Crete Agios Nikolaos
Crete Matala Beach
Chania Bay View
Complete Crete Self-Drive
Complete Crete Self-Drive

Complete Crete Self-Drive

From: 
Regular price
$2,225.00
Sale price
$2,225.00

Independent Self Drive Holiday
8 Days ex Chania

Chania (2N) | Matala (1N) | Ierapetra (1N) | Aghios Nikolaos (2N) | Heraklion (1N)

With hotels, rental car, and daily breakfasts all arranged, this suggested itinerary gives you many points of interest during your discovery of Crete. The largest of the Mediterranean islands, Crete is full of history, dramatic landscapes, and delicious local foods and wine. This eight-day itinerary is the perfect way to discover all of these secrets and more in your own time and pace.

Highlights:

  • Discover the ancient and enigmatic sites of the Minoan civilisation – the oldest in Europe and one whom many claim is the ancient Atlantis.
  • Explore the myriad of local restaurants and cafes serving delectable local foods and wines.
  • Soak in the tranquil charm of traditional Greek fishing villages.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
  • Car rental costs included in the prices above are for a Category B Car for 7 days hire. Car category upgrades, one way hire, or drop off after 10am on Day 8 will incur additional costs.
  • The itinerary below is a suggestion only and you may want to visit different sites along the way. We recommend you buy a comprehensive map and guidebook of Crete to plan your self-drive according to your specific points of interests and make the most of your holiday.

Day 1: Chania

On your arrival at Chania Airport, you will be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel Remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 2: Chania (B)

This morning your car will be delivered to your hotel for the start of your self-drive journey of Crete.

Spend the day discovering Chania's Old Centre, strolling through its historic streets and along the picturesque Venetian harbour. In the afternoon, you can explore some of Crete’s renowned beaches, such as Elafonissi or Falasarna, or take a trip to the iconic Samaria Gorge. Overnight stay in Chania.

Day 3: Chania - Matala (B)

Depart from Chania and travel east toward the historic city of Rethymnon. Pass through picturesque villages, each offering a glimpse into traditional Cretan life, before reaching the dramatic Kourtaliotiko Gorge. Pass through this narrow canyon, where the constant blowing wind creates eerie melodies. Ascend to the historic Preveli Monastery, perched on a high rocky plateau with stunning views of the surrounding area. Continue south, taking in the diverse terrain until you arrive in Matala, a charming seaside village renowned for its ancient caves and its bohemian charm from the 1970's hippie era. Overnight Matala.

Day 4: Matala - Ierapetra (B)

Leave Matala this morning and travel east along Crete's scenic south coast with views of the Mediterranean. Stop at the tranquil fishing village of Myrtos, a quaint harbour town that has preserved its authentic Greek character. Continue your drive eastward until you reach the lively town of Ierapetra, celebrated for its vibrant seaside atmosphere.

Day 5: Ierapetra – Aghios Nikolaos (B)

Leaving Ierapetra this morning, head off along the stunning eastern coastline. Consider stopping at the Minoan Palace of Zakros, an archaeological site that showcases the grandeur of Minoan civilisation. Continue your drive to the East Coast, where you can visit the Monastery of Toplou, steeped in history with ancient inscriptions and the exquisite 18th century icon by Ioannis Kornaros. Time permitting, you might like to relax on the iconic Palm Beach of Vai, the first place in Europe to watch the sun rise every morning. Drive on to Sitia, birthplace of the 17th century poet Vincenzos Cornaros, and discover the picturesque harbour and the historic Kazarmas fortress. Continue to the vibrant town of Aghios Nikolaos. Overnight Aghios Nikolaos.

Day 6: Aghios Nikolaos (B)

A day at leisure to explore Aghios Nikolaos and the surrounding area. Explore the Archaeological Museum, shop at local markets, discover serene beaches like Kitroplatia, the iconic Lake Voulismeni or maybe take a boat trip to historic Spinalonga Island.

Day 7: Aghios Nikolaos - Heraklion (B)

Today you will make your way to Heraklion. Travel along Crete’s stunning northern coastline, passing charming villages and olive groves. Along the way, you can visit the ancient ruins of Knossos or stop at picturesque seaside towns before arriving in Heraklion, the vibrant capital of Crete. Overnight Heraklion.

Day 8: Heraklion (B)

This morning return your rental car at Heraklion Airport (or Port) and commence your own arrangements.

