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Simply Crete

Start off in Athens and explore Greece's largest city before travelling to wonderful island of Crete over 13 fun-filled days, from the capital city to charming fishing villages. Travel at your own pace in the comfort of your rental car as you gaze at stunning mountain views, relax on the beach and explore ancient monuments, then enjoy delectable local food and wine.

If you love the freedom and adventure of the open road, then a Fly & Drive vacation is just what you need. Drive your way through the experience of discovering parts of Crete one kilometre at a time. The car rental and hotel stays are included in the package, along with a bunch of other travel essentials that will help make this trip easy, fun, and unforgettable.

Location:

  • Athens, Greece (ATH)
  • Chania, Crete, Greece
  • Rethymno, Crete, Greece
  • Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece
  • Elounda, Crete, Greece
  • Greece
  • Crete, Greece
  • Greece
13  Days | 11  nights
Call to book: 1-866-529-2079
Travelling as a group of 10 or more? Request a group quote.

INCLUSIONS

  • Round-trip flights to Athens (If flight and hotel package option is chosen)
  • Local round-trip flights between Athens and Heraklion (Crete)
  • Airport transfers in Athens upon arrival
  • 11 nights of accommodation 
  • 11 breakfasts
  • 10-day car rental in Crete
  • 1  activity included: 
    • Half-day tour of the Acropolis and the New Acropolis Museum
  • Earn and redeem Aeroplan® points

ITINERARY

Day 1

Depart Canada

Fly to Athens.

Simply Crete

Day 2

Welcome to Athens

Upon arrival at Athens airport, transfer to your hotel and check in, then spend the rest of the day at leisure for your first taste of Athens. Spend the night in Athens.

Optional Activities ($):
OUT & ABOUT:

In Athens, ancient monuments coexist with modern buildings and shops. Stroll through Plaka, the oldest district in Athens, and relax among blooming flowers, charming cafés and great shops. Visit the historic sites, or shop on Ermou, Kolonaki and Voukourestiou streets. In the evening, head out to a wine bar and take in the city views.

Simply Crete

Day 3

Athens : Sightseeing

Enjoy a half-day tour of the incredible Acropolis.

Activity Included

  • The Acropolis and the New Acropolis Museum: Follow your expert guides as they take you for a quick stop at the Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896. From here, you’ll continue on and pass by the Temple of the Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, the Parliament and the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library, the Constitution Square (Syntagma). Next up is a comprehensive visit of the Acropolis to see architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and the impressive Parthenon. End the tour with visit of the New Acropolis Museum.

Meal(s): Breakfast
Simply Crete

Day 4

Athens - Crete - Chania (approx. 138 km)

Enjoy your breakfast and free time in the morning, then transfer at the indicated time to Athens airport for your local flight to Crete. Crete is the largest island in Greece, and the fifth-largest in the Mediterranean Sea. Upon arrival in Crete, pick up your rental car and drive to Chania, then check into your hotel.

Meal(s): Breakfast
Simply Crete

Day 5

Chania : At Leisure

Explore Chania, known for its charming old town and lovely mountain views.

Optional Activities ($):
OUT & ABOUT: Wander through the old town's narrow alleys and gaze at beautiful Venetian mansions, churches and historical monuments. Discover ancient civilizations, sunbathe on incredible beaches, enjoy beautiful views of the coast, mountains and valleys, and sample delicious local cuisine.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Simply Crete

Day 6

Chania - Rethymno (approx. 65 km)

Today, travel to Rethymno, located between the White Mountains and Mount Psiloritis. The rest of the day is at leisure in this beautiful region.

Optional Activities ($):
OUT & ABOUT: Relax amidst gorgeous mountain views, or head to the beach for some sun time. Don't miss trying tsikoudia, a grape-based liqueur, along with lamb ofto, a Cretan specialty. Stroll through charming villages, or visit the region's beautiful monasteries.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Simply Crete

Day 7 & 8

Rethymno - Agios Nikolaos (approx. 140 km)

Travel to Agios Nikolaos, a lovely coastal town boasting beautiful bay views. Spend the next two days at leisure.

Optional Activities ($):
OUT & ABOUT: The town is filled with resorts, modern architecture, plus a warm, friendly vibe. Explore the town's shops, then stop at a sidewalk restaurant for a tasty meal. In the evening, discover the city's lively lounges and bars.
Meal(s): 2 Breakfasts
Simply Crete

Day 9 & 10

Agios Nikolaos - Elounda (approx. 11 km)

Head towards Elounda and check into your hotel for 2 nights. Elounda is 11 km north of Agios Nikolaos and is home to a harbour and nice town centre filled with lovely waterfront restaurants and bars.

