Highlights of Crete

Classical sites and spectacular scenery

The island of Crete has been subject to myriad cultural influences over the centuries, from Minoans and Greeks, to Romans and Venetians, all of whom have left their mark. Classical ruins are scattered across the flower-covered plains and along the rugged coast, giving you the opportunity to explore amid magnificent scenery. The annual wine and olive harvests proceed with a timeless ease while friendly locals are more than happy to pass the time of day over a convivial glass in a quiet little taverna.

Nights: 10
Starting point: Hotel Neraidospilios, Archanes (B&B)
Day 1: Explore area around Archanes (B&B)
Day 2: 70km drive to Istron Bay Hotel, Istron (deluxe class, half-board)
Days 3-4: Explore area around Istron from Istron Bay Hotel (deluxe class, half-board)
Day 5: 140km drive to Mythos Suites, Rethimnon (B-class, B&B)
Day 6: Explore area around Rethimnon from Mythos Suites (B-class, B&B)
Day 7: 70km drive to Spilia Village Hotel, Kolimbari (A-class, B&B)
Days 8-9: Explore area around Kolimbari from Spilia Village Hotel (A-class, B&B)

Kings, saints and minotaurs

Your discovery begins in Archanes, the award-winning traditional village, considered to be where King Minos had a summer palace. Knossos, legendary home of the Minotaur, is not far away, allowing you to explore in the early morning or late afternoon without the crowds! From Archanes you can also visit the nearby ruins of Anemospilia and Fourni, a Minoan graveyard. After two nights here, you drive the 70 kilometres to Istron, although it is worth exploring the island’s capital, Heraklion, on the way. Another worthwhile detour is to the Monastery of Saint George Selinari located on the road to Agios Nikolaos from Sissi, after which you can enjoy the local souvlakis for which the surrounding tavernas are famous.

Bays, beaches and gorges

Set in the arc of a magnificent bay, the Istron Bay Hotel, where you spend three nights, boasts extensive facilities and you will find the atmosphere here to be relaxed and friendly. From Istron you are ideally located to visit the Palace of Malia, the Valley of the Dead at Zakros, Toplou Monastery and the natural palm beach at Vai. The drive to Rethimnon begins with a route along the south coast, with spectacular views over the glistening Mediterranean. Take time to explore the site of Phaestos before reaching your next accommodation, the Mythos Suites in the intriguing Venetian harbour town of Rethimnon. This boutique hotel is both exquisite and completely in harmony with its setting, a lovingly restored 16th-century building. Nearby you can visit historic Arkadia Monastery or explore Lake Kournas and the impressive Imbros Gorge. A one-hour drive takes you to the Spilia Village Hotel near Kolimbari. Located in the heart of a quiet and traditional village, this beautiful conversion of an olive mill and surrounding stone cottages still incorporates many original features. For spectacular scenery and great views, take a drive up the gorge at Therisso; head for the tropical beaches at Elafonisis and Balos; or explore the Venetian harbour at Chania. There really is so much to see on this holiday...

Recommended variations

If you only have seven nights, you can explore Eastern Crete with 2 night in Archanes, 3 nights in Istron and 2 nights in Rethimnon, or, for Western Crete, 2 nights in Archanes, 2 nights in Rethimnon and 3 nights in Kolimbari.

Prices & travel 2008

All prices in £ per person based on 2 people sharing a double/twin room

	Highlights of Crete (10 nights)		Western Crete (7 nights)		Eastern Crete (7 nights)
16 April-28 October 2008	Journey Price	Single Room	Journey Price	Single Room	Journey Price	Single Room
16 Apr-5 May	674	270	518	222	492	205
6-26 May	712	270	518	222	529	200
27 May-16 Jun	745	270	551	233	558	210
17-30 Jun	783	290	578	243	581	230
1-14 Jul	830	282	619	233	612	220
15-21 Jul	887	310	645	243	661	250
2-22 Sep	887	310	645	243	661	250
23 Sep-6 Oct	783	290	578	243	581	230
7-28 Oct	674	270	518	222	492	205
3rd+ person saving	105	n/a	75	n/a	75	n/a

Start: any day
Nights: 10 (7 for Western Crete & Eastern Crete)
Meals: breakfast every day, 3 dinners
Journey price includes: 10 days' category C car hire (7 days' category C car hire for 7-night stays)
Recommended airport: Heraklion
Driving time from the airport: 1h15
Upgrades: Istron Bay Hotel, superior £16pppn 16 Apr-25 Jul & 16 Sep-31 Oct, £22pppn other dates (other rooms available, please call for details and prices); Spilia Village, suite £20pppn; Mythos Suites junior suite £10pppn, suite £19pppn.

> Pricing & general information
> Personal holiday insurance

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