• 
  

  Included

  Operated with qualified local English speaking guide on a shared basis on Day 2 3 and 4

  
  

    7 nights’ accommodation

  
  

    7 Breakfasts

  
  

    2 Lunches (1 BBQ lunch during Landrover Tour with unlimited wine and 1 Cretan Lunch in Elounda excluding drinks)

  
  

    7 Dinners

  
  

    Air-conditioned shared transportation throughout the tour

  
  

    Inbound/Outbound air-conditioned shared transfers from/to Heraklion Airport

  
  

    All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: the Archaeological sites of Knossos Archaeological Museum the boat trip (shared basis) to the island of Spinalonga Spinalonga island tour entrance ticket to the Waterpark Aqua Plus Land Rover Tour

  
  

  Exclusions

  Expenditures of a personal nature drinks and meals if not stated explicitly in the programme

  
  

    Flight tickets or visa fees

  
  

    Airport taxes for domestic and international flights

  
  

    Travel Insurance

  
  

    Gratuities for driver and guide

  
  

    Optional tours

  
  

    Overnight city tax for the hotel overnights effective from January 1st 2018. Clients will have to pay the TAX on the spot at the hotels.

  
  

    Zeus’ cave entrance fee.

TRAVELING IN GREECE

Greece holds a unique place in the collective imagination. Located in southeastern Europe, between the Aegean Sea and the Ionian Sea, it is made up of a mainland peninsula with varied landscapes and a vast constellation of islands scattered across the sea. A land of myths and history, Greece is often described as the cradle of Western civilization. It is here that democracy, philosophy, theater, the Olympic Games, and many of the intellectual foundations of the modern world were born.

Athens, the capital, embodies this millennia-old legacy. Dominated by the Acropolis and the Parthenon, the city blends ancient ruins with contemporary energy. Yet Greece is also about crystal-clear waters, whitewashed villages clinging to cliffs, rugged mountains, sun-drenched cuisine, and a way of life deeply rooted in Mediterranean culture.

Capital: Athens

Area: 131,957 km²

Official language: Greek

Currency: Euro

Calling code: +30

Time difference: +7 hours compared to Montreal

Electrical outlets: Type F – 230 V

DID YOU KNOW…

Athens is considered the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe, with over 7,000 years of recorded history. Greek influence, however, extends far beyond ancient urban development. Philosophy, Western literature, mathematics, political science, theatrical tragedy and comedy, as well as the Olympic Games, all originated here. The Greek language itself is among the oldest still spoken today, reflecting an extraordinary cultural continuity.

THE ISLANDS

Greece is home to more than 1,200 islands, though only a fraction are inhabited or easily accessible. Each island group has its own character, landscapes, traditions, and rhythm of life.

The Cyclades

The Cyclades embody the iconic image of Greece. Bathed in the Aegean Sea, these islands strike a perfect balance between dramatic scenery and relaxed living. Whitewashed houses, blue shutters, narrow lanes, and bursts of bougainvillea create a timeless setting. Beyond the postcard image lies remarkable diversity: wild beaches, hidden coves, arid hills, fertile valleys, traditional farming villages, and lively ports.

In Mykonos, Cycladic architecture reveals itself through leisurely walks in Chora or in Ano Mera, far from the island’s nightlife. Syros offers a different face of Greece, with Ermoupoli’s elegant neoclassical architecture and year-round cultural life shaped by a multicultural past. Naxos surprises visitors with its green interior, particularly in the fertile Tragea Valley, where time seems to slow down. More discreet, Andros appeals to nature lovers with its hiking trails and waterfalls, including the lush Pithara Falls.

SANTORINI

Santorini is undoubtedly Greece’s most emblematic island. Shaped by a powerful volcanic eruption, it rises above a dramatic caldera plunging into the sea. Its white villages perched on cliffs offer breathtaking views, especially at sunset.

Oia provides the most famous viewpoint, both romantic and vibrant, where sunset becomes a collective ritual. Fira, the island’s capital, shares the same striking beauty in a calmer atmosphere, with terraces overlooking the caldera and lively shopping streets. Santorini’s volcanic beaches—red, white, or black—reflect the island’s geological past and create a truly unique seaside experience.

