Crete is Greece’s largest and most southerly island. A spectacular mountain range runs from east to west, dotted with agricultural plains and plateaus and pierced by dramatic gorges. Covered with palm and cedar forests, olive trees, orange groves and vineyards, old stone farmhouses, monasteries and villages perched on mountain ridges, its castles and chapels forgotten on steep slopes, and long, sandy beaches speckling the coastline, it is an island of contrasts with something to offer for everyone. Scenery and beaches aside, the island is also the birthplace of the Minoan civilization; Europe’s first advanced civilization, of which the palace of Knossos is the most famous example.   Chania, a captivating city in its own right, is located at the western part of Crete. The beautiful Venetian quarter that surrounds the Old Harbour is one of Crete’s best attractions: a labyrinth of old Venetian houses that you can wander around with only an occasional reminder of the twentieth century. Antiquities in this area include Phalassarna with its Cyclopean walls, tombs and sculptures carved out of stone, the ancient city of Aptera, about 15kms (9,3 miles) from Chania south of Souda, where there is a Roman theatre with enormous vaulted cisterns, a temple of Demeter and the Cyclopean walls.

Please read our detailed program here below:

Day 1 Upon arrival at Athens Airport transfer is arranged to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your disposal: we suggest visiting the Acropolis, strolling around Plaka or going to a museum of your choice. Overnight in Athens on BB-Basis.

Day 2 In the morning departure by air to Chania. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your disposal. We suggust to take part in a CRETAN NIGHT. Enjoy a unique experience in a typical mountain village. Visit a rugged mountain village, with its traditional Cretan way of life, and known for the handmade articles that are so well identified with Crete. While you are entertained by the sounds of the bouzouki and lyra, and enjoying the colourful folk dances of Crete, an original Cretan dinner is served, with unlimited house wine. Rest assured that this will be a most memorable evening from your vacation on Crete! Overnight in Chania on BB-Basis.

Day 3 A full day to spend as you like. We suggest: THE ULTIMATE NATURE TREK! Very famous for its ecological importance, including the wild long-horned Cretan goat called the kri kri, the Samaria Gorge attracts thousands of visitors every year. For an unforgettable experience of the true, unspoiled natural beauty of Crete, there is nothing that can compare with a hike through the Samaria Gorge, the longest gorge in Europe. The entire trek takes about 5 hours of hiking. It is one of the most beautiful areas in the world. At the end of the gorge, you reach Agia Roumeli, a small fishing village. There, you can swim and enjoy the food in one of the local tavernas. In the afternoon, you'll travel by boat along the south coast to Chora Sfakion, where you will board the bus for the trip back to your hotel. Overnight in Chania on BB-Basis.

Day 4 Fitting in with your further plans, transfer to Chania airport and your flight back to Athens are arranged accordingly.

2010

	**** category
Double	EUR 564
Single	EUR 753
Triple	EUR 516

Above rates include all taxes. Rates may change without notice!

Rates are per person and include:

- One (1) night's accommodation in Athens
- Two (2) night's accommodation in Chania
- Meals: 3 x breakfast
- Transfers as per itinerary
- Air ticket Athens - Chania return inclusive of all taxes

Please note that this is a special offer and valid for a limited amount of seats only. Early bookings are highly recommended.

Winter rates (01 Nov '09 - 31 Mar '10) are available upon request at: info@magic.gr

Can I only book a package, which starts from Athens, with you?

No, if you happen to arrive i.e. on an island, we can make a package for you starting from there. Just let us know your wishes and we wil propose the most suitable package for you.

Can I only pay by credit card?

No, you can also make a deposit in one of our bank accounts in Greece and residents of the Netherlands can also pay by Giro. Please contact us at info@magic.gr for further details.