Cox and Kings Wonders of Ancient Crete

• 4* accommodation
• Direct international flights
• Experienced local tour manager
• 7 breakfasts and 2 lunches
• Guided sightseeing & entrance fees
• Welcome lunch and farewell drink

• Visits to the archaeological sites of Knossos & Eleftherna
• Boat trip to the isle of Spinalonga, once home to a leper colony
• Beekeeping experience and honey tasting
• Wine tasting with traditional Cretan lunch

Day 1: Fly to Heraklion • Rethymno
Fly from London (regional connections available) to Heraklion. Transfer to your hotel in Rethymno for 3 nights. Welcome drink
(No meals)

Day 2: Aptera • Chania
This morning, visit the ancient site of Aptera. Continue to the town of Chania with its Venetian harbour, as well as a visit to the Allied Cemetery. Enjoy a welcome lunch before continuing to Rethymno for a guided city walk
(Breakfast and lunch)

Day 3: Arkadi • Eleftherna • Rethymno
Morning visit to Arkadi fortified monastery. Continue to ancient Eleftherna village for a tour and a visit to its museum. Meet a beekeeper for an introduction to beehives and their cultivation.
(Breakfast)

Day 4: Phaestos • Matala • Heraklion
Drive across the island to the Messara plain and visit Phaestos, the second Minoan Palace. Continue to Matala, a seaside town where you can swim or relax on the beach. After, travel on to Heraklion, stopping en route at Gortys.
(Breakfast)

Day 5: Knossos • Pediados
Take a morning drive to Knossos, to visit the ancient Minoan palace. Then, drive to the Pediados region, Crete’s most famous wine producing area. Visit a wine estate to learn about Cretan wine, before enjoying a tasting and a traditional lunch. The afternoon is at leisure.
(Breakfast and lunch)

Day 6: Kera • Spinalonga • Heraklion
Morning visit to the Church of Panagia Kera to view the finest Byzantine frescoes in Crete. Continue to Elounda and take a boat to Spinalonga island. Formerly a leper colony, the legacies of Greek, Ottoman, Byzantine and Venetian occupation over the centuries have left their imprint on this fortified island. Return to Heraklion via the port town of Agios Nikolaos.
(Breakfast)

Day 7: Heraklion
Morning at leisure before an afternoon guided visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum to see its collection of Minoan treasures. Farewell drink with the group
(Breakfast)

Day 8: Fly to London
Morning at leisure. Afternoon flight to London.
(Breakfast)

Prices are available on request and will include all mandatory charges, taxes, and fees applicable to your booking. Some destinations may have local taxes or resort fees payable on arrival; these will be clearly confirmed in your personalised quote.