Come with us to explore Samaria Gorge. This excursion is one of the longest but also one of the most beautiful. Our adventure starts very early in the morning and our first stop is in Skaleta for breakfast.
Then we move to Omalos Plateau. There the walk starts from Xiloskalo, where we enter this vast canyon of 16 km.
This excursion brings us to West Crete and our first stop in Chania, the most ravishing city of Crete. It was an important Minoan city and the “mother of the Cretan cities”, according to ancient writers.
The city is divided in the Old City, with the gorgeous harbor and the New City, beyond its Venetian fortifications. The Old City is one of the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean and it’s called “Venice of the East”. We can admire samples of all the civilizations that have passed from here: archaeological Minoan sites, Turkish minarets and mosques, Muslim neighborhoods, Venetian fortresses, dockyards, fountains, squares, arches, mansions, Loggia and the Lighthouse.
If you want to feel really like a true Cretan, come with us to the traditional village of Kato Karouzana, a night dedicated to music, to dance and to tasty local food.
Reaching the ancient village, we have the chance to take our walk through this magnificent place and be surprised by the locals’ hospitality.
At dusk, we are going to enjoy the traditional feast, taste the delicious dishes with the cheese, the virgin olive oil, the meat and all the other products of the Cretan soil.
Get treated with the wine, listen to the sound of the Cretan “Lyra” and take delight in looking at the dancers, dressed in their traditional costumes performing Cretan and Greek folk dances. At the end of the night, we can also join the dancers, who will teach us the basic steps, so that we can also dance like modern Zorbas!
Experience a Cretan evening like never before, the only thing you need to bring is your good mood!
Our first stop is at the historical monastery of Kera Kardiotissa, a monastery inhabited and run by nuns, which is located in an idyllic landscape. Here you can admire the miraculous icon of Virgin Mary, plenty of frescoes and a variety of other icons, dating back to the 14th century.
Then, we head to Lasithi Plateau, one of the few areas in the Mediterranean with permanent inhabitants at an altitude over 800 meters. It is surrounded by the Dikti Mountains and 18 quaint villages, which still retain the atmosphere of another era. You can admire the remaining famous windmills and the Venetian ditches, the drainage system of the Plateau.
The next stop will be the village of Psychro. You can visit the Dicteon Cave with the fantastic stalactites and stalagmites, where according to the myth God Zeus was born. Psychro is also well known for its handmade ceramics and the workshop there will leave you with the best impressions after your visit.
Our last stop, Tzermiado, the capital of the villages on the plateau, will amaze you with its natural beauty, its traditional architecture and its breathtaking views. Here you can take pictures of the wonderful landscape, rest for a while and enjoy your lunch in one of the local taverns.
An exquisite excursion is the one to Gramvousa and Balos. Driving to the west of the island, we make our first stop at Skaleta, near Rethymnon, where we have some time for coffee or breakfast. Then we head for Kissamos, where we set out for our trip.
Our stay on the ship until the first destination lasts an hour. The first thing we admire is a cave, most likely an ancient shipyard. We also witness an impressive geological phenomenon; the simultaneous lifting and sinking of the two sides of the island, where its western side rises up to 6 – 9 meters above the sea level.
We disembark at the island of Gramvousa also known as the “pirates’ island”. The broader area of Gramvousa forms one of the most significant hydro-biotopes of the Eastern Mediterranean, since here we can encounter over 100 bird species and 400 plant species. You can admire the famous fortress of Gramvousa built by the Venetians in 1579 high on a rock and if you want, you can climb up to admire the magnificent view. After our exploration of the area, you have plenty of time to enjoy our swim at the gorgeous beach with the wonderful colors or have lunch aboard.
In the early afternoon, we head for the lagoon of Balos, one of the loveliest places in Greece. The view of the lagoon is truly breathtaking and brings us in mind exotic beaches in the Caribbean. These app. 3 hours of solitude in such a paradise will surely be etched in your memory forever!
A different excursion for those who want to experience the island’s everyday life!
We start with the Cretaquarium. Here you are going to admire various marine species, from small fish and clams to big sharks and tuna, all of which are indigenous of the Mediterranean... After our tour, we can enjoy our coffee in the café of the building before we go to Heraklion.
After our visit in Cretaquarium, we will visit the biggest open-air Market in Pateles where dozens of peddlers offer their merchandise in very good prices.
We continue with our stop at the Liberty Square in the center. From there, you have the opportunity to visit the capital town of Crete. The Byzantium, the Ottoman Empire, the Venetian Rule have all left their marks on Heraklion. You can admire the imposing fortress of Koules at the harbor, the Venetian Walls that surround the old city, you can sit at one of the many restaurants or coffee shops in the Lions’ Square to enjoy your coffee or your lunch or if you wish to, you will be able to visit one of the many city museums, the Municipal Library and the Art Gallery or one of the numerous byzantine churches.
Our first stop is at the historical monastery of Kera Kardiotissa, inhabited and run by nuns. Here you can admire the miraculous icon of Virgin Mary, plenty of frescoes and a variety of other icons, dating back to the 14th century.
Then we head to Lasithi Plateau, which is situated 850 m. higher than the sea level. It is surrounded by the Dikti Mountains and 18 quaint villages, which still retain the atmosphere of another era. You can admire the remaining famous windmills and the Venetian ditches, the drainage system of the Plateau.
The next stop will be the village of Psychro. You can visit the Dicteon Cave with the fantastic stalactites and stalagmites, where according to the myth God Zeus was born. Psychro is also well known for its handmade ceramics and the workshop there will leave you with the best impressions after your visit.
Tzermiado, the capital of the villages on the plateau, will amaze you with its natural beauty, its traditional architecture and its breathtaking views. Here you can relax and enjoy your lunch in one of the local taverns.
Our last stop will be the palace of Knossos, the capital of the Minoan state, which was the first European civilization. Here you will have a guided tour and you will learn about King Minos, the Minotaur, the Labyrinth and other interesting mythologies. A must for Crete, one of the most amazing sights on the island!
The most famous landmark of Crete, Knossos, is the absolute "must" for everybody who decides to spend his / her vacation on our beautiful island.
Discover with us one of the most famous beaches of Crete island , Matala beach , a paradise of the Hippies movement. Back in the late 60's - 70's this peaceful location was the colony of the "flower children" , who lived in the caves that used to be Roman tombs. We definitely visit this carved on the steep rocks of the area monument, enjoying at the same time the crystal waters, the warm sun and the cretan hospitality.
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