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Wildflowers of Crete

From £1,574
Duration 8 Days
Departures from: Apr 2025 - Apr 2025
Book now
From £1,574
Duration 8 Days
Departures from: Apr 2025 - Apr 2025

Tour Overview

Wildflowers and nature walks are at the heart of this holiday, as well as incredible history. From your base in the lovely seaside resort of Agia Marina, head into the Omalos Upland Plain, Crete’s orange-growing region that boasts spectacular scenery, quaint farms and an abundance of wildflowers including daphnes, tulips and peonies. You’ll also visit the Samaria Gorge, home to a further 450 types of plants. You might opt to join an excursion to the magnificent Minoan Palace ruins at Knossos, before we head to Heraklion to admire the Old Town’s Venetian walls and the ancient fortress. Discover more wildflowers during a botanical ramble around the Akrotiri Pennisula, and then it’s off to Chania to discover Greek coffee. The Minoan cemetery of Armenoi displays a mass of spring flowers, and the hilltop city state of Aptera is home to a variety of ancient ruins sat amidst the beautiful flower-strewn landscape.

  • Relax & Discover Holidays
  • Half Board

Your Holiday Includes

  • Return flights from London
  • 7 nights half board in a 4-star hotel
  • 14 meals: 7 breakfasts, 7 dinners and welcome drink
  • Travelsphere Holiday Director and Tour Lecturer
  • Overseas transfers, local transportation and porterage
  • Portable audio headset system on excursions

Included Holiday Highlights

  • Wildflower meadows and the White Mountains tour
  • Explore the Akrotiri Peninsula
  • Chania and its Venetian harbour
  • Sample Cretan coffee at a traditional cafenion
  • Discover Spili and the Minoan Cemetery
  • Visit the ancient city of Aptera

Itinerary

Day 1 UK - Crete

Today you will fly to Chania. On arrival we'll transfer you to the lovely seaside resort of Agia Marina, on Crete's north-west coast. Your 4-star accommodation here is a boutique hotel located on a sandy beach. Meals included: D

Day 2 The White Mountains

You should see plenty of wildflowers on today's tour, which takes you into the Omalos Upland Plain, Crete's orange-growing region. As you ascend into the spectacular scenery of the White Mountains, past traditional farms and fragrant citrus groves, your Tour Lecturer will share their knowledge with you. They'll tell you about the various types of flora you might see, including daphnes, tulips, peonies and anemones. You'll also learn about the many types of endemic flowers that only grow in this part of the island. Your next stop is the viewpoint at the entrance of the Samaria Gorge, which is believed to be the largest in Europe. It's said that at least 450 types of plant grow here, so you're sure to notch up more wildflower spots. Keep a lookout too for Crete's most famous inhabitants, wild goats. Meals included: B,D

Day 3 Agia Marina - at Leisure

How you spend today is entirely up to you. You could choose a day of relaxation and take the few steps from your hotel to the sandy Blue-Flag beach.
Alternatively, if you'd like to delve into Crete's fascinating history, join an optional excursion to the north coast and the magnificent Minoan Palace ruins of Knossos. The seat of the legendary King Minos, this multi-storeyed palace covered an area of 22,000 square metres. The Minoans were Europe's first advanced civilisation, and as you explore this incredible site in the company of a Local Guide, you'll learn all about them. You'll also hear about the mythological labyrinth – the dwelling of the Minotaur, a beast with the head of a bull and the body of a man.
You'll then head to Crete's capital Heraklion. There's time to stop for lunch if you wish, and admire the Old Town's Venetian walls and the ancient fortress that dominates the harbour. Meals included: B,D

Day 4 Akrotiri Peninsula & Chania

Spend time with your Tour Lecturer today as they host a botanical ramble around the Akrotiri Peninsula on the north-west coast of the island. You'll also visit the Byzantine monastery of Agia Triada, one of the most significant monuments on Crete. Built in the 17th century, the monastery also has a library which contains some rare books and a museum displaying a collection of artefacts and icons.
We're going to end our day in Chania. One of Crete's most beautiful cities, it boasts a picturesque Old Town with Neoclassical buildings and an enchanting Venetian harbour. Maybe stop for a drink in a waterfront café and enjoy views out to the sea and Chania's historic lighthouse.

