txtree

Hi all, thanks for helping me think about our visits to Athens, Peloponnese, Kythira. I've revised our itinerary a bit and we're now planning to take a ferry to/ from Kythira. The itinerary looks sort of like this:

June 14-16 - Athens
June 16-17 - Delphi
June 17-20 - Nafplion
June 20-21 - Gythion
June 21-26 - Kythira
(overnight ferry back to Piraeus, leave Athens on June 27)

But I'm also scheming to tack on about five days to the beginning of my trip to spend some time with my sons (ages 10 and 9) on Crete (my husband can't leave the US until June 13). The goal for Crete is to do some hiking and active outdoor adventures, plus see Knossos.

Since we don't have that much time, I'd appreciate your thoughts on the best place(s) to stay and things to see/do. Maybe fly from Athens to Chania, spend 4 days there, then visit Knossos, spend a night in Heraklion, fly back to Athens, meet my husband? Should we rent a car or try to find a good guide to drive us around? Any guide recommendations?

Thanks!

yestravel

I loved Crete -- beautiful island and different form the mainland. Chania is very charming. Knossos I didn't love so much. Its been so heavily restored/reproduced that it took away from it authencity for me, but I know others like it. Driving was not a problem, so it really depends upon which u prefer, self guided or with a guide.

travelerjan

YOu won't find a licensed guide to drive you around, unless you just want a trip from Heraklion to Knossos & back. Licensed guides hang out at Knossos gate, make up groups to walk the site.

If you want active outdoor adventure yes, fly to Chania and spend just 1 day checking out Old Town, then look for perhaps active day excursion such as those offered by this place:
(1) -- a jeep safari if available could really thrill your boys http://www.summerincrete.com/en/activities/jeep.htm OR
(2) a do-able Gorge walk, (about 8 km = 5 miles) like the Milli gorge on the north shore:
http://www.summerincrete.com/en/activities/walks.htm
-- These go out of Rethymnon... you could either move to hotel there, or just arrange with the expedition leaders how to et to the start of the activity.

Then rent a car for 2 days: leave chania (or Rethymnon) early, going east on the big North coast road, do quick 10-mile detour off near the town of Perama, to visit a spectacular Cave with a poignant history: Melidoni http://www.crete-kreta.com/melidoni-cave ... bypass Heraklion to reach Knossos about 3 pm after crowds have gone. Often can find guide at gate who makes up small groups to tour ruins or just use a good guidebook & print out stuff from internet --

If you don't want to spend the night in Concrete City (heraklion), why not stay near airport just off beach, here's a place near highway (ask for a room facing the pool) http://www.princeoflillies.gr/index.htm

HappyTrvlr

If you are interested in having a guide or tours on Crete look at www.diktynna-travel.com Click on "Ways to explore." You can join a group or arrange for a private tour. This agency offers incoming toruist services for Crete. We had an excellent experience dealing with Maria at Diktynna in Chania.

txtree

Thank you for your thoughts, and thanks for the referral to Diktynna. I was in Crete many years ago and looking at all of the websites you linked makes me remember just how wonderful it is! Can't wait to return.