1st Stop: The Botanical Park of Chania,
We will start the day with a coffee or breakfast in an area of approximately two hundred acres - within the Botanical Park. You are waiting to discover the magic of the Cretan land, to get to know fruit trees from all over the world, herbs, medicinal and ornamental plants, in a garden of another kind. The layout of the garden and the microclimate of the area make it a paradise for plants and animals!

2nd Stop: Omalos Plateau
Omalos Plateau is located 38km south of the city of Chania at an altitude of 1,040 to 1,250 meters, surrounded by the high peaks of the White Mountains. The plateau has a unique beauty in winter when it is often covered in snow, while many Greek and foreign visitors arrive here all year round.
From Omalos, and specifically from the location of Xyloskalo (1,250m), the path begins for the crossing of the world-famous Samaria Gorge.
The Samaria Gorge is a National Park of Greece on the island of Crete - a major tourist attraction of the island - and a world biosphere reserve.
The gorge is located in southwestern Crete in the regional unit of Chania. It was created by a small river and is 16 km long, starting at an altitude of 1,250 m at the northern entrance, and ending on the coast of the Libyan Sea at Agia Roumeli. It is the second largest canyon in Europe after the Verdon Gorge in France.

3rd Stop: Therisso for local lamb chops
A fascinating route through nature for its visitors with the first choice being the traditional taverns, famous for their lamb chops and other traditional flavors is Therisso. A historic village in the municipality of Chania built at the northwestern foothills of the White Mountains at an altitude of 580 meters, it is located 16 km south of the city of Chania and the road to the village passes through the "Eleftherios Venizelos" gorge (Therisso Gorge), with a total length of 6 km.
From the beginning of the 19th century onwards, due to its natural fortified position, Therisso was an important center of various revolutionary movements in Crete. An important monument of the village is the church of Agios Georgios, which dates back to the second half of the 16th century. There are also two museums, the Historical and the Folklore Museum.

1st Stop: Venizelos Tombs
The Venizelos Tombs are a site and attraction next to the historic church of Prophet Elias in Crete, where the tombs of the charismatic Greek politician and seven-time Prime Minister of Greece, Eleftherios Venizelos, are located. The park where the tombs are located is idyllic with a pine forest and panoramic views of the city of Chania, making it one of the city's main attractions

2nd Stop: Seitan Limania
Stefanos Seitan Beach or Seitan Limania Beach in Chania, Crete is one of the three natural coves created by the sea in the Akrotiri area. The name is of Turkish origin, from the period of Turkish rule on the island and means devilish (Diabolic/Cursed Harbors). This characterization is due to the dangerous waves in the area. The beach has gravel and sand and due to the difficult location in which it is located, in the last few years it has become a widely known and popular destination.

3rd Stop: Monastery of Agia Triada
The Monastery of Agia Triada (of Tzagarolo) was built in the early 17th century, is located in the Akrotiri area, in a landscape overgrown with olive groves, vineyards and cypresses and architecturally constitutes one of the most important examples of the Cretan Renaissance. The Monastery of Agia Triada is perhaps the most impressive monastic complex of the end of the Venetian rule in Crete, due to both its size and its architectural form. In 1821 it was burned by the Turks and many of its relics were lost. The Monastery retains much of its original form, has a small number of monks with particular performance in organic farming. The historic Monastery is famous for its tradition and fine grape varieties, where the excellent wine of the Monastery is produced. You will have the opportunity to taste the wines from the monastery's production.

4th Stop: Stavros Beach
Stavros Beach, beyond its natural beauty, is known for the filming of the film "Zorba the Greek" (1964) starring Anthony Quinn, Alan Bates, Irene Papa, etc. It is based on the book by Nikos Kazantzakis "The Life and State of Zorba the Greek". The film won 3 Oscars, and its music, written by the great composer Mikis Theodorakis, became known worldwide as "Syrtaki-Zorba". The scenes of the film with Zorba dancing syrtaki were filmed on the sheltered and idyllic beach of Stavros, with its fine sand and turquoise waters.

NOTE: We suggest you bring with your swimwear and towel (and sun screan) if you will be swiming in the crystal clear beaches.

1st Stop: Ancient Olive Tree
In the village of Ano Vouves Kissamos in Chania, there is the oldest olive tree in the world, declared a protected natural monument. Its age is estimated to be between 3,000 and 5,000 years and it remains alive and bearing fruit to this day. It is based on the wild olive tree and was then domesticated by man with the Tsounati variety. Its trunk, sculpted by time like a sculpture, has a circumference of 12.5 meters and a diameter of 4.6 meters.

