Day 1

We fly to Crete and transfer to the Minos Hotel, where we spend the next nine nights.

Day 2 - Heraklion and Knossos Palace

We start the day with a tour of Heraklion, the capital of Crete and one of the island’s most popular cities. This is a city full of ancient history, being home to many civilizations including the Mycenaeans, Romans, Venetians and Ottomans. Traces of these cultures can be found in the fortified Venetian walls and the Valide Mosque. There is so much to see and enjoy, from the vibrant town centre and the modern Daidalo street, named after the legend of Daedalus, the craftsman behind the Labyrinth, to Lion Square with the Morosini Fountain.

Next, we visit Knossos, a Minoan Palace, one of the most famous sites on the island. The palace was home to the legendary King Minos who constructed a large labyrinth to hold the Minotaur. Knossos is steeped in myth and legend, as written by Homer in his Odyssey: “Among their cities is the great city of Knossos, where Minos reigned when nine years old, he that held converse with great Zeus.”

During our tour of Knossos, we enjoy wine tasting before returning to our hotel.

Day 3 – Chania and Souoda Bay

We head to a wonderful destination and a historically very popular one! Many of the ancient civilizations who settled in Crete stopped over in Chania at one time or another. The result? A flourishing town, with a multicultural blend of architecture, culinary delights and cultural legacy. We enjoy a walking tour of Chania Old Town, exploring the narrow alleyways to find some of the trendiest tavernas and souvenir shops, as well as museums. There is much to see in this truly beautiful place, a perfect blend of old and new.

Afterwards, we travel to the coast and Souda Bay. Here we make time to pay our respects to the fallen soldiers of the Second World War with a visit to the Commonwealth War Cemetery. At the entrance, we find the names of the fallen, all 1, 527 soldiers who bravely fought and died at the Battle of Crete. The brilliant archaeologist John Pendlebury is also buried here, the curator of Knossos from 1930 to 1934, who joined the British Intelligence Service to return to Crete and organise the Resistance when World War Two started.

Day 4 – Optional excursion to Botanic Garden and Spili*

Today we are immersed in a world of vibrant flora and fauna at the Botanic Gardens in Spili. Enjoy the beautifully curated gardens, marvel at exotic plants, and learn about the diverse ecosystems from knowledgeable guides. Afterwards, we continue to the picturesque village of Spili, renowned for its charming atmosphere and traditional architecture. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the famous Venetian fountain with its lion heads, providing a refreshing stop in the heart of the village.

Day 5 – Lassithi Plateau

Today we are treated to a trip to the largest mountain plain in Crete. At an altitude of 850m, the Lasithi Plateau runs some 11kn east-west and 6km north-south. On the plateau, we are treated to a breathtaking view of green fields dotted with thousands of small windmills, used for irrigation until a few years ago.

We visit some of the traditional villages on the Plateau such as Krasi, Tzermiado and Ano Kera. The area has been inhabited for thousands of years and the Dictean cave above Psychro is where, according to Greek legends, Zeus was raised.

Day 6 – Arkadi and Margarites

Our first stop of the day is spent exploring Arkadi Monastery. Built in the 12th century, the monastery is one of Crete’s most important monuments. The monastery gained widespread fame after the events of November 1866, when Crete revolted against the Turks, who had been in control of the island for the previous 200 years.

During the siege, when Turkish soldiers attacked the monastery, the defenders detonated a room filled with gunpowder. This desperate act resulted in the deaths of all the people inside the monastery and most of the Turkish soldiers. It was a tragic measure to avoid it falling into the hands of their enemies.

The Monastery of Arkadi has become a symbol of the Cretan struggles for liberation and is one of the most historic monasteries in Crete. The monastery also includes an interesting museum with a great collection of post-Byzantine icons, vestments, manuscripts, banners and other objects related to the 1866 Revolt.

Afterwards, we continue to Margarites, a village well-known for its pottery. Keep a look out for some stunning architecture in this charming village, where the pottery-making tradition goes back many generations. Don’t miss the church of Agios which features amazing frescoes from 1383. There are plenty of cafés down lovely narrow streets, to relax in or try a Greek coffee too.

Day 7 –  At leisure

Spend the day as you wish in Rethymno, enjoy the local sights or relax at the resort.

Day 8 - Optional excursion to Spinalonga and Agios Nikolaos*

Our optional excursion takes us first to Spinalonga made famous recently by Victoria Hislop and her book The Island. The island was used a as leper colony and is perfectly preserved. After spending time here, we head to Agios Nikolaos or St Nicolas in English, a charming port town and major tourist destination.

Day 9 - Optional farm tour with a cooking lesson*

Spend the day on a traditional farm surrounded by olive and local animals. Enjoy a walking tour of the farm and experience the Cretan nature and way of living with cooking demonstrations and hands on experience.

Day 10

We check out of our hotel and transfer to the airport for our flight home.

National Holidays brochure price in RED

Travel 55 discount price in BLACK

Tel National Holidays reservations on 0333 234 2498 quote Travel 55 code PTR557