Self-Drive: Images of Crete

10 days from £1750 per person

Route: Heraklion – Agios Nikolaos – Rethymnon – Chania

Steeped in Homeric history and legend, Crete is the largest of the Greek islands. Home to one of the country’s most diverse landscapes, it is a richly varied island boasting long sandy beaches, deep ravines, rugged mountains and palm forests. This 10-day self-drive holiday encompasses the highlights and hidden gems of beautiful Crete starting on the east of the island and finishing in the west. Begin your trip in Heraklion where you can explore Knossos Palace – home of the Minoan civilisation, before travelling to the lovely seaside town of Agios Nikolaos. Explore the local beaches and pretty scenery in the local area including Elounda Bay. Continue west via the wild south coast to Rethymnon where you will spend two nights. Finish your trip in evocative Chania which boasts a remarkable Venetian harbour, colourful Ottoman architecture and atmospheric tavernas. Take a walking tour of the city with a local guide, hike through Samaria Gorge and visit the pink sands of Elafonissi Beach.

Day 1 UK to Heraklion

Board your international flight to Heraklion, the capital of Crete. On arrival pick up your hire car and drive to your hotel. Spend the afternoon at leisure – you may wish to relax at the hotel or wander around the city where you can visit the Archaeological Museum which houses the world’s best collection of Minoan art. In the evening discover the atmospheric bars and traditional tavernas that are dotted along the narrow-cobbled lanes and squares (N)

Accommodation in Heraklion: Megaron Hotel (or similar)

Days 2 Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos – 63 km

After breakfast depart Heraklion and drive to the east of the island to Agios Nikolaos. Before departing you may be interested in visiting Knossos Palace - the largest and most important Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and home to the Minoan civilisation. During your journey cross the plateau of Lassithi which is famous for its wind turbines. You may wish to stop at pretty Elounda, a seaside resort where you may wish to take a refreshing dip in the turquoise sea and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on the beach. Continue to Agios Nikolaos where you will stay for two nights (B)

Accommodation in Agios Nikolaos: Minos Beach Art Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 Agios Nikolaos

Enjoy a day of discovery in eastern Crete. Begin your day by driving to one of the most beautiful bays on the island, the palm beach of Vai. Featuring the largest natural palm forest in Europe, Vai is a spectacular place to relax and take a swim. On your return to Agios Nikolaos make a stop at Sitia a small seaside small with lovely fish tavernas for lunch. You may also wish to visit Toplou Monastery, a 15th century landmark that now produces organic wine and olive oil cultivated by the supervision of the monks. (B)

Accommodation in Agios Nikolaos: Minos Beach Art Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 Agios Nikolaos to Rethymnon via Matala – 203 km

This morning depart Agios Nikolaos and drive to the wild south of Crete where you may wish to visit Ierapetra, Myrtos or Pigros. Travel to Matala on the southern coast, its setting is located along a crescent-shaped bay flanked by jagged cliffs is simply stunning. On your way to Rethymnon there is a chance to stop at Phaistos Palace, a Bronze Age archaeological site that features a Minoan palace and village. (B)

Accommodation in Rethymnon: Veneto Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 Rethymnon

Enjoy a day of leisure in the enchanting city of Rethymnon. We can arrange a walking tour to explore the commanding 15th century fortress and meander through the Venetian-Ottoman quarter, a charming maze of lanes dotted with wooded-balconied houses, ornamental minarets and floral canopies. Enjoy traditional Greek meze in one of the cities kafeneion and sample ouzo in an atmospheric outdoor bar overlooking the impressive Rimondi Fountain. (B)

Accommodation in Rethymnon: Veneto Hotel (or similar)

Day 6 Rethymnon to Chania – 73 km

After breakfast continue your self-drive holiday and make your way to Chania, Crete’s most beautiful city. Spend the day at leisure enjoying the hotel’s facilities or maybe take a wander through the narrow lanes and pretty harbour which are both punctuated with Venetian and Turkish architecture. Enjoy an evening on the scenic waterfront. (B)
Accommodation in Chania: Porto Veneziano (or similar)

Day 7 Chania

Today you have a full day to explore Chania, we would recommend embarking on a private walking tour of the city. Starting at the port, delve into the history and archaeology of Venetian and Ottoman Chania and visit the most important landmarks including Firkas Fortress, the Fransiscan Monastery San Salvador Ag Rockos Church, and the charming district of Splanzia. You will also visit Chania’s Archaeology Museum which houses artifacts excavated from the region. You may also like to take a food tour of the city sampling local delicacies such as loukoumades (donuts with honey), bougatsa (cheese pie) and kalitsounia (sweet pastries). (B)

Accommodation in Chania: Porto Veneziano (or similar)

Day 8 Chania – Samaria Gorge

Samaria Gorge situated in the White Mountains in western Crete is said to be one of the longest, narrowest and steepest gorges of Europe. Samaria is 16km long and starts at an altitude of 1230m which snakes all the way down to the shores of the Libyan Sea in Agia Roumeli. Today you may wish to take a hike through Samaria National Park. Admire the ancient cyprus and pine trees, photograph rare, endemic flowers and herbs growing through the gorge’s cracks and see the famous ‘kri kri’ goats of Crete, a prehistoric species. Finish your day at a Greek taverna overlooking Chania’s Venetian harbour. (B)

Accommodation in Chania: Porto Veneziano (or similar)

Day 9 Chania – Elafonissi

You have another day of leisure in Chania to further explore the city, relax or maybe travel to Elafonissi, one of Crete’s most beloved spots. Tucked into the island’s southwestern corner, Elafonissi Beach is a symphony of turquoise sea, fine pink-white sand and jet-black rocks. Spend the afternoon soaking up the magical vistas and cooling off in the crystal-clear waters. Return to Chania for your last evening in Crete. (B)

Accommodation in Chania: Porto Veneziano (or similar)

Day 10 Chania to the UK

Enjoy your last morning in Crete before travelling to Chania airport to drop off the hire car and board your flight back to the UK. (B)

Self-Drive: Images of Crete

10 days from £1750 per person

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS

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Pettitts guide to price for this itinerary would be £1750 per person

Itinerary: Self-Drive: Images of Crete

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