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Crete Fly & Drive: 7 Days of Myth, Mountains & Mediterranean Magic

For 6-Nights: Discover Crete’s Ancient Wonders and Scenic Coastlines – Explore the Island by Car.

Fly & Drive

Trip Code: #11567

What's included?

All Flights

Hotel

Rental Car

Flexibility Policy

Expert trip manager

All taxes & fees

Best Price Guarantee

Customize and Book with an Expert

(647) 694-5673

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Fly & DriveBeachNew DealsRomanticTrip Code: #11567

Best Price Guarantee

Customize and Book with an Expert

(647) 694-5673

Offline

Dates and Prices

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Day By Day Itinerary

7-days itinerary trip visiting 1 country and 1 city

Crete Fly & Drive: 7 Days of Myth, Mountains & Mediterranean Magic

Day 1Welcome to Crete, Greece!
Arrive at Heraklion Airport, pick up your rental car, and drive to your hotel in Chania. Check in and take some time to relax and settle in.

Suggestion For The Day:

Check into your hotel and take a moment to relax and get familiar with the hotel’s amenities.

Take the opportunity to explore the areas surrounding Chania, discovering nearby villages, coastal spots, and hidden gems off the beaten path.

Wander among Venetian harborfronts, lively squares, and hidden alleys filled with cafes and local shops.

For your first Cretan dinner, head to a local taverna like Peskesi (Heraklion) or Tamam (Chania) to try moussaka, dakos salad, and fresh seafood.

End the evening with a stroll by the sea, perhaps with a scoop of handmade gelato or a glass of Cretan wine.
Day 2Heraklion & Knossos Palace
Suggestion For The Day:

Start the day at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, home to the world’s finest collection of Minoan art and artifacts.

Grab a coffee and bougatsa (local pastry) at Phyllosophies Café or Kirkor.

In the afternoon, drive to the Palace of Knossos, the mythic heart of Minoan civilization.

Explore the ruins and frescoes while learning about the legend of the Minotaur and the Labyrinth - a guided tour brings it all to life.

On your way back, stop at Boutari Winery for a wine tasting or a peaceful countryside detour.

For dinner, try Parasties (Heraklion) for authentic flavors in a cozy setting.
Day 3Chania & Elafonissi Beach
Suggestion For The Day:

Drive west to Chania Old Town and take a leisurely walk through its Venetian harbor, Lighthouse, and Agora Market.

Visit the Maritime Museum or the Etz Hayyim Synagogue, a restored Jewish heritage site.

Enjoy a coffee at Koukouvaya Café, with panoramic views over the city.

In the afternoon, continue south to Elafonissi Beach, famous for its pink-tinted sand and turquoise waters.

Spend the afternoon swimming, relaxing, and exploring the shallow lagoon - ideal for a tranquil seaside escape.

On your return, consider stopping for dinner at Chrisostomos in Chania, known for wood-fired Cretan dishes.
Day 4Samaria Gorge: Crete’s Wild Side
Suggestion For The Day:

Get an early start and drive to Omalos Plateau, the gateway to the Samaria Gorge.

Begin your hike through the 16-km gorge, passing through dramatic cliffs, ancient forests, and the iconic “Iron Gates”.

In the afternoon, reach the seaside village of Agia Roumeli and relax by the beach.

Reward yourself with a hearty meal at a local taverna, then take the ferry to Chora Sfakion and return by road to your base (organize the ferry transfer in advance or via a small tour operator for logistics).

Note: If the full hike feels too much, opt for the shorter Imbros Gorge as an alternative.
Day 5Rethymno & Arkadi Monastery
Suggestion For The Day:

Today, explore the picturesque town of Rethymno with its Venetian fortress, colorful harbor, and maze-like Old Town.

Enjoy a relaxed brunch at Rimondi Fountain or in the hidden courtyards near Neratze Mosque.

Drive inland to visit the Arkadi Monastery, a key symbol of Cretan resistance.

Wander the peaceful grounds, chapels, and memorials surrounded by olive trees and distant mountain views.

For dinner, book a table at Avli, a beautiful restaurant housed in a Venetian mansion in Rethymno.
Day 6Spinalonga Island & the East Coast
Suggestion For The Day:

Head east to Elounda, a charming coastal town with views of Mirabello Bay.

Take a boat trip to Spinalonga Island, a former Venetian fortress and leper colony. Walk the walls and absorb the emotional stories of this now-deserted island.

Swim or relax at Plaka Beach, or stop at Agios Nikolaos, a laid-back town with a beautiful lakefront promenade and boutique shops.

Browse local artisan goods or relax with a drink at Lake Voulismeni.

End the day with a sunset dinner at The Hope (Elounda), offering homemade dishes with a view.
Day 7Return Flight Home
Depending on your flight schedule, you might have time to explore some highlights and finish with any last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

As your departure time approaches, drive to the airport, return your rental car, and check-in for your flight, cherishing the memories of your unforgettable journey through Crete.

Itinerary presented is a suggestion and the length of stay may vary. All tours are suggestions unless clearly stated.

Why We Love This Deal

This 7-day Crete Fly & Drive package is ideal for independent travelers looking for flexibility, freedom, and an authentic taste of the island. With flights, hotel stays, and a rental car included, it’s your chance to explore Crete on your own terms.

From the moment you land, you're free to design your own itinerary. Drive through scenic coastal roads, explore ancient Minoan palaces, relax on world-class beaches like Elafonissi, or get lost in the charm of mountain villages and Venetian towns like Chania and Rethymno.

Enjoy handpicked hotels in great locations that combine comfort and convenience, giving you the perfect base to relax after a day of adventure. With no fixed tours or schedules, this package is all about discovering Crete at your own rhythm.

Perfect for couples, friends, or families, this trip blends the ease of a pre-arranged package with the freedom of a self-drive journey - an ideal way to experience Crete’s myths, landscapes, and Mediterranean soul.

Available Experiences

Optional

Location: Chania

Jeep Tour: Chania Sunset Safari Tour

Additional cost applies

Optional

Location: Chania

Walking Tour: Discovering Chania and 7 Traditional Cretan Villages - Half-Day Tour

Additional cost applies

Optional

Location: Chania

Food & Wine: Cretan Wine and Olive Oil Experience - Full-Day Tour

Additional cost applies

Optional

Location: Chania

Walking Tour: Imbros Gorge - Half Day

Additional cost applies

Optional

Location: Chania

Food & Wine: Cretan Cuisine Cooking Class in Small Groups in Chania

Additional cost applies

Things to Know

About the Destination

Important Information

Flexibility Policy

Travel Support Anytime Anywhere

When booking a trip with us, you don’t just get our local experts' support and a superb travel experience, you also get the guarantee of full flexibility on our end. We know plans can change, and when that’s the case, we’re here to help!

Crete Fly & Drive: 7 Days of Myth, Mountains & Mediterranean Magic

Dates and Prices

Day By Day Itinerary

Why We Love This Deal

Available Experiences

Things to Know

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