Crete island tour

Welcome to Greece, to the beautiful island of Crete! The largest island of Greece that delights every traveler with clear waters, charming villages, and a tangible history. Our island adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 18:00 with our fellow travelers. After the group meeting, we can choose to go out for dinner with the group and take a guided orientation walk with a guide from Heraklion.

This morning we leave the city and continue our tour towards the famous archaeological site of Knossos, considered the oldest city in Europe. We explore the ruins and immerse ourselves in hundreds and thousands of years of history within its walls. Then it's time to visit some quiet corners of Crete: we proceed to the small coastal town of Chora Sfakion (sometimes referred to as Sfakia) and the historic village of Anopolis for some short stops, then we move on to Aradaina, perched on the edge of a gorge and learn about the history of this dramatic area. The last stop of the day is the delightful village of Agios Ioannis, nestled at the foot of the White Mountains. Our well-deserved dinner tonight will be a lively event: feast on local specialties accompanied by a wonderful live performance of traditional music, a perfect introduction to village life in Crete. We spend the night in a traditional guesthouse.

We say goodbye to Agios Ioannis and return to Chora Sfakion, where you will board our private boat along the stunning southern coast of Crete to the village of Sougia. This is Crete at its finest: an undiscovered stretch of beach overshadowed by towering mountains. It's almost too beautiful to believe, but believe it, you're here! Upon arrival in Sougia, the afternoon is yours to spend at your leisure, and it's certainly not hard to find something extraordinary to do. You might want to explore one of the coastal trails, take a swim in the warm waters, or simply lie on the beach and let life flow around you with a drink in hand.

Our journey in Greece continues and this morning we get up bright and early to board a local bus headed to the Agia Irini Gorge, carved into the western side of the White Mountains. We set off for a shaded hike through the gorge as the leader shares stories about the historical past of the area and how it once hid Greek rebels during the Turkish occupation. The hike should take about three hours and we will be rewarded with fantastic views along the way, as well as the chance to spot the unique flora and fauna of the region, including endangered Cretan wild goats, cypresses, pines, and dittany trees. The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend as you like in Sougia!

We say goodbye to Sougia this morning and take a local bus to Chania. On the beach, colorful and full of culture, Chania is definitely a traveler's favorite. Upon arrival, we visit two local craftsmen and discover how local ceramics and knives are made. The rest of the afternoon is free for your explorations in Chania. Perhaps take a walk through the city markets, the Ottoman quarter, and the Jewish quarter, passing by the workshops of traditional artisans. The city is also full of great restaurants, so make sure to ask your leader for dinner recommendations tonight.

We start the day with a "kalitsounia" workshop and experience firsthand how one of the most famous Cretan sweets is made. Kalitsounia is commonly eaten as an appetizer or for breakfast, and you can choose your fillings according to your tastes: Cretan cheese "mizithra" or "anthotyro", legendary Cretan vegetables, or opt for a sweet filling instead. It's tasty, nutritious, and you can take them with you to enjoy throughout the day. Enjoy some free time in Chania, perhaps taking the time to visit places you might have missed yesterday, or simply sitting with a coffee and watching the locals go about their business. This afternoon we dedicate ourselves to visiting a winery for a tasting of local wines. Tonight you might go to a local restaurant for a final dinner and use your new knowledge of Cretan wine to pair it with your meal!

With no scheduled activities for the day, our adventure in Crete concludes after this morning's breakfast. If you wish to spend more time exploring the island, get in touch in advance and we can help you arrange additional accommodation to extend your stay (subject to availability).