Battle of Crete Self-Drive
This short self-drive itinerary of Crete allows you to explore some of the key battlefields of the Battle of Crete from a base in Chania in addition to the stunning beaches, natural wonders, and rich historical and architectural heritage. With accommodation, rental car, and daily breakfast included, the suggested itinerary below can be adapted as you see fit. We highly recommend a visit to the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion and the nearby site of Knossos, legendary site of the Minotaur and King Minos. Highlights
- Take your time to explore Crete with accommodation breakfasts and rental car all provided
- Explore the ancient and mysterious history of Minoan ruins
- Discover the special connection New Zealand has with Crete a legacy of WWII
Car rental as per itinerary based on Category B Car - upgrades available with supplement. Please Note: Car rental is based on a Category B Car for 5 days. Car category upgrades, or drop off after 10am on Day 6 will incur additional costs. The itinerary below is a suggestion only and you may want to visit different sites along the way. We recommend you buy a comprehensive map and guidebook of Crete to plan your self-drive according to your specific points of interests and make the most of your holiday. A one-way fee will apply if dropping car off at Chania.
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
- Important Information Day 1: Heraklion
Welcome to Crete. Upon arrival in Heraklion, you will be transferred to your hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure to unwind and soak up the local atmosphere. Day 2: Heraklion – Chania (B)
This morning your car will be delivered to your hotel for you to begin your self-drive tour of discovery.
The small Battle of Crete Museum is definitely worth a visit. Later we suggest a visit of the ancient city of Knossos. Cradle of the Minoan civilisation, the ruins of Knossos date back to 1650 BC. Very little is known about the Minoan civilisation and some think that it may be the Atlantis of mythology. Continue to Chania where accommodation is reserved for four nights. Day 3: Chania (B)
Drive to the area of Maleme Airfield (not open to the public) to view the point of the German paratrooper invasion. Today should also include a stop at Hill 107 and Platanias.
Vanilla restaurant is a fantastic place to have some food, meet with the owner whose father fought in the Battle of Crete, and see the war memorabilia they have collected & preserved from the battle. Day 4: Chania (B)
We recommend a visit to the small village of Galatas, scene of very fierce fighting for the Battalions, and Souda Bay War Cemetery where 438 New Zealanders remain buried. Day 5: Chania (B) Take a day trip to the site of the main evacuation at Sphakia (also spelt Hora Sfakion). En-route seize the opportunity to visit a family-owned private museum hosting artefacts from WWII and previous Cretan wars in a typical local home. This private and not well-known collection of artefacts from WWII (as well as previous Cretan wars) is well worth the stop, especially for those with an interest in military equipment and firearms. The collector travelled all over Crete collecting machine guns, pistols, helmets, medals, grenades, bombs, mines, cannon, cannon balls, anti-aircraft guns, uniforms, radios, and every German, British, and Greek artefact he could locate. (There may be a small entrance fee but if not please have some EURO cash available to make a donation - this is a very important part of WWII history.) Details of this exclusive and private collection will be provided by Innovative Travel upon confirmation and final payment of this holiday. Day 6: Chania (B)
Perhaps visit one of the beautiful villages to the west of Crete, visit a local winery, take a walk in the Gorges, or relax at some of Crete’s most famous beaches in Elafonissi or Falasarna. We suggest you also take the time to explore the Old Centre of Chania. Walk through the old centre and along the Venetian harbour. Later return your car rental at Chania port or airport (one way fee applies) or return it to Heraklion. TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- 5 nights' hotel accommodation with private facilities
- Breakfast daily
- Arrival transfer from Heraklion port/airport to your hotel
- 5 days Car Hire on Crete (Heraklion-Chania) - Cat B Car
- Greece Travel Notes - Issued by Innovative Travel TOUR EXCLUSIONS:
- International airfares
- Government Climate Crisis Resilience Tax - to be paid directly to the hotel on check-out (ranges from EUR3-EUR10 - rates subject to change without notice)
- Optional tours and excursions
- Porterage
- Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recom
- Price:
- $2,225