Highlights of Crete
From CAD $2216 Was CAD $2955
Guarantee
Small Group
Light
Rating
(20 reviews)
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).
Highlights
- Visit the well-preserved archaeological site of Knossos – the former capital of Minoan Crete. Explore the ruins of Europe’s oldest city with your leader and discover the hundreds and thousands of years of history embedded within its walls.
- Join a local family on a boat trip around Crete's shorelines. Learn about the region’s history and maybe try some local dishes like fresh seafood or bougatsa for lunch.
- Explore Chania on an orientation walk through the colourful port town. Discover one of its most loved commodities during a wine tasting and maybe join a local workshop to learn to bake kalitsounia (pastries).
- Unwind in the small fishing village of Sougia. Maybe walk along the coastal trails, take a swim in the warm waters or simply relax on the beach with a cold drink in your hand during your free time.
- Hear stories about the area’s historic past from your local leader. Maybe hike to the Entrance of Agia Eirini Gorge, look for endangered Cretan wild goats or relax on the beach in Sougia.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3185
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Public bus,Private vehicle,Boat,On foot
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: ZLSA
Starts: Heraklion, Greece
Finishes: Chania, Greece
Duration: 7 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (6), Lunch (1), Dinner (1)Accommodation: Hotel (3 nights),Guesthouse (3 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2216 ($317 /day)
Itinerary
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.
Optional Activities:
- Heraklion - Archaeological Musem of Heraklion (12 EUR)
- HERAKLION - Museum of Ancient Greek Technology by Kotsanas (5 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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 check out some quiet corners – continue to the tiny coastal town of Chora Sfakion (sometimes referred to as Sfakia) and the historic village of Anopolis for some short stops, then carry on to Aradaina, which is teetering on the edge of a gorge. Your final stop for the day is in Knossos Omalos where you’ll stay tonight.
Included Activities:
- Knossos - Archaeological Site
- Dourakis - wine tasting
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Sougia - Agia Irini Gorge Hike
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, set off on a boat trip with a local family from the rural area. Discover the region’s rich history as you cruise, then join the family for lunch. Maybe try some local dishes like fresh seafood or bougatsa (warm flaky pastry with creamy semolina custard or cheese). 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.
Included Activities:
- Sougia - Coastal Boat Ride
- Sougia – Family lunch
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
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!
Included Activities:
- Chania - Old Town guided tour
Optional Activities:
- Chania - Archaeological Museum of Chania (15 EUR)
- Chania - Marine time Museum of Crete (4 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Optional Activities:
- Chania - Kalitsounia Bakery Workshop - Free
- Chania - Balos and Gamvousa islands boat tour - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Catherine - Traveled, September 2023
Great itinerary to explore parts of Crete. Special night in the Mountains at a guest house with traditional dinner and music. Stay a few nights in Heralklion before the tour as you leave from Heralklion the first morning. Chania at the end was lovely place and hotel was best on the tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/04/2023
Christoph Stephan - Traveled, September 2023
I was the first time in Crete. I never expacted that it were such a interesting Island. Our Tourleader was great!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/24/2023
Cathy - Traveled, September 2023
I loved the size of our intrepid tour, the knowledge and passion of the leader along with the carefully chosen destinations. I would recommend it as a great trip which provides both flexibility and inclusion. Fun, warmth and discovery along with participation and great learning opportunities were the highlights of our experience. A great tour I would highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/22/2023
Karin - Traveled, September 2023
This trip was ideal for getting to know and explore Crete within a relatively a short timeframe - it more than delivered. We got to see the real Crete, and there was a good variety in both the number and type of activities provided. Our tour guide, Nikos had excellent knowledge of Crete and was very helpful in terms of recommendations of both where to go and where to shop.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/02/2023
Kate - Traveled, August 2023
Our guide Vassia was amazing. Crete was incredible with its food, drinks and views. This is defiantly the trip to book to experience another side of Greece
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/05/2023
Leah - Traveled, August 2023
I did the highlights of Crete tour with Vassia as our tour leader. It was such and amazing tour... beautiful food! Beautiful beaches, and the guesthouse stay is really special too. You won't be disappointed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/04/2023
