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£1925

Myths & Minoans

Explore the largest of the Greek islands on this tour of Crete, and suspend disbelief to enjoy the myths and legends of the ancient sites, as you visit Roman ruins and Ottoman streets, Byzantine churches and Venetian ports, mountain villages and Minoan Palaces

Focused on the central and western regions of this big and rugged island, the tour begins in Heraklion. With a treasure chest of artefacts in its revered Archaeological Museum, the city’s 16th-century Koules Fortress dominates the old port; the fabled Palace of Knossos is on its doorstep; religious reverence meets iconic art in its Byzantine churches; and street names like ‘25th August’ and ‘1866’ recall events in its dramatic past.

From here we visit the historic and heroic village of Archanes, the Roman ruins of Gortys and Minoan remains of Phaestos, pottery shops in pretty Margarites, and the holy sites of Arkadi Monastery and the cave chapel of St. Anthony. This takes us to ‘part two’ of the tour, based in relaxing Rethymnon.

A strollable town, strewn with landmark architecture, its old stone lighthouse is a focal point on the harbour, and the long shoreline is hemmed by a sandy beach and alfresco restaurants. A coast and country tour includes visits the ancient city of Aptera, the Commonwealth War Cemetery, on to the Akrotiri peninsula to see the Tzagarolon Monastery; and time to explore charismatic Chania, the island’s former capital, oozing charm and atmosphere, from its wonderful Venetian port to the covered market and narrow Old Town lanes.

Overview

  • Heraklion  - 4 nights
  • Rethymnon  - 3 nights
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Tour Highlights

  • Unravel the mysteries of Minoans
  • Historical Palace of Knossos
  • Explore picturesque Chania
  • Cooking demo with wine tasting
  • Natural beauty of Patsos Gorge
  • Discover the ancient city of Aptera

Explore the largest of the Greek islands on this tour of Crete, and suspend disbelief to enjoy the myths and legends of the ancient sites, as you visit Roman ruins and Ottoman streets, Byzantine churches and Venetian ports, mountain villages and Minoan Palaces

Notes:

This is a busy itinerary and involves many visits on foot and uneven surfaces.

Accommodation

Aquila Atlantis Hotel - Heraklion

A modern 5-star hotel in central Heraklion, close to the Archaeological museum. Restaurants, bar, pools, spa and WiFi (free). 164 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-fridge, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.

Jo An Palace Hotel - Rethymnon

A 4-star hotel situated in the centre of Rethymnon and a short walk away from the historical and charming Old Town. Restaurant, bars, pool, and WiFi (free). 70 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, satellite TV and balcony.
Notes:

An accommodation tax is payable locally, approximately €7-10 per room per day.

Extra Nights

Stay in Heraklion before you start your tour, or spend extra nights in Rethymnon before flying back to the UK

Extra nights are on request, please call to discuss your requirements

Aquila Atlantis Hotel
(per night)
2025 Apr/Oct £60
2025 May/Sep £70

2026 Apr/Oct £67
2026 May/Sep £75

Single supplement
2025 Apr/Oct  £35
2025 May/Sep £45

2026 Apr/Oct  £40
2026 May/Sep £46

Harbour View
(per night)

2025 Apr/Oct  £70
2025 May/Sep £80

2026 Apr/Oct  £74
2026 May/Sep £83

Harbour View single supplement
2025 Apr/Oct  £65
2025 May/Sep £70

2026 Apr/Oct  £68
2026 May/Sep £77

Jo-An Palace Hotel
(per night)
2025
Apr, May & Oct  £50
Sep  £60

2026
Apr, May & Oct  £52
Sep  £63

Single supplement
2025
Apr, May & Oct £35
Sep £40

2026
Apr, May & Oct £35
Sep £45

Aquila Atlantis Hotel - Heraklion

A modern 5-star hotel in central Heraklion, close to the Archaeological museum. Restaurants, bar, pools, spa and WiFi (free). 164 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-fridge, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.

Jo An Palace Hotel - Rethymnon

A 4-star hotel situated in the centre of Rethymnon and a short walk away from the historical and charming Old Town. Restaurant, bars, pool, and WiFi (free). 70 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, satellite TV and balcony.

Dates & Prices

per person in a twin/double room

Thu 15 May 2025
From London Gatwick
Thu 11 Sep 2025
From London Gatwick
Thu 09 Oct 2025
From London Gatwick
Thu 23 Apr 2026
From London Gatwick
Thu 14 May 2026
From London Gatwick
Thu 04 Jun 2026
From London Gatwick
Thu 17 Sep 2026
From London Gatwick
Thu 08 Oct 2026
From London Gatwick
Price Includes:

Air travel and taxes, transfers, 7 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 2 lunches, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.

Not Included:

Travel insurance, optional excursions, accommodation tax, tipping, porterage, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.

Notes:

An accommodation tax is payable locally, approximately €7-10 per room per day.

Supplements per person

Single Supplement
  • 2025: May 15
  • £255
  • 2025: Sep 11
  • £280
  • 2025: Oct 09
  • £230
  • 2026: Apr, Oct
  • £250
  • 2026: May 14
  • £280
  • 2026: Jun 04
  • £310
  • 2026: Sep 17
  • £340
Upgrades
  • Aquila Atlantis Hotel - Executive Twin/Double Harbour View Room from £45
  • Aquila Atlantis Hotel - Executive Single Harbour View Room from £325
Flight Options
  • easyJet from Manchester
  • On request, please call
Tour Only
  • Save
  • up to £300
  • Arrival transfer
  • £25 (2026 £28)
  • Departure transfer
  • £85 (2026 £92)

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