Ancient tombstones known as Khachkars, Crete, AV311
Aerial view, Hersonissos Maris Hotel, Greece
Dining at Hersonissos Maris Hotel, Greece
Pool view at Hersonissos Maris Hotel, Greece
Hersonissos Maris Hotel, Greece
Bedroom type 3, Hersonissos Maris Hotel, Greece
Bedroom type 2, Hersonissos Maris Hotel, Greece
Bedroom type 1, Hersonissos Maris Hotel, Greece
Inside pool, Hersonissos Maris Hotel, Greece

From £1,695pp

Including flights

Check availability

Saga Hosted Hotels

Special Interest

Archaeology

Archaeology in Crete

  • All Inclusive

  • 7 nights

  • London Gatwick Airport

  • Hersonissos, Crete, Greece

Evidence of Crete’s powerful Minoan civilisation is scattered across the island, from vast palaces to ancient burial tombs. This special interest holiday will help you to uncover the history of the island, your expert host leading you around some of Europe’s most fascinating archaeological sites. We’ll tour the Palaces of Knossos, Phaistos and Malia; examine Bronze Age artefacts in local museums; and walk the cobbled streets of Minoan towns. We’ll take a boat over to the Venetian fort-island of Spinalonga and admire folk art in picturesque Kritsa. There’ll be time to explore traditional villages, too, and enjoy delicious Cretan lunches in harbourside taverns.

Your holiday includes

Expert host

Six included excursions

All inclusive Prestige: All breakfasts, lunches and dinners

Free bar open up to 13 hours a day; international branded spirits and liqueurs, cocktails, wines and a range of coffees

International flights

Return transfers direct to your hotel

Minimum 20kg checked luggage, per person

Porterage at your hotel

Exceptional value every time

Saga Host

Our trained hosts will welcome you and ensure you enjoy your holiday. We also offer 24/7 support if needed.

Insurance

Included optional travel insurance or £20pp price reduction if not required.

Included excursions

Malia, Kritsa and Lato
Heraklion
Gournia and Spinalonga
Armeni and Rethymno town
Phaistos and Gortyn
Lasithi Plateau

Malia, Kritsa and Lato

1 / 6

We begin in Lato, where we’ll explore the ruins of an ancient hilltop city said to be one of the most powerful in Crete. Excavations have uncovered shops, houses, a sanctuary, a temple and a theatre – it’s a wonderful snapshot of life in ancient Greece. Then, we’ll head into the mountains to picturesque Kritsa village, one of the island’s most important centres for Cretan folk art and weaving. Nearby is the ancient church of Panagia Kera, which houses some 14th and 15th-century frescoes. We’ll return to the hotel for lunch then return to Malia, where we’ll tour the ruins of a Minoan Palace (the third largest in Crete). First built around 1900 BC, it was destroyed around 1650 BC, before being immediately rebuilt on the ruins of the original palace.

Crete

Location

Hersonissos Maris Hotel map

A 10-minute walk will bring you into Hersonissos. It’s a lively town, with plenty in the way of cafes, bars and restaurants in the centre and along the waterfront. There’s a small beach right in front of the hotel, but you’ll find a handful of others in the resort if you fancy a change of scenery. Day trip options include the Isle of Spinalongaand the more traditional villages in the hills behind Hersonissos. Island capital Heraklion is lovely, too, with a vibrant old town, colourful markets and a pleasant har...

Hotel details

Balcony or Terrace

Television

Safe

Kettle

Fridge

Air conditioning

Hairdryer

Bath or shower

Meals are served buffet-style in the main restaurant, with an enriched choice of salads, Greek and international specialities.

Restaurant

Lobby Bar

Beach Bar

Two outdoor swimming pools

Heated indoor pool

Mini market

Wellness Centre (fees may apply)

Spacious gardens 

Availability

Oct 2025

1 departure

From £1,775pp

Apr 2026

1 departure

From £1,745pp

Best deal

Oct 2026

1 departure

From £1,695pp

Flight

Best deal

Oct 21, 2026
Oct 28, 2026

Wed - 12:20

Wed - 19:15

London Gatwick Airport

7 nights

From £1,695pp

Book now

Special interest departures for this hotel

Irini, MasterChef Sept 202, AL460, Hersonissos Marie, Crete

Food & Wine

Food and wine in Crete

From £1,795pp

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