2nd Stop: Paleochora Castle
Paleochora is built on a small peninsula, between two bays in the Libyan Sea. Its natural morphology was formed due to a strong earthquake. One of the most important archaeological sites on the island is the ruined fortress of Paleochora, which was built in the 12th century. The Selino Castle in Paleochora, Chania was founded by the Venetians. The Duke of Crete, Marino Gradenigo, built the fortress in 1282 and named it "Selino". Its name probably comes from the celery plant, which is abundant there and which remains a toponym in the wider area to this day. If you take a tour inside the fortress you will notice several churches, one of them is the church of Agia Varvara, an excellent example of Monemvasia architecture.

3rd Stop: Gialiskari
East of Paleochora, just 4 km away, lies Gialiskari, a complex of three wonderful secluded pebble beaches with deep, cool, crystal blue waters. Three diamond beaches that should not be missing from your seaside destinations! For the days when the southwestern side of Paleochora is not suitable for swimming due to strong winds, Gialiskari is the perfect alternative. The formation of the bays protects the beaches from the winds and the waves are relatively low. The beach is easily accessible by car from a dirt road, for hiking enthusiasts through the Anidra gorge and for sea explorers by boat from Paleochora. The endless shores are ideal for all-day relaxation, play or diving.

NOTE: We suggest you bring with your swimwear and towel (and sun screan) if you will be swiming in the crystal clear beaches.

1st Stop: Kourtaliotiko Gorge
The Kourtaliotiko Gorge is located 22 km from the city of Rethymno and is 3 km long. It is one of the most impressive natural attractions of the prefecture of Rethymno. It starts from the plain of the village of Koxare and flows between the mountains of Kouroupa (984 m) and the peak of Koules (676 m) of Xiro Oros. The huge rocky slopes of the gorge reach 600 meters and are full of openings and caves, where important species of birdlife live. Through it passes the Kourtaliotis River, which originates from the plain of Agios Vasilios, crosses the gorge and flows into the famous Palm Grove of Preveli. Following the steps on the side of the Koxare - Asomatos road, you reach the bottom of the gorge, where the church of St. Nicholas of Kourtaliotis and the Springs of Kourtaliotis are located. Just below the springs, an amazing waterfall with a large flow of water forms in a very narrow and dark part of the gorge, which one can reach by swimming from a lower level of the river. From there, one can walk down to the bridge of the Great River and then to the sea, splashing and playing with the water all the time, to the beach of Preveli.

2nd Stop: Holy Monastery of Preveli
The Holy Monastery of Preveli was founded in the 16th or 17th century. It has a long history. It is located in a lush and green landscape.
Today the monastery is deserted, but it operates a museum with ecclesiastical documents, vestments, etc.

3rd Stop: Preveli
Preveli is a stunning beach in Crete, known for its palm grove and crystal clear waters. Surrounded by impressive cliffs and the Libyan Sea, it offers a peaceful getaway, ideal for nature lovers and those looking for a peaceful retreat. It is a unique destination for relaxation and exploration.
Pack your swimsuit for a dip in the incredibly clear waters.

NOTE: We suggest you bring with your swimwear and towel (and sun screan) if you will be swiming in the crystal clear beaches.

1st Stop: Ancient Aptera
Ancient Aptera, one of the most important city-states of Crete, is located approximately 15 km from the city of Chania towards Rethymno, on an extensive plateau with an altitude of 200m. with a stunning view of Souda Bay. The history of the area begins in the Minoan era (3500-1070 BC), however the most visible archaeological traces in the ruins date back to the Geometric era (1000-685 BC), the Hellenistic period (323-67 BC) and the Roman period (67 BC-324 AD).

2nd Stop: Stone Museum
Stone Museum – Vangelis Vlepakis Decorated stone structures in Kefalas
Born in Kefalas, in his younger years Vangelis lived for ten years in a cave by the sea, which he had furnished with his own hands as a residence. He then lived and worked in Athens and returned to Kefalas around 1990. Subsequently, Vangelis began to make creations from local natural stones and after a visit to Barcelona, ​​where he saw the work of Gaudí, he began to decorate his own creations with all kinds of colorful elements.

3rd Stop: Lake Kournas
Lake Kournas is the largest natural lake in Crete and is located in a magnificent landscape, between the western slopes of the White Mountains and the fertile plain of Georgioupolis. It is located very close to the village of Kournas, 2.5 km south of the beach of Georgioupolis, 43 km east of the city of Chania and 20 km west of Rethymno. Lake Kournas and its surroundings constitute a very important ecosystem for Greece, as this corner of the Apokoronas province is one of the few areas of Crete where there is abundant fresh water throughout the year.

