You will stay at the four star, Apollonia Beach Resort & Spa Hotel, surrounded by beautiful gardens and right on the sandy beach in Heraklion. Amenities include four restaurants serving international dishes and a Greek taverna, pool snack bar, beach bar, cafeteria, cocktail bar, also indoor and outdoor discos. You can also visit the shopping arcade, card room and billiard table.
A fabulous choice of sports facilities include two outdoor swimming pools in the beautiful gardens and an indoor pool, pedalos, canoes, windsurfing boards, waterskiing, bicycles, tennis courts with racket and balls, table tennis tables, minigolf course, basketball and beach volleyball and football. Beach towels, deckchairs and umbrellas beside the pool and on the beach are provided free of charge. You can take wind surfing and scuba diving lessons and enjoy use of the wellness-spa, beauty salon and gym at a small extra cost.
All bedrooms feature private facilities, air-conditioning, balcony or terrace, satellite TV, Internet access, hairdryer and fridge.
DAY 1 - UK/Heraklion
Meet your travelling companions at the airport and depart on your flight to Heraklion via Athens. On arrival transfer to your hotel for a seven night stay. Enjoy a hosted welcome drink before dinner this evening.
DAYS 2 TO 7 - Heraklion
Free to relax, enjoy your surroundings and explore on our exciting excursion programme. The following excursion is included:
Knossos, Archanes & Peza - This full day tour begins with a visit to the Palace of Knossos, the most spectacular of all the Minoan palaces with its splendid architecture, labyrinth of amazing passageways, ornate decorations and frescoes. Our next stop is very pretty and traditional village of Arhenes. We drive on through lovely countryside, past olive groves and vineyards to Peza, where we visit the winery to learn about the secrets of wine making and enjoy a tasting.
The following excursions are optional:
Aghios Nikolaos, Elounda & Spinlonga - First we visit the village of Elounda on our day trip. Then we step aboard for a boat trip to the historic island of Spinlonga, a strong Venetian fortress built in 1579 and the setting for the prizewinning book, “The Island”. On the way back we stop in the picturesque town of Aghios Nikolaos with free time for lunch & shopping.
Rethymnon & Chania - Today we visit the fascinating town of Rethymnon and walk through the quaint narrow streets of the old quarter past ancient buildings and historic fortresses influenced by its Venetian and Ottoman invaders. We travel on to Chania overlooking the beautiful bay for a stroll around the medieval walled quarter with free time to visit the archaeological museum, go shopping in the lively market, or enjoy lunch at a taverna overlooking the picturesque harbour.
Cretan evening - Enjoy an evening in typical Cretan style at the small village of Arolithos, complete with local dishes and wine to the accompaniement of folk music and dances by performers dressed in traditional costume.
We will meet up for a farewell get-together on our final evening.
DAY 8 - Heraklion/UK
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.