RETHYMNON
With the bustling Venetian harbour, tavernas, cafes and shops all within walking distance, this family-run, boutique-style hotel is ideally situated on a quiet little back street in the heart of the old town. Rethymnon's colourful and historic past has left a legacy of marvellous old buildings that line its narrow, pedestrianised alleyways. You will have a walking tour that will take in the main sights including the imposing 16th Century Venetian Fortress and the picturesque harbour. There is a lovely sandy beach approximately 300 metres walk from the hotel. While staying in Rethymnon you will visit Phaestos which was the second most important palace-city in all of Minoan Crete. It is situated in an awesome location in the fertile PLAIN OF MESSARA with wonderful views of MOUNT IDA. You will then continue to the Minoan Cemetary of Armeni which was excavated in 1967 when amazingly over 200 tombs were unearthed. Arkadi Monastery which stands at the end of a winding gorge tells the story of the fierce resistance and pride of the Cretans when in 1866 they battled for independence against the Turks and finally blew themselves up rather than risk capture and slaughter. After visiting the monastery you will then proceed to the small village of MARGARITAS, famous for its potteries and where you will be able to watch a local potter at work.
CHANIA
One of Crete's most alluring towns. Set against a spectacular backdrop of majestic mountains and aquamarine seas, this town has a trouibled history of occupation by Romans, Byzantynes, Venetians, Genoese, Turks and Egyptians, all of which has left a rich archaeological heritage. The old Venetian quarter around the magnificent harbour is a quaint district that includes the Naval Museum, Mosque of the Janissaries and the interesting covered market selling local produce.
SOUDA BAY
A picturesque bay and deep, natural harbour which is currently a US naval base and strategic port for NATO. Here you will visit the cemetary which commemorates the fallen in the battle of Crete during World War II. It is the last-known resting place of 1527 of the known 2000 British Commonwealth war dead, many of whom fell in the battle of Crete. Little was known about the Minoan civilisation until 1894 when the British archaeologist, Arthur Evans, discovered the Palace of Knossos. Highlights include the Royal Apartments, Throne Room, giant 'pithoi' storage jars, and the Priest-King fresco.
HERAKLION
Home to a wonderful Archaeological Museum where you can view 'The Archaeoloigical Collection', displaying some of the gretest Minoan artefacts in the world. There will be an opportunity to see the fantastic Minoan Ruins at GOURNIA, and also vist the small village of KRITSA renowned for its local handicrafts of lace making and embroidery, where you will be able to soak up the local atmosphere. Dating back to the 13th Century the ancient Byzantine church of Panagia Kera has some of the best-preserved frescoes on the island. A visit to the church will be followed by a stop at AGIOS NIKOLAOS with its bustling cosmopolitan harbour and very interesting Archaeological Museum. Along with Knossos, Zakros and Phaestos, Malia is one of the four major Minoan Palaces on Crete and you will visit the original palace which was totally destroyed, but the ruins, dating back to 1650BC can be seen today. Nearby is the atmospheric green-carpeted PLATEAU OF LASSITHI. An outstanding place of natural beauty where in 1293 Venetians forced the population out and built 10,000 white-sailed irrigation windmills and, although not all in use today, they provide a visual spectacle to remember.
SPINALONGA
Fortified by the Venetians in the late 16th Century this islands rests quietly in the beautiful BAY OF ELOUNDA. Spinalonga defended itself successfully against the Turks until 1715 long after the rest of Crete had succumbed and here there is a well-preserved fortress and the ruins of the village which give a fascinating insight into how life was in days gone by.