Crete has always been considered a strategic point in the Mediterranean Sea. When the Italians attacked Greece in October 1940, British forces garrisoned Crete, and Churchill announced the establishment of airbases and port facilities on the island. Capturing Crete was a necessary German block against these British threats and on April 25th, 1941 Hitler issued Directive No. 28 for the assault codenamed ‘Operation Mercury’. The German invasion of Crete was the first strategic airborne operation aimed at attacking and occupying such an important target.
This Remembrance Tour visits the sites of the German landings and principal Allied assaults giving a fascinating insight into the events of May 1941. Our sightseeing includes the memorials and museums that tell us more about German occupation, the Resistance and everyday life in Crete during the Second World War. A special Service of Remembrance at Souda Bay War Cemetery is a chance to honour those who lost their lives in the latest act of a war trilogy with which German and Italian troops captured the whole country of Greece.
With a tradition of over 50 years’ in hospitality, the 4-star Astoria Capsis Hotel promises guests both excellent service, and an ambiance of warmth and intimacy. Many of the hotel facilities have been recently renovated and each of the 121 modern and stylish guest rooms has individually controlled air-conditioning. The Astoria Capsis Hotel is ideally located on the main square in the historic centre of the Cretan capital.
Elegantly designed guest rooms with contemporary style furnishings feature beds with anatomic mattresses and all the facilities for a comfortable stay. Overlooking either the hotel’s inner courtyard or the streets of Heraklion, rooms are available as a double/twin share or for sole use.
Hotel Achillion Palace is situated in the most beautiful quarter of Rethymno, close to the seafront and the entrance to the Old Town with its narrow streets, imposing medieval castle and picturesque Venetian port. This elegant, fully renovated 4-star hotel, which has just 72 guest rooms, perfectly blends comfort with traditional Cretan hospitality.
A buffet breakfast of typical Cretan delicacies is served in the hotel’s bright dining room. The main restaurant offers a lunch and dinner menu and tasty snacks are also served in the hotel bars, one of which is found in the hotel’s lush indoor courtyard garden. Hotel facilities include a rooftop swimming pool with umbrellas and sun loungers. It is the ideal place to unwind and enjoy wonderful panoramic views of the sea and entire city.
Enjoying a wonderful location on the waterfront overlooking the Old Venetian harbour, the Porto Veneziano Hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the centre of Chania and less than a 30-minute walk to the beach. A warm welcome awaits in this superior 3-star hotel where guests experience genuine Cretan hospitality. There are just 51 rooms and 6 suites in this non-smoking hotel that has been awarded the Green Key for its sensibility towards the environment.