Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Heraklion - Vamos
100% customisable for you
Your holiday to the beautiful Greek island of Crete begins today. Head to the airport, whizz through security and board your four-hour flight to Heraklion, using the time to ease into holiday mode...
On arrival, collect your hire car and travel to your first accommodation: an elegant guesthouse tucked away in a peaceful nearby village, where you’ll be staying for the next two nights. Spend the rest of the day settling into your surroundings at a gentle pace. Return to your accommodation this evening for a relaxed dinner made with local ingredients.
Today is dedicated to the cultural riches of Heraklion, Crete’s lively capital. Named after Heracles (a.k.a. Hercules), the mythical hero famed for his strength and adventurous spirit, the city is an ideal starting point for delving into the island’s ancient past.
Accompanied by a knowledgeable, English-speaking guide, you’ll begin at the Palace of Knossos, the largest and most impressive of the Minoan palaces. At its peak, this vast complex was home to more than 300 inhabitants, including the royal family. According to legend, its maze-like passages concealed the Minotaur - a half-man, half-bull believed to be the king’s son.
Continue on to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, one of Greece’s most important museums, housing an exceptional collection that traces Cretan civilisation from prehistoric times through to the Roman era. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. You might choose to continue exploring local history at the abandoned monastery of Valsamonerou or Phaistos, the main archaeological site on the Messara plain. If you’re ready for a dose of nature, we recommend visiting the blue-green Zaros Lake and Rouvas forest, or heading out on a gentle bike ride through the surrounding countryside.
Your journey across Crete continues today. After breakfast this morning, hop back into your hire car and set off inland towards the Arkadi region, an area of gently rolling countryside that is rich in history. En route, you could stop at the small archaeological site of Tylissos, where the remains of an ancient city reveal layers of Minoan and Greco-Roman history. There are also plenty of rural villages to explore on the way, where local producers sell their goods and everyday Cretan life plays out.
On arrival, check in for a three-night stay at a beautifully restored hotel, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. The rest of the day is yours to settle in and unwind. Relax by the pool, stretch your legs on one of the nearby walking trails or simply soak up the peaceful atmosphere. This evening, tuck into a hearty dinner made with locally sourced ingredients.
The next two days are all about slowing the pace and reconnecting with nature. Spend your time here exactly as you please: lose yourself in a good book beneath the shade of fragrant orange trees, cool off with a swim in the hotel pool or head out for leisurely strolls through the countryside.
When you’re in the mood for a cultural interlude, visit the impressive Arkadi Monastery, a powerful symbol of Cretan history, or head to the ancient city of Eleftherna, where ongoing excavations continue to reveal layers of the island’s past.
Today you’ll be continuing your journey west across the island. After a hearty breakfast this morning, jump back into your hire car and travel through splendid Mediterranean countryside to Vamos, a beautiful village in the foothills of the White Mountains. The drive takes around an hour and a half, however you’ll be making a stop about half way through to soak in the cultural delights of Rethymno. On arrival in this charming coastal city you’ll be met by a friendly local who’ll be guiding you through Rethymno’s history and culture. The old part of town is a treasure trove of beautiful sites, including an Ottoman quarter, a collection of beautiful residences and grand Venetian buildings. Round off your tour of the city with a visit to a local music workshop followed by a delicious aperitif of local nibbles and a glass of wine. Continue on to your next accommodation: a charming villa surrounded by nature, where you’ll be spending the next four nights.
Your final days in Crete strike a relaxed balance between countryside calm and coastal adventure. There are plenty of walking trails for gentle rambles through olive-dotted landscapes, while the north-west coast lies within easy reach, offering a mix of lively seaside spots and quieter, lesser-known coves.
On one of your days here, head out on the water for a morning or afternoon boat trip along the Cretan coast. This is one of the best ways to discover the more isolated coves and beaches, with time to swim and snorkel in clear waters. We can also arrange a guided visit to Imbros Gorge and the southern Chania region. The gorges are a whopping 2,000ft deep and full of beautiful trails lined with orchids, almond trees and oleanders.
Sadly, it’s time to bid Crete farewell and begin your journey home. After a final leisurely breakfast this morning, make your way to Chania airport. Drop off your hire car, whizz through security and take the opportunity to stock up on any last-minute souvenirs before boarding your four-hour flight back to the UK.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
ENQUIRE NOW
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
