Greece · Archaeology

5-Day Crete Exploration Private Tour

5 Days Round trip from Chania Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Chania’s Old Town and Venetian Harbor with a guided tour
02 Visit the Maritime Museum and the Archaeological Museum of Chania
03 See the ancient olive tree in Vouves and explore the Olive Tree Museum
04 Enjoy a winery tour, vineyard visit, and wine tasting at Manousakis Winery
05 Discover the Palace of Knossos, center of the Minoan civilization
06 Tour Heraklion’s Old Town, Venetian Walls, and Koules Fortress
07 Take a boat trip to Spinalonga Island from Elounda
08 Visit Agios Nikolaos and enjoy time by Lake Voulismeni

Discover Crete on a private 5-day journey that blends history, local culture, scenic towns, and relaxed island hospitality. From the charming lanes and Venetian harbor of Chania to the archaeological treasures of Heraklion and the coastal beauty of eastern Crete, this itinerary is designed for travellers who want to explore in comfort with guided visits and private transfers throughout.

Along the way, visit Chania’s museums and old quarters, see the ancient olive tree in Vouves, enjoy a winery experience with local Cretan wines, explore the legendary Palace of Knossos, and take a boat trip to Spinalonga. With handpicked accommodation, breakfast included, and time to enjoy traditional tavernas and waterfront settings, this private tour offers a well-rounded introduction to some of Crete’s most memorable highlights.

Discover Crete on a private 5-day journey that blends history, local culture, scenic towns, and relaxed island hospitality.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Heraklion, Chania, Agios Nikolaos

Languages English, Russian

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival and Chania Exploration.

Chania Old Town

Morning: Arrival in Chania:

• Pick-up from Chania Airport.

• Private transfer to your accommodation in Chania.

Afternoon: Chania Old Town & Venetian Harbor. Guided tour of Chania’s Old Town, including Topanas, Splantzia, and the Venetian Harbor. Visit the Maritime Museum and the Archaeological Museum of Chania.

Enjoy lunch at a traditional Cretan taverna.

Accommodation: Chania: Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa or Domus Renier Boutique Hotel.

Meals: Not included

Day 02

Village of Vouves and Manousakis Winery.

Village of Vouves and Manousakis Winery

Morning: Visit to the Ancient Olive Tree in Vouves Transfer to the village of Vouves. Guided tour of the ancient olive tree, the oldest olive tree in the world. Explore the Olive Tree Museum.

Afternoon: Manousakis Winery Transfer to Manousakis Winery. Guided tour of the winery and vineyards. Wine tasting session with local Cretan wines. Lunch at the winery with traditional dishes paired with wine.

Evening: Return to Chania Relax at your accommodation or explore Chania at your own pace.

Approximate Times:

Departure from Chania: 09:00

Visit to Vouves: 10:00 - 11:30

Transfer to Manousakis Winery: 12:00

Winery Tour and Lunch: 12:30 - 15:30

Return to Chania: 16:30

Accommodation: Chania: Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa or Domus Renier Boutique Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 03

Transfer to Heraklion and City Tour.

Knossos Archaeological Site

Morning: Transfer to Heraklion Check out from Chania accommodation. Direct transfer to Heraklion (approximately 2 hours 30 minutes).

Afternoon: Knossos Palace. Guided tour of the Knossos Palace, the center of the Minoan civilization. Lunch in Heraklion city at a restaurant serving traditional Cretan cuisine. Evening: Heraklion City Tour Explore Heraklion’s Old Town, including the Venetian Walls and the Koules Fortress. Check-in at your accommodation in Heraklion. Dinner at a local restaurant.

Approximate Times:

Departure from Chania: 09:00

Arrival in Heraklion: 11:30

Knossos Palace Tour: 12:00 - 14:00

Lunch and Check-in: 14:00 - 15:30

Heraklion City Tour: 16:00 - 18:00

Accommodation: Heraklion: GDM Megaron Hotel or Aquila Atlantis Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 04

Eastern Crete Exploration.

Spinalonga and Agios Nikolaos

Morning: Elounda and Spinalonga Island. Transfer to Elounda. Boat trip to Spinalonga Island with a guided tour of the former leper colony.

Afternoon: Agios Nikolaos Visit the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos. Lunch by Lake Voulismeni.

Evening: Return to Heraklion Transfer back to Heraklion. Free time for last-minute shopping or a leisurely stroll. Dinner at a local taverna.

Approximate Times:

Departure from Heraklion: 09:00

Elounda and Spinalonga Tour: 10:00 - 13:00

Lunch in Agios Nikolaos: 13:30 - 15:00

Return to Heraklion: 16:00

Free time and Dinner.
Accommodation: Heraklion: GDM Megaron Hotel or Aquila Atlantis Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 05

Departure.

Heraklion

Morning: Relaxation and Free Time Enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Free time to explore Heraklion or relax at your accommodation.

Afternoon: Transfer to Heraklion Airport Private transfer to Heraklion Airport for your departure.

Approximate Times:

Breakfast: 08:00 - 09:00

Free Time: 09:00 - 11:00

Check-out and Airport Transfer: 11:00
Accommodation: Not included

Meals: Breakfast

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Chania 3 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Accommodation: 4 nights with breakfast.

Private transfers between all locations in a comfortable and spacious vehicle.

Professional local guide for all tours.

All entrance fees to museums, archaeological sites, and wineries are mentioned in the itinerary.

Breakfast (4).

What's Not Included

Flights to and from Crete.

Personal Expenses: Lunches and dinners. Souvenirs, additional meals, etc.

Travel insurance (highly recommended).

Know before you go

PASSPORT REQUIRED
Not wheelchair accessible
Not stroller accessible
Not suitable for pets
No public transportation nearby
Infants must not sit on laps
Infant seats unavailable
Not recommended for people with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for people with heart conditions
Multi-day trips – Terms & conditions: If the weather becomes unsuitable during any multi-day trip, the tour-leader has the authority to make any alterations to the programme to best suit the needs of the group depending on the current weather conditions. The original programme is followed as closely as possible. On Day 1 of the multi-day trip, we ask each participant to sign a “Participant agreement, release and acknowledgement of risk” statement in order to participate in the multi-day trip.
Each participant is advised to take out health/travel insurance before travelling to Crete.
Important to have: Comfortable Clothing: Lightweight and breathable clothes suitable for warm weather. Layers: A light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings. Swimwear and Beach Towel: For beach visits. Walking Shoes: Comfortable shoes for sightseeing and exploring. Dress Code: Casual attire is generally acceptable, but pack a smart-casual outfit for dinners or winery visits.
Personal Items: Sunscreen: High SPF to protect against the strong Mediterranean sun, Hat and Sunglasses Reusable Water Bottle.
Health issues: If any participant suffers from any severe allergy (e.g. to bee stings, food allergies/intolerances) or has medical/health issues we need to be aware of, it is important to let us know in advance. This is clearly a safety measure, personal information is by no means violated and we exercise all discretion.
Insurance: Moysidis Travel is covered by Professional Liability Insurance. Each participant is advised to take out health/travel insurance before travelling to Crete.
Pick-up time is flexible and upon your final confirmation.