• Contact the Crete Specialists

    We are an independent company which has dedicated the last 30 years to providing beautiful Cretan holidays.

    01444 880 404
    info@purecrete.com

    Enquire Now

  • Explore the beauty, history and culture of Crete

    May 17th to May 24th 2022

    £995 pp 7 nights guided tour in Western Crete

    Price includes self catering accommodation at the Aptera Aparthotel in the village of Aptera, North Western Crete with breakfast, flights, transfers and a full programme of 6 days excursions with expert guidance throughout and first evening meal. The tour is suitable for single travellers, couples and small groups. 

    (single supplement £100, regional flight supplement may apply. Limited to 12 spaces)

     

Fully Guided by Dr Jill Marrington BA (Hons) Ancient History, the week promises to be an interesting introduction to the culture and archaeology of Western Crete. The annual Battle of Crete commemorations also take place during this week and the tour will include a visit to the memorial service at Souda Bay War Cemetery and the Preveli war museum. 

Guests will be accommodated in the family run Aptera Aparthotel, with private self catering room facilities, where breakfast can be taken in the garden. Transport  will be in our comfortable air conditioned mini- coach and you will have the opportunity to enjoy an optional taverna lunch throughout the week. A supermarket stop to shop local supplies, will be given at the beginning of the week. Evenings can be spent enjoying a drink or snack from the comfort of the hotel’s cafe-bar or for those wanting an evening stroll (3/4 mile walk, steep on the return) you can visit one of  traditional tavernas in the village centre.
  • Ayios Ioannis nr Preveli  

  • Phaistos

7 miles along the coast from Chania, the road winds gently up to Aptera (formerly Megala Chorafia) a Cretan village set in the foothills of the White Mountains. The village’s hilltop setting makes for breathtaking panoramic views, over Souda Bay to the North and of the White Mountains, rising over 7,000ft to the South. Megala Chorafia, which literally means “Big Fields”, is a scatter of houses and farms with an ornate orthodox church as its centrepiece.

The “Metoche” area on the Eastern side, where your accommodation is located, (see above ) is on a ridge which extends towards the ancient ruins of Aptera. Wild flowers bloom along the narrow roads on which shepherds move their flocks between fields.The archaeological remains of Aptera, dating from the Minoan and Roman times, are within walking distance of the village. Beyond these stands a Turkish castle, perched strategically on the headland overlooking the sea.

  •  Souda Bay War Cemetery

  • The Egyptian lighthouse Chania Harbour

              

Exploring Crete Week 2022

(Itinerary subject to change due to local conditions)

  • Day 1

    Arrival. Evening – guide introduction and complimentary group evening meal at the Aptera village taverna.

    Day 2

    Exploring Ancient Aptera, Stilos & Gavalochori. Classical Greek, Roman and Hellenistic remains and a Minoan tomb and settlement.

    Day 3

    To the south –  Phaistos & Preveli Monastery (& Battle of Crete museum)

    Day 4

    Armeni tombs. Argiroupolis. Alikambos winery (Dourakis ) & Wine Tasting.

  • Day 5

    A free morning to relax. For clients who wish to continue exploring, taxis can be arranged to take them to Chania town and harbour (not included)

    Afternoon: Battle of Crete Memorial Service at Souda Bay War Cemetery (subject to change, exact date of commemorations usually announced nearer the time )

    Day 6

    Arkadi Monastery & free afternoon in Rethymnon town 

    Day 7

    Falasarna, Kasteli, Maleme German War Cemetary and Galatas (Battle of Crete)

    Day 8

    Departure

Call us on 01444 880404 to book Exploring Crete Week, spaces are limited to 12 to only . £995pp which includes your flight, 7 nights accommodation, with breakfast at Aptera Aparthotel, all transfers, entrance fees, guide and complimentary welcome meal. Single supplement and regional flight supplement applies.

Enquire Now

              

 

Feedback

“The Exploring Crete Week is a wonderful idea ,not just for first time visitors, but for those who have been before , but don’t want to drive great distances..”

“Dr, Jill Marrington was a wonderful guide. She gave an excellent overview as well as detail of our location. The “handouts” were especially very useful”

“My husband especially enjoyed not having to drive.. The day always started wonderfully with a beautiful breakfast , provided by Nectarios and his Family at the Aptera Hotel !! Add into the mix, a group of joyous like minded people”

“The accommodation, information and help from your people on the ground were, as usual, excellent, and our host Nectarios at the Aptera Hotel was a delightful man, and plied us with delicious fresh orange juice squeezed from fruit from his father’s trees and little cheese and greens pies made by his mother”