Day 3

Heraklio – Lassithi - Agios Nikolaos

Breakfast. Departure for the east of the island towards the Lassithi plateau and description of the legends of the Dikti cave, where Zeus was born. Lunch in a taverna on the plateau. Coach to Agios Nikolaos, a picturesque seaside resort. Dinner and overnight stay in Agios Nikolaos.

Day 4

Agios Nikolaos – Kritsa – Spinalonga

Breakfast. Stroll around Kritsa then visit one of Crete 's most interesting churches, the one of Panagia Kera, painted with many frescoes. Coach to Elounda and free time for lunch in this renown seaside resort. Embarkation for the day's excursion to the Spinalonga island. Tour on foot of this island, protected by a Venetian castle, known as Barbarossa's island, and later, as the lepers' island. Crossing back to Elounda by boat, from which the remains of the ancient town of Olous can be seen at the bottom of the sea. Dinner and overnight stay in Agios Nikolaos.

Day 5

Agios Nikolaos – Phaestos – Gortys – Matala

After breakfast, departure via Heraklio to visit the ruins of the Greco-Roman town of Gortys and the church of St. Titus, then the remains of second biggest Minoan palace, at Phaestos. Coach to the little fishing village of Matala , famous for it's caves overlooking the sea, and it's superb beach of fine sand. Lunch in a taverna and free time for a swim. Travel on to Rethymno for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 6

Rethymno – Agia Triada – Hania

Breakfast, followed by a tour of the town of Rethymno , it's fortress and museum. Travel west to Akrotiri to visit the Monastery of Agia Triada and then the town of Hania . Lunch in a taverna, at the venetian harbour. Dinner and overnight stay in Hania.

Day 7

Omalos – Samaria Gorge

Breakfast, then coach to the Omalos plateau. View of the start of the most beautiful gorge in Europe then return to Hania. Lunch in a taverna. Afternoon free for last minute shopping. Dinner and overnight stay in Hania.

Day 8

Heraklio-Airport

Departure for Heraklio airport, check-in and return flight.