Discover landscapes of amazing diversity, imposing mountains, split by deep gorges and honeycombed caves, rising above the sea. Snow-capped peaks loom behind sandy shorelines, vineyards, and olive groves. Miles of beaches, some fully organized and other isolated and unspoiled, fringe the coast.
Take in the fascinating ambiance and mystery of the Minoan civilization, visiting its world-famous Minoan palaces across the island.
Savor delicious Cretan food, core of the Mediterranean diet, along with its exquisite wines and the famous Cretan spirit “tsikoudia”.
Highlights Express, Crete incorporates millennia of history and culture, a boasting culinary tradition along with great natural beauty make a visit to the biggest Greek island an experience you definitely will want to repeat. Our tour includes a stay in carefully selected charming hotels such as the innovative Olive Green Hotel in Heraklion and heart city hotel Kydon in Chania (subject to availability).
A short tour that includes the highlights of the island for authenticity seekers and active travelers.
Heraklion is Crete’s modern capital, settled since Neolithic times with the highest mountain of the island Psiloritis rising behind. You will be transferred from Heraklion port or airport to your hotel. Feel free to relax the rest of the day.
Overnight in Heraklion.
We visit the Archeological museum of Heraklion, which opens a fascinating window into the ancient world.
The museum hosts the world’s largest and finest Minoan collection and our visit here enriches your understanding of Knossos’ archeological site that we visit afterwards. Knossos, the largest of the Minoan Palaces, was at the heart of a highly sophisticated island-wide civilisation, more than three and a half thousand years ago.
After lunch we head towards the city of Chania
Overnight in Chania
Visiting Crete without entering a gorge would be a missed opportunity for an incredible experience: one of the most fascinating gorges is at the southern slopes of White Mountains.
Samaria is the longest gorge in Europe and the most renowned and popular.
This will be a long but very fulfilling day. We depart early in the morning to Omalos about 1 hour drive until we reach the entrance of the gorge. We then start hiking, first along the pine trees and gradually entering the rugged and dry gorge. Our journey ends at the seaside village of Agia Roumeli from where we embark the ferry to Sougia and from there we are transferred back to Chania. Be prepared for a full day with lots of interchanging sceneries.
In case you don’t feel like hiking that long, we can always propose the equally beautiful and of easier difficulty, gorge of Agia Irini.
Overnight in Chania
Today an amazing experience lies ahead of us! We try to avoid the touristy crowded boats going to Balos by having an early wake up and drive to Balos, one of the most beautiful places on earth! Here we have the privilege of swimming in the shallow and warm lagoon waters and admire the colors in the early morning. Later in the afternoon we begin our journey back to Chania ending our tour with a feast! A cooking lesson where we enjoy the delicious and tempting Cretan diet: the base of the healthy Mediterranean diet, along with exquisite wines and the famous Cretan spirit “tsikoudia”.
Overnight in Chania
After breakfast transfer to the airport and connect to your return flight home or to your next destination.
Crete: birthplace of the Minoan civilization, the oldest civilization in Europe. A unique part of the world full of spectacular attractions and proud people.
Semi Guided Mode
Fully Guided Mode
Our trips are designed for active people who enjoy energetic days. We expect participants to be in good physical condition.
Semi Guided Mode:
Fully Guided Mode :
Please consider taking along the following items on your trip. This is not a fixed list, but more of a guideline, so feel free to add and remove items as you see fit.
Greece has a temperate climate. Base your clothing on the “layering system”, if it is hot you can “peel off” layers quickly, if it is cooler and windy you can quickly “dress up”.
Luggage
Outerwear
Clothing
Clothing Accessories
Footwear
Accessories
Optional Accessories
The lighter you travel, the easier you travel. Use your best judgment and pack as lightly as possible. You will appreciate light luggage towards the end of your trip.
Price from €1225
DECLARE INTERESTMeeting Point: TBA
Time: TBA
The activity is available from April to November.
During spring and autumn, there is a possibility of rain, so it is recommended to pack a raincoat or waterproof poncho. In the summer period, temperatures can range between 30 and 40 degrees Celsius during the daytime.
3-star hotels with double/twin sharing rooms and private bathrooms are used in the itinerary.
If meals are included, they are served family-style. Vegan/vegetarian meals can be provided if needed.
Transfers from/to airports and ports, as well as additional stay, can be provided upon request.
The activity is suitable for children above 14 years old.