Within the caldera, the islets of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni allow visitors to approach the active volcano and swim in natural hot springs. More understated, Thirassia reveals a quieter, more authentic side of Santorini, rooted in simplicity and the sea.

CRETE

Crete is an island apart, almost a country in itself. As Greece’s largest island and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean, it boasts extraordinary geographical diversity. Rugged mountains, deep gorges, spectacular beaches, fertile plains, and remote villages unfold across the landscape.

The cradle of the Minoan civilization, Crete is deeply intertwined with Greek mythology, particularly the legend of King Minos and the Minotaur. The Palace of Knossos, near Heraklion, stands as its most iconic archaeological site. The Samaria Gorge, one of the longest in Europe, offers a spectacular hike through the White Mountains down to the Libyan Sea. The Lassithi Plateau, dotted with traditional windmills, reveals a peaceful rural Crete, while Lake Kournas invites relaxation in a preserved natural setting.

CORFU

Located in the Ionian Sea, Corfu stands out for its Venetian heritage and lush landscapes. Italian influence is evident in the island’s architecture, façade colors, and the refined atmosphere of the Old Town.

The monastery of Paleokastritsa offers one of the island’s most beautiful viewpoints, while Angelokastro, perched over 300 meters above sea level, dominates the west coast with sweeping views. The UNESCO-listed village of Perithia provides insight into Corfu beyond its beaches, nestled in unspoiled nature. The Canal d’Amour, Mount Pantokrator, and Lake Korission complete the portrait of an island rich in contrasts, blending sea, mountains, and cultural heritage.

ATHENS

Athens is an intense and vibrant city, where history emerges at every corner. Towering above the city, the Acropolis remains the ultimate symbol of ancient Greece. The Parthenon, dedicated to Athena, represents the pinnacle of classical architecture. At its base, the Acropolis Museum offers insight into the scale and refinement of this exceptional heritage.

The Ancient Agora recalls the political and social heart of the ancient city, while the neighborhoods of Monastiraki and Plaka provide a lively atmosphere of winding streets, cafés, and shops. From the top of Mount Lycabettus, visitors can take in panoramic views of the entire city, especially magical at sunset.

OLYMPIA, DELPHI AND MAJOR SITES

Olympia is a deeply moving site, where the ancient Olympic Games were born. Its sanctuary, temples, stadium, and museums convey the spiritual and athletic significance of the place. Delphi, clinging to the slopes of Mount Parnassus, was long regarded as the center of the ancient world. The oracle, the Temple of Apollo, the theater, and the archaeological museum create a unique, almost mystical atmosphere.

The Meteora offer a breathtaking spectacle: immense rock pillars crowned with Byzantine monasteries, seemingly suspended between heaven and earth. Both a natural and spiritual site, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of Greece’s most striking landscapes.

CUISINE

Greek cuisine is deeply connected to the land and the seasons. It is based on simple, high-quality ingredients: olive oil, sun-ripened vegetables, cheeses, aromatic herbs, fresh fish, and grilled meats. Meals are moments of sharing, often lingering, with dishes placed at the center of the table.

Feta, Kalamata olives, Greek salad, tzatziki, fava, moussaka, souvlaki, stifado, and dolmadakia reflect a cuisine that is both generous and authentic. Desserts such as baklava, bougatsa, and loukoumades reveal the country’s Eastern influences. Coffee, ouzo, raki, or tsipouro complete the experience, symbols of a deeply rooted culture of conviviality.

CLIMATE

Greece enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry, especially in July and August, while winters are generally mild, particularly along the coasts and on the islands. Spring and autumn offer the best conditions for exploring the country, with pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and warm seas in September. These seasons are ideal for combining cultural visits with seaside relaxation.

Name: Exploring Crete

Brand: tripcentral tours

Quality: Tourist Class

Tour Type: River Cruise

Start City: Crete

End City: Crete

Vacation Overview:

Whether your visit is for relaxation or you are looking forward to exploring and discover the many well-known and countless hidden treasures of Crete, this captivating eight-day tour will satisfy all your desires. Get in touch with the rich Greek culture and impressive history while admiring the diversity of the landscape – the rugged mountains, endless beaches, turquoise seas, as well as enchanting cities, towns and villages. Join this memorable tour and explore one of the most beautiful islands in Europe.