Jan
min : 9°C
max : 16°C
We love —
- Discovering ancient palaces, Venetian harbours and mountain villages, where stone streets, sea air and local tavern aromas shape each day.
- Driving along Crete’s sunlit coastlines, pausing for turquoise bays, hidden beaches and hillside viewpoints overlooking olive groves and shimmering waters.
- Savouring slow evenings in harbour towns, tasting fresh seafood and regional wines as golden light softens façades and the sea settles nearby.
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected for our members by our experts
Your itinerary in brief —
DURATION: 7 or 10 nights
BEST FOR: Cultural immersion
PACE: Relaxed
Explore Crete
Set off on a scenic journey through Crete, where ancient history, coastal beauty and traditional island life come together effortlessly. From the vibrant energy of Heraklion to the elegant harbour of Agios Nikolaos and the Venetian charm of Rethymnon, each stop reveals a different face of the island, shaped by culture, landscapes and sea views.
Choose the length of your stay:
7-night itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Heraklion
- Day 2: Heraklion
- Day 3: Heraklion → Agios Nikolaos
- Day 4: Agios Nikolaos
- Day 5: Agios Nikolaos → Rethymnon
- Day 6: Rethymnon
- Day 7: Rethymnon
- Day 8: Departure from Rethymnon
10-night itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Heraklion
- Day 2: Heraklion
- Day 3: Heraklion → Agios Nikolaos
- Day 4: Agios Nikolaos
- Day 5: Agios Nikolaos → Rethymnon
- Day 6: Rethymnon
- Day 7: Rethymnon
- Day 8: Rethymnon
- Day 9: Rethymnon
- Day 10: Rethymnon
- Day 11: Departure from Rethymnon
Please note: your itinerary may have minor adjustments, but your overall trip experience will remain the same.
Read more
Your itinerary in detail —
7-night road trip
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN HERAKLION
Arrival at Heraklion International Airport (HER) brings a bright Mediterranean welcome, with the hum of the island immediately felt beyond the airport doors. After collecting your hire car, the drive unfolds along sunlit roads towards your hotel, passing olive groves and low stone villages glowing in the late light. The rest of the day is yours to settle in, with the island’s relaxed rhythm gently beginning to take hold. As evening falls, Heraklion’s coastal energy lingers in the distance while you unwind at your hotel.
Included:
- Arrival at Heraklion International Airport (HER)
- Night at Pollis 4*, City Green 4* or Asterias Village 4*
DAY 2: HERAKLION
Heraklion unfolds as a city shaped by layers of history, where Minoan ruins, Venetian architecture and modern life exist side by side. Spend the day at leisure, exploring its cultural landmarks and coastal atmosphere at an unhurried pace.
Included:
- Breakfast
- Night at Pollis 4*, City Green 4* or Asterias Village 4*
Suggestions:
- Visit the Palace of Knossos, Crete’s most iconic Minoan site
- Explore the Archaeological Museum and its ancient artefacts
- Wander Lions Square and the Venetian harbour waterfront
DAY 3: HERAKLION → AGIOS NIKOLAS
Depart Heraklion and travel east along Crete’s coastline, where winding roads reveal a mix of mountain scenery, olive-clad slopes and distant sea views. The drive carries a sense of transition, moving from the island’s historic capital towards the more relaxed elegance of the Mirabello region. On arrival in Agios Nikolaos, the town opens around its famous lake, with a soft blend of harbour life and laid-back cafés lining the water’s edge. The rest of the day is yours to settle into this coastal setting.
Included:
- Night at Elpida Village 4*, Santa Marina 4* or Ariadne 4*
DAY 4: AGIOS NIKOLAS
Agios Nikolaos invites a slower day shaped by sea air, lake views and the relaxed charm of its harbour. The town’s atmosphere flows between café-lined squares, coastal paths and viewpoints overlooking Mirabello Bay. It’s a place where time feels unstructured, allowing space to simply enjoy the scenery and the gentle movement of the waterfront.
