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.   Heraklion, Crete’s capital is a bustling modern city. It concentrates most of the economical activity of the island, and is the main port of entry to Crete for the majority of visitors. History is very much alive in Heraklion: the central square while surrounded by cafes, stores and restaurants, is dominated by the fountain of the Lions. Today the Town Hall is housed in the Venetian Loggia, a building from the same era. A visitor can walk all around the old part of the city, following the old Venetian walls that meet at a bastion, called "Koules".

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 Heraklion. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your disposal. We suggest 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 while enjoying the colourful folk dances of Crete , an original Cretan dinner is served, with unlimited house wine.  Be assured that this will be a most memorable evening from your vacation on Crete ! Overnight in Heraklion on BB-Basis.

Day 3 A full day to spend as you like. For lovers of history we suggest taking the Heraklion & Knossos excursion: the tour starts in the morning with a visit to Knossos and its famous palace, built by King Minos 4,000 years ago. The palace is a few kilometers from Heraklion and covers more than 20,000 square meters. Then a visit of the town of Heraklion, with time for lunch and a short walk through its shopping center. In the afternoon, there will be a guided tour of the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, which contains some of the most important artifacts of the Minoan Civilization. Overnight in Heraklion on BB-Basis.

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

2010

	**** category
Double	EUR 534
Single	EUR 693
Triple	EUR 492

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 Heraklion
- Meals: 3 x breakfast
- Transfers as per itinerary
- Air ticket Athens - Heraklion 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.