Meals included: B,D

Day 5 Spili

We drive east today towards Rethymno, and visit the Minoan cemetery of Armenoi, which in spring displays a mass of wildflowers. We then continue our journey to Spili, hunting for orchids and other flowers along the way. This charming mountain village is well known for the spring water fountain in its main square, which features a row of sculptured lion heads.

Meals included: B,D

Day 6 Aptera

A morning of exploration takes you to the hilltop city state of Aptera, the most powerful city of western Crete during the Minoan period. In the company of your Tour Lecturer you'll discover the remains of an ancient city whose impressive walls date back to the 5th century BC. Temples, Roman cisterns and a Byzantine monastery stand in a beautiful landscape strewn with wildflowers.
Back at the hotel, a lazy afternoon beckons, so why not relax on the beach or by the pool.

Meals included: B,D

Day 7 Agia Marina - at Leisure

If relaxation is high on your list, you may want to head to the beach today, or enjoy your hotel's facilities.
If you choose to join today's optional excursion you'll head to Apokoronas, an area located at the foot of the White Mountains and renowned for its wildflowers. Also included is a visit to the Folklore Museum of Gavalochori. Run by a women's co-operative, here you'll learn about the peasant lifestyle of the region, and see how silk and lace are produced. Your tour ends in the lovely beach resort of Almyrida, where, if you wish, you can enjoy lunch by the sea. Meals included: B,D

Day 8 Crete - UK

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Meals included: B
  1. Favourite Moment

    Andreas Foundoulis, a native Cretan, has worked with Travelsphere for almost 20 years. He has escorted many groups on nature walks and is looking forward to showing you the country he calls home. Andreas Foundoulis Tour Lecturer

Accommodation (as specified or similar)

Santa Marina Plaza

Santa Marina Plaza in Agia Marina lies just steps from an idyllic Blue Flag beach. Facilities include a restaurant, bar and pool. Guest rooms feature en-suite facilities, tea/coffee making facilities, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV and hairdryer. If you wish to upgrade to a room with a sea view for a supplement please call and our Holiday Advisors will be happy to assist.

Santa Marina Plaza in Agia Marina lies just steps from an idyllic Blue Flag beach. Facilities include a restaurant, bar and pool. Guest rooms feature en-suite facilities, tea/coffee making facilities, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV and hairdryer. If you wish to upgrade to a room with a sea view for a supplement please call and our Holiday Advisors will be happy to assist.

Optional Excursions

Experience even more of your destination by adding one or more optional experiences to your holiday before you set off. Take a look below at the extra trips you can enjoy on this tour

Greece - Wildflowers of Apokoronas and a lace and silk womens cooperative

Greece - Wildflowers of Apokoronas and a lace and silk womens cooperative

If you choose to join today's optional excursion you'll head to Apokoronas, an area located at the foot of the White Mountains and renowned for its wildflowers. Also included is a visit to the Folklore Museum of Gavalochori. Run by a women's co-operative, here you'll learn about the peasant lifestyle of the region and see how silk and lace are produced.
If you choose to join today's optional excursion you'll head to Apokoronas, an area located at the foot of the White Mountains and renowned for its wildflowers. Also included is a ...