Optional Activities ($):
OUT & ABOUT: Hit the beach, or take a boat over to Spinalonga, a nearby island that used to house a leper colony.
Meal(s): 2 Breakfasts
Simply Crete

Day 11 & 12

Elounda - Heraklion (approx. 67 km)

Today, head to Crete's capital, Heraklion. Check into your hotel and get ready to explore!

Optional Activities ($):
OUT & ABOUT:

The city is nestled between Mount Psiloritis and the Lasithiotika mountains and features amazing archaeological sites, including the Minoan Palace of Knossos. You'll also find a lovely harbour, excellent souvenirs and restaurants and cafés boasting delicious local flavours.

Walk along the pedestrian 25th of August Street and check out the shops and tavernas, or visit the Morozini fountain and the Venetian fortress. In the evening, relax and enjoy the sunset over a delicious glass of wine.  

 

Meal(s): 2 Breakfasts
Simply Crete

Day 13

Crete - Athens - Return to Canada

Return your rental car at the Crete airport and board your local flight to Athens, where you will board your flight home.

Meal(s): Breakfast
Simply Crete

ACCOMMODATIONS

WHERE YOU'LL STAY

The hotels listed below are presented as examples for your reference only. Hotel accommodation details will be communicated to you or your travel agent prior to departure.

Location
HOTEL
Athens, Greece (ATH)
Hotel Dorian (or similar)
Chania, Crete, Greece
Hotel Chryssana Beach (or similar)
Rethymno, Crete, Greece
Hotel Olympic Palladium (or similar)
Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece
Hotel Santa Marina (or similar)
Elounda, Crete, Greece
Elounda Palm Boutique (or similar)
Heraklion, Greece
Hotel Olympic (or similar)
Athens, Greece (ATH)
Electra Hotel (or similar)
Chania, Crete, Greece
Kydon Hotel (or similar)
Rethymno, Crete, Greece
Veneto Hotel (or similar)
Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece
Hotel Miramare Resort & Spa (or similar)
Elounda, Crete, Greece
Elounda Water Park Residence Hotel (or similar)
Crete, Greece
Hersonissos Palace (or similar)
Athens, Greece (ATH)
Athens Marriott (or similar)
Chania, Crete, Greece
Serenissima Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Rethymno, Crete, Greece
Rimondi Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece
Minos Palace Hotel & Suites (adults-only) (or similar)
Elounda, Crete, Greece
Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort (or similar)
Crete, Greece
Galaxy Hotel Iraklion (or similar)

Room Specifications

Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Bed size(s): 1 double bed or 2 twin beds
Room occupancy: Maximum 3 people (3 adults, or 2 adults and 1 child)

IMPORTANT INFO

DEPARTURE DATES

Daily from April 01 to October 31, 2023

MORE TO KNOW

Not included

  • Meals, unless noted
  • Transfers, unless noted
  • Additional activities and excursions
  • Personal expenses and insurance

Itinerary schedule: Please note that the day-to-day itinerary should occur as planned, but may alter slightly depending on the time between the inter-island flight and the international flight back to Canada.

ACTIVITIES

The More Moments activities/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.

The Acropolis and the new Acropolis Museum:

  • Half-day morning tour
  • April to October
  • Daily service
  • English/French Departure at 8:45 am – return at 1:30 pm

CITY TAXES

City taxes are applicable for hotel stays in Greece and are payable in local currency upon arrival. Rates vary from 1 EUR to 5 EUR depending on hotel star rating and location, and are calculated per room, per night. Rates are subject to change without notice.

TRANSPORTATION

Type of vehicle: Economy Manual or Automatic (Nissan Micra or similar)

Terms and Conditions: Rates are in EURO, and include Unlimited Mileage (U.N.L.), Third Party Insurance (T.P.I.), Collision Damage Waiver (C.D.W.) with deductible, Personal Insurance (PAI), Airport Service Charge (ASC) & VAT.

All Sixt vehicles are insured: a) against liability to third parties (excluding driver) for death and injury up to EUR 750,000.00 per victim;
b) material damages to third parties (excluding the Sixt vehicle) up to EUR 750,000.00;
c) for fire of the Sixt vehicle. If the Sixt vehicle is damaged or stolen by driver's culpability or negligence, the driver will be presided for, up to the total car's commercial value at the time of accident or theft.

Additional driver fee: EUR 3.50 plus VAT per day. GPS is on request at the rental counter.

Driver must be 23+ years old for groups MCMR, EDMR, CCMR and 25+ years old for all other groups and hold an international driver's license as well as a personal credit card used as a deposit. Drivers aged between 21-22 will be subject to Young Drivers Surcharge by paying the amount of EUR 20.00 plus VAT daily.

Ferrying the vehicle: Not allowed.

Across the border rental: Not allowed. Rates and conditions may change without notice.

Pricing display

Prices take into account taxes and are rounded to the nearest full dollar. Full details on taxes and fees are on the booking page.