Exploring Crete – Chania & the White Mountains

Exploring Crete – Chania & the White Mountains

Discover the depth and character of western Crete on this carefully crafted tour through one of the Mediterranean's most storied islands. Explore the layered ruins of Ancient Aptera, wander the Venetian harbour of Chania, and ascend into the White Mountains. Visit a monastery guarding centuries of Orthodox tradition, taste local olive oil and wine and share lunch beside one of the oldest olive trees in the world. With generous time to unwind at your hotel in Agia Marina, or on the golden sands of the nearby beach, this is a holiday that balances discovery with relaxation.

What's Included:

• Return flights from the UK
• Overseas transport and transportation
• 7 nights in a 4-star hotel
• 16 meals: 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 7 dinners

• Services of a Travelsphere Holiday Director

  Holiday Highlights:

• Discover the ancient city of Aptera
• Explore Chania and its Venetian harbour
• White Mountains tour
• Visit the Gonia Monastery
• Winery and olive mill visit with tasting

Operator: Travelsphere

Day 1: UK to Crete

Your Cretan adventure begins with a flight to Chania. On arrival, we'll transfer you to the seaside village of Agia Marina on Crete's north-west coast, a sun-drenched stretch of golden beach that will be your home for the next week. Settle in before joining your fellow travellers for dinner this evening.

Day 2: Aptera and Chania Town

This morning, we head inland and upward to Ancient Aptera, a hilltop city that commands sweeping views across the Bay of Souda. Here, the layers of Cretan history reveal themselves in remarkable detail - defensive walls dating to the 5th century BC stand alongside Roman cisterns of extraordinary scale and a peaceful Byzantine monastery, each a testament to the cultures that have shaped this island.

From there, we descend to Chania, where the old Venetian harbour is one of the most evocative waterfronts in the Mediterranean. We'll take a guided walk through the covered market and the artisan quarter, a place of aromatic spices, handcrafted leather, and the easy rhythms of Cretan daily life. The afternoon is yours to linger over lunch and explore at your own pace before we return to the hotel.

Day 3: Agia Marina - at Leisure

Today is entirely yours - you may choose to settle into a sun lounger by the water's edge, take a gentle stroll along the shore, or simply enjoy the hotel's facilities at your own pace.

Day 4: The White Mountains

Today we’ll travel through terraced farmland, fragrant citrus groves, and the kind of landscape that feels as though little has changed for centuries. Our destination is the Omalos Upland Plain, cradled at altitude within the Lefka Ori, the White Mountains, whose limestone peaks are snow-capped well into spring. On the way, we will stop for an included visit at the beautiful Botanical Gardens of Crete.

Your Holiday Director and guide will share the stories behind the landscape as we explore the Omalos area that once served as a refuge for Cretan resistance fighters. Afterwards, we'll sit down for lunch at a traditional mountain taverna, a chance to taste the local flavours of Crete. We return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure.

Day 5: Agia Marina - at Leisure

Another day at your own pace. You might choose to spend it by the pool or beach, explore the village at a gentle pace, or join today's optional excursion, which takes in the island's north coast and the ancient Minoan palace complex at Knossos.

The Minoans were Europe's first advanced civilisation, flourishing here more than 3,500 years ago, and Knossos remains one of the most compelling archaeological sites on the continent - a place where myth and history intertwine. We'll continue to Heraklion, Crete's vibrant capital, for a short orientation walk and free time to explore the markets, tavernas, museums, and enjoy a spot of lunch at your leisure.

Day 6: Exo Gonia Monastery & Vouves

This morning begins with a visit to the Gonia Monastery, perched above the Bay of Kissamos and quietly guarding one of the finest small collections of religious art in western Crete. Inside its museum, ancient manuscripts and icons speak to centuries of Orthodox tradition on the island.

We continue to a local winery and olive mill. Both wine and olive oil here are produced with varieties unique to the island, and a tasting brings their distinct characters to life with clarity. Lunch is served at a traditional taverna in Vouves next to the Monumental Olive Tree, an ancient olive tree believed to be among the oldest in the world.

Day 7: Agia Marina - at Leisure

Your final full day in Crete is yours to spend as you choose. Perhaps one last swim, a wander into the village to pick up a few gifts, or simply a long, slow coffee watching the light shift across the water. Whatever you choose, take the time to savour it.

Day 8: Crete to UK

After breakfast, we transfer to Chania airport for your return flight to the UK.