CHARMING CRETE
|8 Days, 5 Destinations |Starts from Athens
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Best price guaranteed
No booking fees
Earn €20 in travel credits
Duration

8 days

Max Group Size

6

Departure Type

Scheduled

Guiding Method

Fully guided

Physical level

easy

Operated In

Age Requirement

16 - 80 Ages

Tour Overview

Welcome to a magical journey through Greece!

Let us take you by the hand and immerse you in the vibrant spirit of Greek life—through exploration, adventure, flavors, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Traveling in Greece is more than just indulging in exquisite food and wine; it’s about stepping beyond your comfort zone, embracing unforgettable experiences, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

As we guide you through the diverse wonders of our homeland, you’ll be captivated by its endless beauty, history, and culture. Greece is more than just a destination—it’s a rich mosaic of traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and a timeless spirit.

Unwind, explore, and let Greece awaken your senses, ignite your passion for nature, and inspire a newfound love for life.

HoneymoonEducationalHealth, Spa & WellnessFood & CulinaryIn-depth CulturalLuxury ToursSightseeingSolo TravelIsland HoppingExplorerHistoricalFamilyDiscoveryWomen ArtWalking TourPhotographyMuseum

Route

Starts from

Athens

Ends in

Athens

Pickup Location

Athens, 19:00

Dropoff Location

Athens, 08:00

Tour route map

Highlights

Off-the-beaten-track itinerary Walk through history with our private guided tours Discover and savor the rich flavors of Cretan cuisine Visit the Palace of Knossos, the capital of the legendary King Minos

Itinerary

Our Charming Crete tour begins in Athens, the heart of civilization and a city of captivating contrasts. We welcome you under the stars, offering dramatic views of the Acropolis and a delicious Greek dinner to kick off your adventure.

Pace level: 1

The next day, embark on an in-depth private guided tour of Athens, where you’ll delve into the city’s rich history, ancient landmarks, and vibrant culture with our expert local guide. Visit iconic sites like the Acropolis, Parthenon, Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Kallimarmaro stadium, while uncovering the fascinating stories behind each. Visit the Acropolis Museum, where you’ll marvel at the treasures that bring Athens’ ancient past to life. Explore charming neighborhoods and hidden historical gems, with personalized insights along the way. This exclusive experience invites you to immerse yourself in Athens at your own pace, ensuring an unforgettable journey through Greece’s timeless capital. The same evening you travel to unspoiled Crete by boat, gazing at the endless blue horizon and its incredible islet spots. You enjoy a romantic dinner on board and spend the night in luxury cabins.

Pace level: 3

Begin your day with an authentic Cretan breakfast in a charming traditional village, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Immerse yourself in a hands-on cooking class using fresh, organic ingredients from the kitchen garden, and savor the flavors of your creations. Enjoy a guided visit to a typical local home, where a warm Cretan welcome awaits, along with captivating stories of the island’s past, present, and traditions. On the way, make a brief stop at the wood workshop of Manolis, a must-visit artisan and true embodiment of Cretan craftsmanship. Then, follow the journey of Cretan honey from beehive to jar, indulging in its rich, natural sweetness. Conclude your day in one of the island’s most exquisite hotels, where you can unwind and soak up the serene ambiance by its spacious swimming pool.

Pace level: 1

Start your day with a delightful buffet breakfast at your luxury hotel before embarking on a journey through Crete’s rich history and natural beauty. Begin with a visit to the world’s oldest olive tree, estimated to be over 4,000 years old, a living testament to the island’s deep-rooted traditions. Next, awaken your senses with a leisurely stroll through the Botanical Park of Chania, where you’ll discover an array of unique plant species native to the island. Savor a delicious lunch crafted from the freshest local ingredients, straight from the garden. Continue to the picturesque Venetian port of Chania, a charming blend of history and coastal beauty.

Pace level: 3

Discover the ancient ruins of Aptera, a once-flourishing city-state dating back to the 14th century BC. Experience the natural beauty of the Springs of Argyroupolis, where lush greenery and cascading waters create a serene retreat, and enjoy a delightful lunch at a local tavern. Conclude your enchanting day in Rethymno, where the blend of Ottoman influences and Renaissance-style Venetian architecture creates a captivating ambiance for exploration and relaxation. Wander through the charming narrow streets of Rethymno’s small Venetian harbor, where colorful fishing boats bob along the waterfront beneath the imposing Venetian Fortress. Uncover the secrets of Greece’s famed liquid gold—extra virgin olive oil—before indulging in a unique gastronomic experience featuring surprising Cretan flavors.

