GreeceTours

Discover Classical Crete & Cretan Villages | 2 days / 1 night

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Embark on this incredible 2-day tour of Crete, to discover its allure through cultural experiences, natural beauty, and rich history

Route

Day 1
Meet with your guide at Eleftherias Square in front of Astoria Capsis Hotel at 08.30, we drive 5km to southeast off the city to visit the Knossos Palace which was built from 1700 to 1400 BC.

Advanced architectural techniques were used in its construction, and sections of the palace stood up to 5 stories high. Settlements in Knossos date as far back as the Neolithic period. Neolithic remains from around 7000 BC are found throughout Crete. Explore the ruins of the ancient Minoan civilization. Knossos Palace featured 1,300 rooms connected by corridors, and a theater and extensive storerooms, which held large clay containers of oil, grains, dried fish, beans and olives – often with gold hidden beneath. The site was discovered in 1878 by Minos Kalokairinos. The excavations in Knossos began in 1900 A.D. by the English archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans and his team and they continued for 35 years. At approximately 10.30, we drive to Gortyna, the Roman capital of Crete and Cyrenaica and was first inhabited around 3200 BC. Stop at the Village of Plouti for an optional lunch at “ To Steki tou Chochliou”.

After the visit, drive through valley of Mesara to visit the archaeological site of Phaistos and its palace, the most important center of the Minoan civilization, and the most wealthy and powerful city in southern Crete. Finally we arrive to Zaros, attractive, refreshingly unspoiled village famous for its spring water, which is now bottled and sold all over Greece, and an ideal base for walkers to explore the beautiful nature. Zaros also has some fine Byzantine monasteries, and delicious farm-raised trout served up in tavernas around town and on emerald-green Lake Votomos which will be visited.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Zaros.
Day 2
After breakfast at the hotel, at approximately 10.00, we start our drive to the traditional Cretan village of Vatos, a small village hidden in the green where we find all the elements of its tradition.

Walking down the alleys we visit the old school and its fountain as well as the museum with the farming tools and utensils of earlier times. We finish at a cauldron of the village where you make Raki (the famous alcoholic beverage of Crete). Spili is our next stop known for its Venetian snake with a long line of 25 stone lion heads that run cool water from their mouths. Then we visit Lampini, the church and the museum of Panagia. The church is inscribed with a cupola, and depicts frescoes of the 12th and 14th century. It was an Episcopal church, since the village of Lampini once accommodated the seat of the famous Episcopate of Lampis, which had existed since 431. Drive to Gorge of St. Antonios, short walk through beautiful nature up to the cave of St. Antonios and enjoy your lunch at Drymos Restaurant (optional).

After the lunch crossing the lush villages of Amarios we reach the Arkadi Monastery, which constitutes a landmark of architecture and civilization considering the magnificent facade of the church, the highly developed spiritual tradition as well as the flourishing development of fine arts. However, the holocaust, which took place in 1866, gave the monastery an eminent place in history, elevating it to an eternal symbol of freedom and heroism, recognized worldwide.

Late in the afternoon at 19:00, we return to Heraklion at the terminal in front of Astoria Capsis Hotel.

Schedule / Prices

  • Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night
  • From 02/03/2022 to 07/11/2023
    Adult in double room: 284 € / Single Room: 336 € 
    3rd adult: 256 € / Child 142 €
    Private Operation, additional cost per reservation 900€
    Every Monday

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Included

  • Accommodation on HB, 1 night in Zaros
  • All transfers during the tour
  • Deluxe A/C coach
  • Professional guide
  • All taxes

Not Included

  • Pick up - drop off from your hotel
  • Entrance fees to the archaeological sites (Adult: 33€ / Child: 15€)
  • Lunch in restaurant throughout in the tour (40€)
  • Drinks and beverage during the meal
  • Whispers
  • Gratuities
  • All personal expenses
  • Everything that is not specifically mentioned in the "Included" section

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