Katy - Traveled, August 2023
I left Crete having fallen in love with the island! What a beautiful place, with fantastic food, fascinating history and culture and friendly people. Nikos was a fun, friendly and kind leader, who went out of his way to help us have a wonderful holiday.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/26/2023
Emma - Traveled, July 2023
My first Intrepid trip, and I had an awesome time. For me a perfect mix of activities and free time, for a chilled, but rich, genuine experience. All the activities were fabulous, well organised, local leader Vassia was great and passionate in showing us the best of Crete. Highlights of Crete indeed, beaches, towns, ancient palaces, Greek myths, mountains, crystal clear waters, friendly locals, sunrises, sunsets, good company, good food and the odd cocktail. I loved the vibe of the south side of the island, the private boat and swimming in quaint beachside waters, but it was all fabulous. Thank you Intrepid, until next time….. And Crete…..a gem of a destination
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/06/2023
Chantelle - Traveled, June 2023
Crete is an amazing island. Great food and friend Amy people. Sougia is great - relaxing in the beach and hiking in the gorge.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/26/2023
Lisa - Traveled, June 2023
We really got to experience real Crete during this trip, exploring hard to get to places and enjoying plenty of time with nature and the sea as well as learning about the fascinating history of the island. Very different to other parts of Greece. A wonderful trip, highly recommended.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/06/2023
Linda - Traveled, June 2023
My first trip with Intrepid was Highlights of Crete and it was a fabulous experience. Very well organised, and our tour leader really went above and beyond to make sure we had a great time. The night in a mountain guesthouse was a highlight
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/12/2023
John - Traveled, May 2023
Focuses on the rugged beauty, delicious food/wine, history and music on this large island in the Mediterranean. You'll spend time in the mountains, in small villages, along the seashore and major cities. A full schedule albeit at a relaxing pace. This shorter-than-most 7-day tour can easily be incorporated into other travels in the region. A great week.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/02/2023
Ruth - Traveled, April 2023
Excellent guide at Knossos, so tick that sight off! A lot of dining opportunities. Crete is barren in many parts and there is a lot of driving but well managed. Loved the cooking class at the end.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/01/2023
Jeremy - Traveled, October 2022
Go to Crete - it's a wonderful place - mountains, gorges, historic sites, beautiful beaches, goats and amazing food. The tour had a great mix of activity and down time and offered a true taste of the local culture through a home stay, Cretan music, wine tasting and cooking class.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/07/2022
Joan - Traveled, October 2022
If you enjoy a .more laid back trip with beautiful mountains including tons of mountain goats, a blue green sea and fantastic food, Crete is your place.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/21/2022
katie - Traveled, October 2022
This trip made me fall so hard for Crete. Between the island itself and our leader Aris and his thoughtful guidance and expertise, I could not have asked for a better experience. This trip is a perfect mix of planned activities and downtime. The beaches! The food! The people! The goats! :) Crete is magic.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/22/2022
Casey - Traveled, September 2022
Do yourself a favour and book.this.trip. Every part of the trip reveals a new side to this wonderful island and there really is so much to experiences - ancient civilizations, stunning and changing scenery, crystal clear seas, the friendliest locals and delicious food and wine. I left Crete knowing that I'd experienced a very special part of the world.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/24/2022
Anna - Traveled, September 2022
Fantastic mix of food, culture, history and the outdoors! Cannot recommend this trip highly enough. A great way to immerse yourself in Crete. From the picturesque cities in the north to the stunning beaches in the south, we'd do it all over again if only for the food alone!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/27/2022
Sophie - Traveled, September 2022
This was an absolutely fantastic trip - I highly highly recommend! Crete is a fascinating island, with so much history and culture to explore. I loved how local accommodation and tour operators were used throughout the trip, making it a really authentic experience. The cooking class, pink beach and Gorge walk were definite highlights. Thanks for making it a great trip Vassia!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/19/2022
Robert - Traveled, September 2022
These trips have been a real eye opener for me as someone not used to travelling its really got me looking forward to my next adventure. Brilliant!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/16/2022
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