4 Days in Crete Heraklion area

Detailed Itinerary

• 1st Day in Crete Heraklion City

  Heraklion is the most popular region of Crete. Strolling around the town, you will come across Koules Fortress at the Venetian port, Turkish and Venetian fountains, Venetian buildings, the Venetian Loggia and museums, such as the Archaeological Museum, the Historical Museum and the Museum of Natural History. enjoy your dinner in the very nice restaurants located in the heart of the old town

  3 hours

• 2nd Day Knossos & Archaeological Museum

  Knossos influence spanned the Eastern Mediterranean, making it a vital hub of trade and culture. The Minoan Palace of Knossos is the oldest and largest of all Minoan palatial structures. It was built of ashlar blocks, had many floors and was decorated with exceptionally beautiful frescoes. Archaeological Museum: Continue your tour of the renowned Archaeological Museum. This captivating treasure trove spans an impressive 5,500 years, from the awe-inspiring Neolithic period to the grandeur of the Roman era. Immerse yourself in a curated collection of artefacts that vividly narrate the story of Cretan civilization throughout the ages.

  4 hours

• 3rd Day Cooking classes (based on Cretan cuisine)

  At the Arolithos Traditional Cretan Village, We will walk around the little streets visiting the premises and the museum where you will see the exhibition of our familial collection of old objects.  We will visit the two old houses which will take us back in time. Later on, we will go to the taverna where we will prepare together the delicious dishes of several recipes which we also consume in our weekly diet. Traditional Cretan cuisine is considered to be one of the healthiest in the world. Here you can learn from us the secrets around each dish and participate hands-on in the process.  You can create stuffed vine leaves, stuffed vegetables, pork with wine sauce, lamb with green beans, ntakos, tzatziki, and cheese pies. In case you have special dietary needs or allergies then you shall inform us beforehand to adapt the menu to your demands. You will enjoy the dishes you have prepared. Local wine and mineral water are included. The taverna has a panoramic view over the nearest valley and Heraklion City. Your host and our team will be there to make you feel welcome and offer you a precious experience.

• 4th Day Margarites village, Arkadi Monastery, Rethymno

  Village of Margarites: We have the first visit at day by visiting Margarites village, which is famous for its traditional pottery. You can watch local potters at work and buy handmade souvenirs to take home. Arkadi Monastery: From Margarites, head to the Arkadi Monastery, it has been designated by UNESCO as a European Freedom Monument. This 16th-century monastery is a symbol of Cretan resistance against Ottoman rule and is known for its beautiful architecture and religious significance. Built in the 12th century, at an altitude of 500 meters, on a fertile plateau with olive groves, vineyards, pines, cypress and oak trees Walking tour at Rethymno: Start your tour at the Venetian Fortezza, a 16th-century fortress that overlooks the town and the sea. Walk down the hill to the Old Town and enter through the Venetian Loggia, a beautiful building that once served as a meeting place for the Venetian nobility. Today, it houses the Town Hall. From the Loggia, head to the Rimondi Fountain, a 16th-century fountain that was once the main source of water for the town. Stroll at the picturesque streets lined with small shops selling souvenirs, handicrafts, and local products.

  7 hours