Crete Self Drive 1 - Captivating Crete

The museum in Heraklion holds great treasures of the Minoan civilisation and is regarded as one of the most important museums in Europe. You may prefer to visit the world renowned Palace of Knossos, just outside the city.

Depart for the west of the island, one of the most picturesque areas of Crete. Enjoy your first day in Chania by visiting the Christian Basilica at Almyrida dating from the 6th century. The Monastery of Gouverneto at Kydonia is also worth a visit - the actual complex was built from 1537 - 1548 & according to tradition, it was connected with miraculous St John the Hermit and was used for housing the Saint's pilgrims. This monastery is a typical example of Orthodox monastic architecture which flourished during the 16th century, but which was partly destroyed during 1765 and in the revolution of 1821. You might also like to take in the Archaeological Museum, the Historical and Naval Museums, the colourful indoor market, the extensive public gardens and the historical buildings of Chalepa, a suburb of Chania. Alternatively, escape to the countryside full of lemon groves, chestnut trees, wild flowers and fragrant shrubs, some of which are unknown outside Crete.

There are many options today: you might like to tackle the Samaria Gorge, the longest gorge in Europe, or perhaps visit the old monastery at Chrisoskalitissa.

Depart after breakfast for the south and east, diverting off the coastal highway around Vryses (a charming place in its own right for a break) and driving up into the centre of the island prior to the incredible drive down the Imbros Gorge to the Libyan sea. From here you can continue along the southern shore and stay at Frangokastello for a night, staying within sight of the well-preserved Venetian castle .

Today you can choose between travelling directly to Rethymnon for a two nights stay or meandering around the southern coast visiting Plakias, Preveli and travelling up through the Kourtaliotika Gorge. Rethymnon, more than any other town on the island, retains its ties with the past; it is an extremely picturesque city which is situated beside a long stretch of sandy beach with historic houses, a Venetian fortress and a Turkish minaret!

Optional day trip to the picturesque Monastery of Arkadi surrounded by beautiful countryside; this day can be combined with ancient Eleftherna and rounded off with a sunset meal in the charming sea-side village of Panormos.

Travel south from Rethymnon via the delightful village of Spilli en route to Aghia Galini or Kokkinos Pyrgos or Matala on the Libyan Sea. From here you can visit the archaeological sites of Phaestos, Gortys or Aghia Triada in the Messara plain.

If you make an early start then there is time to visit any of the ancient sites you didn't manage on day 8. Afterwards, leaving the province of Rethymnon behind you will enter the province of Lassithi, the easternmost region of Crete. There are churches to visit and villages to explore as the first section is inland, we recommend a stop in Myrtos. The road will then hug the southern coastline to Ierapetra.

Continue along the south coast until the road heads north for Sitia. Near Sitia are the ruins of ancient Zakros.

A short distance from Sitia you will find Vai beach with its forest of palm trees, unique in Europe, nearby you will also pass the Monastery of Toplou.

Now is the time to complete your circuit; continuing your exploration you will pass by the Gulf of Mirabello on the north coast (including a possible stop at the ancient site of Gournia) and the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos, the capital of the Lassithi province.

Relax in Agios Nikolaos or a nearby beach or even a morning visit to the island of Spinalonga, the former leper colony.

Make your way along the north coast, with a possible detour to ancient Malia, to Heraklion where you overnight.

• Overnight in Heraklion.

Depending upon your flight time you may be able to spend more time in the museums of Heraklion, fresh with a new enthusiasm and first hand knowledge of the island of Crete and its history. Drop off the car at the airport before your flight home.