Best of Crete

(9 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Chania, Elounda

This private luxury tour of Crete features the most interesting historic towns, major archaeological sites and museums; tastings of renowned Cretan olive oil and wine; the most beautiful Cretan landscapes; and leisure time at a luxurious seaside resort.

Begin in western Crete at the historic seaside town of Chania. During private touring, explore cobblestone backstreets and see the interesting mix of architecture that reflects the island’s Venetian and Turkish occupations, such as the Venetian Harbor, Venetian lighthouse, minarets and the Mosque of the Janissaries. Also get a sense of the local lifestyle at the covered market and take an excursion to the Aptera archaeological site in the hills outside the city. Other touring options in Chania include visiting local churches, the synagogue and various museums.

One day, take a private excursion into the rolling hills to an olive estate for a private tour and olive oil tasting. Also visit a winery to sample some of Crete’s best wines. Another day, enjoy a private excursion to spectacular Samaria Gorge and the coast along southern Crete for hiking and relaxing amid beautiful mountain and seaside scenery.

Continue to eastern Crete and the resort town of Elounda. En route, if desired, stop in Rethymnon, a seaside town with an old Venetian quarter. Continue to the monumental Palace of Knossos, a sprawling archaeological site that was the center of the great Minoan civilization until around 1400 B.C. and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, which has an impressive and extensive collection of Minoan artifacts. During private touring around Elounda, visit the village of Kritsa to see Byzantine frescoes and browse for local crafts, explore the ruins of the Doric city of Lato perched in the beautiful hills, and take a boat to Spinalonga, an atmospheric island with a ruined fort and a fascinating history. There will also be time to relax at your luxurious seaside resort and enjoy the shops and restaurants in the charming nearby beach town.

Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange additional activities such as a cooking class focused on Cretan recipes, a tour of the Minoan Palace of Malia, or a visit to Lassithi to see the cave where the Greek god Zeus was born.

Booking Information >

All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.

Please Contact Us for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.

The Artisans of Leisure Style of Travel:

• Private touring with your own personal guides and drivers
• Preferred rooms in the very best luxury hotels
• Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations from our travel specialists
• Itineraries that are customized according to your interests and schedule
• Artisans of Leisure upgrades and amenities
• A seamless travel experience, including all logistics, skipping lines during touring whenever possible, restaurant and spa reservations, performance tickets, private airport transfers, internal transportation, VIP and fast-track airport assistance in many destinations
• Around-the-clock support in each destination during your trip
• Unique, insider travel experiences and access to the Artisans of Leisure network of experts around the world