See two different sides of the island with this city-meets-town holiday.

Historical Crete

Crete

Dive into Crete’s rich traditions and folklore on a trip that also introduces you to some of the island’s most striking scenery. The adventure kicks off in the charming village of Vrisses, with its backdrop of the White Mountains, where you’ll visit a family-run vineyard and learn about the wines as well as olive oil and other local products. Heading eastward through more enchanting settlements, you’ll reach Myriokefala, home to a picturesque monastery dating from the 11th century.

The main draw is its ancient frescoes, only rediscovered recently during renovation work, though the cheese pies with honey from a nearby coffee shop – a local speciality – are also well worth investigating. Your next stop was one of western Crete’s most important cities during Roman times, before being destroyed in 828 AD. You’ll find traces of ancient Lappa in what is now the village of Argyroupolis, where you can enjoy lunch in one of the local taverns. On the return to Chania, there’s one last pause: the stunning Lake Kournas, in a beautiful setting backed by hills.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 9am to 4.30pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
Lunch and drinks are not included.

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Discover Akrotiri & Chania

Crete

Spend a fascinating day soaking up the sights in Chania and the rugged Akrotiri peninsula. From the city’s bustling Souda port, you’ll make the short trip to the Suda Bay War Cemetary, set on a small plateau overlooking the sea. This poignant site is the last resting place of around 1,500 Commonwealth servicemen, most of whom lost their lives in the Battle of Crete in May 1941. From here, the route takes you inland to another supremely atmospheric spot, the monastery of Agia Triada Tsangarolon, built towards the end of the 17th century.

It’s a tranquil and photogenic complex, with elegant Venetian-style architecture and courtyard gardens filled with bougainvillaea and oleander. Afterwards, you’ll return to Chania for the rest of the day, pausing to drink in the view across the city from the Venizelos graves, the burial place of one of Greece’s most significant politicians. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the beautiful Old Town and colourful local neighbourhoods, before finishing with dinner overlooking the historic Venetian harbour.

• Duration: full day
• Daily departures 
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
The entrance fee at Agia Triada is not included.

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Discover Knossos

Crete

Uncover a sanctuary of ancient stories and whispers as you take to the historical site of Knossos. Famous for its ancient Greek ruins, Knossos may be dominated by time-honoured architecture, but these primordial structures still cut an imposing silhouette. A guide will lend an expert insight into those age-old city walls, delving deeper into the captivating mythology of the many Minoan artifacts before retreating back to the centre of Heraklion for a guided tour through the beating heart of the city.

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• Duration: Half day
• Private experience

Good to know
Specialist guides are available at Knossos and Heraklion Archaeological Museum for an extra fee.

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Sunset Sail to Mirabello

Crete

Set off on an evening enriched with enchantment as you course the rolling Mediterranean waves by sunset. The ideal opportunity to unplug and disconnect, this trip begins in the charming town of Agios Nikolaos, before setting sail across the cobalt ocean and finally anchoring in the pristine waters of Kolokitha.

Storied by a tapestry of jaw-dropping vistas, be sure to keep your eyes peeled if you want to catch a glimpse at the ancient venetian fortress. Kolokitha will instantly win you over with its untouched beauty, while the opportunity to swim, snorkel and paddle will keep you endlessly energised and entertained. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, hop back on-board and indulge in a flavour-filled gourmet Grecian feast mounted by a mesmerising ocean panorama.

• Duration: Half day
• Daily departures
• Operates: 16th May - 15th October
• Group experience

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