Cretan Odyssey Self Drive
Overview
Experience the best of Crete at your own pace with this scenic self-drive itinerary. From charming Venetian towns and stunning beaches to historic sites and hidden gems, every day offers a new adventure. Explore, relax and immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of Greece’s largest island.
This itinerary includes Out & About suggestions for activities that are not included in your package, but are great tips for places to visit and things to do.
Format
Locations
- Greece
- Athens
- Chania
- Rethymnon
- Agios Nikolaos
- Ierapetra
- Heraklion
Inclusions
• Round-trip flights to Athens
• Round-trip airport transfers in Athens
• Domestic flights from Athens to Chania and Heraklion to Athens in economy class
• 12 nights of accommodation
• 12 full breakfasts, 4 dinners
• 11-day compact car rental with selected transmission
• Pick up at Chania airport and drop off at Heraklion airport, unlimited mileages, second driver, CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) with deductible, THW (Theft Waiver) with deductible, road assistance, VAT taxes, airport taxes
• More Moments activities include:
o Athens: Half-day panoramic sightseeing tour with Acropolis and the New Acropolis Museum
• Earn extra Aeroplan® points per member on this tour
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Canada
Fly to Athens, Greece.
Day 2
Welcome to Athens
Upon your arrival at the airport in Athens, meet your driver to transfer to your hotel and check in. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Day 3
Athens: Sightseeing
After breakfast, depart at the scheduled time for your half-day sightseeing tour, featuring the Acropolis and the New Acropolis Museum.
More Moments Activities Included
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Athens sightseeing tour
With your expert guide, discover the city’s highlights, including Constitution Square, the Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier and the National Library. See Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, site of the first Modern Olympic Games.
- At the Acropolis, admire the Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, Erechtheion and the iconic Parthenon. Conclude the tour with a visit to the New Acropolis Museum before returning to your hotel for some leisure time.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 4
Athens- Chania, Crete
Today, you’ll take a transfer to the airport to board your flight to Chania, Crete. Upon arrival, you’ll collect your car rental and make your own way to the hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 5
Chania
Enjoy a full day at leisure exploring charming Chania, including its Venetian harbour, old town, beaches and nearby villages.
($) Optional Activities
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Out & About suggestions
- Balos Lagoon, one of Crete’s most famous beaches
- Elafonisi Beach, a breathtaking pink-sand beach
- Samaria Gorge, perfect for hiking enthusiasts
- Botanic Park & Gardens of Crete
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 6
Chania - Rethymnon
Today, you’ll drive along the northern coast toward the beautiful town of Rethymnon, known for its Venetian fortress and old town charm. (Approximately 60 km)
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 7
Rethymnon
Enjoy a full day at leisure exploring Rethymnon’s historic centre and beaches or embark on optional excursions to nearby monasteries and traditional Cretan villages.
($) Optional Activities
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Out & About suggestions
- Preveli Monastery & Palm Beach
- Melidoni Cave
- Village of Margarites, famous for its pottery
- Kourtaliotiko Gorge
- Arkadi Monastery, a short drive from the city
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 8
Rethymnon – Aghios Nikolaos
Today you’ll travel east toward the elegant seaside town of Aghios Nikolaos, known for its picturesque Lake Voulismeni and waterfront promenade. (Approximately 145 km)
Meal(s): Breakfast and dinner
Day 9
Aghios Nikolaos
Spend the day at leisure, enjoying Aghios Nikolaos or visiting Elounda and the island of Spinalonga.
($) Optional Activities
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Out & About suggestions
- Kritsa village & Panagia Kera Church with Byzantine frescoes
- Gorge of Kritsa for a short hike
- Archaeological Museum of Aghios Nikolaos
- Plaka fishing village offering boat departures to Spinalonga
Meal(s): Breakfast and dinner
Day 10
Aghios Nikolaos - Ierapetra
Continue south to Ierapetra, the southernmost town in Europe, famous for its warm climate and relaxed seafront.
(Approximately 35 km)
Meal(s): Breakfast and dinner
Day 11
Ierapetra
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Ierapetra. Relax on the beaches or consider a boat excursion to Chrissi Island.
($) Optional Activities
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Out & About suggestions
- Beach hopping along Ierapetra’s southern coast
- Walk the waterfront promenade
- Visit the Napoleon House
- Visit an olive farm in the region
Meal(s): Breakfast and dinner
Day 12
Ierapetra - Heraklion
Today, you’ll drive north to Heraklion, Crete’s bustling capital, filled with museums, markets and easy access to Knossos Palace. (Approximately 90 km)
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 13
Heraklion
Enjoy your final day at leisure in Heraklion. Visit the Archaeological Museum, explore Knossos or stroll along the lively harbour.
($) Optional Activities
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Out & About suggestions
- Wine region of Peza for a wine tasting experience
- Cretaquarium, one of Europe’s largest aquariums
- Beaches: Amoudara, Hersonissos, Agia Pelagia
- Historical Museum of Crete
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 14
Heraklion - Athens - Return to Canada
After breakfast, you’ll return your car rental at the airport and board your flight to Athens for your connecting flight back home.
Meal(s): Breakfast
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Accommodations
Where you'll stay
Superior Accommodation
Location
Hotel
Room details
Bed size(s): 1 double bed or 2 twin beds
Room occupancy: Maximum 3 people (3 adults, or 2 adults and 1 child)
Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Important Information
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Daily from April 01 – October 19, 2026
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Not included
- Meals and beverages, unless specified
- City or tourist tax, payable at destination
- Gratuities
- Additional activities and excursions
- Personal expenses and insurance
- Additional car insurances, car rental extensions, fuel charges, traffic tickets and fines, parking fees, in case of an accident, the customer is charged with 30€ + Vat for the accident file administration costs, subject to change without prior notice.
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The More Moments activities and excursions mentioned in the itinerary are all included in the package but may be rescheduled to take place on an earlier or later day, depending on availability and operational day.
- Details regarding transfers between hotels and excursion meeting points will be provided in your documents.
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Domestic flight baggage allowance: 1 piece of luggage (23kg) and 1 handbag (8kg)
When booking your Fly & Drive, the first name added on the file is considered as the principle driver of the vehicle. Modifications or change of name to principle driver name will incur fees.
- Category D Compact Manual transmission – Toyota Auris or similar
- Category G2 Compact Automatic transmission – Peugeot 301 or similar
Requirements:
- Minimum age limit of 19 years for Group D and 23 years for Group G2. Maximum age is 75 years
- Valid National Driving Licence
- A valid credit card under the name of driver is required for guarantee upon delivery of the car
- Main drivers name is required at time of booking, per drivers licence
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The order visited may change due to operational restrictions. The itinerary above is for reference only.
The sequence of the itinerary may be altered for reasons beyond the supplier’s control, such as accommodation availability, weather, national events, strikes, etc.
Kilometres are estimated, depending on the routes that drivers decide to navigate (main roads vs. scenic roads).
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City taxes are applicable for hotel stays in Greece and are payable in local currency upon checkout.