A creek winds through the base of steep cliffs of Agia Irini gorge with a single large tree on the left

Operated by Intrepid Travel

Highlights of Crete

From

CAD 2,495

Duration

7 days

Countries

Greece

Activity

easy

Group size

Max 12

Rating

4.8 · 52 reviewsvia Intrepid Travel

The adventure

The island of Crete has so much history and natural wonder to offer, and in seven days on its shores, you’ll see what’s known as Europe’s oldest city, taste some of the region’s best food and wine, and discover some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Visit the Knossos archaeological site and unwind in the secluded seaside village of Sougia. Join a boat trip with a local family through the region’s islands, sip wine in the vibrant port city of Chania and indulge in local dishes like fresh seafood or bougatsa (warm flaky pastry with creamy semolina custard or cheese).

At a glance

Duration

7 days

Route

Heraklion → Chania

Countries

Greece

Activity level

easy

Style

Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Food & Drink

Group size

Max 12

Ages

15+

Flights

Not included

Solo travellers

Welcome

Day by day

Charming coastal town with hills and sea under a cloudy sky.

Your journey through

Greece

Day 1HeraklionWelcome to Greece! Your island adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 in Heraklion – a port city and the capital of Crete, known for its ancient frescoes, baths and large collections of Minoan art. If you arrive early, maybe visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, see the Palace of Knossos or wander through the Museum of Ancient Greek Technology by Kotsanas. After the group meeting, get your bearings around the capital with a leader-led orientation walk of Heraklion, then maybe head out for dinner with the group.

Heraklion

Welcome to Greece! Your island adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 in Heraklion – a port city and the capital of Crete, known for its ancient frescoes, baths and large collections of Minoan art. If you arrive early, maybe visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, see the Palace of Knossos or wander through the Museum of Ancient Greek Technology by Kotsanas. After the group meeting, get your bearings around the capital with a leader-led orientation walk of Heraklion, then maybe head out for dinner with the group.

Day 2Heraklion to KnossosThis morning, head out of the city to the renowned archaeological site of Knossos, considered to be Europe’s oldest city. Explore the ruins with your leader and soak in thousands of years of history within its walls. After, discover one of Crete’s most celebrated commodities (vino, of course)! with a visit to a nearby winery for a tasting. Learn about the different varietes of grape grown here and sample a range of small-batch vintages. Then it’s time to slow things down – continue to the small village of Omalos, set at an altitude of 1000 metres, offering a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the authentic Cretan countryside.

Explore the vibrant frescoes and columns of the ancient Knossos Palace in Crete.

Heraklion to Knossos

This morning, head out of the city to the renowned archaeological site of Knossos, considered to be Europe’s oldest city. Explore the ruins with your leader and soak in thousands of years of history within its walls. After, discover one of Crete’s most celebrated commodities (vino, of course)! with a visit to a nearby winery for a tasting. Learn about the different varietes of grape grown here and sample a range of small-batch vintages. Then it’s time to slow things down – continue to the small village of Omalos, set at an altitude of 1000 metres, offering a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the authentic Cretan countryside.

Day 3SougiaLace up your boots as you set off on a hike through the gorges this morning, stopping at the entrance of Agia Eirini Gorge along the way. Hear stories about the area’s historic past and how it once hid Greek rebels during the Turkish Occupation. Look out for the endangered Cretan wild goats and dittany trees as you walk. After, travel along the beautiful south coast to the village of Sougia. This is Crete at its very best – an undiscovered sweep of beach overlooked by mountains. When you arrive, the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure.

A stunning aerial shot of a Greek coastline with clear blue waters and lush greenery.

Sougia

Lace up your boots as you set off on a hike through the gorges this morning, stopping at the entrance of Agia Eirini Gorge along the way. Hear stories about the area’s historic past and how it once hid Greek rebels during the Turkish Occupation. Look out for the endangered Cretan wild goats and dittany trees as you walk. After, travel along the beautiful south coast to the village of Sougia. This is Crete at its very best – an undiscovered sweep of beach overlooked by mountains. When you arrive, the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure.

Day 4SougiaAfter breakfast, set off on a boat trip , where there will be a couple of swimming stops and later join your leader for a traditional homecooked meal in a rural area. Discover the region’s rich history as you cruise, then join the family for lunch. Maybe try some seasonal local dishes. The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend as you please. Maybe explore one of the coastal trails, take a swim in the warm waters or simply lay back on the beach with a drink in hand.

A woman in a bright dress stands by a tranquil Greek lake with scenic hills.

Sougia

After breakfast, set off on a boat trip , where there will be a couple of swimming stops and later join your leader for a traditional homecooked meal in a rural area. Discover the region’s rich history as you cruise, then join the family for lunch. Maybe try some seasonal local dishes. The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend as you please. Maybe explore one of the coastal trails, take a swim in the warm waters or simply lay back on the beach with a drink in hand.

Day 5ChaniaSay goodbye to Sougia this morning and catch a local bus to Chania. When you arrive, join your local leader on a guided tour of the Old Town. As you walk, you’ll explore the city markets, the Ottoman neighbourhood and Jewish quarter and pass by the workshops of traditional artisans of local pottery. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Tonight, maybe venture out into the bustling night life and sit down to dinner at a local restaurant – your leader will have the best recommendations!

Chania

Say goodbye to Sougia this morning and catch a local bus to Chania. When you arrive, join your local leader on a guided tour of the Old Town. As you walk, you’ll explore the city markets, the Ottoman neighbourhood and Jewish quarter and pass by the workshops of traditional artisans of local pottery. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Tonight, maybe venture out into the bustling night life and sit down to dinner at a local restaurant – your leader will have the best recommendations!

Day 6ChaniaToday is a free day for you to enjoy how you like. Maybe set off on a boat tour of the Balos and Gamvousa Islands or join a kalitsounia workshop where you’ll learn firsthand how one of the most famous Cretan pastries is made. Kalitsounia is commonly enjoyed as an appetizer or for breakfast, and you can choose your fillings according to your taste – Cretan mizithra or anthotyro cheese with Cretan greens or maybe a sweet filling instead. You could even take them with you to enjoy later in the day. This evening, maybe to head out to a local restaurant for a final dinner and use your knowledge of Cretan wine to pair with your meal.

View of a historic Ottoman mosque with domed architecture by the sea.

Chania

Today is a free day for you to enjoy how you like. Maybe set off on a boat tour of the Balos and Gamvousa Islands or join a kalitsounia workshop where you’ll learn firsthand how one of the most famous Cretan pastries is made. Kalitsounia is commonly enjoyed as an appetizer or for breakfast, and you can choose your fillings according to your taste – Cretan mizithra or anthotyro cheese with Cretan greens or maybe a sweet filling instead. You could even take them with you to enjoy later in the day. This evening, maybe to head out to a local restaurant for a final dinner and use your knowledge of Cretan wine to pair with your meal.

Day 7ChaniaWith no activities planned for the day, your adventure on Crete comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to spend some more time exploring the island, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

Chania

With no activities planned for the day, your adventure on Crete comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to spend some more time exploring the island, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.