DAY 1: UK - Heraklion - Rethymnon.
Fly to Heraklion where you will be met by our representative and transferred to Rethymnon for three nights at your chosen hotel. (Meals as per hotel details).
DAY 2: Soude Allied War Cemetery - Chania - Olive Farm - Lake Kournas.
Today's included excursion starts with a visit to the Soude Allied War Cemetery and then on to delightful Chania, a former capital with a colourful Venetian harbour. You'll have time to wander around shops selling the high quality leather goods this charming town is renowned for. After this you will visit an Olive Farm to see how olive oil is produced and for a chance to sample fresh local produce. On the way back to Rethymnon there's a visit to Lake Kournas, Crete's only official lake and an area of natural beauty, which is home to migratory birds depending on the time of year. (Meals as per hotel details).
DAY 3: Rethymnon. At leisure.
The long sandy beach, quaint fishing harbour, charming old town and lively nightlife combine to make Rethymnon a popular place to holiday. Walk around the winding streets of the old town with their fountains and minarets and along the palm-fringed promenade, or relax at one of the bars, tavernas or cafés that line the waterfront. (Meals as per hotel details).
DAY 4: Rethymnon - Knossos & Heraklion Museum - Aghios Nikolaos.
Today, visit the Cretan capital for a visit to the Heraklion Museum. Admire the priceless exhibitions of relics from ancient Crete and the Minoan civilisation before enjoying some free time in Heraklion. This afternoon, marvel at the intriguing Minoan culture evident in Crete's best archaeological site on an included guided tour of the legendary Palace of Knossos, home of the famous Labyrinth where Theseus fought the Minotaur. Later, continue to Aghios Nikolaos for four nights. (Meals as per hotel details).
DAY 5: Aghios Nikolaos. At leisure.
You can spend the day exploring more of Aghios Nikolaos, one of Crete's most popular holiday resorts, and the surrounding countryside, or you could join one of our interesting optional excursions. (Meals as per hotel details).
DAY 6: Lassithi Plateau, Dikte Cave & Selinari.
Today, enjoy a full day included excursion, beginning with a picturesque drive up to the mountain-fringed plateau of Lassithi Plain, once home to 10,000 windmills. After admiring the lovely views, take a scenic drive, past traditional white-washed villages, to Psihro for a visit to nearby Dikte Cave. Reputed to be the birthplace of the great Greek god Zeus, you can take a stroll around the deep, cool cave to admire the extraordinary rock formations and unusual stalagmites and stalactites. This afternoon, continue to Selinari close to the area of the plateau to view the eagles hovering above and the quaint church set against the roadside, also a stop at Seli with it's magnificent views across the island before returning to Aghios Nikolaos. (Meals as per hotel details).
DAY 7: Aghios Nikolaos. At leisure.
Set on a small peninsula between the sea and Lake Voulismeni and offering excellent views of Mirabello, Aghios Nikolaos still retains much of its traditional charm. Enjoy a stroll around the bustling harbour area or relax in one the lively tavernas. (Meals as per hotel details).
DAY 8: Aghios Nikolaos - Heraklion - UK.
Transfer to Heraklion airport for your flight to the UK. (Meals as per hotel details).