THE SPECTACULAR ISLE OF CRETE

June 30th – July 6th

8 Days – 7 Nights

Get ready for the best memorable holiday of your life, mingling with singles from all over the world! This island gem in the Mediterranean is centered among Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Beautiful beaches, exciting activity options daily allowing you to custom design your vacation, picturesque villages, wine tasting, culture, history and excellent nightlife and cuisine – it doesn’t get any better!

ITINERARY

The beautiful family-owned Mistral Hotel is endowed with incredible facilities including a gourmet dining room, 2 swimming pools, an outdoor Jacuzzi and sun terraces with sunbeds. Each guest will be staying in their own air-conditioned private room with an in-room safe. No words can describe the warmth and hospitality that this hotel is offering Ann’s Adventures in Travel guests.

The weekly program of entertainment for us to enjoy is as follows and is included in your package. All your options will be presented to you on the first day and there is plenty of availability. *Itinerary and activities are subject to change at the discretion of the hotel without compensation. Ann’s Adventures in Travel is not responsible for the consequences of any changes.

INCLUDED FEATURES AND EXCURSIONS

Falassarna and Sfinari (Special inclusion for us): The best beach on the island exclusively for our guests on Thursday. We’ll enjoy turquoise waters, soft pink sand and breathtaking views. There is also a long, fresh seafood lunch at a hidden beach Taverna where the fish is speared on the day.

Elafonisi Beach (Special inclusion for us): This hotel exclusive tour takes you to the stunning pink, sandy beach (voted one of the top ten in the world) at Elafonisi where you can walk across a shallow lagoon to Deer Island. A light lunch is provided and on the way back, we’ll stop at the tiny mountain village of Elos for goat’s milk ice cream.

Welcome Meeting & History Talk: We’ll find out more about the week’s activities, hotel, resort and the island. Crete has a long and fascinating 5,000 year history which covers the Minoan period, Hellenistic times, Roman era and Byzantine up to modern times. Over the centuries, Crete has been invaded by many countries mainly because of its strategic position in the then known world for the control of the eastern Mediterranean and the trade between three continents. This obviously had a tremendous impact on the islands traditions, way of life and character of the people.

Chania “The Jewel of Crete”: After the Welcome Meeting on Wednesday morning, you may opt to take a bus into the old Venetian town of Chania to discover the greatest monument of the western Crete at your leisure (not a guided tour). Shop and dine at one of the many award winning restaurants and tavernas situated around the Venetian Harbour.

Cooking Demonstration: Join us in the kitchen on Friday afternoon. We’ll see, smell and taste what will be served for dinner. Learn how to make stuffed tomatoes, tzatziki and Cretan small cheese pies. Take home recipes to impress your friends at home and our host will send you home with a bottle of the family olive oil.

Vegetable Garden: We’ll visit the hotel’s vegetable garden (organic in transition). We’ll see for ourselves where the vegetables, eggs and chicken we enjoy at the hotel come from.

Snorkeling: Let’s go snorkeling! Located across from the hotel (wet suits and gear provided).

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

*These activities are not included and are at your own expense. They range in price from $30-60 USD and are payable in cash in either Euros or US Dollars.

Samaria Gorge: Walk the longest gorge in Europe at 17km! This is a real challenge (walking boots/shoes recommended) and a must for hikers, but not for the faint-hearted!

Knossos Palace: Visit the lost world of the Minoans and the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion.

Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay: Visit the Pirate Island of Gramvousa and walk up to the Venetian fortress. The boat then takes us to swim in the magnificent crystal blue waters of Balos Lagoon.

Santorini Day Cruise: A must do, one day trip to the volcanic island includes a guided tour of Oia and Thira with stunning views of the Caldera.

Wine Tasting: We’ll enjoy wine and appetizer. Sip on the best Cretan and Greek wines.

Scuba Diving in Chania: The 5-star P.A.D.I. Center for experienced or beginner divers.

Horseback Riding: Take an early morning beach ride and watch the sunrise.

Sunday Evening: If enough members of the group agree, we will enjoy a Greek Night at the hotel with live music, dancing and smashing of plates! Or, we will go into Chania with our host to eat at an award-winning restaurant while we watch the sunset.

Spectacular Isle of Crete

Price: $1860.00
Deposit: $500.00
Balance Due: March 30th

INCLUDED

7 Nights Accommodations
7 Breakfasts – 6 Dinners
Complimentary Wine and Coffee with Dinner
Welcome Reception with Refreshments
Cooking Demonstration and Class with Vassilis (Hotel Owner)
Falassarna Beach and Sfinari Fish Lunch Tour
Elafonisi Beach Boat Excursion w/ Light Lunch
Snorkeling Across from Hotel
Shared Courtesy Rooms on Departure Day
Free Wi-Fi and Internet Café
Filtered Water Available Free of Charge
Complimentary Bottle of Olive Oil from the Gialamarkis Estate
Airport/Hotel Transfers on Tour Dates
All Taxes and Surcharges

NOT INCLUDED

International Airfare
Gratuities