Crete

Crete

The largest and most diverse of all the Greek Islands, Crete is rich in archaeological treasures, modern history and natural beauty.

The capital, Heraklion, is the commercial centre and home to the famous museum and should be regarded as a good base for sightseeing. The real beauty of Crete can be seen on optional tours to the archaeological sites of Knossos, Phaestos and Gortys, the quaint old Venetian towns of Rethymnon and Chania, the natural beauty of the Samaria Gorge, the picturesque Aghios Nikolaos and the windmills of the Lasithi Plateau.

Hire a car and explore the mountain villages or find your own private cove or beach – whatever you decide, a minimum of four nights is recommended.

Orton International has helped many travellers trace the footsteps of the Kiwi soldiers during the Battle of Crete – let us help you on this emotional journey.

Itineraries

Suggested itinerary for a week in Crete:

Day 1: Arrive Heraklion. Drive to Aghios Nikolaos (D) (60Kms)
On arrival at Heraklion ferry port or airport, transfer independently to the Lato Boutique Hotel.

Day 2: Heraklion to Matala (B) (94kms)
Collect your rental car and drive to the site of ancient Minoan City of Knossos. A visit of the site will take 2 to 3 hours.
Continue through the rugged Mountains, through vast olive groves and tiny hill villages to the fertile high plain of Lassithi. Pause here at the ancient cave where Zeus hid his children from the Cyclops, drive on through the countryside (more olive groves) to Matala. The Hotel Zafira is a simple, typically Cretan lodging.

Day 3: Matala (B)
A beautiful bay in the middle of nowhere. Nearby are the ancient ruins of the Palaces of Gortys and Phaestos. The limestone cliffs in the Bay of Matala are honeycombed with dozens of caves, home over the centuries to mystic hermits, ancient warriors, Kiwi and German soldiers and even, during the 60s, a colony of hippies including the flower-powered Allan Orton. Here in the village of Matala, you should try the famous Cretan fish soup.

Day 4: Matala to Georgiopoulos (B)
A pretty drive over the high “White Mountains” to the Venetian town of Rethymnon (pause to explore the old fort) and on to the little seaside town and beautiful beach of Georgiopoulos. Vantaris Beach Hotel.

Day 5: Gorge of Samaria or Gorge of Imbros (B)
We suggest the today is invested in one of the famous White Mountain walks. Check with Diktynna Travel (30-2821 0 41458) whether the full day expedition to the Gorge of Samaria is operating. Or for a lovely idependent walk we recommend driving towards the village of Sfakia to the village of Imbros for the shorter walk in the Imbros Gorge.

Day 6: Georgiopoulos to Chania (B)
A short drive to the main town of Western Crete calling at Souda Bay en route. This area is the battlefields of The “Battle of Crete” and the memorial cemetery at Souda Bay holds the graves of many Kiwi soldiers. Overnight in the old Venetian port at Chania at the Porto Veneziano Hotel.

Day 7: Chania (B)
A day to explore Western Crete.

Day 8: Depart Crete (B)
Return your rental car at Chania Airport and fly to Athens and your onward travels.