Minoans and Mimosas
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Highlights:
The Island of Crete is the most southerly and the largest of the Greek Islands. Its long history dates back to the Minoans but it has its feet firmly planted in the luxury living of the 21st Century.
We recommend starting out in the city of Chania with its strong Venetian and Turkish influences and its picturesque old town. From there you drive along the coast to Rethymno to get lost in the narrow alleys of old town and the Venetian architectural treasures. Continue east along the coast to Heraklion, one of Greece’s major urban centers. It is also the location of the Palace of Knossos where King Minos kept the Minotaur locked up in the labyrinth. After a tour, proceed to Elounda, a 21st Century luxury resort of picture perfect beaches and Azure waters.
The Island of Crete is the most southerly and the largest of the Greek Islands. Its long history dates back to the Minoans but it has its feet firmly planted in the luxury living of the 21st Century.
We recommend starting out in the city of Chania with its strong Venetian and Turkish influences and its picturesque old town. From there you drive along the coast to Rethymno to get lost in the narrow alleys of old town and the Venetian architectural treasures. Continue east along the coast to Heraklion, one of Greece’s major urban centers. It is also the location of the Palace of Knossos where King Minos kept the Minotaur locked up in the labyrinth. After a tour, proceed to Elounda, a 21st Century luxury resort of picture perfect beaches and Azure waters.
SKU:
Explore: 21st Century Greece
Customizable Itinerary - 12 Days (from $4,780 / person)
Day 1: Depart USA
Today you depart for Greece the Cradle of Civilization and a great place to relax as you begin your Luxury Vacation on Crete.
Day 2: Welcome to Greece
Upon arrival in Athens you will be met by our representative who will assist you in connecting to your flight to Charnia. As Crete’s second largest city there is direct service from Athens but if not convenient we will fly you to Heraklion with a land transfer to Charnia. Once in Charnia you will be transferred to your hotel.
Day 3: Sfakia and the Venetian Port
After breakfast you meet your guide to visit the sparsely populated area of Sfakia which his known on the island as one of the most traditional areas in Greece. It is also known for its unspoilt, white-washed villages, high mountains, the Askyfou and Anopolis plateaus and the wild scenic coast of the Libyan Sea. You will be returned to your hotel. Use the afternoon get to know the Venetia Port area with is maze-like alleys with the beautiful Venetian mansions, the fountains and the churches.
Breakfast
Day 4: A Day at Elafonissi
This day is at leisure but we highly recommend spending the day at the beach at Elafonissi which visitors and locals alike say that is like being in a South Seas lagoon whilst having all the culture of the Mediterranean.
Breakfast
Day 5: The Gorge of Samaria
Today you join a guided hike though the White Mountains and the Gorge of Samaria. Although very popular, the walk takes 5 to 7 hours on rough terrain but does offer a unique experience including a boat ride back. As we are customizing your trip, let us know your preference and we can set up a special tour through the old Turkish and Jewish areas of the town plus a visit to Stivanadika where Cretan boots are made.
Breakfast
Day 6: Rethymnon; the best of Athens and Venice
After a leisurely breakfast you meet your driver for a transfer to Rethymnon a city rich in history dating back to the Minoans but strongly influenced by the Venetians when they occupied the island. Traits of old aristocracy can be found through 16th century buildings, arched doorways, stone staircases, Byzantine and Hellenic-Roman remains and the small venetian harbor and narrow streets. The city’s Venetian era citadel, the Fortezza, is one of the best-preserved castles in Crete. After checking in to your hotel you can start exploring. Breakfast
Day 7: Anogia and its independence
This morning you will have a guide morning visit to the interesting village of Anogia with its local dialect and clothing. Its independent ways have caused the town to be destroyed twice, once by the Turks in 1822 and then by the Germans in 1944. Despite their independent streak, they are very hospitable so you may want to stay for lunch?
Breakfast
Day 8: Cretan Mythology and Literature
Meet your guide for the trip across the island to Elounda. You will stop in Heraklion which is the largest city in Crete. Here you will tour the Palace of Knossos built by the Minoans and where, according to mythology, King Minos kept the Minotaur prisoner in the Labyrinth. Half man and half bull, some believe that he was an early evolution of a politician. You will then walk the ramparts of the Venetian walls, the largest fortifications in the Mediterranean. Stop at the Martinengo Tower to visit the tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis author of “Zorba the Greek”. Continue along the northern coast to Elounda and your luxury hotel.
Breakfast
Day 9: Day at Leisure; Option of Cooking Class and Wine tasting
Spend the day relaxing at the private beach or by the infinity pool. Take a Greek cooking lesson or Cretan wine tasting.
