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7-Nights Crete & Santorini Discovery - Classic from $1,614
G Adventures
OFFER ID 1688088
Crete & Santorini Discovery
Got eight days? Then you've got all the time you need to soak up the soul of Greece (and some sunrays too obviously). Explore the intricate remains of Europe’s oldest city and learn of the once thriving civilization at the Palace of Knossos. Sail past breathtaking Aegean vistas on an optional sunset cruise from Oia and enjoy Crete’s most stunning natural gorge on the Samaria Gorge hike. Get ready to witness unparalleled beauty on an unforgettable escape into paradise.
Highlights
Hike the Samaria Gorge on the island of Crete, Enjoy the beach and the sea from the villages of Agia Roumeli and Loutro, Visit the ancient Palace of Knossos from Herakilon, Take in the views from the caldera walk on the island of Santorini
Accomodation
On this trip you can expect to stay in small family-run hotels or pensions (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations. Note that most accommodation in Europe does not have air conditioning units in rooms. Air conditioning is not routinely installed in European homes and workplaces. However, nearly all hotels will provide a standing or desk fan for your room on hot nights. If you do not already have one in your room, please ask your CEO to organize one for you with reception.
Group Leader
This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEOs). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds. It is important to note that in Europe, all guiding is based around local guides all of whom are licensed to work only in a particular city. As such, our leaders are able to provide orientation walks which will show you the layout of each town and city as well as the location of local services such as post offices and laundromats, but are unable to legally share historical facts and figures in public places. If you wish to take a guided city tour in any location where this is not already included in the itinerary, your CEO will do their best to help you arrange this and pay locally.
Group Size Notes
Max 16, avg 12
Meals Included
7 breakfasts
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group.
Samariá Gorge hike. Beach time at Agia Roumeli and Loutro. Palace of Knossos visit. Orientaion walk of Fira. Caldera walk from Fira to Oia on Santorini. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
7 nights from $1,614 per person
G Adventures: Crete & Santorini Discovery
Day 1: Chaniá
Arrive at any time.
Day 2: Chaniá/Agia Roumeli
Travel by private transfer and ferry. Relax on the beach or opt to rent a kayak and explore secluded beaches and coves.
Connected with neighbouring towns by sea or footpaths, the town has retained its charm. Enjoy time for swimming or relaxing on the beach.
Day 3: Agia Roumeli/Loutro
Hike in the Samariá Gorge. Return with time to take a refreshing dip in the crystal clear water of Southern Crete. In the late afternoon catch a ferry to the town of Loutro for the night.
The majestic scenery, crystal-clear Mediterranean water, friendly people and peaceful atmosphere all make Loutro an ideal place to relax.
Day 4: Loutro
Take advantage of a free day for exploring the area. Head out for a swim and savour tasty seafood meals at secluded restaurants, or choose to hike Aradine Gorge.
Day 5: Loutro/Irákleion
Travel to Heraklion. Enjoy a visit to Knossos, site of a Minoan palace and residence of King Minos. Enjoy the rest of the day on your own with free time.
Explore the impressive ruins of the Knossos palace complex offering a glimpse into the sophisticated architecture, art, and culture of the Minoans, dating back to around 2000 BC.
Day 6: Irákleion/Santorini
Hop on a ferry to beautiful and iconic island of Santorini. Get your bearings after arriving on an orientation walk of the town of Fira with your CEO. Then head out on a spectacular walk along the caldera from Fira to Oia with incredible views over the Mediterranean. Take in the sunset and then return to the hotel in the evening.
Fira, the main town, sits perched on the edge of the caldera with breathtaking views of multi-coloured cliffs, sugar-cube architecture, and great shopping.
Day 7: Santorini
Enjoy a free day to explore Santorini. Opt for a half-day volcano tour, shopping, relaxing on the beach, or make your way to the crater's rim to savour the breathtaking view. If the mood suits, soak up the sunset on a pre-bookable sunset Oia cruise.
Day 8: Santorini
Depart at any time.
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Moderate facilities have modest enhancements to amenities and décor. These hotels or resorts are dependable, comfortable and some may offer standard features, such as select business services, Continental breakfast or coffee service and may have a swimming pool or small fitness center on-site. Guestrooms are comfortable, moderately spacious, in-room telephones, televisions and limited amenities. Moderate establishments provide suitable accommodations and service for budget-minded travelers.
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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Signal Travel & Tours, Inc.
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