Highlights of Crete
Experience Overview
The island of Crete has so much history and natural wonder to offer to a curious traveller. 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 picturesque beaches. From Heraklion, visit the famous archaeological site of Knossos, hike through forests and gorges, unwind in the secluded seaside village of Sougia, and sip wine in the vibrant port city of Chania to show you what makes the island so special. So quintessentially ‘Greece’ and so full of life, the best of Crete is waiting.
Highlights
- Did you know that Crete is home to Europe’s oldest city? From Heraklion, head to the famous ruins and archaeological site of Knossos – the former capital of Minoan Crete.
- Uncover the real Crete during visits to its quiet corners. We’ve partnered with non-profit organisation MEET to bring you an ecotourism experience in the delightful village of Agios Ioannis. Spend an evening dining in a local restaurant to the soundtrack of live traditional music and stay the night in a guesthouse with a welcoming local family.
- Get off the beaten path – literally – during a visit to the charming fishing village of Sougia. Hike, swim, or relax on the beach with a cold drink in hand.
- Visit the colourful port town of Chania and discover one of its most loved commodities during a visit to a local winery for a wonderful tasting experience.
- Explore Crete’s natural wonders on foot during a hike through the Agia Irini Gorge, learning about its historical significance and rare wildlife as you go.
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), Dinner (1)Accommodation: Hotel (3 nights),Guesthouse (3 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,775 ($396 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Crete! Greece’s largest island delights with clear waters, charming villages and a tangible history. Your island adventure begins with an 6pm welcome meeting where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. After the group meeting, perhaps head out for dinner with the group, and get your bearings around the capital with a leader-led orientation walk of Heraklion.
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 hundreds and thousands of years of history within its walls. Continue your Crete discovery with one of its most celebrated commodities during a visit to a nearby winery for a wine tasting. Take your time discovering the grape varietals grown in Crete, sampling a range of small-batch vintages. Then it’s time to check out some quiet corners of Crete – 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, teetering on the edge of a gorge, and learn about the history of this dramatic area. Your final stop for the day is the delightful village of Agios Ioannis, nestled into the foothills of the White Mountains. Your well-earned dinner this evening will be a lively affair – feast on local specialties accompanied by a wonderful live performance of traditional music, a perfect introduction to village life in Crete. Spend the night in a traditional guesthouse
Included Activities:
- Knossos - Archaeological Site
- Agios Ioannis - Village Visits
- Agios Ioannis - Live Music Evening
- Chania - Wine Tasting
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Bid farewell to Agios Ioannis and drive back to Chora Sfakion where you’ll board our private boat along Crete's stunning south coast to the village of Sougia. This is Crete at its very best – an undiscovered sweep of beach overlooked by brooding mountains. It’s almost too pretty to believe, but believe it, you’re here! Upon arrival in Sougia the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure, and it’s certainly not hard to find something amazing to do. You may like to explore one of the coastal trails, take a swim in the warm waters, or just lay back on the beach and let life tick along around you with a drink in hand.
Included Activities:
- Chora Sfakion - Coastal Boat Ride
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Rise early and board a local bus bound for the Agia Irini Gorge, carved through the west side of the White Mountains. Set off on a shady hike through the gorge as your leader shares stories of the area’s historical past and how it once hid Greek rebels during the Turkish Occupation. The hike is expected to take around three hours and you’ll be rewarded with fantastic views along the way, plus the chance to spot the unique flora and fauna of the region, including endangered Cretan wild goats, cypress, pine, and dittany trees. The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend as you please in Sougia.
Included Activities:
- Sougia - Agia Irini Gorge Hike
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Say goodbye to Sougia this morning and catch a local bus to Chania. Beachside, colourful and full of culture, Chania is definitely a traveller’s favorite. Today, join an included guided tour of Old Town. Explore the city markets, the Ottoman neighborhood and Jewish quarter, passing by the workshops of traditional artisans of local pottery, knives and many more. The town is also bursting with excellent restaurants, so be sure to ask your leader for dinner recommendations this evening.
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)
Start the day with a ‘kalitsounia’ workshop and experience firsthand how one of the most famous Cretan pastries is made. Kalitsounia is commonly had as an appetizer or for breakfast and you can choose your fillings according to your taste: Cretan ‘mizithra’ or ‘anthotyro’ cheese, legendary Cretan greens or choose a sweet filling instead. It’s tasty, nutritious and you can take them with you to enjoy later in the day. Enjoy some free time at leisure in Chania, perhaps taking the time to visit any spots you may have missed yesterday, or simply sitting back with a coffee and watching the locals go about their business. This evening you may like to head out to a local restaurant for a final dinner and use your knowledge of Cretan wine to pair with your meal.
Included Activities:
- Chania - Kalitsounia Bakery Workshop
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 ahead of time and we can assist in arranging some additional accommodation to extend your stay (subject to availability).
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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