Included:
- Breakfast
- Night at Elpida Village 4*, Santa Marina 4* or Ariadne 4*
Suggestions:
- Explore Spinalonga Island by boat
- Swim or relax along Elounda and Kolokytha beaches
- Wander the harbour and lakeside paths of Agios Nikolaos
DAY 5: AGIOS NIKOLAS → RETHYMNON
Leave the Mirabello region behind as the road leads west through Crete’s varied interior, where mountains rise above olive-dotted valleys and small settlements pass quietly along the way. The journey offers a sense of transition, from eastern coastal calm to the historic charm of Rethymnon. Arriving in town, Venetian architecture and a soft seaside light define the atmosphere, with narrow streets opening onto a relaxed harbourfront. The evening unfolds gently in this elegant coastal town.
Included:
- Lunch & dinner
- Night at Europa Resort 4*
DAY 6: RETHYMNON
Rethymnon offers a day shaped by contrast, where Venetian heritage meets a relaxed seaside rhythm. The morning can be spent exploring its atmospheric Old Town, before drifting towards the coast where the promenade stretches along calm blue waters. Further afield, Crete reveals its wilder side, with palm-fringed beaches and green inland landscapes offering a striking change of scenery.
Included:
- All inclusive
- Night at Europa Resort 4*
Suggestions:
- Wander through Rethymnon Old Town and its Venetian architecture
- Visit Agia Galini and its coastal setting overlooking the Libyan Sea
- Explore Preveli Palm Beach or inland gorges and villages
DAY 7: RETHYMNON
The day unfolds gently in Rethymnon, where Venetian façades and narrow passages create a timeless setting for unhurried discovery. Morning and afternoon flow between cultural spaces, hidden squares and the coastal promenade, where the sea breeze softens the rhythm of the town. It’s a day best enjoyed without rush, allowing the character of western Crete to settle in fully.
Included:
- All inclusive
- Night at Europa Resort 4*
Suggestions:
- Explore the Palace of Phaistos and surrounding archaeological area
- Discover Rimondi Fountain and hidden Old Town courtyards
- Relax along Rethymnon beach with views towards the Fortezza
DAY 8: DEPARTURE FROM RETHYMNON
The final morning in Rethymnon carries a quiet coastal stillness, with soft light over the Venetian rooftops and the sea just beyond the harbour. The drive back towards Heraklion follows familiar coastal roads, passing olive groves and open stretches of countryside that frame a gentle farewell to Crete. As the journey concludes, the island’s warm atmosphere lingers, offering a calm and reflective end to the trip at Heraklion International Airport (HER).
Included:
- Departure from Heraklion International Airport (HER)
Read more
10-night road trip
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN HERAKLION
Arrival at Heraklion International Airport (HER) brings a bright Mediterranean welcome, with the hum of the island immediately felt beyond the airport doors. After collecting your hire car, the drive unfolds along sunlit roads towards your hotel, passing olive groves and low stone villages glowing in the late light. The rest of the day is yours to settle in, with the island’s relaxed rhythm gently beginning to take hold. As evening falls, Heraklion’s coastal energy lingers in the distance while you unwind at your hotel.
Included:
- Arrival at Heraklion International Airport (HER)
- Night at Pollis 4*, City Green 4* or Asterias Village 4*
DAY 2: HERAKLION
Heraklion unfolds as a city shaped by layers of history, where Minoan ruins, Venetian architecture and modern life exist side by side. Spend the day at leisure, exploring its cultural landmarks and coastal atmosphere at an unhurried pace.
Included:
- Breakfast
- Night at Pollis 4*, City Green 4* or Asterias Village 4*
Suggestions:
- Visit the Palace of Knossos, Crete’s most iconic Minoan site
- Explore the Archaeological Museum and its ancient artefacts
- Wander Lions Square and the Venetian harbour waterfront
DAY 3: HERAKLION → AGIOS NIKOLAS
Depart Heraklion and travel east along Crete’s coastline, where winding roads reveal a mix of mountain scenery, olive-clad slopes and distant sea views. The drive carries a sense of transition, moving from the island’s historic capital towards the more relaxed elegance of the Mirabello region. On arrival in Agios Nikolaos, the town opens around its famous lake, with a soft blend of harbour life and laid-back cafés lining the water’s edge. The rest of the day is yours to settle into this coastal setting.
