7 days Crete Round Trip
Day 1: Arrival in Heraklion
Arrive in Heraklion, Crete’s capital, and check into your hotel. After settling in, enjoy a welcome dinner and an introduction to the island’s rich cultural heritage.
Day 2: Knossos Palace & Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Visit the Knossos Palace, the largest Minoan site on Crete, and explore its fascinating ruins. In the afternoon, head to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum to see artifacts from ancient Crete, including Minoan frescoes and sculptures.
Day 3: Phaistos Palace & Matala
Take a scenic drive to Phaistos, an important Minoan archaeological site. Afterward, visit Matala, known for its caves once used by ancient civilizations, and enjoy the beachside atmosphere.
Day 4: Rethymno Old Town & Archaeological Museum
Explore the Venetian old town of Rethymno, with its charming cobbled streets, Renaissance architecture, and harbor. Visit the Rethymno Archaeological Museum to discover exhibits on the island’s diverse history.
Day 5: Arkadi Monastery & Ancient Eleutherna
Visit the historic Arkadi Monastery, an important symbol of Cretan resistance. Then, head to Ancient Eleutherna, a lesser-known archaeological site with ruins dating back to the Greek and Roman periods.
Day 6: Aptera & Chania Old Town
Discover the ancient city of Aptera, an important archaeological site with ruins from the Minoan, Greek, and Roman periods. In the afternoon, explore Chania’s Old Town, with its Venetian harbor and Ottoman influences.
Day 7: Departure
On your final day, enjoy free time in Heraklion or visit the Cultural Center of Heraklion before your departure, concluding your immersive journey through Crete’s culture and archaeology.