2. GORTYS - PHAESTOS - MATALA SOUTH CRETE

Through the vineyards of the Malevizi valley, short stop for coffee and then on towards the biggest plain an Crete, Messara. Here we make a short tour of famous Gortys, before continuing to Phaestos we walk though this impressive Minoan palace. We stop the tour by the Lybian Sea, time for lunch and swimming in the lively village of Matala in the bay with its famous caves. Through the the harbour town of Agios Nikolaos, where we board the boat for the island of Spinalonga. Here we will take a guided tour of the island, which was the last leper colony in Europe and also features a Venetian fortress. We will continue by boat to the small, modern village of Elounda with time for swimming and lunch. In the afternoon before continuing to Heraklion we will drive through some traditional villages.

3. ARKADI - CHANIA - RETHYMNON WEST CRETE
(full day)

Driving west of Heraklion our first stop will be at the MONASTERY OF ARKADI, historical monument considered a symbol of the Cretans' fight for freedom from the Turkish occupation of Crete. We continue along the coastal road to the old town of CHANIA, where you can visit the leather market and the meat/ fruit market, famous for its shape and the variety of Cretan products. Time for lunch in the Venetian harbor. On our way back we visit the old town of RETHYMNON. The old wooden lattice balconies overhanging its narrow streets, the several mosques and minarets are a reminder of the Turkish period.

4. SPINALONGA BOAT TRIP
(full day)

By coach to the fishing village of ELOUNDA, where we get on board a small boat to sail to the island of SPINALONGA, a former leper-colony. Their houses, their coffee shop and churches are more or less well preserved. Proof of the Venetian occupation on the island is the fortress surrounding the abandoned village. We continue our boat trip to the island of Kolokytha where, besides swimming in the Gulf of Mirabello, you can enjoy a barbecue with free wine. On the way back, we stop in Agios Nikolaos for a coffee-break.

6. SAMARIA GORGE HIKING TOUR
(Full day).

Early morning departure for OMALOS (Western Crete) up on the White Mountains to the top of Samaria Gorge, the longest and most beautiful gorge in Europe and a nature reserve. Walk through the gorge (approx. 18km) to AG. ROYMELI, a village on the Libyan Sea and then by boat to CHORA SFAKION to rejoin the coach. Arrive in Heraklion at 22.00 hrs. approximately.

7. CRETAN NIGHT

Enjoy an evening in Cretan style in a small typical village - where traditional local dishes for dinner will be served and unlimited free wine will be offered. Throughout the evening there is an entertainment program with local music and Cretan dances performed by dancers in their traditional costumes. Everyone is invited to join in some of the dances, if they wish to.

8. PALADIUM DINNER CABARET SHOW

THE PALACE OF SPECTACLE AND ENTERTAINMENT

In an immense, elegantly decorated music hall with a unique stage,we are taken on a musical journey to various countries of the world by the performance of professional dancers. Austria, Russia, France, America, Greece, the Far East and others seem to appear before your very eyes through the multitude of dances performed on stage. Colors and light create a spectacular atmosphere and the rising orchestra music accompanied by the performance of wonderful singers enliven the show. Magicians with their tricks and acrobats with their aerial moves surprise and entertain the crowd, inviting it to participate in the extraordinary show.

As far dinner is concerned ....Only first class quality and excellent service are in order. Join us for a unique, unforgettable evening!

9. KNOSSOS - ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

A guided tour of the unique Palace of Knossos, excavated and in part restored by Sir Arthur Evans at the beginning of our century. Returning to Heraklion for a visit and tour of the Archaeological Museum, that houses treasures and also wall-paintings from most excavations of Crete. Time for lunch and shopping.

10. IERAPETRA - SITIA - VAI

Though Ierapetra - short stop - the southern most town in Europe, we drive on to Sitia, a peaceful harbour town. Not too far away lies the famous monastery of Toplou and eastward, the palm forest of Vai. Time for swimming.

11. UNKNOWN CRETE

We start our adventure by driving through Peza to the village of Thrapsano, where we watch potters at their wheel, continuing this ancient tradition. Continuing through the beautiful landscape with its small villages, short stop by Martha for photos and then proceed to Viannos, where you can try out the local raki. Soon we continue over Mythos to the south coast for lunch. In the afternoon we drive over the narrowest part of Crete, where you can see the north and south coast at the same time by the villagesof Anatoli and Kalamafka. Our last stop is Neapolis, for a soumada almond-drink and ending this unforgettable experience.