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

  • Superior Tourist Class Hotels with private facilities
  • Breakfast Daily
  • Arrival transfer from Chania Airport to your hotel
  • 7 Days Car Hire on Crete (Chania to Heraklion) - Cat B Car
  • Greece Travel Notes - Issued by Innovative Travel

TOUR EXCLUSIONS:

  • International airfares
  • Government Climate Crisis Resilience Tax - to be paid directly to the hotel on check-out (ranges from EUR3-EUR10 - rates subject to change without notice)
  • Optional tours and excursions
  • Porterage
  • Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
  • Personal Expenses
  • Departure taxes
  • Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
  • Visas (unless specified)
  • Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above
Accommodation based on the below (or similar):
Hotels are provided as a guideline only - to be confirmed at time of booking

Chania

Superior Tourist Class: Civitel Akali

Matala

Superior Tourist Class: Matala Bay

Ierapetra

Superior Tourist Class: El Greco

Aghios Nikolaos

Sujperior Tourist Class: Santa Marinia Unique

Heraklion

Superior Tourist Class: Astoria Capsis

Climate Resilience Tax
The Greek government have established a climate resilience tax for all tourists staying in any kind of Hotel, Apartment, Villa, etc. in any destination in Greece. This tax is applied locally and is payable directly by guests at check-in. The tax is a fixed Euro amount and ranges from EUR3 to EUR10 per room per night, depending on the hotel category.

Crete Self-Drive
The standard of the rental vehicles in Crete is generally lower than that of Central Europe and New Zealand. These cars are late model manual vehicles as opposed to new cars. They are well serviced, and reliable. Automatic vehicles can be requested, a surcharge applies.

Double Beds
Please note a double bedded room can be requested but cannot be guaranteed. In Greece double rooms are very limited.

Ferries
All ferry schedules may be subject to change, due to local conditions (including weather) and/or possible port congestion and the final requirements of the ferry companies. The cancellation or non operation of the ferries is a decision of the shipping company and the Ministry of Shipping. This is outside the control of our operators and Innovative Travel who confirm ferries in good faith.

If certain classes of ferries are not operating for any reason, the next best option will be used whether an alternate ferries or flights. Example: If Hydrofoils are non-operational for any reason, clients booked on them may have to use alternative regular ferries in a first class seat. If there are any additional charges these will be advised by the local operator and will be at the clients expense.

Greek Island ferries are usually quite large, offering restaurant/cafeteria/bar facilities, though normally no swimming facilities. Porters are rarely available at ferry ports, so your luggage should be only as much as you can carry.

Ferry Rhodes / Marmaris: Unlike standard ferries connections between Greek Islands, the ferry between Rhodes and Marmaris is an international one. Our local operator in Rhodes will provide you with a voucher that you will exchange at the port where you will have to queue to receive your boarding pass and pay the Greece departure tax.

Connecting to International Flights from the Islands. We suggest client do not depart from Athens on the same day as they embark on ferries from the Cyclades or beyond. If departures are scheduled for this day we suggest flying directly into Athens airport.

Ferry Tickets
The majority of ferry tickets are paper tickets. A handling fee is included in the price of the tickets when purchased with other arrangements in Athens. If clients are not using the service of our local representative in Athens a delivery and additional handling fee may be charged. ( This applies particularly when an island hopping programme begins on the islands). Ferry tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable once issued. All tickets are issued locally in Greece.

Ferry schedules in Greece are constantly changing. Final ferry tickets are generally issued 2 weeks prior departure. To avoid client disappointment tickets are purchased on the best available scheduled departure at that time. If a client wants to make changes after tickets are purchased a change fees will apply payable locally and clients will be responsible for collecting the tickets from the ferry terminal on the day of departure. Final embarkation timings will be confirmed to clients by our representative in Greece.

The local Greece representatives are available to assist clients in case of emergencies or cancellations of ferries. They will also assist to make changes to a booking – any additions or changes to service may incur charges. These charges will be advised and are the responsibility of the clients and must be paid locally.

Greek Islands
Traditionally the Greek Islands main travel season is from May to October. For clients arriving in April and towards the end of the season, many facilities and hotels may not be operational. The infrastructure on Santorini and Mykonos is well developed the other islands accommodation including Naxos and Paros have less developed infrastructure with accommodation generally a slightly lower standard. This is compensated for by atmosphere and charm.

Transfers
Transfers are supplied by drivers and are not guided. Some drivers may only have a basic command of English.

Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers may be subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are available in some destinations for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.

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