Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Crete with "The Labyrinth of Crete" tour, where history and natural beauty intertwine. Discover the ancient wonders of the Palace of Knossos, the heart of the Minoan civilization, and explore the vibrant streets of Heraklion. Sail to the hauntingly beautiful island of Spinalonga, once a leper colony, and enjoy a traditional Cretan lunch in the charming village of Elounda. Experience the serene beauty of the Lassithi Plateau and the mythical birthplace of Zeus on an exhilarating Land Rover tour. With comfortable accommodations in Gouves or Chersonissos, this tour offers a perfect blend of culture, adventure, and relaxation, complete with guided tours, delicious meals, and air-conditioned transport. Uncover the secrets of Crete and create unforgettable memories on this enchanting Greek island. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : ARRIVAL HERAKLION (25 km - 30 min)
Location: Heraklion, Gouves, Chersonissos
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
Upon arrival at Heraklion Airport you will be directed to the bus that will take you to the hotel in Gouves or Chersonissos area for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the delightful surroundings on your own. Dinner is included.
Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area.
Day 2 : BOAT TRIP TO THE ISLAND OF SPINALONGA (130 km – 8 hrs)
Location: Spinalonga, Elounda, Gouves, Chersonissos
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a tasty breakfast, you will be picked up at your hotel to start discovering the hidden treasures of Greece. Spinalonga is one of the most famous spots in Crete, and sometimes called the ‘island of tears’ due to its past as a leper colony. It was initially a Venetian fortress but then it became the home for hundreds of Greece’s lepers who were shipped there and formed a colony. Once there, you’ll take a guided walk around the enchanting remains of the colony. See its main street, still lined with the shops and houses where the lepers attempted to live ordinary lives. Later, you’ll sail back to Elounda, where you’ll have a typical Cretan lunch. Then, walk around on your own, do some shopping or go for a swim. Lunch and dinner are included.
Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area.
Day 3 : PALACE OF KNOSSOS – HERAKLION TOWN (42 km – 8 hrs)
Location: Palace of Knossos, Heraklion, Archaeological Museum of Heraklion
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After the delectable breakfast served , you will be picked up at the hotel and transferred to the imposing Palace of Knossos. The landmark dates back to 1900 BC, and it was the hub of Crete’s Minoan civilization and the place where the fearsome Minotaur was said to have lurked in the labyrinth. Admire the treasures of this fascinating palace during an interesting tour, while your guide explains the myths surrounding it and its kings. Afterwards, visit lively Heraklion, see the Venetian lion fountain and the loggia that is now the Town Hall. The magnificent tour ends at the entrance to the old harbour, the place where you begin to explore on your own. If you want to get even closer to the stunning past of the Greeks, take advantage of the guided tour in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. Your day ends with a comfortable transfer to your hotel in Gouves or Chersonissos area. Dinner is included.
Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area
Day 4 : LAND ROVER TOUR – EXPLORE THE BIRTHPLACE OF ZEUS (120 km – 8 hrs)
Location: Potamies Reservoir, Roman Aqueduct of Lyttos, Kastamonitsa, Cave of Zeus, Lassithi Plateau, Krassi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel and head towards the central part of Crete to learn about its mythology, culture, and local life, while having lots of fun. Your day starts from the moment you meet your drivers, who will take you to your first stop, the Potamies Reservoir water dam. Continuing our journey through mesmerising paths and olive trees, we reach the ruins of the Roman aqueduct of Lyttos. Admire the beauty of the site and continue towards the quaint village of Kastamonitsa, where we join the locals for a coffee break in the traditional cafeneion. Afterwards, the real off-road adventure begins! We will Climb high into the mountains and follow the ancient minaon path that leads us to the cave of Zeus (entrance not included) where, according to mythology, the father of all the gods was born. Then, you have the chance to take some memorable photographs of the Lassithi Plateau, before we drop down to the plateau for a delicious BBQ lunch with unlimited wine! The journey continues with a stop at Lassithi plateau, where time has virtually stood still and the local people are mainly farmers. We continue the adventure until we reach the village of Krassi our last stop of the day. Catch a glimpse of the 2,000-year-old plane tree and learn about its natural spring water source. End this thrilling day with a transfer back to your hotel. Lunch is included with wine and bottled water.
Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area
Day 5 : DEPARTURE HERAKLION (25 km - 30 min)
Location: Heraklion
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin your day with a rich breakfast at the hotel. Then, enjoy a transfer to Heraklion airport and continue with your travel arrangements.
What's Included
-
Tour Guide
Operated with a local English-speaking guide on a shared basis on day 2 and 3.
-
Transport
Air-conditioned shared transportation throughout the tour and inbound/outbound air-conditioned shared transfers from/to Heraklion Airport.
