This enjoyable excursion takes you to the west part of the island along the coastline, by the towering peaks of Mount Ida to the ancient monastery of Arkadi. This national monument of their Cretans is a reminder of the battle for freedom.

Continue to the medieval town of Chania, the former capital of the island. Its old, Venetian town boasts the biggest indoor market in Crete.

In the afternoon, enjoy a visit to the picturesque town of Rethymnon, with its old Venetian houses, impressive Turkish minarets and narrow streets, all combined to give one a feeling of days of old!

Take the north coastal road until you arrive at the pretty village of Elounda from where you will take a boat to the island of Spinalonga - a former leper colony.

With houses and churches that are more of less well preserved, see the proof of the Venetian occupation in the form of the fortress surrounding the abandoned village.

After a walking tour of the village, visitors have the opportunity to swim in the crystal blue water of the Gulf of Mirabello, followed by a BBQ lunch.

On the way back, stop at the small, charming and touristic town of Aghios Nicolaos, with its quaint Harbour and supposedly "bottomless lake", for a delightful coffee break!

Enjoy this excursion to the prized national forest of Crete, the Samaria Gorge - the longest and most beautiful gorge in Europe.

Walk through the gorge, approximately 11 miles (18 kilometers) which begins at the plateau of Omalos.

Cross through the White Mountains and finish at the tiny village of Aghia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea. The route is enriched with flowers, herbs and trees, little fountains, abandoned settlements and wild goats known as Kri-Kri, as well as birds of prey.

From the secluded village of Aghia Roumeli, take the boat to the village of Chora Sfakion to meet the coach for return trip to Heraklion.