THE ULTIMATE CRETE DRIVE EXPERIENCE

Explore Crete on a bespoke fly-drive, starting in Heraklion or Chania. Discover Knossos, Rethymnon, Lassithi Plateau, and hidden southern coves. Stay in boutique hotels, enjoy local cuisine, and tailor each day to history, culture, or seaside relaxation.

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Tailored Adventure
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Duration

10 Days / 9 Nights

Price

PEOPLE GOING

110+ Booked

PACKAGE

Itinerary

Itinerary Details
  1. Day 1
    Arrival in Heraklion

    Arrive in Heraklion, collect your rental car, and enjoy a leisurely day exploring the city at your own pace.

    Overnight in a well-located hotel in Heraklion.

  2. Day 2
    Heraklion and Knossos

    Breakfast at hotel. Explore Knossos Palace, see frescoes, and learn Minoan myths. Visit Heraklion Archaeological Museum, stroll the old town, browse shops, enjoy cafés, and soak up the lively atmosphere.

    Overnight in Heraklion.

  3. Day 3
    Heraklion - Agios Nikolaos

    Breakfast at hotel. Drive east to Agios Nikolaos via Malia. Explore Malia ruins, then arrive in Agios Nikolaos to enjoy its harbor, lakeside promenade, shops, and cafés.

    Overnight in Agios Nikolaos.

  4. Day 4
    Agios Nikolaos - Ierapetra

    Breakfast at hotel. Relax in Agios Nikolaos, optionally visit Spinalonga. Drive south to Ierapetra, with an optional detour to Minoan Gournia site.

    Overnight in Ierapetra.

  5. Day 5
    Ierapetra - Aghia Galini

    Breakfast at hotel. Drive west along the south coast. Optional stops at Gortys and Phaistos ruins or Myrtos Beach. Arrive Aghia Galini for leisure evening.

    Overnight in Aghia Galini.

  6. Day 6
    Explore Aghia Galini and Surroundings

    Breakfast at hotel. Leisure day in Aghia Galini. Options: revisit Phaistos/Gortys, explore Matala Beach, or hike Rouvas Gorge near Zaros.

    Overnight in Aghia Galini.

  7. Day 7
    Aghia Galini to Plakias

    Breakfast at hotel. Drive north via Spili village and Kourtaliotiko Gorge. Visit Preveli Monastery and nearby beach, then continue to Plakias for evening by the seaside.

    Overnight in Plakias.

  8. Day 8
    Plakias - Rethymnon (via Frangokastello & Imbros Gorge)

    Breakfast at hotel. Scenic drive west via Frangokastello Fortress and Imbros Gorge. Arrive Rethymnon, explore Venetian harbor, old town streets, and fortress.

    Overnight in Rethymnon.

  9. Day 9
    Explore Rethymnon and Optional Arkadi Monastery Excursion

    Breakfast at hotel. Explore Rethymnon Old Town, harbor, and fortress. Optional excursion to Arkadi Monastery to learn its history. Return to Rethymnon for evening.

    Overnight in Rethymnon.

  10. Day 10
    Rethymnon - Heraklion / Departure

    Breakfast at hotel. Drive along the north coast to Heraklion, return rental car, and depart.

Tour Highlights
    • Arrive at Heraklion
    • Collect the rental car
    • Leisure the whole day
    • Overnight stay in a well located hotel in Heraklion
Accommodations

Accommodations:

  • 2 nights hotel accommodation in Heraklion with brealfast
  • 1 night hotel accommodation in Agios Nikolaos with breakfast
  • 1 night hotel accommodation in Ierapetra with breakfast
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation in Aghia Galini with breakfast
  • 1 night hotel accommodation in Plakias with breakfast
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation in Rethymnon with breakfast
Package Includes

Transportation:

  • Rental car for the duration of the trip (self-drive)


Hotel Accommodation:

  • 9 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast


Meals:

  • Daily breakfast at all hotels


Sightseeing and Activities:

  • Heraklion: Knossos Palace and Heraklion Archaeological Museum
  • East Crete: Malia ruins, Agios Nikolaos lakeside promenade, optional Spinalonga excursion
  • South Crete: Gournia Minoan site, Ierapetra, Gortys and Phaistos ruins, Matala Beach, Rouvas Gorge
  • Southwest Crete: Aghia Galini, scenic south coast drives, Myrtos Beach
  • Plakias: Preveli Monastery and beach, Kourtaliotiko Gorge, Spili village
  • Rethymnon: Venetian harbor, Old Town streets, Rethymnon Fortress, optional Arkadi Monastery
  • Scenic drives along Crete’s north and south coasts, Imbros Gorge, and Frangokastello


Optional / Recommended Experiences:

  • Boat trip to Spinalonga Island
  • Hiking and nature walks at Rouvas Gorge and Imbros Gorge
  • Beach visits at Myrtos, Matala, and Preveli
  • Wine tastings, local cuisine exploration, and village strolls


Guided Elements:

  • Historical interpretation at key archaeological sites (Knossos, Malia, Gortys, Phaistos) – either on-site signage or local guides
  • Optional excursions (Spinalonga, Arkadi Monastery)

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