-
Entrance Fees and Activities
All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, including the Archaeological sites of Knossos, Archaeological Museum, the boat trip to the island of Spinalonga, Spinalonga island tour, and Land Rover Tour.
What's Not Included
-
Personal Expenditures
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks, and meals if not stated explicitly in the programme.
-
Flight Tickets and Visa Fees
Flight tickets or visa fees are not included.
-
Airport Taxes
Airport taxes for domestic and international flights are not included.
-
Gratuities
Gratuities for driver and guide are not included.
-
Optional Tours
Optional tours are not included.
-
Overnight City Tax
Overnight city tax for the hotel overnights effective from January 1st, 2018. Clients will have to pay the TAX on the spot at the hotels.
-
Zeus Cave Entrance Fee
Zeus Cave entrance fee on Day 4 is not included.
Requirements
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Greece. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sun glasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
<br>Walking shoes recommended for Zeus Cave visit.
...more ...less
Please Note
- Walking shoes recommended for Zeus Cave visit
- Please note that local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to the tour contents without prior notice
- We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems, security reasons, or Corona restrictions.
- Hotel early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms are subject to availability and are not guaranteed.
- The distances and travel times described in the itinerary may vary.
- No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed
- Please note the clients will have to pay the TAX on the spot at the hotels
- Please note that the inbound airport-hotel transfers are included only as part of the package and if pre and post-night stay is booked as an extra. Otherwise additional transfers should be purchased separately.
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1-4 Gouves or Chersonissos area:
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar 4*
OPTIONAL EXTRA:
Pre - Night in Gouves or Chersonissos area:
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar 4*
Post - Night in Gouves or Chersonissos area:
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar 4*
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with air-conditioned shared transportation throughout the tour, including inbound and outbound transfers from Heraklion Airport. Enjoy seamless travel between destinations, ensuring a stress-free experience as you explore the beautiful island of Crete.
Accommodation
Enjoy a comfortable stay with 4 nights' accommodation in the Gouves or Chersonissos area, offering options in both standard and superior hotel categories. Choose between Hotel Hersonissos Central, a 3-star option, or the 4-star Hotel Hersonissos Maris for a more luxurious experience.
Check out our Q&As
-
What kind of guide will accompany us during the tour?
The tour is operated with a local English-speaking guide on a shared basis on days 2 and 3.
-
What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour includes 4 breakfasts, 2 lunches (one during the Land Rover Tour with unlimited wine and one Cretan lunch in Elounda excluding drinks), and 4 dinners.
-
What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides air-conditioned shared transportation throughout, including inbound and outbound air-conditioned shared transfers from/to Heraklion Airport.
-
Are entrance fees included in the tour package?
Yes, all entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary are included, such as the Archaeological sites of Knossos, the Archaeological Museum, the boat trip to the island of Spinalonga, the Spinalonga island tour, and the Land Rover Tour.
-
What is the accommodation arrangement during the tour?
The tour includes 4 nights' accommodation in the Gouves or Chersonissos area. Options include a standard hotel category like Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar 3*, and a superior hotel category like Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar 4*.
-
Is there an option for additional nights before or after the tour?
Yes, there is an optional extra for pre-night and post-night stays in the Gouves or Chersonissos area, with the same accommodation options as during the tour.
-
What should I wear during the tour?
Comfortable and light clothing is recommended for traveling in Greece. Visitors should avoid sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious, or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent can be very useful. Walking shoes are recommended for the Zeus Cave visit.
-
What does the price include?
What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
-
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
-
Do you offer any travel insurance?
We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
-
Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
-
Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
-
Is there any option for solo traveller?
Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
-
When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client´s arrival
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Wednesday - Sunday
May 07, 2025 - May 11, 2025Sunday - Thursday
May 11, 2025 - May 15, 2025Wednesday - Sunday
May 14, 2025 - May 18, 2025Sunday - Thursday
May 18, 2025 - May 22, 2025Wednesday - Sunday
May 21, 2025 - May 25, 2025Sunday - Thursday
May 25, 2025 - May 29, 2025Wednesday - Sunday
May 28, 2025 - Jun 01, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Destination Services Greece requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 35 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of destination services greece charges.
Up to 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
The Labyrinth of Crete
5 Days Starting and ending in Heraklion, Greece
Visiting: Heraklion, Gouves, Chersonissos, Spinalonga, Elounda, Palace of Knossos, Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, Potamies Reservoir, Roman Aqueduct of Lyttos, Kastamonitsa, Cave of Zeus, Lassithi Plateau, Krassi ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
27988
Guide Type:
Partially Guided
Group size:
20 - 40
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Please advise request
