Departure date : May 9, 2026

Itinerary

Day 1Heraklion

Arrive at the Heraklion airport and transfer to the hotel. Golden Beach Hotel 4* or similar (D)

Day 2Heraklion

Spend the day relaxing and exploring Heraklion, the capital of Crete, at your own pace. (B-D)

Day 3Heraklion – Zoniana – Axos – Anogia – Heraklion (150km)

Head towards Zoniana to visit Sfendoni Cave, renowned for its magnificent stalactites and stalagmites. Continue to Axos where you’ll visit a weaving workshop and learn about how goat cheese is made, with a tasting. Then head to Anogia, a typical mountain village with quaint narrow streets in the heart of Crete. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. (B-D)

Day 4Heraklion – Lassithi Plateau – Heraklion (140km)

Head to the eastern part of Crete. Visit a local oil mill and sample several varieties of olive oil. Then continue up to Lassithi Plateau, located some 900 metres above sea level, overlooking the region’s famous windmills. Stop at an eco-park and visit local woodcarving and handicraft workshops. After lunch, continue to Kera Kardiotissa Monastery, known for its remarkable frescoes. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. (B-D)

Day 5Heraklion – Knossos – Rethymno (120km)

Visit the archaeological site of Knossos and the legendary Minoan Palace. Continue towards Heraklion to see the Venetian Morosini Fountain, Diadalou pedestrian street, the architecture of Loggia, the lively open-air market, and the fortress at the port of Heraklion, dating back to the 16th century. Free time for lunch. Early in the afternoon, transfer to the hotel in the western part of Crete. Enjoy dinner and spend the night at the hotel. Atrium Ambiance Hotel 4* or similar (B-D)

Day 6Rethymno – Balos – Gramvoussa – Rethymno

Transfer to the port of Kissamos and sail to the unspoiled island of Gramvoussa, accessible only by boat. Tour the old Venetian fortress, which offers a breathtaking view of beautiful Kissamos Bay. Continue your cruise to magnificent Balos Lagoon, renowned for its shallow crystal-clear water and beach with golden shells. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. (B-D)

Day 7Rethymno

Free day in Rethymno, a charming town known for its bustling Venetian port and long sandy beach perfect for swimming or water sports. (B-D)

Day 8 Heraklion

After breakfast, transfer to the Heraklion airport. (B)

CAA-Quebec Travel : 1-844-869-2439
Print date : May 3rd 2026 (The price shown was accurate at the time of printing. Subject to availability.)
Tour
with local guide
Logo explore - SVG - EN

GreeceEscape to Crete

  • 8 days
  • 7 nights
  • 14 meals

Join us on a diverse and well-paced itinerary on the fabulous Greek island of Crete. Travel from east to west and discover archaeological sites, Venetian and Ottoman heritage, and breathtaking scenery. From lively Heraklion to picturesque mountain villages including Zoniana, Anogia, and Rethymno, this tour will fully immerse you in the cultural, gastronomic, and natural treasures of the Mediterranean.

Cities on itinerary:

Heraklion, Zoniana, Anogia, Rethymno

  • Moderate
  • Local guide
  • Group meets at destination

Highlights:

  • Lassithi Plateau
  • Cruise in Kissamos Bay
  • Tastings of local fare
  • Beach days

Itinerary

Day 1Heraklion

Arrive at the Heraklion airport and transfer to the hotel. Golden Beach Hotel 4* or similar (D)

Day 2Heraklion

Spend the day relaxing and exploring Heraklion, the capital of Crete, at your own pace. (B-D)

Day 3Heraklion – Zoniana – Axos – Anogia – Heraklion (150km)

Head towards Zoniana to visit Sfendoni Cave, renowned for its magnificent stalactites and stalagmites. Continue to Axos where you’ll visit a weaving workshop and learn about how goat cheese is made, with a tasting. Then head to Anogia, a typical mountain village with quaint narrow streets in the heart of Crete. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. (B-D)

Day 4Heraklion – Lassithi Plateau – Heraklion (140km)

Head to the eastern part of Crete. Visit a local oil mill and sample several varieties of olive oil. Then continue up to Lassithi Plateau, located some 900 metres above sea level, overlooking the region’s famous windmills. Stop at an eco-park and visit local woodcarving and handicraft workshops. After lunch, continue to Kera Kardiotissa Monastery, known for its remarkable frescoes. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. (B-D)

Day 5Heraklion – Knossos – Rethymno (120km)

Visit the archaeological site of Knossos and the legendary Minoan Palace. Continue towards Heraklion to see the Venetian Morosini Fountain, Diadalou pedestrian street, the architecture of Loggia, the lively open-air market, and the fortress at the port of Heraklion, dating back to the 16th century. Free time for lunch. Early in the afternoon, transfer to the hotel in the western part of Crete. Enjoy dinner and spend the night at the hotel. Atrium Ambiance Hotel 4* or similar (B-D)

Day 6Rethymno – Balos – Gramvoussa – Rethymno

Transfer to the port of Kissamos and sail to the unspoiled island of Gramvoussa, accessible only by boat. Tour the old Venetian fortress, which offers a breathtaking view of beautiful Kissamos Bay. Continue your cruise to magnificent Balos Lagoon, renowned for its shallow crystal-clear water and beach with golden shells. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. (B-D)

Day 7Rethymno

Free day in Rethymno, a charming town known for its bustling Venetian port and long sandy beach perfect for swimming or water sports. (B-D)

Day 8 Heraklion

After breakfast, transfer to the Heraklion airport. (B)

Inclusions

  • Transportation by tour bus

  • Transfers

  • 7 nights in 3* and 4* accomodations

  • Tours, excursions, and activities listed in the itinerary

  • Services of a French-speaking tour guide

  • Services of French-speaking local tour guides

  • Applicable taxes

  • Travel insurance

  • International flights

  • Baggage handling

  • Tips and personal expenses

  • Tourist taxes

  • Anything not listed in the “Price includes” section

Inclusions

  • Transportation by tour bus

  • Transfers

  • 7 nights in 3* and 4* accomodations

  • Tours, excursions, and activities listed in the itinerary

  • Services of a French-speaking tour guide

  • Services of French-speaking local tour guides

  • Applicable taxes

  • Travel insurance

  • International flights

  • Baggage handling

  • Tips and personal expenses

  • Tourist taxes

  • Anything not listed in the “Price includes” section

Get the right coverage with CAA-Quebec Travel Insurance

Take off with peace of mind thanks to protections tailored to your needs and budget. As a member, you enjoy up to 20% off your premium.

Price from$1,679

No departure on the date you wanted? Trip fully booked?

For personalized assistance, call 1-844-869-2439 or email us.

Our exclusive group tours are designed to ensure an enriching, friendly, and fuss-free experience:

  • French-speaking tour host
  • Generous inclusions and exclusive excursions
  • Members earn CAA Dollars back
  • 15% back in CAA Dollars at the Boutique
  • Rewards for loyal travellers

Rates are per person, based on double occupancy. The accommodation establishments listed may be changed without prior notice. Please note that group flight contracts do not allow for seat selection. We therefore recommend that you check in with the airlines 24 hours before departure. This offer may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Read the full terms and conditions.

If the scheduled flight is operated by Air France or KLM, only the Air France/KLM shuttle bus service will be available for passengers departing from Québec City.