Departure by flight to Heraklion. Pick up of the rental car at the airport. Heraklion is the beautiful capital of Crete. In the center of the city of Heraklion is the famous Archaeological Museum with very important permanent exhibitions. In 1462 the Venetians wanted to protect the city and built an imposing wall of triangular shape, 4 km long. During the Venetian period, the city's port was also built. At that time the city experienced a very important economic and cultural development. Lodging.
Visit the Palace of Knossos, the most important archaeological site in Crete. What attracts the attention of visitors are the construction materials used at the time, as well as the frescoes and paintings that decorated the rooms and corridors. According to mythology, in this palace there was a labyrinth in which the Minotaur, a beast that only fed on human flesh, was imprisoned. Then you can visit typical villages of Crete as Thrapsano, known since ancient times for its pottery craftsmanship. It is also recommended to visit Acharnes with its picturesque streets.
Breakfast and visit of the famous palace of Malia. According to mythology, it was the residence of Sarpidona, brother of King Minoa and was built in 1900 BC. The archaeological remains found show that around the palace there was a very large population. Next you can visit Neapoli, the province of Lasithi and its capital Agios Nikolaos with its picturesque lake. Do not miss the coastal village of Elounda, in front of which lies the islet of Spinangola, known as a leper colony until 1950.
Breakfast. Today we head to the easternmost part of the island. Your first stop will be at the monastery of Toplou. It is perhaps the most important monastery on the island. Very close to this monastery is the Vai palm forest, the largest in Europe. We complete the route of this area visiting Zakro, the easternmost point of the island. Return to Agios Nikolaos.
Breakfast. We suggest you to visit the second most important city of Ancient Crete, Festos and the archaeological site of Agia Triada. Festos knew its great splendor in the second millennium BC. Today it is a very important archaeological site. Then head west to visit another very important monastery of the island: the monastery of Arkadi.
Breakfast. In the western part is the province of Chania, where the gorge “Samaria Gorge”, the second largest and longest in Europe, is located. The waters of the Omalos river flow through this gorge.
Breakfast. Chania is one of the most important ports of the island. The old part of the city is built around the Venetian port and fortress built in 1538. It is a city in which the old town fascinates its visitors. Be sure to visit the old part to see the Fortress, the old Port, the lighthouse of Chania, the Municipal Market, the Henitsaros Mosque and the Etz Hayyin Synagogue.
Breakfast. A must visit of the island of Crete is Elafonissos, an islet located in the southwestern part. It can be reached on foot from the coast, as the water depth is very shallow, especially in the summer season. The islet is a very famous natural site. We cannot end the day without visiting the monastery of the nuns, dedicated to the Virgin Chrysoskalitissa, located 72 km from Chania. The monastery has the shape of an Ancient Fortress, built on top of a 35 meters high rock with unique sea views.
Breakfast. Return of rental car at the airport and departure flight back to Spain. Arrival.
