Crete, Land and Legend: An Independent Journey Across the Island

Day 1 — Athens–Chania

Your journey begins with a transfer from your Athens hotel to Athens Airport for your flight to Chania. On arrival, transfer from Chania Airport to your hotel.

Once settled, ease into the rhythm of Crete with an independent evening walk beside Chania’s Venetian harbour. As daylight fades, the waterfront and surrounding lanes offer a welcoming first glimpse of the island.

Overnight in Chania.

Day 2 — Chania: Harbour, Old Town and Cretan Flavours

Today is yours to discover Chania at your own pace. Follow the Venetian harbour towards the historic Topanas quarter and continue through the distinctive lanes of Splantzia. Along the way, you will encounter different architectural and cultural layers that reveal how the city developed over the centuries.

During your walk, you can pause to sample local dishes and products such as boureki, kalitsounia, Cretan cheeses, honey and olive oil. Later, you may complete the day with a tasting of Cretan wines at an established wine bar, without having to leave the city. Overnight in Chania. (B)

Day 3 — Chania: Archaeology, Halepa and Local Life

Today, you may visit the Archaeological Museum of Chania in Halepa. Its collections introduce you to the long history of western Crete and provide valuable context for the remainder of your journey.

Afterward, explore the surrounding Halepa district and waterfront, which reveal another side of Chania beyond the old harbour. Later, return to the city centre and discover its bakeries, delicatessens and traditional restaurants at your leisure. Overnight in Chania. (B)

Day 4 — Chania–Rethymno

In the morning, transfer from Chania to your hotel in Rethymno by private taxi.

After checking in, take an introductory walk through Rethymno’s atmospheric Old Town. Here, Venetian architecture, Ottoman details and narrow commercial streets lead towards the small Venetian harbour, creating a remarkably varied urban landscape. Overnight in Rethymno. (B)

Day 5 — Rethymno: Craft, Memory and Music

Spend the day exploring Rethymno independently. You may visit the Fortezza and the Historical and Folklore Museum before wandering through the streets surrounding the former Neratze Mosque, now closely connected with the city’s musical life.

Rethymno is especially rewarding for discovering living traditions on foot. In the Old Town, you can see handmade filo and kataifi being prepared. 

As you continue through the town, browse local shops offering Cretan olive oil, wine, cheese, honey, and herbs. Overnight in Rethymno. (B)

Day 6 — Rethymno–Heraklion

Enjoy a final walk or morning coffee in Rethymno before your transfer to your hotel in Heraklion by private taxi. 

After arriving and checking in, begin exploring Heraklion’s historic centre. Its fountains, lively squares, Venetian buildings and harbourfront reveal a city shaped by many different periods of Cretan history. Later, discover the tavernas and meze restaurants that offer an inviting introduction to the flavours of central Crete. Overnight in Heraklion. (B)

Day 7 — Heraklion: Knossos and the Minoan World

Today, the legendary world of Minoan Crete could come to the foreground. 

You can combine your visit to Knossos with time at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, whose collections provide essential context for Minoan art, ritual and daily life. Depending on seasonal opening hours, you can choose the most convenient order for the two visits.

Later, return to the city centre for a Cretan meal or a tasting of local wines. Heraklion’s official gastronomy guide offers further inspiration for discovering the city’s culinary character. Overnight in Heraklion. (B)

Day 8 — Heraklion–Athens

Transfer from your Heraklion hotel to Heraklion Airport for your flight to Athens. On arrival, transfer from Athens Airport to your Athens hotel, where your journey through Crete comes to an end. End of services. (B)

Have a pleasant and safe trip home.

N.B. B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner