Samaria Gorge
It is an arduous trip but well worth it to see one of the great natural wonders of Europe, the Samaria Gorge in the White Mountains in western Crete. From the top of the gorge it is a 10-mile (16km) hike through the dramatic geological formations and wildflower-strewn cliffsides of the National Park. From the village of Agia Roumeli at the end of the gorge hikers board boats to sail to Khora Sfakion or Paleohora where there are buses back to Haniá, Rethymnon or Heraklion.

A. Tour of the gulf of Kissamos
Departing from the port of Kissamos and traveling for approximately 55 minutes in the gulf, you will admire a huge cave, that is believed to have been the ancient shipyard - Tarsanas. It is found near the Roman city of Agnion, thought to be the god Apollo (today Ag. Sostis). During the voyage across the gulf we often come across marine turtles (Caretta Caretta), the Mediterranean seal (Monachus Monachus) and dolphins of the region. At the end of the Gulf you will notice an impressive geological phenomenon where, as a result of the passage of time, the western part of the island is raised, while the eastern part is sunk. This phenomenon was created by catastrophic earthquakes that took place in 66 BC and 365 BC. These earthquakes, caused by the movement of the lithospheric plates of Africa, caused the abrupt elevation of Crete from 6m to 9m above sea level. This ancient sea level can still be seen today as a black trace along the rocky coast. According to scientific estimates, this geographical phenomenon is still continuing today, but at a much slower rate. Reaching the end of the gulf, if the atmosphere is clear and there is good visibility, as the boat passes between the island of Agria Gramvousa and cape Vouxa, one can spot the island of Antikythira in the distance.By this time and at this point, you will admire an amazing landscape, followed by, in the distance, the distinction of Valenti, Pontikonisi, the lagoon of Balos and Imeri Gramvousa, with its castle, which the boat will sail to in 15 minutes.

B. Visit the pirate island of Gramvousa
After approximately 1 hour, the boat arrives in the port of Gramvousa. Here you can disembark, while the boat awaits your return in around 2 hours time. The island's eminent castle was built by the Venetians in 1579 at the highest point of the island, on top of a steep rock at a height of 137m. It is surrounded by a wall of 272m where the abrupt rock does not offer any natural fortification. It has a roughly triangular shape and each side is 1km in length. Gramvousa castle played an important role in the history of the region. The panoramic view, its majesty and the legend of the pirate's hidden treasure, will tempt you to visit it. The walk takes approximately 20 minutes. As well as your visit to the castle, you can swim at the beach next to the small church of Ag. Apostoli or remain on the boat relaxing and swimming around it. We have a special water slide attached to the side of the ship for your enjoyment. You can have lunch or enjoy a drink from the ship's restaurant that is open all day long. You can buy souvlaki sticks, chicken with potatoes, gemista (stuffed tomatoes), xoriatiki (Greek salad), pizza, toast, refreshments, sweets, beers, wines, ice-creams, coffees etc. Following the 2 hour visit to Gramvousa, the boat will depart for the lagoon of Balos, a journey of approximately 15 minutes.

C. Visit to the lagoon of Balos
As there is no harbour at the lagoon, the boat will either drop anchor in the cove of Gramvousa (Tigani), about 200m from the beach, at a depth of approximately 4m, where disembarkation will take place from large boats, or approach the beach where disembarkation can take place directly onto the beach. Surely, this is one of the most beautiful parts of Greece, with its unique beautiful beach and its large variety of shells. Your stay at the lagoon, where you can enjoy a fantastic swim, will last for about three hours.It is also possible, if you wish, to swim to shore or remain on board the boat, in order to relax and swim around it, using our special water slide off the boat. The bar on board is open all day and you can have lunch, refreshments, coffee, ice-creams etc, while enjoying pleasant music.

Knossos
This very popular destination is located only few kilometers south from Heraklio. The first palaces were built around 1900 BC, at the same time as the large towns of which they were part. The palace was a political, economic and religious center of the magnificent Minoan Civilization as well as the birthplace of the world famous myths such as of Europa, Minotaur, the Labyrinth, Deadalus, Theseus and Ikarus.
The buildings, which had several stories, housed ceremonial apartments, rooms with religious function and set of storerooms. The palaces also had a theater. Leaving behind the palace of Knossos, our tour continues to the center of Heraklion, where we will visit the Archeological Museum which presents excavated finds from all over Crete, thus illustrating the ancient history of the island from Neolithic times (5700BC) to the Greco-Roman period (5th century BC to 4th century AD). At the end of this excursion you will have a free time to walk around the center of Heraklion with the lions at the Fountain of Morozini, the Byzantine church of Agios Titos and the Venetian harbor with its Fortress of Koule. You will spend a wonderful day admiring the beauty and learning about the way of living of one of the oldest civilizations in the world.

