Crete & Santorini Discovery
8 days, Chaniá to Santorini
Itinerary Notes
Please note that for departures during April and October there may be variations on this itinerary, depending on season & weather conditions. Ferry schedules may be affected and access to Samaria Gorge may be limited or blocked. Our expert CEOs will always put your safety first and in cases of unforeseen, weather-related changes, they may cancel a day's activity at their discretion. An alternative will be offered where possible to do so.
As we utilize a range of transportation in Greece, we highly recommend packing light for this trip. Please see the "What to take" section under the Trip details tab for more information.
Itinerary
Day 1Chaniá
Arrive at any time.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Optional Activities - Day 1 HideShow
Old Venetian Harbour Visit
FreeTake a stroll through the Old Venetian Harbour. Originally built the Venetians as a commercial port between 1320 and 1356, it is now home to quaint cafes and restaurants. Marvel at various monuments preserved from different areas of colonial rule along the way.
Archeological Museum of Chania
15EUR per personSpend some time at the Archaeological Museum of Chania, housed in a beautiful 16th century Franciscan monastery. Among hundreds of artifacts recovered across the Cretan islands, find clay tablets and vessels from early Minoan settlements, as well as mosaics and sculptures brought by Roman settlers.
Maritime Museum of Crete
5EUR per personLocated at the entrance of Firkas Fortress, the Maritime Museum of Crete houses a rich collection of nautical treasures. Find exhibits on traditional Greek shipbuilding techniques (with a fully reconstructed ancient Minoan ship), galleries that trace local naval history from the Venetian occupation to present day, and dozens of maps and navigational equipment used by early voyagers.
Koum Kapi Beach
FreeTake a stroll along this beautiful beach, just outside of the walled town.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Nefeli Hotel Chania (or similar)
Day 2Chaniá/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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Free Time
Head to the beach or choose to rent a kayak with free time in Agia Roumeli
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Swimming
FreeDive into the clear waters of the Libyan sea along the coast of this coastal village.
Marmara Beach
FreeTake a visit to the pebbly bay of Marmara beach. With access to its azure waters only by boat or walking trail, this spot is truly remote, and one of the most picturesque in Loutro. Feeling active? Opt for a scenic hike in the Aradena Gorge during your visit.
Accommodation
Calypso Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Agia 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.
Please bring a day pack with any essentials needed during the hike, and ensure to wear proper hiking attire.
Samariá Gorge Hike
Set off to hike the famous and spectacular Samaria Gorge. Start with a scenic drive from Chania to the coastal village of Sfkakia. Catch a boat to Agia Roumeli then lace up your hiking boots and hike in the spectacular Samaria Gorge. Head towards the narrowest and most impressive part of the gorge, known as the Iron Gates. This makes for a perfect rest spot to enjoy a packed lunch (not included) by the river while appreciating the surrounding natural beauty. Continue hiking, returning to Agia Roumeli with plenty of time for swimming or just resting on the beach.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Aradena Gorge Hike (Aradine)
FreeHead out into the Aradena Gorge to experience more of this gorgeous landscape. One of the most popular walks in western Crete, the main route from Marmara near Loutro, to the Aradena village takes about 3 hours to complete. The path is rocky in places and steep, with incredible views of the landscape and local fauna. Keep a look out for the griffin vultures flying above, but don’t worry they’re not waiting for you to keel over, their nests are just nearby.
Accommodation
Protopapas Rooms (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Loutro
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.
Free Time
Get active or just relax—it's up to you!
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Aradena Gorge Hike (Aradine)
FreeHead out into the Aradena Gorge to experience more of this gorgeous landscape. One of the most popular walks in western Crete, the main route from Marmara near Loutro, to the Aradena village takes about 3 hours to complete. The path is rocky in places and steep, with incredible views of the landscape and local fauna. Keep a look out for the griffin vultures flying above, but don’t worry they’re not waiting for you to keel over, their nests are just nearby.
Kayaking
10EUR per personRent a kayak and head out on the clear, blue-green waters along the coast of Loutro.
Swimming
FreeSplash around in the beautiful waters along the coast of Loutro.
Accommodation
Protopapas Rooms (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Loutro/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.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private bus.
Heraklion Orientation Walk
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Knossos Site Visit
Enjoy an included visit to Knossos, known to be the largest archaeological site of the Bronze Age on Crete. Knossos was a major city ruled by King Minos and is believed to be the oldest city in all of Europe. Explore the ancient palace and surrounding city, discovered in the 1900s by the English archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans.
Accommodation
Olympic Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Irákleion/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.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient Seajet ferry boat.
Fira Orientation Walk
Get to know Fira a little better on a brief walk with your CEO.
Caldera Hiking Excursion
Hike along the caldera cliff from Fira to Oia with your CEO as your guide. You'll pass through the villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli between Fira and Oia. At just under 11km the hike will take between 3 and 4 hours. Part of the path is similar to a sidewalk and some parts are cobblestone and others a simple dirt path. Enjoy the exercise and some of the best views in Santorini.
Free Time
Discover more of Oia this evening with some free time. Perhaps enjoy the sunset, wet your whistle with a drink, or join some group mates for a nice dinner.
Accommodation
Hellas Family Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Santorini
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.
Free Time
Explore the area with free time to get the most out of Santorini.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Akrotiri Ancient Ruins Visit
20EUR per personRumoured to be the inspiration for Plato's Atlantis, the ancient ruins of Akrotiri are one of the most-visited attractions in Santorini for a reason. Buried under lava for centuries, many of the site's buildings, roads and structures present visitors an intimate look into Minoan culture from 1,650 B.C.
Museum of Prehistoric Thera
10EUR per personLocated in the island's capital, Fira, the Museum of Prehistoric Thera invites visitors to travel through time across the Cyclades islands. Learn about the region's geology and ancient settlements through the ceramics, frescoes and incredible objects on display, including a gold ibex figurine from the 17th century BC.
Imerovigli Village Visit
FreeNamed after the "vigla" or lookout point atop this picturesque village, Imerovigli overlooks the Santorini caldera and boasts a breathtaking view of the bay and nearby Skaros Rock. Recognized as a traditional settlement, many of the village's original hillside caves have been converted into beautiful hotels and guesthouses.
Santorini Sunset Cruise
Head out to sea to soak in the views of the sun setting over the azure waters over the Agean. Enjoy a dinner, take in the site of picturesque site of Santorini, and toast to another beautiful day in paradise. Opa!
Volcano Tour
Explore the shape of the crater ring on a volcano tour. The crater has constantly changed over the last 3000 years, with several parts of the crater wall collapsing into the sea. Remarkably, the island has always been resettled due to the rich volcanic soil's fertile properties. The wines, tomatoes and cucumbers from this island are super tasty due to the soil composition and low rainfall.
Accommodation
Hellas Family Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Santorini
Depart at any time.