Crete Self Drive - Standard Class

Pick up your car from Heraklion airport or downtown office. Spend the rest of the day at leisure in Heraklion or on one of the nearby beaches.

Day to explore Heraklion and its surroundings. The island’s capital harbours a wealth of Venetian architecture, including the city walls and fortress. Its Archaeological Museum houses the world’s greatest collection of Minoan art, Knossos (7km from town) is the greatest of Crete’s Minoan Palaces. (B)

Drive along the coastal road to Rethymnon, once a Greco-Roman town with Venetian influences. The old quarter is rich and elegant, with well preserved Venetian and Ottoman architecture. The huge Venetian Fortress built in the 16th Century, overlooks the picturesque harbour with its charming 13th Century lighthouse. Overnight Rethymnon. (B)

Drive approximately 50km to Chania, one of the island‘s most appealing cities, set against a spectacular backdrop of majestic mountains and aquamarine seas. Excellent base to explore western Crete. (B)

Wander through Chania with its neoclassical mansions and massive Venetian fortification. Opportunity to see the most spectacular landscape in Crete which lies along the Samaria Gorge, the longest ravine in Europe (18km). It starts 44km south of Chania and finishes at the seaside village of Agia Roumeli. (B)

Take the scenic route to Agios Nikolaos. Chance to sample traditional Greek food, swim in crystal clear waters and mix with friendly locals. (B)

Today drive to Vai, famous for its beach with magnificent palm forest or to ancient Zakros or Ierapetra, the most southern city in Europe. An almost unbroken line of sandy beaches stretches eastwards from Ierapetra. (B)

Return to Heraklion and drop off the car at the airport or downtown. (B)