Venetian Crete

Venetian Crete

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4 Days From

$350

Venetian Crete

4 Days Starting and ending in Heraklion, Greece

Visiting: Crete, Heraklion

Tour code:

26738

Guide Type:

Partially Guided

Physical rating:

VERY_EASY

Age range:

18-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Meat

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

From: $350

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Discover the enchanting island of Crete with our "Venetian Crete" tour, a cultural journey through Greece's rich history and stunning landscapes. Begin your adventure with a visit to the ancient Palace of Knossos, the heart of the Minoan civilization, and explore the vibrant city of Heraklion. Wander the charming streets of Agios Nikolaos and unwind in the picturesque fishing village of Elounda. Experience the haunting beauty of Spinalonga Island, once a Venetian fortress and later a leper colony. Enjoy comfortable accommodations in the Gouves or Chersonissos area, with guided tours, delicious meals, and air-conditioned transportation included. This unforgettable tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation.

Highlights

  • Palace of Knossos: Get closer to the rich Greek past and visit the highlights of the Minoan civilization

  • Heraklion city: Wander around the streets of Crete's largest city and its administrative capital

  • Agios Nikolaos: Agios Nikolaos is a charming coastal town, located close to the island’s capital, Heraklion

  • Spinalonga: Enjoy a memorable boat trip to the magnificent island of Spinalonga and admire the impressive fortresses dating from the Venetian period

  • Elounda: Unwind while visiting the picturesque fishing village in the lovely Mirabello Bay

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrival Crete

Location: Crete

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 : Crete: Boat Trip To The Island Of Spinalonga (130Km – 8 Hrs)

Location: Crete

Accommodation Name: Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Indulge in a delicious breakfast at your selected hotel, getting ready for a memorable day. You will be picked up after breakfast, heading towards Spinalonga, one of the most famous parts of Crete. The beautiful island is known by many as the ‘island of tears’, gaining this nickname because of its past as a leper colony. It was initially a Venetian fortress, and it became the home for hundreds of Greece’s lepers who were shipped there and formed a colony. Arrive on the intriguing island and enjoy an interesting guided walk around the remains of the colony. Catch sight of its main street, still lined with the shops and houses where the lepers attempted to live ordinary lives. After getting in touch with the dark past of Spinalonga, sail back to Elounda to satisfy your taste buds with a typical Cretan lunch. After the delightful meal, explore the village on your own, luxuriate in some shopping, or go for a reinvigorating swim. The day ends with a transfer back to your hotel in Gouves or Chersonissos area. Lunch and dinner are included.


Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area


Day 3 : Crete: The Palace Of Knossos And Heraklion Town (42Km – 7/8 Hrs)

Location: Crete

Accommodation Name: Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After the tasty breakfast served at the hotel, you will be picked up 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 included


Overnight in Gouves or Chersonissos area


Day 4 : Departure Crete

Location: Heraklion

Meals Included: Breakfast

Indulge in a delicious breakfast at your hotel, before hopping on a modern coach to enjoy a comfortable shared transfer to Heraklion airport.


Breakfast Included


What's Included

  • Tour Guide

    Operated with qualified local English speaking guide on a shared basis on Day 2 and 3.

  • Accommodation

    3 Nights' accommodation in Gouves or Chersonissos area.

  • Accommodation Options

    Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar 3*. Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar 4*.

  • Meals

    3 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners, and 1 Cretan Lunch on Elounda excursion (excluding drinks).

  • Transport

    Air-conditioned shared transportation on Day 2 and 3. Inbound/Outbound air-conditioned shared transfers from/to Heraklion Airport.

  • Entrance Fees and Activities

    All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: the Archaeological sites of Knossos, Archaeological Museum, the boat trip (shared basis) to the island of Spinalonga, Spinalonga island 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.

  • 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.

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.

Please Note

  • Please note that local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to the tour contents without prior notice 
  • 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 1-3 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 comfortably with air-conditioned shared transportation on Day 2 and 3, including inbound and outbound transfers from/to Heraklion Airport.

Accommodation

Enjoy 3 nights' accommodation in the Gouves or Chersonissos area, with options ranging from the 3-star Hotel Hersonissos Central to the 4-star Hotel Hersonissos Maris. Pre and post-night stays are also available.

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1-3 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*

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of guide will be provided during the tour?

    The tour will be operated with a qualified local English-speaking guide on a shared basis on Day 2 and Day 3.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes 3 breakfasts, 3 dinners, and 1 Cretan lunch on the Elounda excursion (excluding drinks).

  • What type of transportation is provided during the tour?

    Air-conditioned shared transportation is provided on Day 2 and Day 3, along with inbound/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, and the Spinalonga island tour.

  • What are the accommodation options available during the tour?

    Accommodation options include a 3-night stay in the Gouves or Chersonissos area. Standard Hotel Category is Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar 3*, and Superior Hotel Category is Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar 4*.

  • Can I book additional nights before or after the tour?

    Yes, you can book pre-night and post-night stays in the Gouves or Chersonissos area. Standard Hotel Category is Hotel Hersonissos Central or similar 3*, and Superior Hotel Category is Hotel Hersonissos Maris or similar 4*.

  • What should I wear and bring for the tour?

    Comfortable and light clothing is recommended. 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 during your stay.

  • Are there any additional costs not included in the tour package?

    Yes, additional costs include expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals not stated explicitly in the program, flight tickets or visa fees, airport taxes for domestic and international flights, gratuities for driver and guide, and overnight city tax for the hotel overnights.

  • 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

Indra  

Best Tpur Operator for Greece

06-Jul-2023

The best Tour Operator. The planning and timing by the agency was great. Accommodation was also good. The package was reasonable. Thanks to Destination Services Greece

Giovanni B.  

Great

27-Jul-2022

Very committed service with proper follow-up. Service provided as per their schedule with a hassle free journey... thanks to ITS tours and travels for providing services

Duran  

Excellent company

15-Jun-2022

Based on their very positive reviews, we booked with Destination Services Greece. I found the service and response of this travel agency to be excellent. Easily 5-stars. My emails were promptly responded to, and everyone showed up when they were supposed to.

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Wednesday - Saturday

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Sunday - Wednesday

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$480

Wednesday - Saturday

Aug 27, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025
$480

Sunday - Wednesday

Aug 31, 2025 - Sep 03, 2025
$480

Wednesday - Saturday

Sep 03, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025
$480

Sunday - Wednesday

Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 10, 2025
$480

Wednesday - Saturday

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$480

Sunday - Wednesday

Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 17, 2025
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Wednesday - Saturday

Sep 17, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025
$480

Sunday - Wednesday

Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 24, 2025
$431

Wednesday - Saturday

Sep 24, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025
$431

Sunday - Wednesday

Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 01, 2025
$431

Wednesday - Saturday

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$431

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Oct 08, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025
$350

Book 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.

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