Crete: a refuge through millennia
A 5-day historical tour of Crete
private tour
from € 1475 per person
destination
inland, coastal and urban areas of Cretedates
Available upon request all year roundactivity profile
Summary
What’s special about the history of Crete?
Crete has served as a refuge through millenia for civilisations and biodiversity alike, leading to today’s captivating blend of rich history and diverse landscapes. The location of the island, sitting at a crossroads between three continents (Africa, Asia, Europe) has made it a focal point of human history, where several civilisations have met, interacted and flourished. Similarly, elements of biodiversity from the three continents have found their way here through millions of years of geological history. The island’s complex landscapes have created unique refuges, where people and wildlife have remained isolated from external forces until recently.
What will I do on this tour?
During this 5-day tour, we will visit archaeological sites, museums, castles, chapels, villages, and various historical sites and wander through time from the Minoan, Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman eras, up to recent history, including World War II. We will travel through steep, rocky mountains and fertile valleys, to encounter the rich wildlife of Crete, including many local flowers, herbs and birds. Whether one seeks adventure or a peaceful retreat, Crete’s blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty offers an unforgettable experience of the past and present.
The historical tour of Crete can be adapted to your group’s special interests and requests. For example, if you wish the focus to be on a certain era, or geographical region of Crete, our team will create a tailor-made itinerary for you. Below, you will find some indicative locations from all over Crete, organised per era:
- Minoan: Knossos, Phaestos, Archaeological museum of Heraklion, Armenoi Minoan tombs, Zakros, Kommos
- Byzantine: Gortyna, Kritsa, Amari
- Venetian: Koules fortress, Spinalonga, Fortezza of Rethymno, Frangokstelo
- Ottoman: Arkadi Monastery, Tzagarolon Monastery, Gouvernetou Monastery, old towns of Rethymno and Chania, Aptera fortress
- World War II: Psiloritis, Historical museum of Crete, Amari, Souda bay, Sfakia, Rodakino
Highlights & info
- Experience the rich history of Crete, spanning millennia
- Visit diverse historical sites, such as archaeological sites, museums, castles, chapels, villages
- Connect with the Cretan landscape and wildlife
- View present-day Crete through the lens of the past
group size
2 - 8 personsdifficulty
easyduration
5 days (4 nights) with extension optionwalking distance
short walkslanguages
Englishascent / descent
- / -Prices
| Persons | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2 | 2180 € |
| 3 | 1920 € |
| 4 | 1770 € |
| 5 | 1650 € |
| 6 | 1560 € |
| 7 | 1510 € |
| 8 | 1475 € |
Single-room supplement: 240€
Cancellation policy
Upon a confirmed reservation, cancellations are considered acceptable until one week prior to the tour date
What's included
- Transportation
- Accommodation at selected 5* hotels
- Full range of meals based on the Cretan cuisine
- Guided tours and walks
- Experienced local nature and history guides
- Entries to museums, sites, etc.
- First aid kit
- Third party liability
- Taxes