Pace level: 2

Visit the historic Arkadi Monastery, a symbol of Cretan resistance and a masterpiece of Venetian architecture, set amidst serene surroundings. Explore the ancient city of Eleutherna, where centuries-old ruins, fascinating artifacts, and a rich history bring Crete’s past to life. Discover the art of traditional Cretan ceramics at the Tsikalario Pottery Workshop, where skilled artisans craft beautiful handmade pottery using age-old techniques. Take a captivating tour of the El Greco Museum, where you can explore the life and masterpieces of the renowned painter, gaining insight into his unique style and the influence of his Cretan heritage. Enjoy a memorable dinner and savor exquisite Cretan cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients in a charming, welcoming atmosphere.

Pace level: 2

Journey to the iconic Palace of Knossos, the legendary capital of King Minos. This awe-inspiring archaeological site offers a glimpse into the grandeur and sophistication of the Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations, making it an unforgettable highlight of your Cretan adventure. Embark on a fascinating tour of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, home to an impressive collection of Minoan artifacts, offering a deep dive into Crete’s ancient history and culture.

Pace level: 2

Catch the ferry back to Piraeus, relishing a scenic voyage across the Aegean Sea as you bid farewell to the stunning beauty of Crete.

Pace level: 1

Trip includes

Included

In Athens, our guests stay for one night in the Royal Olympic Hotel, a modern 5-star hotel in the heart of the city with unique views of the Acropolis and the Temple of the Olympian Zeus. You stay in private en-suite double cabins during the boat trip from Piraeus to Chania and from Heraklion back to Piraeus. In Crete you stay in 4 or 5-star hotels with unparalleled services and amenities, offering a unique experience for the well-traveled.
All rooms provided are twins, double, or triple and the tour price is room-based with a minimum of 2 people per room.
TRAVELING SOLO
For solo travelers, there is a single supplement of €1000.
TRAVELING IN A GROUP
If you are three people, it is advisable to book a triple room. If you are a family of more than three people, you will be placed in one of the above room types or you will have the possibility to be upgraded to a family suite, depending on each hotel's or ship's availability. Please send us your request by the time of booking.

The guide is English-speaking and certified to offer private tours in museums and archaeological sites. The guide has excellent knowledge of Ancient and Modern Greek history and stays with the group throughout the whole trip.

Guiding Method
Fully guided

Traditional Greek breakfast, lunch, and dinner, prepared with authentic recipes, are offered daily at high-end restaurants, wineries, and private hotels. For more details, please refer to the daily itinerary of our journeys. While our menus feature a wide selection, additional dishes can be ordered at an extra cost. Drinks are not included.

All our packages are covered by a Travel Insurance program that includes covers for common situations such as trip cancellation, travel delays, or the loss/delay of luggage and/or documents, as well as 24/7 medical assistance providing help in case of any emergency during the trip.

For our group’s transportation, we have the most modern fleet of minivans. Highly experienced staff perpetuates commitment to quality of service and safety in transportation. All minivans are fully air-conditioned, feature comfortable seats, and have large panoramic windows.

All museum tickets are included in our trip packages.

Excluded

Kindly note that you always have the option to add our extra service of a private transfer from the airport to your hotel in Athens, or vice versa. If you do so, please add a note with your flight schedule and the code of your flight when you book one of our trip packages or email us at least two days before your arrival. Our private driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals gate, holding a placard with our company’s logo and your name. Please make sure to turn your phone on and use the Airport’s free Wi-Fi.

If you decide to cancel or change your booking in any way (your chosen departure date, passenger’s name, etc.), please note that a fee will be payable unless your request is sent 60 days before departure. Any request must be made in writing.


Days before Departure / Fee as per % of the paid amount

>60 0%

60 and >50 20%

50 and >40 40%

40 and >30 60%

30 and >20 80%

20 and >1 100%

Non-show 100%


Availability

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Request a Private, Customizable Departure

By design, this is a group tour. You can however request a private, customized version of this tour for yourself or your private group of people. Private departures are usually more expensive, but come with these benefits:

Personal

Itinerary can be tweaked and customized.

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Professional

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