of restaurants and shops. You can find souvenir, leather, ceramic and local products shops. If you are interested in buying a traditional Cretan knife or just watch the making of it, there are the Knives shops. The Golden beach is the closest beach to Chania town in case you feel like going for an afternoon swim. For dinner you can go at  Palazzo Almare Restaurant for amazing dishes. Palazzo Almare is a seafront restaurant with a magnificent view to the Venetian harbour of Chania. Afterwards if you feel like drinking some amazing cocktails go at Hippopotamus Bar which is in the harbour.

• DAY 2

  FALASSARNA & BALOS BEACH

  Leave the hotel in the morning ready to explore Falassarna and Ballos beach. Falassarna beach has been declared as one of the cleanest beaches in Greece. The sand in Falassarna is whitish, making the colour of the water tropical. You will enjoy the crystal-blue waters for sure, there is a great food-canteen if you want to eat something or drink a cold beer. In addition, about 19 km northern, Balos beach has white sand, soft seabed and crystal water. Opposite the beach, there is a rocky island called Gramvousa and on top of this island, there is a steep Venetian castle with a gorgeous view of the region and the sea. After return at the hotel and relax. Later you can have a walk in the old harbour of Chania and have some light dinner and then try some drinks in one of the many bars of Chania’s town.

• DAY 3

  CHANIA – ELAFONISI

  The day has arrived that you will see one of the most beautiful beaches of the island. Elafonisi beach is like paradise on earth with pink coral sand and crystalline waters. It can be reached by boat from Paleochora as the road leading there is track and difficult. You can enjoy great comfort food in in 2 food-canteens that are in the beach. After spending half of your day on this amazing beach it’s time for you to relax at the hotel. For another amazing dinner you should go at the Lithos Restaurant in the old harbour. You will enjoy pure local ingredients, fresh fish, local meat, vivid vegetables and big variety of Greek wines. Wonder around Chania town and find another great bar to spend the rest of your night.

• DAY 4

  CHANIA – RETHYMNO

  Check out from your hotel and continue by visiting the beautiful Rethymno. A private transfer will take you for check-in at the hotel. Settle in your room and then we suggest you take a walk to get to know the city. See the Venetian harbour, the 17th century  Lighthouse and wander in the narrow streets of the Old Town. There you will find all kind of restaurants, shops which are standing one next to the other. You can find souvenir, ceramic and local products shops. For dinner you can go to Achinos Restaurant for amazing dishes and lovely view of the Old harbour.

• DAY 5

  RETHYMNO SITESEEING

  Enjoy your breakfast and spend your free day discovering the town. The town of Rethymno offers many great attractions. You can wander in the Old Town and reach the hidden Rimondi fountain. Back in the Venetian times the whole city was able to use the water coming from the fountain. At present days it is possible to drink the water from this magnificent ancient fountain, so just go and fill up a glass or your water bottle and just enjoy the fresh water. On the west side of the port, the Old Fortress dominates. In the 16th century, the Venetians built this enormous fortress, complete with sturdy bastions, to protect the island against the Turkish invasion and as a place where locals could find shelter. Do not forget to pass by Mikrasiaton Square, where the Neratze Mosque with its 27- meter-high-minaret from 1600 is located. In the same area you can also visit the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno. It hosts findings from the Neolithic Age to the era of Roman rule. The collections include findings from caves, settlements, and cemeteries of the Minoan Era, as well as objects from the Geometric, Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic and Roman eras. The Municipal Gardens of Rethymno remain the perfect spot for relaxation and delight.

• DAY 6

  PREVELI BEACH

  Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and get ready for a beach day at Rethymno’s most idyllic beach, Preveli beach. It is an oasis of palm trees with crystalline greenish waters and fine soft sand. Kourtaliotis river ends at this wonderful beach, creating a delta. Apart from the superb palm trees, lush vegetation surrounds the beach and the river, creating a dreamy landscape. After you enjoy the crystal-blue waters of Preveli, the famous Preveli Monastery, with rich historical and religious interest,  is located about 5 minutes from the beach, offering an amazing view of the around area. Back to the hotel to and get ready for a great dinner or refreshing cocktails at Cavo Rethymno, a beautiful, elegant meeting point in town, overlooking Fortezza castle and the Mediterranean Sea.

• DAY 7

  SAILING CRUISE

  The perfect day for your first boat trip is here. Leave the hotel in the morning ready to enjoy wonderful sea views, have a good time and take a bunch of pictures that will delight you for a long time. The boat trip starts in the morning from Rethymno Marina. The catamaran will sail along the coast of Rethymno. You will have the chance to discover Crete by water, sail across Rethymno coast  in a scenic excursion and reach Panormos village, an example of pure and traditional Cretan hospitality. During the cruise, you can also go snorkelling with provided equipment, SUP surfing or swim and sunbathe in various spots and secret beaches.