Included:
- Night at Elpida Village 4*, Santa Marina 4* or Ariadne 4*
DAY 4: AGIOS NIKOLAS
Agios Nikolaos invites a slower day shaped by sea air, lake views and the relaxed charm of its harbour. The town’s atmosphere flows between café-lined squares, coastal paths and viewpoints overlooking Mirabello Bay. It’s a place where time feels unstructured, allowing space to simply enjoy the scenery and the gentle movement of the waterfront.
Included:
- Breakfast
- Night at Elpida Village 4*, Santa Marina 4* or Ariadne 4*
Suggestions:
- Explore Spinalonga Island by boat
- Swim or relax along Elounda and Kolokytha beaches
- Wander the harbour and lakeside paths of Agios Nikolaos
DAY 5: AGIOS NIKOLAS → RETHYMNON
Leave the Mirabello region behind as the road leads west through Crete’s varied interior, where mountains rise above olive-dotted valleys and small settlements pass quietly along the way. The journey offers a sense of transition, from eastern coastal calm to the historic charm of Rethymnon. Arriving in town, Venetian architecture and a soft seaside light define the atmosphere, with narrow streets opening onto a relaxed harbourfront. The evening unfolds gently in this elegant coastal town.
Included:
- Lunch & dinner
- Night at Europa Resort 4*
DAY 6: RETHYMNON
Rethymnon offers a day shaped by contrast, where Venetian heritage meets a relaxed seaside rhythm. The morning can be spent exploring its atmospheric Old Town, before drifting towards the coast where the promenade stretches along calm blue waters. Further afield, Crete reveals its wilder side, with palm-fringed beaches and green inland landscapes offering a striking change of scenery.
Included:
- All inclusive
- Night at Europa Resort 4*
Suggestions:
- Wander through Rethymnon Old Town and its Venetian architecture
- Visit Agia Galini and its coastal setting overlooking the Libyan Sea
- Explore Preveli Palm Beach or inland gorges and villages
DAY 7: RETHYMNON
The day unfolds gently in Rethymnon, where Venetian façades and narrow passages create a timeless setting for unhurried discovery. Morning and afternoon flow between cultural spaces, hidden squares and the coastal promenade, where the sea breeze softens the rhythm of the town. It’s a day best enjoyed without rush, allowing the character of western Crete to settle in fully.
Included:
- All inclusive
- Night at Europa Resort 4*
Suggestions:
- Explore the Palace of Phaistos and surrounding archaeological area
- Discover Rimondi Fountain and hidden Old Town courtyards
- Relax along Rethymnon beach with views towards the Fortezza
DAY 8: RETHYMNON
The day unfolds at a slower, more local rhythm, with time to enjoy Rethymnon’s everyday charm beyond its historic centre. Morning light brings an easy atmosphere to the harbour and Old Town, where cafés, small boutiques and shaded streets invite unstructured wandering. The rest of the day can be shaped by simple coastal moments or relaxed time at the hotel, embracing the ease of western Crete.
Included:
- All inclusive
- Night at Europa Resort 4*
Suggestions:
- Enjoy a leisurely morning in Rethymnon’s Old Town cafés
- Browse local shops and artisan boutiques
- Relax by the pool or along the nearby coastline
DAY 9: RETHYMNON
A more expansive day reveals Crete beyond Rethymnon, where mountain roads and rural landscapes lead towards traditional villages and authentic inland scenery. The journey offers a quieter side of the island, with stone settlements, olive groves and open views shaping the experience. Returning to the coast, the evening settles gently back into Rethymnon’s familiar seaside atmosphere.
