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Excursions in Crete

 
 

KNOSSOS - ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM HERAKLION

On this excursion you have the opportunity to visit the excavation sites of the Palace of Knossos, built in 2000 BC. Knossos was the prosperous Minoan Capital and the seat of King Minos. Some believe, that the intricate Palace with its many rooms was the mythical Labyrinth. By discovering the site not too long ago, archaeologists found the first of all advanced civilizations in Europe. The Tour is followed by a visit to the Museum of Heraklion, where you can see the largest collection of Minoan findings from Crete.

PHAESTOS - GORTYS - MATALA

The first stop of this beatifull scenic route through central Crete lowards the southcoast will be the Minoan Palace of Phaestos situated on a hill, where you can enjoy a splendid view of the Ida Mountain range and the Messara plain. Next stop will be Gortys, the former Roman Capital of Crete. Gortys is famous for its ancient legal tablets of stone, its Roman Amphitheatre and the Church of Agios Titos, which was the first seat of the Archbishops of Crete. In the village Matala on the southcoast, you will have the possibility to eat lunch, swim and explore the caves surrounding the bay.

CHANIA - CITY AND SURROUNDINGS

First of all, you have the opportunity to visit Chania, the former capital of Crete. Here, the Turkish and Venetian architectural styles meet and form a very impressive townscape. Especially in the old town, narrow streets and alleys, old mansions and arcades, mosques and minarets bear witness to the long presence of Venetians and Turks. And this creates an exceptional atmosphere, and it is no wonder that Chania is considered to be one of the most beautiful towns in Greece. Afterwards, you will visit other sights in the area, such as Akrotiri and the Monastery Tsagarolon.

TRADITIONAL CRETAN VILLAGES

This coach-tour leads you through beautiful landscapes and villages in the heart of Crete. Lambini, an old residence of the Cretan bishops, is the first stop in this tour. The region above is named Bobori, which gave its name to an aromatic local wine. Ëïu don't have to go to superlatives or to reach the peak of the Ida mountain range at a height of 2.456m to get an impression of the wild nature in this region. Half hour walking in mountain range Kedros by the Village of °nï Meros and you have the majestic view in front of you. The survival of every living creature depends on knowing the places, where water - the essence of life - can be found. Kaloidena is such a place, and from here you can enjoy the impressive mountainous landscape. Plane trees, dry rivers, the voices of the shepherds - that you often do not see - make time stand still. The Byzantine monuments of Agios loannis and Sotiras Christos of Kaloidena are major chapels in the area of Amari. We finish ïùr tour ïn the South coast at Agia Galini where you can swim or refresh yourself. Fantastic landscapes, olive trees, gorges, mountains, crystal clear water and history makes this coach-tour a fantastic adventure in the heart of the island.

MYLLI GORGE - ARKADI - MARGARITES

This walking and coach tour includes something for everybody. Varied colourful nature, Cretan history, picturesque villages, old paths and breathtaking views of wild mountains and wide valleys. Mylli Gorge is one of the most beautiful evergreen trails. During this easy walk beside the flowing river you will have the chance to visit the ruins of the 28 water Mills that were built in 1583. After one and a half hour of walking you reach the village Xiro Chorio were the bus would be waiting for you. Our second stop is the Arkadi Monastery which is the symbol for the Cretan struggle for freedom and a very important monument for all Europeans. Finally we visit the village, of Margarites that is famous for its traditional pottery. You will also have the chance to see a live demonstration of the techniques used for production that they are still the same as in ancient Knossos.

ELAFONISSI - PEARL OF THE WEST

After 2 hours heading West, the bus turns towards the South into the heart of Crete. At our first stop, you will have Å hour to visit the beautiful cave of Agia Sofia with its chapel and to have a cup of coffee in a tavern nearby. ° 30-minute ride will take you to the Monastery Chryssoskalitissa. The Libyan Sea and Elafonissi - the most south - westerly point of Crete - is not far away. Here you have 3 hours to swim in the crystal waters, enjoy the surrounding nature and to have a little snack. Afterwards, the bus will take you back northwards, and shortly before reaching the National road, you have another stop to refresh yourself at a small canteen. Following the New road you will be taken back to your hotels.

GRAMVOUSSA ISLAND - PIRATES ISLAND

Ãn the New Road, the bus takes you west through the outskirts of Chania to the port of Kastelli. Here, a boat will take you to the small island Gramvoussa with its imposing Venetian castle and breathtaking views. After 2 hours of stay the boat will take you to the lagoon of Balos. The fabulous clear water of the lagoon and the white coral sand makes an irresistible paradise for all guests. After 2 hours the boat will take you back to Kastelli where the bus waits to pick you up. Walking shoes are necessary.

SAMARIA GORGE - LONG WAY

On your Samaria Gorge adventure, the bus will take you first along the north coast and then uò into the White Mountains to the Omalos Plateau and the entrance to the gorge. There, at a height of 1.100m, you will begin the 18km walk through the longest and most beautiful gorge in Europe. After the strenuous but spectacular walk, you will be conveyed by boat ïn an equally glorious trip from Agia Roumeli, the village at the end of the gorge, to Chora Sfakion, where the bus will be waiting to take you back home. Good walking shoes are necessary.

SAMARIA GORGE - EASY WAY

You can also see and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Samaria Gorge without having to walk 18km. The bus will take you through the romantic village of Vrisses to Chora Sfakion. From here, a boat will take you to the end of the gorge, where you can either walk into it and enjoy the untouched beauty of the mountains, or just relax swimming in the crystal clear water of the Libyan Sea. From Agia Roumeli, the boat will take you back to Chora Sfakion, where the bus will be waiting to take you home on a route with beautiful views.