NOTE: We suggest you bring with your swimwear and towel (and sun screan) if you will be swiming in the crystal clear beaches.

1st Stop: Vryses
Vryses, a beautiful traditional village built at the foot of the White Mountains (Madares) at an altitude of 62 meters, 16 kilometers east of Chania. Vryses today is known for the rivers Boutakas and Vrysianos that join in the center of the settlement, next to the large bridge of 1942. At the point of the confluence, a large park has been formed, where one can enjoy coffee and food under the huge plane trees, next to ducks and gurgling waters.

2nd Stop: Saint Anthony
Many saints are honored in the caves and holes of Crete, but among them the first place is occupied by Saint Anthony, also called the "Saint of the Caves". In the lush green province of Amari, approximately 18 km from Rethymno, lies the impressive gorge of Patsos or Saint Anthony. It is an ideal location for an excursion into the unique nature of Crete. The beautiful gorge, which is 2 km long, is crossed by a small river. The wild vegetation of the landscape with the giant plane trees and small waterfalls captivates the visitor. It takes 2 hours to cross it in total and return, while inside there are landscaped resting areas and a bird observatory. Finally, the chapel of the miraculous Saint Anthony, protector of children, stands out in the rock and bears all kinds of vows. It is built in the recess of a large cave, where there is a spring that flows holy water.

3rd Stop: Patsos
Patsos, one of the most beautiful villages of Amari Rethymno is built at an altitude of 450m. In the village there is a large ruined temple dedicated to the Virgin Mary, which dates back to 1357 AD. According to tradition, the temple had 101 doors and windows, one of which was invisible. A visit to the Kourkoulou winery located in the village will give you the opportunity to discover mainly single-varietal wines, which express the authenticity and richness of the Cretan land.

1st Stop: Elafonisi
Elafonisi in Chania is something between a lagoon, ideal for children, and an island and has all the… colors you need to spend an incredible day at the beach. Blue waters, white sand and small, pink touches. So if there is a list of beaches that you should definitely visit once in your life, then Elafonisi is at the top. Either way, what you will see when you get there will take your breath away: An exotic paradise with fine, white sand and tiny pink pieces of crushed shells, shallow turquoise waters and beautiful coves.

2nd Stop: Chrysoskalitissa
On the road to Elafonisi, the monastery of Chrysoskalitissa is a 17th century Orthodox monastery in the Community of Vathi, Municipality of Kissamos. It is located 72 kilometers south of the city of Chania, and at an altitude of 35 meters overlooks the Libyan Sea. According to Cretan tradition, the name arose from the 90 steps of the monastery which are said to have been golden. The monastery is dedicated to the Holy Trinity and the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.

NOTE: We suggest you bring with your swimwear and towel (and sun screan) if you will be swiming in the crystal clear beaches.

1st Stop: El Greco / Fodele 
The route to Heraklion (capital and largest city of Crete) begins with a visit to the museum of the painter Domenicos Theotokopoulos (El Greco) located opposite the Byzantine church of Panagia at Theotokiana by Fodele Mylopotamos. The building that houses the museum is believed to have been the home of the greatest Cretan painter (1541-1614), as he himself states that he was born 25 km northwest of Heraklion, next to a Byzantine church. The building has been operating since 1998 with an exhibition of copies of works by El Greco.

2nd Stop: Heraklion
Heraklion, the vibrant capital of Crete, combines history and modernity. Stroll through bustling markets, explore the Venetian harbor, and visit museums showcasing the island’s rich culture. Just outside the city lies Knossos, the ancient Minoan palace and legendary home of the Minotaur, offering a glimpse into the fascinating Bronze Age civilization of Crete.

The oldest traces of habitation in the palace area date back to the Neolithic period (7000-3000 BC). Habitation continued in the pre-palatial period (3000-1900 BC), at the end of which the area was leveled for the construction of a large palace. This first palace was destroyed, probably by an earthquake, around 1700 BC. A second, more magnificent palace was built on the ruins of the old one. After partial destruction around 1450 BC, Mycenaeans settled in Knossos. The palace was permanently destroyed around 1350 BC by a major fire. The area it covers was re-inhabited from the late Mycenaean period until the Roman years. The high technical knowledge of the Minoans is confirmed by original architectural and constructional inventions, such as skylights and mullioned windows, the use of beams to reinforce the masonry, as well as the complex sewage and water supply network. The frescoes, the vases, the jewelry, the seals made of copper, silver and gold and ivory, the precious stones, are the impressive findings of the palace where they are kept in the archaeological museum of Heraklion.

