Wow, What a wonderful time we all had! We were so lucky to have such a wonderful TM, namely Lefkathea Zarifopoulou, ( Thea), who was so caring and was such fun. For me this trip was brilliant from the word go as I sat next to a couple of first timers on the plane and we talked for the whole four hour flight, (much to the annoyance of some of the other passengers I am sure-LOL). The hotel was great with very attentive staff, especially the bar staff who worked so hard, and was in a lovely setting by the old Venetian Harbour in Chania. Although it is rated as a 3 star, this can only be because it cannot expand in such an historic area, so it hasn't got a pool or a full restaurant, otherwise it would definitely be a 5 star. The whole harbour front has many Tavernas to choose from and we tried many of them during the week. There is a small beach nearby, about ten minutes walk, where I swam for the first time in over 20 years, and a much larger one about 30 mins walk away, through the town. Beach towels are free from the hotel, as was use of the room safe, which I am usually used to paying for. Drink prices were very good compared to London, and my whole week's bar bill was only what I would pay for 2 good nights out in the West End, so I thought it was brilliant value for money.
Trips
I had registered for the White Mountain trip, but I didn't go in the end as I was enjoying the surroundings in Chania, but I did the Rethymno, Cretan Cookery lesson and Ayia Trias Monastery trips - all great fun . I skipped the Heraklion/Knossos excursion as I had been there on a cruise ship two years ago, but reports back from the others were all positive.
The weather was hot and sunny throughout, around 32c . There were thirty of us on the holiday and we all got on so well. How could we not when we were in such a beautiful, friendly and relaxed place? However, once again I have to thank Thea so much for all the effort she put in to making it work so well for us, - over and above the call of duty! She even taught us basic Greek and gave us Homework!
Mike A ๐