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4 Day Crete Island Discovery
Highlights: Rethymno
Trip start: Heraklion
Trip end: Rethymno
Trip Available:
From 15-Apr-2012 to 15-Oct-2012
Price Range from $1,108pp *
* USD per person based on 2-4 people, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.

National Geographic Adventure Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth '98.33 Client Satisfaction Rating'

Winner National Geographic 'Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth'
2008 & 2009

Trip Summary
Map of Itinerary
Expand [+]

Spend a few days exploring one of the most stunning islands in Greece. Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It was also the centre of the Minoan civilization from approximately 2700–1420 BC. Crete boasts a culture and rhythm all its own, with a distinct dialect and even its own local culture and music that is very unique from the rest of Greece. Explore the charming village of Rethymno with its cobble-stoned streets and narrow alleyways. Enjoy a guided tour of impressive Knossos, notably the most famous Minoan monument on the island, and the nearby popular Heraklion Archeological Museum. Spend some down time exploring other towns on the island such as Chania or Agios Nikolaos, or kick back on one of the many beaches conveniently located near Rethymno town. Private transfers throughout and 24/7 local support.

Day Activities Hotel
Day 1
Rethymno
  • Transfer - Private - Heraklion - Elounda [Airport, 1 hr 15 mins] - Vehicle/Driver
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Veneto Suites (4*) (B)
Day 2
Rethymno
  • Rethymno: Private - Knossos, Heraklion Archeological Museum and Walking Tour (6 hrs) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Veneto Suites (4*) (B)
Day 3
Rethymno
  • Self-Guided - Optional Activity: Rethymno Beaches
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Veneto Suites (4*) (B)
Day 4
Rethymno - Heraklion
  • Transfer - Private - Rethymno - Heraklion [Port, 1.5 hrs] - Vehicle/Driver
Depart (Int`l Airport) 
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive

Trip Options
All of our itineraries may be customized as you wish, add extra days, change a hotel, see different sights. Contact one of our expert consultants for your free, no-obligation vacation plan.

Itinerary

Day 1 Rethymno

Rethymno is a city of approximately 40,000 people in Greece, in the island of Crete.

Enjoy an airport transfer with private vehicle and driver.

The Veneto Hotel (4*) is an old Venetian 14th century manor house, located in the heart of the Old Town of Rethymno. It has been restored to maintain the original character and architecture to take you to the charm of yesterday with the comforts of today. Dine in one of the most beautiful and famous restaurants on the island, open most of the year and find the stone-built winecellar containing carefully selected wines from the Cretan, Greek and national vineries. Relax in this unique 700-year old hotel, where simple things are usually the most beautiful ones.

Overnight at Veneto Suites (4*).


Veneto Hotel
Veneto Hotel
Day 2 Rethymno

You will be picked up at your hotel and taken 2 miles southeast of Heraklion, in the valley of the river Kairatos to impressive Knossos. These ruins of the capital of the Minoan Kingdom include the palace of Minos, the homes of the officials, priests and civilians and the cemetery.

Your guided tour of Knossos (approx. 1.5 hours) includes a visit to all parts of the palace including the throne of the King Minos. After this you will be given free time to re-visit your favourite parts of the palace. Next you will make a stop at the fascinating Archeological Museum of Heraklion, regarded as one of the most important museums in Europe. The construction of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum started in the beginning of the 20th century and was completed by 1940. On the ground floor of the museum there are 13 rooms open to the public while on the 1st floor fragments of the original frescos from the Minoan Palace of Knossos are exhibited. All exhibits in the Heraklion Museum come exclusively from archaeological sites in Crete. Your guided tour in the museum takes approximately 45-60 minutes. Entrance fee included.

Finally you will enjoy a short walking tour of Heraklion city follows and if time permits, some free time in Heraklion before returning to your hotel.

Overnight at Veneto Suites (4*).


Palace of Knossos
Palace of Knossos
Day 3 Rethymno

Enjoy a day at leisure exploring one of the many fine beaches near Rethymno town including Rethymno beach, Episkopi Beach, Panormo, Plakias or even Bali. All of these beach options are less than 45 km from Rethymno town and easily reached by taxi from your hotel.

Overnight at Veneto Suites (4*).


Day 4 Rethymno - Heraklion

Enjoy a private transfer from Rethymno to Heraklion port.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).



Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.