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Discover Crete
8 DAYS FROM £599
Our first base was the Hotel Hermes in Agios Nikolias. The resort is spectacular in it's setting and the hotel was perfectly located and provided top class amenities. My husband celebrated his 65th birthday there and was surprised by a lovely cake provided by the hotel and resort staff.
After four wonderful days which included trips to Elounda and the Lisithi Plateau we moved west to Rethynunion. On our way there we were given a fascinating tour of the Minoan ruins of Malia and Knosses. We arrived in Heraklion in time to join in the "Ochi" Day celebrations.
Rethynunion was a contrast with its port and narrow streets in the old town. Our hotel The Ideon was again ideally located. We chose bed and breakfast here which gave us the opportunity to enjoy eating out at the local tavernas. Another tour was included to Chania and the surrounding area.
The weather had been perfect for the week but on our last evening a spectacular storm broke over the island. The day of our departure saw the wind lashing huge waves over the breakwater. By lunchtime, the sea deferees had been breached and the coast road closed. We were stranded or so we thought. Eventually an intrepid coach driver rescued u by reversing down the only part of the road left open. We then made a dash to the airport. What a relief to see Jackie, one of your reps, waiting at the door and on o the waiting plane which was ready for take off.
A truly exciting end to a holiday we will never forget.
Take a leisurely look at Greece's 'Great Island', birthplace of Zeus and centre of the ancient and glorious Minoan civilisation.
Included Highlights
Lassithi Plateau
Dikte Cave
Cretan Olive Oil Farm
Knossos
Heraklion Museum
Soude Allied War Cemetery
Chania
Lake Kournas
Your Price Includes
Flights: UK - Heraklion - UK
Accommodation on tour in twin room with private facilities
Meals as per hotel details
Professional tour director on tour
Transfers between overseas airport and hotels
All local and airport taxes/service charges
Holiday Itinerary
DAY 1: UK - Crete.
Fly to Heraklion where you will be met by our representative and transferred to the Hotel Hermes for a four-night stay.
DAY 2: Aghios Nikolaos. At leisure.
Set on a small peninsula between the sea and Lake Voulismeni and offering excellent views of Mirabello, Aghios Nikolaos still retains much of its traditional charm. Enjoy a stroll around the bustling harbour area or relax in one the lively tavernas.
DAY 3: Lassithi Plateau, Dikte Cave & Cretan Olive Oil Farm.
Today, enjoy a full day included excursion, beginning with a picturesque drive up to the mountain-fringed plateau of Lassithi Plain, once home to 10,000 windmills. After admiring the lovely views, take a scenic drive, past traditional white-washed villages, to Psihro for a visit to nearby Dikte Cave. Reputed to be the birthplace of the great Greek god Zeus, you can take a stroll around the deep, cool cave to admire the extraordinary rock formations and unusual stalagmites and stalactites. This afternoon, continue to a Cretan Olive Oil Farm for a chance to sample fresh, local products such as olives, olive oil, sun dried tomatoes, honey and jam, before returning to Aghios Nikolaos.
DAY 4: Aghios Nikolaos. At leisure.
You can spend the day exploring more of Aghios Nikolaos, one of Crete's most popular holiday resorts, and the surrounding countryside, or you could join one of our interesting optional excursions.
DAY 5: Aghios Nikolaos - Knossos & Heraklion Museum - Rethymnon.
Today, visit the Cretan capital for a visit to the Heraklion Museum. Admire the priceless exhibitions of relics from ancient Crete and the Minoan civilisation before enjoying some free time in Heraklion. This afternoon, marvel at the intriguing Minoan culture evident in Crete's best archaeological site on an included guided tour of the legendary Palace of Knossos, home of the famous Labyrinth where Theseus fought the Minotaur. Later, continue to Rethymnon for three nights at your chosen hotel, either Hotel Ideon or Hotel Theartemis Palace.
DAY 6: Rethymnon. At leisure.
The long sandy beach, quaint fishing harbour, charming old town and lively nightlife combine to make Rethymnon a popular place to holiday. Walk around the winding streets of the old town with their fountains and minarets and along the palm-fringed promenade, or relax at one of the bars, tavernas or cafés that line the waterfront.
DAY 7: Soude Allied War Cemetery, Chania & Lake Kournas.
This included full day excursion starts with a visit to the Soude Allied War Cemetery and then on to delightful Chania, a former capital with a colourful Venetian harbour. You'll have time to wander around shops selling the high quality leather goods this charming town is renowned for. On the way back to Rethymnon there's a visit to Lake Kournas, Crete's only official lake and an area of natural beauty, which is home to migratory birds depending on the time of year.
DAY 8: Crete - UK.
Transfer to Heraklion airport for your flight to the UK or stay an extra week at your chosen Rethymnon hotel.
Check prices and availability for this holiday
Resort Holidays
Rethymnon or Aghios Nikolaos - 8 Days From £489
For those who prefer to spend their holiday relaxing by the pool or on the beach, why not choose a week or two at any of our hotels in Aghios Nikolaos or Rethymnon?
So that you can enjoy exploring at your own pace, excursions are not included on these holidays but will be available from our representatives in your resort.