One Day Cruise to Dia Island
Dia is a small island about 6 km from Heraklion. It is a piece of untouched nature and crystal clear seawater. As well if you are lucky you may see the Cretan wild goad, known locally as kri-kri, which nowadays is found only at 3 places on the island. You can visit Dia Island at the daytime or at the evening time.
Daytime trip includes a walk among the island, fishing and swimming. You can enjoy water-ski, rings and bananas. We also recommend scuba diving and underwater fishing. Your boat will return to the mainland only after original Greek lunch. Evening trip will give you the opportunity to enjoy the sunset from the boat and BBQ on the island. And of course a night swim! You will be arriving to the mainland around midnight.

Phaistos, Gortys and Matala
More the 4000 years ago, on Crete, was born the first civilization in Europe – Minoan Civilization. Many beautiful palaces were built on the island during that period. Phaistos, in the fertile valley of Messara, was the second biggest one. On the half way to Festos, you will make a stop at woman’s monastery Kaliviani, with ancient churches and chapel of 10 century.
After visiting Phaistos palace, you continue your way through the valley, until place called Matala. Here you can have a lunch in one of many fish taverns and swim in the crystal clear waters in the bay in Libyan sea. You will have the possibility to visit the cave city, where the first people lived around 8000 years ago. These caves became famous after 1960, when Hippies lived there.
After your rest in Matala your road will continue to the ruins of ancient town of Gortys. Platon said, it was one of the richest towns of Crete. At the time of Roman dominion, Gortys was the administration capital. Sure you will get impressed by the ruins of the Saint Titos basilica, which was built as a copy of Saint Sofia cathedral in Konstantinopl. Inside of Odeon’s (theater) walls is written the “Code of Gortys”, the laws of the city, which constitutes the first known legislative system and it is the most comprehensive example to survive from ancient Greece.

Moni Preveli, Plakias
By participating in the excursions, you will visit the southern coast of Crete. From Rethimno we will go in the village of Armeny, located in a picturesque valley surrounded by oak woods and olive groves. Visit Kourtaliotiko canyon, where the passing river leaves an unforgettable impression. Follow the picturesque, mountain road with stunning views of the Libyan Sea and the mouth of the river Kourtaliotiko surrounded by palm thickets, we arrive to the famous monastery of Preveli (16th century) of St. John the Theologian. There is kept a cross, which is said to be miraculous. After visiting the monastery (church and museum), we continue to the seaside town of Plakyas where you can swim in the Emerald sea and eat in a traditional tavern. After that we continue through mountain gorges Kotsifu, we go to the village Spili, famous of its beautyfull springs, located at the foothill of Kedros. You can make purchases in traditional shops with folk art.

Agios Nikolaos
The attractive town of Agios Nikolaos, the administrative seat of the Lassiti province, is situated on the west side of the bay of Mirabello. Its origin goes way back to a period when it was the port of ancient Lato Etera. During the Venetian period was built the fortress of Mirabello. Unfortunately nothing remained from that fortress till today, but it gave its name to the whole district, which was spread under its feet. It was not until 1960’s that this peaceful little port began to attract tourists in increasing numbers, transforming itself into a charming seaside resort; its numerous beaches extend along the west side of the bay of Mirabello. The picturesque heart of Agios Nikolaos is centered around quayside and tiny Voulismeni lake with its attractive canal and picturesque harbor.

Spinalonga
In the ancient times, a fortress erected on the isle of Kalidona-Spinalonga guarded the entrance to the harbor of Olous. The present fortress was completed in 1579. The island was so well defended that it withstood all Turkish raids until 1715, despite the otherwise complete Turkish victory over Crete in 1669. A village existed in the shadow of the fortress until, in 1903, the Cretan authorities decided to found a leper colony on the islet (until 1957), leaving behind sad memories and dark legends. This excursion begins at Elounda, a small picturesque fishing village, where you will take the boat to Spinalonga for a guided tour. Next stop is at Kolokytha Island where you stop for BBQ and for a swim at the crystal clear waters. Before the departure back to your hotel we will make a small stop at beautiful town of Aghios Nikolaos, the administrative seat of the Lassiti province, for you to enjoy the walk around the Voulismeni Lake and its attractive canal or to drink one coffee at the picturesque harbor.