Greece: Crete, an Island Getaway on the Mediterranean Sea

Heraklion - Rethymno - Chania

Exploration, Food

Activity Level: 2

Embark on a captivating 7-day coastal adventure to Crete, the largest of the Greek Isles, boasting azure waters and a rich historical tapestry. This idyllic haven blends natural beauty with cultural exploration, offering an unforgettable escape bathed in sunlight and mythology. Uncover Minoan secrets with an archaeological visit, embark on a thrilling jeep safari, and indulge in a leisurely beach swim. Explore the hidden wonders of the Argyroupolis Waterfall and meander through Chania city's charming alleys. Catering to the adventurous, history enthusiast, and nature lover alike, Crete promises an immersive journey blending adventure, history, and relaxation. Ideal for those seeking an all-encompassing experience, this coastal odyssey caters to discerning explorers on a quest for an unforgettable escape.

  • 7 days

  • 8 - 26 spots

  • Double occupancy in 4-star hotels (limited single rooms available)

  • 6 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches and 2 Dinners

Activities Included

  • Palace of Knossos Site Visit
  • Heraklion Archeological Museum Visit
  • Rethymno Jeep Safari
  • Preveli Beach Visit and Swim
  • Argyroupolis Waterfalls Visit
  • Chania Guided Walking Tour

Other Inclusions

  • Double occupancy in 4-star hotels (limited single rooms available)
  • Local guide throughout trip
  • All city transfers

Optional Activities

  • Wine and Olive Oil Tasting
  • Tropical Balos and Gramvousa Islet Cruise (Shared)

Exclusions

  • Flights (except as noted)
  • Food & Alcohol (except as noted)
  • Visas & Travel Insurance
  • Airport Transfers
  • Tips & Gratuity

Itinerary

Day 1

info

Day 1

Kalimera and welcome to Crete! Please be prepared to meet in the lobby at 6:00 P.M. for a welcome meeting and then depart for your welcome dinner. The dinner reservation time will be finalized closer to your trip date. If you plan on arriving today, we recommend flying into HER.

meal

dinner

Tonight, take a short walk to dinner with your group! Your welcome dinner is included at a local taverna. Dinner is a set menu of Greek cuisine consisting of: Family style shared starters, choice of 1 main dish, dessert, and 1 glass of wine or 1 beer or 1 soft drink. Water and bread are also included. Final menu and restaurant to be determined.

accommodation

Astoria Capsis, or similar

Overnight in Heraklion

Day 2

info

Day 2

After breakfast, you'll begin your day visiting the Palace of Knossos archeological site and the birthplace of the Minotaur legend. You will then be transferred to the famous Heraklion Archeological Museum. Afterwards, say goodbye to Heraklion and transfer to Rethymno. In the afternoon, you'll have plenty of time for lunch, to relax by the beach, or to explore! Please wear comfortable walking shoes for your morning exploration. In the afternoon, you should pack a swimsuit, sandals, hat and sunglasses if you plan on hitting the beach.

meal

breakfast

Greek Continental buffet breakfast at the hotel is included. A typical Greek Continental breakfast usually includes: Coffee, tea, bread, jams, honey, yogurt, milk, croissant, cake, cereals, seasonal fruits, eggs, cold cuts, bacon and sausages (above items can vary).

activity

APPROX. 1 HOUR 30 MIN

Palace of Knossos Site Visit

Depart your hotel and transfer 15 minutes for your archeological tour. Perhaps one of the most famous stories from Crete, visit the site and see where Knossos stood 3,000 years ago. Admission into the site is included. The vast labyrinth stretched beneath your feet, hiding the terrible Minotaur and all who challenged the king. This tour includes walking on uneven and unpaved ground for roughly half a mile. After time with your guide, you will be able to explore on your own.

activity

APPROX. 1 HOUR 30 MIN

Heraklion Archeological Museum Visit

Continue your day with a visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Admission into the museum is included. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is one of the oldest and most remarkable museums in Greece. It prides itself for its unique Minoan collection, which includes the masterpieces of Minoan art. You will have 1 hour 30 minutes to explore the museum at your own pace.

transfer

APPROX. 1 HOUR 30 MIN

Transfer to Rethymno

Take a private transfer to Rethymno. Stops for the restroom and snacks will be made along the way as needed.

accommodation

Melrose hotel, or similar

Overnight in Rethymno

Day 3

info

Day 3

Today you'll traverse the island of Crete from north to south as you split up into a Jeep Caravan, off roading and exploring the diverse palm forests, gorges, and beaches of Crete. When you reach the southernmost point of the island you'll reach Preveli Beach. For the jeep tour, you should wear comfortable clothing. Pack your bathing suit if you want to take a swim before heading back to Rethymno. After arriving back into town, you will have the remainder of the day at your leisure.