Your resorts and hotels in Crete
Aghios Nikolaos
The perfect base for exploring, Aghios Nikolaos is one of Crete's most popular resorts. It is set on a small hilly peninsula between the sea and stunning Lake Voulismeni and offers superb views of Mirabello Bay. There are a number of restaurants to choose from, some lively tavernas around the busy harbour and ample shopping, yet it still retains much of its traditional charm.
Transfer time from Heraklion to Aghios Nikolaos 1hr and 30 mins approximately.
Rethymnon
With its mosques and minarets, Rethymnon has a Turkish feel, particularly in its old quarter, centred around the quaint Plateia Petitikhaki square. The town's fishing harbour, lined with restaurants, is one of the prettiest places on the island.
Choose between the Hotel Ideon, set right in the heart of the old town, or the first class Hotel Theartemis Palace.
Transfer time from Rethymnon to Heraklion 1hr and 30 mins approximately.
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View Holiday PhotosHermes & Ideon
Hermes
Situated in a truly excellent location close to the resort centre and beach, overlooking beautiful Mirabello Bay. Spacious sun terraces with superb panoramic bay views surround the rooftop pool.
Location: 300m from the resort centre; a tunnel from reception takes you under the road to the sea terrace or it's 500m to the sandy Ammoudi Beach.
Facilities: Swimming pool with free sunbeds and parasols; Aegean bar with daily happy hour; diving centre; poolside snack bar; gym; sauna; solarium; safety deposit box in bedrooms; weekly evening entertainment.
Price includes: Half board in a twin room with private facilities; hairdryer; TV (some satellite channels); fridge; air-conditioning (15 Jun to 15 Sep only); balcony/terrace.
Options: Single room; twin room with sea view.
Official category: A class.
Ideon
Ideally located in the heart of the Old Venetian town near the waterfront with a host of tavernas and bars close by. The hotel has been refurbished and has excellent service.
Location: Close to the old harbour and 450m from the beach.
Facilities: Swimming pool with free sunbeds and parasols; pool bar serving snacks; restaurant; lounge bar with TV area; lift; safety deposit box in bedrooms; fridges available on request.
Price includes: Bed and breakfast in a twin room with private facilities; balcony/terrace; air-conditioning available between 3pm to 7pm, and 9pm to 9.30am.
Options: Twin room with sea view; single room; half board.
Official category: B class. -
View Holiday PhotosHermes & Theartemis Palace
Hermes
Situated in a truly excellent location close to the resort centre and beach, overlooking beautiful Mirabello Bay. Spacious sun terraces with superb panoramic bay views surround the rooftop pool.
Location: 300m from the resort centre; a tunnel from reception takes you under the road to the sea terrace or it's 500m to the sandy Ammoudi Beach.
Facilities: Swimming pool with free sunbeds and parasols; Aegean bar with daily happy hour; diving centre; poolside snack bar; gym; sauna; solarium; safety deposit box in bedrooms; weekly evening entertainment.
Price includes: Half board in a twin room with private facilities; hairdryer; TV (some satellite channels); fridge; air-conditioning (15 Jun to 15 Sep only); balcony/terrace.
Options: Single room; twin room with sea view.
Official category: A class.
Theartemis Palace
This stylish hotel offers high standards of accommodation and service with a wide range of amenities and excellent entertainment.
Location: An ideal location just 100 metres from the sandy beach and 2 kilometres from the Old Town.
Facilities: Swimming pool; poolside snack bar; lounge bar; sauna and fitness room; fortnightly Cretan evening and barbeque; table tennis; pool table.
Price includes: Half board in a twin room with bath or shower; wc; hairdryer; fridge; air-conditioning (1 Jun-30 Sep); balcony or terrace.
Options: Single room; twin with pool view.
Official category: A class.
Holiday Extensions
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View Holiday PhotosAdd an extra week in Rethymnon - 7 Extra nights from £84
Why not extend your holiday with an extra week on the beautiful Island of Crete?
At the end of your tour, simply remain in your chosen Rethymnon hotel before transferring to Heraklion airport for your flight to the UK.
Accommodation on Extensions
Add an extra week in Rethymnon - 7 Extra nights from £84
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View Holiday Photos
Ideon
plusIdeally located in the heart of the Old Venetian town near the waterfront with a host of tavernas and bars close by. The hotel has been refurbished and has excellent service.
Location: Close to the old harbour and 450m from the beach.
Facilities: Swimming pool with free sunbeds and parasols; pool bar serving snacks; restaurant; lounge bar with TV area; lift; safety deposit box in bedrooms; fridges available on request.
Price includes: Bed and breakfast in a twin room with private facilities; balcony/terrace; air-conditioning (available between 3pm to 7pm, and 9pm to 9.30am).
Options: Twin room with sea view; single room; half board.
Official category: B class. -
View Holiday Photos
Theartemis Palace
This stylish hotel offers high standards of accommodation and service with a wide range of amenities and excellent entertainment.
Location: An ideal location just 100m from the sandy beach and 2km from the Old Town.
Facilities: Swimming pool; poolside snack bar; lounge bar; sauna; fitness room; fortnightly Cretan evening and barbeque; table tennis; pool table.
Price includes: Half board in a twin room with private facilities; hairdryer; fridge; air-conditioning (1 Jun-30 Sep only); balcony/terrace.
Options: Single room; twin room with pool view; junior suite.
Official category: A class.
View My Holiday Photos
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