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Holidays by Air
Crete
Agia Triadha, Monastery
Hidden gems of Crete
8 days from £899
New
GREECE
Set like a jewel in the deep blue waters of the eastern Mediterranean, Crete is the largest of the Greek islands with its rugged mountain scenery, beautiful wild flowers, forested slopes and orange groves. Shaped by over 8,000 years of history, it is steeped in myth and fables and the legendary birthplace of Zeus. Your beachside hotel in the pretty resort of Rapaniana is an excellent base from which to explore the Minoan Palace at Knossos, medieval monasteries, ancient castles, picturesque villages and splendid scenery.
YOUR ITINERARY
DAY 1 Meet your travelling companions at the airport and depart on your scheduled flight to Heraklion. On arrival transfer to your hotel for a seven night stay and dinner this evening. DAY 2 After breakfast, enjoy a welcome drink and learn about the holiday plans. We set out mid-morning for the lovely hillside village of Megala Chorafia overlooking Souda Bay, then walk along the old paved way to Aptera, one of the most important ancient towns of western Crete. Protected by massive walls, dating from the 5th century BC, its temples, Turkish fort and Byzantine monastery stand deserted in a romantic landscape ablaze with wild flowers. We continue to the Akrotiri Peninsula, a vast unspoilt area on the north of Crete, and stop to admire the castle-like, sixteenth century monastery at Agia Triadha with its lovely garden, spectacular murals and Byzantine icons. We continue to the historic town of Profitis Elias to admire the panoramic views over the beautiful bay of Chania, before reaching the Y town itself. You can stroll round the medieval walled quarter, visit the archaeological museum, go shopping in Chania's lively market, or enjoy lunch at a taverna overlooking the picturesque Venetian harbour. DAY 3 Today we take a beautiful drive along the north coast to explore Knossos, site of the most spectacular of all the Minoan palaces with its splendid architecture, labyrinth of amazing passageways, ornate decorations and frescoes. We drive on through the lovely countryside, past olive groves and vineyards, to Peza and stop for a tour and tasting at one of the many wine factories. On our way back to the hotel we visit the small village of Fodele surrounded by orange groves and birthplace of El Greco, the famous painter. DAY 4 Free to relax or join one of our optional excursions to discover more of this delightful island. DAY 5 We enjoy a scenic drive into the majestic White Mountains to Imbros and walk through the delightful gorge filled with wild flowers, Cyprus trees, herbs and shrubs to the pretty village of Chora Sfakion. We then follow the road to Frangokastello with its impressive Venetian castle and white sandy beach, before returning to Charnia late in the afternoon. DAY 6 This morning we set out eastwards along the scenic coastal road and stop to visit the 16th century monastery at Arkadi, before reaching Margarities, a traditional Cretan village famous for its hand-made pottery. We drive on to the fascinating town of Rethymnon and walk through the quaint narrow streets, ancient buildings and historic fortresses. DAY 7 Free to relax or join one of our optional excursions to explore more of the charms of Crete. Enjoy a farewell gettogether this evening. DAY 8 Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
HOLIDAY Seven nights' half board accommodation in your own room Services of a Just You Tour Manager Hosted welcome drink reception Farewell get-together EXCURSIONS - Megala Chorafia & Aptera - Akrotiri Peninsula visiting Monastery at Agia Triadha, Profitis Elias & Chania - Minoan Palace at Knossos - Wine tasting at Peza - Fodele - Walk through Imbros Gorge to Chora Sfakion & Frangokastello - Monastery of Arkadi, Margarities & Rethymnon TRANSPORT Return scheduled flights to Crete Transfers between airport and hotel
YOUR HOTELS
Y You will stay at the fabulous new Cavo Spada Resort & Spa Hotel in the village of Rapaniana, about 11 miles from the picturesque city of Chania. The hotel has four restaurants, including a beach taverna, serving local and international dishes; main and pool bars; spa with massage rooms, sauna, Jacuzzi, indoor pool and gym; 2 outdoor swimming pools; and tennis courts. All bedrooms feature private facilities, air conditioning, TV, radio, telephone and minibar.
Dates, Prices & Flight Information
Holiday ref: SEGCR
Gatwick
GB Airways Depart 0715 hrs Return arr. 1620 hrs
Services of an air-conditioned executive coach All UK and overseas airport taxes and security charges
`08 April 14 May 12
£899 £969
June 16
£969
Sept 15
£969
Deposit £100 per person For insurance information, please see Important Information Booklet. For details of airlines and approximate flight timings please see page 70. TRANSFERS Transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approx. 2 hours.
Pre-holiday get-together available from Gatwick see page 9
To view dates & prices click here To book click here
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