Read less

Read more

Greece - Knossos Palace and Heraklion

Greece - Knossos Palace and Heraklion

Why not join an optional excursion to the north coast, and the magnificent Minoan Palace ruins of Knossos. The seat of the legendary King Minos, this multi-storeyed palace covered an area of 22,000 square metres. The Minoans were Europe's first advanced civilisation, and as you explore this incredible site in the company of a Local Guide, you'll learn all about them, and hear about the mythological labyrinth – the dwelling of the Minotaur, a beast with the head of a bull and the body of a man.
After your tour, you'll head to Crete's capital Heraklion. There's time to stop for lunch and admire the Old Town's Venetian walls and the ancient fortress that dominates the harbour.
Full day – Moderate Walking – Highly recommended
Why not join an optional excursion to the north coast, and the magnificent Minoan Palace ruins of Knossos. The seat of the legendary King Minos, this multi-storeyed palace covered ...

Read less

Read more

  1. Read more about this tour

    Paul took his first Travelsphere trip to Crete where in between pretty towns, dramatic mountain scenery and Minoan ruins, he saw an array of beautiful wildflowers.

Further Information

Average group size of our tours

Group sizes vary between tours - we have an average group size of 27. We endeavour to make sure the size of the group has a positive impact on each trip and our guests almost always say that the group was one of the highlights of the trip!

Deposit information

When you book a holiday, you will be asked to pay a deposit, this will be made clear at the time of booking. In most cases we will charge the following deposit amount;

  • European Holidays - £200 Per person
  • Worldwide Holidays - £250 or 10% whichever is the greater
  • Ocean Cruises - £250 or 10% whichever is the greater

On some holidays we may charge a slightly higher deposit, to cover any costs we have to pay immediately to secure your booking with our suppliers. This will be made clear at the time of booking.

If you choose a tour that is within 84 days of departure you will need to pay the full balance when you book.

Our cancellation policy

If you decide to cancel your confirmed booking you must notify us (or your travel agent) in writing, as soon as possible. Since we incur costs in cancelling your arrangements, you will have to pay the applicable cancellation charges up to the maximum shown below.

  • More than 75 days before departure - Loss of deposit only
  • 43 - 74 days - 50% of tour price
  • 29 - 42 days - 75% of tour price
  • 15 - 28 days - 90% of tour price
  • Day of Departure - 14 days - 100% of tour price

Our full cancellation policy can be found in our booking terms and conditions, section 8.

How do I find out Entry and Health Requirements for my holiday?

We have partnered with Sherpa, an on-line self service tool that allows you to search up-to-date information regarding travel entry requirements for all countries and also allows you to apply for eVisas or eTAs via their on-line portal. Just click on this link to find out more – Travel Requirements & Visa Service

You can also refer to the Foreign Travel Advice section on the gov.uk website: Foreign travel advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Click on your destination and then click on 'Entry Requirements'. For Health Requirements, the Department of Health also offers travellers health advice on www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, click on country information to locate your destination.

It is important to remember that passport, visa and health requirements can change before departure; therefore, we recommend you regularly familiarise yourself with the latest requirements before you travel. If you cannot travel because you have not complied with any passport/entry/immigration requirements, we are unable to accept any responsibility.

For some destinations, it is not always discernable that a visa is required for entry at the border.  For example, for some customers, to travel to the United States, an ESTA may be required. For Canada, an ETA and to India, an e-visa may be needed. Please do check your requirements to avoid any unnecessary cost and delays.

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Prices shown are based on twin occupancy of a double or twin bedded room with private facilities unless otherwise stated. Single occupancy supplements will apply. Travelsphere have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the hotel images provided on this website and images of room types displayed may vary to those offered on your tour. Therefore due to the possibility of inadvertent errors we do not guarantee their accuracy. Accommodation, airlines used and flight times are subject to change and will be confirmed in your final documents.

Reasons to book with Travelsphere

  • 60 years of touring
  • Expert direction & local flavours
  • Carefully-crafted holidays
  • A service you can count on
  • Book with confidence

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All Travelsphere holidays are financially protected via ATOL (flight-inclusive holidays) and financial insurance (non-flight packages). Additionally, all customer money is held in a Trust Fund, governed by independent Trustees. This means your money is 100% protected no matter what.