3rd Stop: CRETAquarium
CRETAquarium – A Magical Underwater World in Crete
Discover the magic of the seabed at the Cretan Aquarium, Crete’s premier aquarium, located just outside Heraklion. Explore a world full of colorful tropical fish, impressive sharks, playful octopuses and dozens of other sea creatures that live in the Greek and Mediterranean seas. One of the largest aquariums in Europe, over 2,000 sea creatures lice the 60 different habitats of the CRETAquarium. Immerse yourself in the caves and crevices of the Mediterranean, where stingrays and rock-like scorpions roam.
Get up close and personal with jellyfish and schools of live tropical clownfish in shallow, open tanks that allow for a new perspective on familiar species. Above all, gain a new appreciation for the endless diversity of the world’s most mysterious environment.
An unforgettable experience for young and old, with interactive exhibits, educational programs and a magical walk through the aquatic world of the Mediterranean.
Experience marine life up close and immerse yourself in the allure of the vast blue!

Trip to: Rethymno 
Rethymno is the most representative example of a city of the Cretan Renaissance.
It is the third largest city of Crete with a population of approximately 30,000, built on the site of ancient Rethymno (4th-5th century BC). After the Byzantine era, Rethymno was fortified and strengthened even more by the Venetians. The Old Town of Rethymno is one of the most beautiful sights for the visitor to Crete, who has the opportunity to wander into the past. The city with its picturesque alleys and beautiful monuments maintains in its entirety the urban fabric, as it was formed during the Venetian and Turkish occupation. In contrast to Heraklion and Chania, the Greek Renaissance character prevails in Rethymno, as most of the nobles were Greeks, the so-called "Archontoromaios".

Near the old town with its picturesque alleys with gardens and perfumes, the visitor is worth visiting the largest fortress in Crete, the magnificent fortress of Fortezza. Other attractions include the small Venetian harbor with the lighthouse, the Venetian Loggia, the Rimondi fountain, the Municipal Garden, the Lady of the Angels, the Historical Museum of Rethymno, the Nerantze Mosque, the Church of Agios Francis, the Great Gate, the mosque of Kara Moussa Pasha and the Venetian mansions of Arkadiou Street.
Today's Rethymno has many universities and polytechnics. A city full of vitality with students and youth from all over Greece and abroad.

The Fortezza is built on a hill called Paleokastro (meaning "Old Castle"), where the acropolis of ancient Rethymno was located. Between the 10th and 13th centuries, the Byzantines created a fortified settlement to the east of the hill. It was called Castrum Rethemi and had square towers and two gates. The fortifications were repaired by Enrico Pescatore in the early 13th century. After Crete fell to the Republic of Venice, the settlement became known as Castel Vecchio or Antico Castello, both meaning "old castle".

1st Stop: Saint Sophia Cave
The Cave of Saint Sophia is a fascinating Journey into Legend and Mystery, Dating Back to 1453

On the western slopes of the White Mountains, where the peaks descend, and the granite cliffs give way to chestnut trees and olive groves, lies the heart of the Kissamos Province. Here, a deep ravine with wild cliffs forms the impressive Topolian Gorge. In this awe-inspiring landscape stands the historic Cave of the Wisdom of God.

A cave entwined with legends, traditions, and history…
According to tradition, when Constantinople fell into Turkish hands, the icon of the Wisdom of God left the magnificent church of Justinian. It traveled to Crete, which was still free at the time, and was hidden in this very cave.

Cretan volunteer warriors, who suffered great losses after the fall of the Byzantine capital, carried the icon on their journey back home.

Legend, Tradition, History…
From that moment on, the icon symbolized the resilience of the Greek soul. Enslaved and battered on the walls of Byzantium, it found refuge in Crete, continuing the spirit of freedom.

At the very spot where the icon was discovered, a small and humble chapel of the Wisdom of God was built into the rock, preserving the memory of this sacred legacy.

2nd Stop: Kedrodasos
Kentrodasos is a beautiful and relatively unknown beach in southwestern Crete, near the village of Skafi. It is a quiet destination with wild natural beauty, ideal for those who prefer more secluded beaches away from the crowds.

Landscape: The beach has a sandy and pebbly seabed, crystal-clear waters, and lush vegetation around it, giving it an exotic feel.

Access: The beach is mainly accessible via a dirt road, which helps keep the area less developed for tourism.

Tranquility: It is perfect for those seeking a peaceful place to relax and swim, as there are no organized facilities.

If you are planning to visit Kentrodasos, make sure to bring the essentials (water, an umbrella, sunscreen), as there are no nearby amenities. Also, be mindful of the natural environment, as it is a particularly unspoiled area.

NOTE: We suggest you bring with your swimwear and towel (and sun screan) if you will be swiming in the crystal clear beaches.