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Prior to booking this new tour to Crete, I had never considered it for a holiday. I thought it was purely a beach-type holiday destination which wouldn't appeal to me. How wrong I was and how glad I am that I went on this wonderful tour! Quite simply, Crete is indeed a stunning island - from dramatic coastline views to the rugged yet very green mountains that dominate the landscape, it was fantastic. The hotel, the Porto Veneziano, is marvellous and we all enjoyed staying there. The rooms are compact but pristine and I strongly urge anyone going to upgrade to the seaview room (only £65), which has lovely views of the harbour. The hotel is located right on the harbour promenade, surrounded by great restaurants so you don't need to wander too far. The old town, with its quaint streets and shops galore, is just a five minute walk away. The breakfast buffet is great, with a wide selection, and you can eat outside if you wish. The food in Crete is wonderful - we didn't have a single disappointing meal. I strongly recommend three restaurants that a gang of us frequented - Salis, which is at the end of the next block to the hotel (our favourite - just ask Julie about the lamb!!), Karnagio, a little further on with the bourgonvillea in full bloom outside, and Chrisostomos (turn right from the hotel, around the back). The included dinners were all excellent and we especially enjoyed the meal after the cookery lesson (don't worry, only a couple of people participated in the preparation and it was voluntary!). I have never tasted moussaka so good....
So what of the itinerary itself? Well prior to our departure, the flights had been changed from Chania to Heraklion which meant after we ate on arrival, we had a two hour transfer to our hotel in Chania. We weren't thrilled about this - but don't worry, next year's departures are to Chania which will mean a transfer of around 30 minutes. What we lost on the way there, we more than made up for on the way back - on the last day, we left the hotel after lunch and went up the old mountain road to the tiny village of Drossia. Quite simply, the mountain scenery and coastal views were some of the most stunning I have ever seen. So a big "well done" to JY for making the best out of a frustrating flight situation and giving us a marvellous last day. The included excursions were very enjoyable, especially the trip to the monastery on the Akrotiri peninsula, which was fascinating and we enjoyed more lovely views on the coach. I missed the optional excursion to Knossos and Heraklion as I wasn't well that day, but the others found it interesting. Our local guide Effie was very good. Even if you decide to have a quiet day, it is so relaxing to sit at one of the tables outside the hotel and people watch, as you enjoy the view of the harbour and lighthouse. The hotel bar was very good. One thing that I didn't expect is that it is perfectly safe to drink the water there, as it comes down from the mountains and is very pure.
I am sure that my fellow travellers will have various comments to add, but if you have any questions please do ask. If you are looking for a holiday that combines interesting excursions with just the right amount of free time, with a great hotel, lovely scenery and terrific food, then this tour to Crete is for you! Thoroughly recommended...
All the best,
Bob
So what of the itinerary itself? Well prior to our departure, the flights had been changed from Chania to Heraklion which meant after we ate on arrival, we had a two hour transfer to our hotel in Chania. We weren't thrilled about this - but don't worry, next year's departures are to Chania which will mean a transfer of around 30 minutes. What we lost on the way there, we more than made up for on the way back - on the last day, we left the hotel after lunch and went up the old mountain road to the tiny village of Drossia. Quite simply, the mountain scenery and coastal views were some of the most stunning I have ever seen. So a big "well done" to JY for making the best out of a frustrating flight situation and giving us a marvellous last day. The included excursions were very enjoyable, especially the trip to the monastery on the Akrotiri peninsula, which was fascinating and we enjoyed more lovely views on the coach. I missed the optional excursion to Knossos and Heraklion as I wasn't well that day, but the others found it interesting. Our local guide Effie was very good. Even if you decide to have a quiet day, it is so relaxing to sit at one of the tables outside the hotel and people watch, as you enjoy the view of the harbour and lighthouse. The hotel bar was very good. One thing that I didn't expect is that it is perfectly safe to drink the water there, as it comes down from the mountains and is very pure.
I am sure that my fellow travellers will have various comments to add, but if you have any questions please do ask. If you are looking for a holiday that combines interesting excursions with just the right amount of free time, with a great hotel, lovely scenery and terrific food, then this tour to Crete is for you! Thoroughly recommended...
All the best,
Bob
