Begin the tour at the Peninsula Resort and Spa with a short theoretical introduction and a quad driving lesson before the adventure begins. Follow a beautiful off-road cliff path along the sea and into the heights of Achlada away from traffic and in the midst of the most beautiful nature the area has to offer. Enjoy breathtaking views over Agia Pelagia until reaching Heraklion, then continue to the ancient and abruptly abandoned ghost village of Achlada.  Find out more about the background of the village and the traditional Cretan way of life and share a special personal moment with the last two remaining inhabitants of the village. Stroll through this otherwise inaccessible village at leisure. From the heights of Achlada, pass in between the mountains surrounded by breathtaking nature before continuing to Fodele, a traditional Cretan village, also called the village of the oranges and birthplace of the famous painter El Greco.  Explore Crete’s culture and marvel at its local handicrafts. Take some time for shopping and a visit to the museum or to the village’s orthodox churches. Sit back and enjoy a famous freshly squeezed orange juice made from the local orange trees for a more relaxing experience. Return to the hotel at 1.00 p.m., just in time for lunch.

The most famous landmark of Crete, Knossos, is the absolute “must” for everybody who decides to spend his or her vacation on our beautiful island. On one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Greece, we find the center of one of the most powerful civilizations of the ancient world and through the excavations, the legends and the history of the place we learn about its settlers: the Minoan people, the rulers of the Mediterranean. With its small palace, the room of murals, the royal tombs and the royal mansion, Knossos is probably the most significant token of a civilization that left such marks in history that can never be erased. The intricate structure of the palace corridors gave it the name Labyrinth, where, according to the myth, the legendary Minotaur used to live. The marvelous architectural plan, the use of rare and luxurious materials, the advanced techniques of construction and drainage system and the massive size of the palace of Knossos make it, even today, the most amazing sight on Crete. We return to the city to visit the newly renovated Archaeological Museum, which exhibits traditional architecture and preserves exquisite and valuable ethnographic and historical material from the ancient period of Cretan history. A stroll in the city of Heraklion will end up a perfect day –shopping in its modern stores, enjoying our coffee or lunch in one of its many restaurants or just exploring its superb medieval buildings. 10:00 Arrival Knossos Palace 12:00 Departure from Knossos Palace 12:20 Arrival Heraklion – Visit to Archaeological Museum (optional) 15:30 Departure from Heraklion Duration: app. 7 hours Stay in Knossos: app. 2 hours Stay in Archeological Museum: app. 2 hours Stay in Heraklion: app. 1 hour

After pickup from your hotel in the Heraklion area at approximately 7:30 AM, journey by bus to the Imbros Gorge in the eastern part of the White Mountains of Crete. Upon arrival, enjoy an easy 3-hour hike through the narrow passages and marvel at the stunning rock formations. The Imbros Gorge is the second most popular gorge for walkers in Crete after the gorge of Samaria. This picturesque gorge is smaller (8km long) than the Samaria but is just as beautiful. During your descent you will visit various famous locations such as the Stenada (the gorge's narrowest passage), Mesofarango (a wider passage) and Xepitira Arch (a natural stone arch). You'll then arrive at Komitades Village where buses will be waiting to bring you to Chora Sfakion for some relaxing free time at one of the taverns or cafés overlooking the sea. Continue by bus to the south coast and visit a beautiful beach for a refreshing swim in the Libyan Sea. Relax and enjoy a traditional lunch before the bus trip back to Herakleion area at approximately 5:30 PM.

We have designed this unforgettable trip to submerge you into an authentic way of life in one of the island's most beautiful regions while gaining a deeper understanding of the relationship between history, stunning escapes, gastronomy, and the authentic Cretan local lifestyle. You will also visit the world-famous Palace of Knossos, where your expert guide will ensure skip-the-line access to all archaeological areas, key pieces of information, and extra-personalized attention. Then, from the history and cultural experience, you will be immersed in another time wandering the unspoiled Cretan landscape along with authentic layers of flavors, wines, and village life of the island of Crete. Enjoy personal pick-up and drop-off with a premium vehicle at your full-day disposal, like a true VIP

Our approach combines singular service, expert local knowledge, and premium-owned vehicles so to accommodate the wide variety of circumstances and requests for premium car hire in Crete for our detail-oriented travelers. For those traveling in a small group of 4 to 6 people, for instance with family or friends, we can provide a Mercedes-Benz minivan car hire and stylish limousine service in Crete. For those traveling in a larger group of up to 10 people consider using our VIP Mercedes-Benz minibus Sprinter.

From the Minoan times, Lassithi Plateau is the earth of fertility and love for food. A rich Cretan land to remind us of just how satisfying it is to source and cook your own ingredients. It’s why we love it. We want to take you away from the crowded places of countless Instagram posts to the island’s most untouched escapes where time has slowed down and history persists. That is why our Travel Experts have designed this culinary adventure for lovers of authentic gastronomy, art, and mythic landscapes. This luxury trip will take you through the charming and often forgotten country of Lassithi, across small villages, emblematic Windmills, and the Plateau’s spectacular views. In the late afternoon, find yourself at a Cretan house that was built next to the Cave of Zeus on the ancient ruins that still exude timeless energy. Here you will meet the chef-owner of Mansion Halavro (means playground among archaic ruins) who will indulge you in the artistic pleasures of Cretan cuisine.

Get to know the lesser-known side of Crete with a guided tour of the Lasithi Plateau, Knossos Palace, and an archaeological museum. Tour traditional local villages, an olive oil factory to learn about olive oil making, and old windmills once used to make corn and flour. Start off with the Lasithi Plateau, the highest plateau in Crete with an altitude of 900 meters above sea level. Step into history with a visit to old traditional villages and head to an olive oil factory where you can discover how olive oil used to be made as compared to its modern production.  After tasting some olive oil, visit Krasi village where the oldest plane tree in Crete is located. Visit old windmills that were used for corn and wheat production, as well as others that were used to pump water up to water the crops. See the cave where the mythical Zeus was rumored to have been born.  Visit Crete's most important archeological sites, the Knossos Palace and Heraklion Archaeological museum. Enjoy lunch and peruse the area before leaving.

On a privately chauffeured basis day tour, hike through Samaria alongside our expert guide by tailoring the route at your own pace. Start at Omalos plateau and finish at the fishing village of Agia Roumeli overlooking the spectacular views of the Libyan Sea. In between? Hiking downriver in the footsteps of the mythological Cretan Titan who stabbed earth descending 18 km on the Southside of White Mountains by creating the geological masterpiece of Samaria canyon. Agia Roumeli is the place where the great canyon meets the sea. It is the seaside fishing village where you are going to take a vitalizing dip in the azure warm waters of the South Crete and then taste the delicious cuisine at the family restaurants. It is also the place where you will take the boat for the Hora Sfakion where your private driver will meet and take you back in the comfort of a luxury chauffeured vehicle. There are some bespoke ways to do it if you’re in the know. And our Travel Designers most definitely are.