Rethymnon, Cards, Culture & Cretan Charm

Nights

10

From

£995
Land Package – call for tailor-made flight prices

Departs

7 Oct 2026

Nights

10

Departs

7 Oct 2026

From

£995
Land Package – call for tailor-made flight prices

Nestled on the edge of the enchanting historic harbour town of Rethymnon, and just steps from a Blue Flag award-winning sandy beach, the newly renovated 4-star Minos Hotel offers an unbeatable location. With charming tavernas, vibrant shops, and the bustling seafront promenade all within easy reach, this family-run hotel truly scores “A star” for convenience and charm.

Enjoy a warm, welcoming atmosphere and attentive, friendly service throughout your stay. Dining at the Ambrosia buffet restaurant is a delight, featuring an enticing selection of international and local dishes, including live show cooking—served fresh, hot, and replenished promptly. Impeccably maintained throughout, the hotel ensures comfort and cleanliness at every turn.

When you’re not immersed in the excitement of bridge, unwind on the sun-drenched terraces surrounding the main pool or the tranquil adult-only pool where you will find sunbeds and parasols and a pool bar & cafe.

Located on Crete’s stunning North coast between Heraklion and Chania, Rethymnon is a treasure trove of culture and charm. Just a leisurely stroll along the flat, scenic seafront brings you to the heart of the vibrant old town, where Venetian Renaissance buildings mingle with Ottoman mosques. Explore the imposing fortress, enjoy a leisurely lunch or coffee at bustling harbour cafés, and soak up breathtaking sea views. With lively local markets and artisan boutiques right on your doorstep, there’s something to delight every shopper.

Included in your stay is a full-day guided tour along the scenic Akrotiri Peninsula to the captivating harbour city of Chania, famed for its Venetian palaces, historic minarets, and labyrinthine streets—a perfect blend of history and beauty.

For those seeking extra luxury, why not upgrade to a deluxe pool-view room at the Minos Hotel, or indulge in a suite at the adjoining 5-star Minos Ambassador? Linked to the Minos Hotel by a charming short bridge, both properties combine elegance with comfort. See the hotel information page for full upgrade details.

Bridge sessions take place in the stunning conference room at the Minos Ambassador, expertly led by Colin Simcox and warmly assisted by our friendly hosts Ro Kaye and Jacky Baker ensuring an enjoyable and memorable card-playing experience.

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Highlights

  • Superb location on the edge of the old town of Rethymnon
  • 2 mins from beautiful blue flag sandy beach
  • Full day guided tour to historic Chania

Itinerary

Day 1

Heraklion International Airport > Minos Hotel Rethymnon

For guests arriving at Heraklion International airport on our specific change over days, join the group transfer to the Minos Hotel. (Transfer time approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes).

There will be a singles meeting where partners will be found for single players, followed by dinner and a short session of evening bridge, for those who arrive on time and wish to play bridge on arrival evening.

Day 1
Day 2

Minos Hotel Rethymnon

Join us for a welcome meeting at 10.00 am in the lounge, where you will meet your bridge director and bridge hosts, and be given information on the bridge programme and your holiday, plus enjoy a welcome drink with your newfound bridge friends.

Buffet dinner at 18.30 pm followed by evening bridge.

Day 2
Day 3-7

Minos Hotel Rethymnon

Our Club Classics bridge programme is included throughout your stay. Each evening, after dinner at 18:30, you are warmly invited to join us in the bridge room for engaging sessions from our diverse duplicate bridge programme, running until late.

For those who wish to participate during the day, we also offer bridge seminars in the mornings and additional daytime bridge sessions. These are carefully scheduled to complement any optional or included excursions, ensuring a balanced holiday experience. Our bridge director will remain attentive to local weather conditions and may adjust timings, if needed, to suit the group's interests.

Your final bridge programme will be sent to you with your travel documentation approximately two weeks before departure.

Excursion to Chania & the Akrotiri Peninsula – day to be confirmed

Depart hotel after breakfast for a relaxing full day guided tour of the old town and port of Chania and the beautiful Akrotiri Peninsula.

Our first stop is at the Tomb of Eleftherios Venizelos, one of Greece’s most prominent statesmen and the key figure behind the unification of Crete with Greece in 1913. Perched on a hill, the site offers not only historical insight but also panoramic views of Chania and the Cretan Sea.

The journey continues to the historic city of Chania, where past and present meet in a captivating blend. The city’s charm lies not only in its Venetian palaces, minarets, and labyrinthine streets, but also in the way it seamlessly combines diverse cultural legacies.

Explore the Venetian, Turkish, and Jewish quarters, all rich in history and adorned with well-preserved architecture. Meanwhile, the modern city continues to expand gracefully, with wide avenues and neoclassical buildings complementing its historic core.

Enjoy free time for lunch at a local taverna or for shopping in the vibrant markets and artisan boutiques.

We return to our hotel in good time before dinner and evening bridge.

Day 3-7
Day 11

Minos Hotel Rethymnon > Heraklion International Airport

Today we say farewell. Guests depart on group transfers to Heraklion International Airport after breakfast and hotel check-out.

Day 11

What's included

  • 10 nights’ accommodation on Half Board Basis
  • Drink package with dinner
  • Club Classics bridge with varied programme and seminars
  • Services of our EBU Qualified director and friendly hosts
  • Masterpoints and prizes awarded
  • Return airport transfers between Heraklion airport and hotel on specific change over days
  • Full day excursion to historic Chania & the Akrotiri Peninsula
  • Tourist tax in hotel
  • Unusually for a British tour operator, 100% of Bridge Collection holidays are fully financially protected – via our Trust Account for accommodation-only bookings, and with ATOL protection for guests booking flights and accommodation.

Prices

Date

Nights

Double/Twin (pp) from

Single from

7 October 2026
10
£995
£1,225

Date

7 October 2026

Nights

10

Double/Twin (pp) from

£995

Single from

£1,225

Full operator terms and conditions apply. Prices are per person based on two adults sharing a room unless otherwise stated, subject to availability and change. For flight inclusive prices or to tailor-make your Bridge Holiday with land stays, added excursions and more, call today. Please note, for guests making their own travel arrangements, please speak to our friendly Bridge team prior to confirming your flight arrangements. Bridge hosts/directors may be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. Local tourist tax payable locally if applicable.

Upgrades

Details

Nights

Double/Twin (pp) from

Single from

Deluxe Pool View Room Supplement
10
£170
£230

Details

Deluxe Pool View Room Supplement

Nights

10

Double/Twin (pp) from

£170

Single from

£230
Junior Suite in 5 star Minos Ambassador Supplement - 2 share only
10
£350

Details

Junior Suite in 5 star Minos Ambassador Supplement - 2 share only

Nights

10

Double/Twin (pp) from

£350

Single from

Minos Hotel

This four-star family run hotel is highly rated for its excellent service and well-run facilities and cleanliness.

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Designed for those seeking structured games, this style focuses on the thrill of competitive play in a sociable yet serious environment.

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