CRETE BEACH & CULTURE 2 days

DAY 1 – Visit  of KNOSSOS PALACE – RETHYMNO – CHANIA We will pick you up from your hotel, at the indicated time and start our visit with the famous Knossos palace.   Knossos was the most important city of Crete during the Minoan civilization which is considered the oldest civilization in Europe. Therefore, the palace of Knossos forms the oldest palatial complex in Europe.   The Minoan civilization reached its peak in the second millennium BC.   During the visit you will see the ruins of the impressive palace that was one of the most important administrative and religious centers in the region.   Part of the palace has been restored to allow a better visualization of how the architectural complex was and to understand the complexity of the labyrinth where, according to the legend, the famous Minotaur lived.   You have the choice to be guided by our professional guide OR follow the map and instructions we will provide you. You will visit the apartments of the king, the queen and the members of the royal court and also the halls of major events, the theatre area and the laboratories.   We shall then continue our tour and visit the town of Rethymno. In this beautiful Cretan town, we can discover remains of the Venetian and Turkish past and enjoy its picturesque harbor and the wonderful views from the coast.   Accompanied by your local guide you will walk along the narrow and picturesque paved streets that will travel you back in time and have some free time for lunch.   In the afternoon we shall head towards the town of Chania. Your guide will assist you with ideas for things you can do on your visit like visiting the Old Town and the Venetian port, the market and the local gastronomy.   DAY 2 – ELAFONISI BEACH We will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the spectacular beach of Elafonisi.   We will start our journey by going through gorges with views of steep summits while we will be heading to the south western region of the island.   There we will find the idyllic beaches of pink sand and transparent waters with the most famous being the incredible Elafonissi beach.   Free time to swim and enjoy one of the best beaches in Greece (sunbeds and umbrella service included). In front of the beach there is a little island that is called the 'Island of Deer' that you can swim or walk to, since the water is not deep. The beach has canteens with fast food and refreshments. Our next stop will be a taverna with panoramic views for lunch or a Greek coffee.   On our way back, we shall visit the convent of Chrisoskalitissa found on top of a rock. It is a monastery with a great cultural and historical past and the sea views from above are definitely worth it. In the afternoon we will return to Chania.         Optional service (included) In the evening we also include a walking city tour through the most charming areas of Chania.