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From £1,645pp
Including flights
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
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Malia, Kritsa and Lato
We begin a full day of exploration in 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. 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. Our day ends 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.
Location
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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 harbour with ancient fortifications.
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
Best deal
Oct 2025
1 departure
From £1,645pp
Flight
Best deal
Oct 01, 2025
Oct 08, 2025
Wed - 12:25
Wed - 19:15
London Gatwick Airport
7 nights
From £1,645pp
2 places left!
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