• DAY 8

  PALACE OF KNOSSOS

  We suggest you enjoy  a unique private day tour where you will be able to learn more about the culture of this wonderful island, the history, the beautiful landscapes, the amazing cuisine, high-quality local wines and of course the authentic Cretan local lifestyle. With this private tour you will have the chance to go to the world-famous Palace of Knossos with a chauffeur. This tour provides you a private local insider guide, so you don’t have to wait in the queues around the archaeological areas and you will have extra-personalized attention for the whole tour, so you enjoy this day in the maximum ! You will also have the chance to try authentic local Cretan dishes, great local wines and experience for a day how the villagers live in the island of Crete. You will visit the Boutari winery, which dates to 1879, and your local insider guide will introduce you to the harmony of nature and human labour which is dedicated to the organic production of high-quality Cretan wines. Not to mention the great experience of the wine tasting. Personal pick-up and drop-off will be included in this private tour, with a premium vehicle with a full-day disposal, just like a VIP! When you return, you can relax at your hotel and later go for a nice dinner at Moon Spinners Restaurant. There you will enjoy a wide variety of the finest quality of fresh sea food, Mediterranean delicacies, and a fine selection of prime meat cuts.

• DAY 9

  PLATANIAS BEACH – GEROPOTAMOS BEACH – ADELE BEACH

  After yesterday’s tour in the Palace of Knossos, we are suggesting a more relaxing day. You can spend your day at Platanias beach, located 4 km east of Rethymno town. Platanias beach is an organized, sandy beach, with easy access and many facilities. Enjoy a refreshment drink at the beach bars or have a scrumptious meal in the amazing seaside fish taverns. In case you are looking for something more secluded, Geropotamos beach, with mostly sandy seashore, but also pebbled in some areas, offers an alternative option. In summer, the beach is affected by northern winds, the so called meltemia. About 11 km west, Adele beach awaits, a long strip of sand stretching for about 5 km, with crystal clear waters and the deep blue of the Mediterranean sea satisfying even the most demanding guest.

• DAY 10

  RETHYMNO – ELOUNDA

  Check out from your hotel and continue your Cretan quest by going east. On the way to Elounda and about 30 minutes from Rethymno, a stop at Bali Coast would be a nice choice, with the small inlets, the greenish waters and the relaxed atmosphere. Arrival at the hotel in Elounda and time for some rest. Elounda is a pretty fishing village at Mirabello Bay, north of Agios Nikolaos, which is the perfect destination for a relaxing seaside getaway. An ideal location for people who want a seaside holiday in a place neither too busy nor too isolated, having a spectacular coastline, shaded beaches, crystal clear seas and archaeological interest. In the afternoon, you can follow the coastal paths which are perfect for walking and admire the stunning scenery, explore the surrounding area and get to know this part of Crete a bit better. For dinner we recommend Lotus Eaters Restaurant, the epitome of Mediterranean cuisine.

• DAY 11

  PRIVATE CRUISE AT MIRABELLO BAY

  An interesting proposal for today would be a Sailing Cruise to Mirabello Bay. On this full-day private boat trip from Elounda, you will get free time to soak up the sun, visit breath-taking caves and remoted beaches. You will discover the legendary Island fortress of Spinalonga, with its long history and terrifying past. Spinalonga is the second most visited site in Crete, it was built by the Venetians in 1526 and hosted the leper community from 1903 to 1957. In addition, you can stop at Voulisma beach, with the white sand coast and the turquoise blue watercolour. Stroll through the uninhabited island of Kolokytha (pumpkin), and the picturesque village of Mochlos, which are among the most enchanting sights in the Greek islands. Take the opportunity to swim in beautiful clear waters with several stops made during the cruise and finally enjoy traditional food served on board.

• DAY 12

  ELOUNDA – AGIOS NIKOLAOS

  Every day in Crete gives the opportunity for a new discovery. You can start your day by visiting Agios Nikolaos, the capital of Lasithi region. It is a beautiful seaside town, located about 10 km south of Elounda. Not far from the town is Ammoudara beach, a nice sandy beach with light blue water colour. The beach is organized, and water activities are offered. Alternatively 12 km south of Agios Nikolaos town you can find Istro beach. The transparent blue waters and the white sand are two of the main characteristics that made this beach so popular. It is surrounded by green cliffs covered with vast vegetation creating a magical landscape. In the afternoon, a walk around Lake Voulismeni, one of the landmarks of Agios Nikolaos, with several bars and restaurants making the place enlivened, promises a truly particular and memorable experience.

• DAY 13

  ELOUNDA – HERAKLEION – ATHENS

  Today is your last day and we suggest you have a relaxed day, whether by the pool of your hotel or at one of the closest beaches of Elounda village. Time for check out and depart with a private transfer with direction to Heraklion airport. Before you go, you can stop at local stores and shop products like olive oil, honey and the famous local drink Raki. Arrive in Athens with the best memories from Crete !