Included:
- All inclusive
- Night at Europa Resort 4*
Suggestions:
- Discover inland villages such as Anogia or Spili
- Explore mountain landscapes and rural Crete
- Enjoy a relaxed evening along Rethymnon’s seafront
DAY 10: RETHYMNON
The final full day is centred on calm coastal enjoyment, where Rethymnon’s shoreline and Old Town offer space for slow, unhurried moments. The sea remains a constant presence, whether viewed from a café terrace, a long beach walk or the Venetian harbour at golden hour. It’s a gentle closing chapter, focused on atmosphere, light and time well spent by the water.
Included:
- All inclusive
- Night at Europa Resort 4*
Suggestions:
- Take a final walk through Rethymnon Old Town
- Enjoy the long sandy beach and seafront promenade
- Watch sunset from the Venetian harbour or Fortezza viewpoints
DAY 11: DEPARTURE FROM RETHYMNON
The final morning in Rethymnon carries a quiet coastal stillness, with soft light over the Venetian rooftops and the sea just beyond the harbour. The drive back towards Heraklion follows familiar coastal roads, passing olive groves and open stretches of countryside that frame a gentle farewell to Crete. As the journey concludes, the island’s warm atmosphere lingers, offering a calm and reflective end to the trip at Heraklion International Airport (HER).
Included:
- Departure from Heraklion International Airport (HER)
Read more
Important information about your tour and visits: The hotels, which comply with local standards, are indicative and may be changed locally for hotels of a similar category. The itinerary is subject to changes due to compelling reasons such as delayed flights, weather conditions or other cases of force majeure. The order of visits is also subject to change without affecting the overall experience of the itinerary.
Your hotels —
Just for you:
Hand-picked just for you
At each of your stops, you will be staying in thoughtfully selected 4* hotels.
Your hotels (or similar):
- Heraklion: Pollis 4*, City Green 4*, Asterias Village 4*
- Agios Nikolaos: Elpida Village 4*, Santa Marina 4*, Ariadne 4*
- Rethymnon: Europa Resort 4*
If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.
Maximum occupancy per room: 2 adults.
Your dining choices
Throughout your road trip, enjoy meals as follows:
7-night road trip
- Day 1: Accommodation-only
- Day 2: Breakfast
- Day 3: Accommodation-only
- Day 4: Breakfast
- Day 5: Lunch & dinner
- Day 6: All inclusive
- Day 7: All inclusive
- Day 8: Accommodation-only
10-night road trip
- Day 1: Accommodation-only
- Day 2: Breakfast
- Day 3: Accommodation-only
- Day 4: Breakfast
- Day 5: Lunch & dinner
- Day 6: All inclusive
- Day 7: All inclusive
- Day 8: All inclusive
- Day 9: All inclusive
- Day 10: All inclusive
- Day 11: Accommodation-only
Read more
Included services —
Assistance at destination - Crete
Take advantage of an included assistance service at your destination, provided by our local partners trained to Voyage Privé standards. A dedicated contact person, available 24 hours a day (by telephone or WhatsApp), will accompany you throughout your stay, offering advice, reservations and help in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Leave with peace of mind.
Your journey to Greece —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking, in either Economy, Premium, or Business class, depending on the destination and carrier. This flight may include one or more stopovers. Please review your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ, in order to offer the best price.
Luggage information
Luggage, meals and other services on board may be subject to an additional fee on certain airlines. It is possible to view details of luggage allowances when you choose your flights at the next stage of the booking process. If luggage is not included with your flight, please go to the airline's website before your departure to purchase your luggage for an additional fee.
For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving luggage. In this case, you will need to pay for it at the airport counter.
You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Your destination —
Crete
Myth and Mediterranean magic collide on Greece’s largest island, where golden beaches, mountain-fringed gorges, and age-old traditions create a tapestry of timeless beauty. Crete is a place where minotaurs once roamed, Venetian harbours gleam in the sun, and the scent of wild thyme drifts on the breeze.