Breakfast
Day 10: Spinalonga Island
Spend the morning on a private visit to Spinalonga Island, across the bay from the hotel. Originally a Venetian fortress, it was, until 1957 one of the last leper colonies in Europe. After returning to the hotel you can visit a family-run olive oil factory and learn about the creation of “Cretan Gold.’
Breakfast
Day 11: Day at Leisure
We leave this day open for you to take advantage of the Greek weather and the location. Try snorkeling in the crystal clear waters or explore the villages surrounding the resort. Have lunch in one of the tavernas in Agios Nikolas.
Breakfast
Day 12: Farewell to Greece
In the morning a driver will be waiting to take you to the airport in Heraklion where you catch a flight that will begin your journey back to the USA.
Breakfast
Today you depart for Greece the Cradle of Civilization and a great place to relax as you begin your Luxury Vacation on Crete.
Day 2: Welcome to Greece
Upon arrival in Athens you will be met by our representative who will assist you in connecting to your flight to Charnia. As Crete’s second largest city there is direct service from Athens but if not convenient we will fly you to Heraklion with a land transfer to Charnia. Once in Charnia you will be transferred to your hotel.
Day 3: Sfakia and the Venetian Port
After breakfast you meet your guide to visit the sparsely populated area of Sfakia which his known on the island as one of the most traditional areas in Greece. It is also known for its unspoilt, white-washed villages, high mountains, the Askyfou and Anopolis plateaus and the wild scenic coast of the Libyan Sea. You will be returned to your hotel. Use the afternoon get to know the Venetia Port area with is maze-like alleys with the beautiful Venetian mansions, the fountains and the churches.
Breakfast
Day 4: A Day at Elafonissi
This day is at leisure but we highly recommend spending the day at the beach at Elafonissi which visitors and locals alike say that is like being in a South Seas lagoon whilst having all the culture of the Mediterranean.
Breakfast
Day 5: The Gorge of Samaria
Today you join a guided hike though the White Mountains and the Gorge of Samaria. Although very popular, the walk takes 5 to 7 hours on rough terrain but does offer a unique experience including a boat ride back. As we are customizing your trip, let us know your preference and we can set up a special tour through the old Turkish and Jewish areas of the town plus a visit to Stivanadika where Cretan boots are made.
Breakfast
Day 6: Rethymnon; the best of Athens and Venice
After a leisurely breakfast you meet your driver for a transfer to Rethymnon a city rich in history dating back to the Minoans but strongly influenced by the Venetians when they occupied the island. Traits of old aristocracy can be found through 16th century buildings, arched doorways, stone staircases, Byzantine and Hellenic-Roman remains and the small venetian harbor and narrow streets. The city’s Venetian era citadel, the Fortezza, is one of the best-preserved castles in Crete. After checking in to your hotel you can start exploring. Breakfast
Day 7: Anogia and its independence
This morning you will have a guide morning visit to the interesting village of Anogia with its local dialect and clothing. Its independent ways have caused the town to be destroyed twice, once by the Turks in 1822 and then by the Germans in 1944. Despite their independent streak, they are very hospitable so you may want to stay for lunch?
Breakfast
Day 8: Cretan Mythology and Literature
Meet your guide for the trip across the island to Elounda. You will stop in Heraklion which is the largest city in Crete. Here you will tour the Palace of Knossos built by the Minoans and where, according to mythology, King Minos kept the Minotaur prisoner in the Labyrinth. Half man and half bull, some believe that he was an early evolution of a politician. You will then walk the ramparts of the Venetian walls, the largest fortifications in the Mediterranean. Stop at the Martinengo Tower to visit the tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis author of “Zorba the Greek”. Continue along the northern coast to Elounda and your luxury hotel.
Breakfast
Day 9: Day at Leisure; Option of Cooking Class and Wine tasting
Spend the day relaxing at the private beach or by the infinity pool. Take a Greek cooking lesson or Cretan wine tasting.
Breakfast
Day 10: Spinalonga Island
Spend the morning on a private visit to Spinalonga Island, across the bay from the hotel. Originally a Venetian fortress, it was, until 1957 one of the last leper colonies in Europe. After returning to the hotel you can visit a family-run olive oil factory and learn about the creation of “Cretan Gold.’
Breakfast
Day 11: Day at Leisure
We leave this day open for you to take advantage of the Greek weather and the location. Try snorkeling in the crystal clear waters or explore the villages surrounding the resort. Have lunch in one of the tavernas in Agios Nikolas.
Breakfast
Day 12: Farewell to Greece
In the morning a driver will be waiting to take you to the airport in Heraklion where you catch a flight that will begin your journey back to the USA.
Breakfast
