Samaria Gorge is great, but its a hike of 5 hours and that is one way. Make sure you dont drive yourself as you would have the same hike back to get your car. If you like the unsual: Spinalonga is an island that used to be a leper colony. Its a 1/2 day trip You can also do a day trip to Santorini from Crete. The harbor at both Heraklion and Chania are worth the trip

These sites helped usquite a bit in the planning. http://www.interkriti.gr/ http://www.explorecrete.com/ http://www.chania.gr/DhmosHome.jdp?lang=en http://www.ferries.gr/excursions/

We found going to the museum first was an excellent idea. It helped explain the ruins at Knossos so much better. Enjoy the planning!!

Hanzimanolis