meal

breakfast

Greek Continental buffet breakfast at the hotel is included. A typical Greek Continental breakfast usually includes: Coffee, tea, bread, jams, honey, yogurt, milk, croissant, cake, cereals, seasonal fruits, eggs, cold cuts, bacon and sausages (above items can vary).

activity

APPROX. 6 HOURS

Rethymno Jeep Safari

After breakfast, meet your private drivers and Jeeps at the hotel for a half day of exploring Crete! There will be 4-6 people per vehicle. Rumble along remote roads in the gorgeous Rethymno region, passing landmarks like Prasses Gorge and Potamon Dam and stopping to swim in the Mediterranean Sea. The route is approximately 60 miles.

meal

lunch

Enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant during the Jeep Safari. Lunch typically consists of several traditional starters, meat and potatoes from the oven (including a vegetarian option), unlimited local Cretan wine, and bottled water. Exact lunch time and location are subject to traffic and weather conditions this day -- your drivers will advise on the day of the activity.

activity

APPROX. 1 HOUR

Preveli Beach Visit and Swim

A picturesque palm beach, stop for a visit and go for a swim! You will have 1 hour to relax and explore before heading back for the remainder of the day. Please do not forget to pack a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and water.

accommodation

Melrose hotel, or similar

Overnight in Rethymno

Day 4

info

Day 4

The morning is yours to relax by the beach, or explore the old town of Rethymno on foot. The old quarter of the town has many Venetian palazzos, Turkish houses with wooden balconies, and the Venetian citadel with a mosque spanned by a massive dome. Later on you'll transfer to Chania, another quintessential Greek isle beachside town. Along the way you'll stop for lunch at the Argyroupolis Waterfalls. After arriving in Chania, you will have the remainder of the day at your leisure.

meal

breakfast

Greek Continental buffet breakfast at the hotel is included. A typical Greek Continental breakfast usually includes: Coffee, tea, bread, jams, honey, yogurt, milk, croissant, cake, cereals, seasonal fruits, eggs, cold cuts, bacon and sausages (above items can vary).

activity

APPROX. 1 HOUR 30 MIN

Argyroupolis Waterfalls Visit

In the early afternoon, you will check out of your hotel and transfer 30 minutes to the beautiful Argyroupolis Waterfalls. Before a delicious lunch at one of the local restaurants, you will have time to explore on your own, marvel at the springs and take photos.

meal

lunch

Enjoy an included lunch at a local taverna by the Argyroupolis Waterfalls. Lunch is a set menu of local Cretan cuisine consisting of: Family style shared starters, choice of 1 main dish, dessert and 1 glass of wine or 1 beer or 1 soft drink. Water and bread are also included. Final menu and restaurant to be determined.

transfer

APPROX. 1 HOUR 30 MIN

Transfer to Chania

After lunch take a private transfer to Chania. Stops for the restroom and snacks will be made along the way as needed.

accommodation

Akali hotel, or similar

Overnight in Chania

Day 5

info

Day 5

This morning, you will take a guided walking tour of Chania, tasting local delicacies along the way. Afterwards, you'll have some time for lunch and to explore the town, or to spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach. If you're up for a unique adventure, take the optional Monastery Visit & Wine Tour.

meal

breakfast

Greek Continental buffet breakfast at the hotel is included. A typical Greek Continental breakfast usually includes: Coffee, tea, bread, jams, honey, yogurt, milk, croissant, cake, cereals, seasonal fruits, eggs, cold cuts, bacon and sausages (above items can vary).

activity

APPROX. 2 HOURS

Chania Guided Walking Tour

Meeting in the hotel lobby, you will begin exploring the town of Chania and tasting local delicacies. On your private walking tour, your guide will show you the highlights of the city and explain the various influences that have impacted the architecture and the city itself. Afterwards, you will have a much better understanding of the local life and the Cretan cuisine. The number of tastings will be confirmed in your final itinerary. You will be walking on pedestrian streets and paved roads for approximately 1.5 miles. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and pack a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

activity

APPROX. 5 HOURS

Wine and Olive Oil Tasting (Optional)

Savor a flavorful afternoon with a private tour dedicated to two of the region’s finest offerings: olive oil and wine. Begin with a 40-minute drive to a local olive mill, where you’ll learn about traditional harvesting and production methods while sampling a selection of artisanal olive oils, vinegars, and spreads. Then continue just 20 minutes onward to a nearby winery, where a guided tasting of five regional wines awaits before you return to your hotel.

accommodation

Akali hotel, or similar

Overnight in Chania

Day 6

info

Day 6

Today, you will have a free day! Relax at the hotel, sunbathe on the beach, or join an optional full day cruise along the coast. In the evening, join your group for a final farewell dinner.

meal

breakfast

Greek Continental buffet breakfast at the hotel is included. A typical Greek Continental breakfast usually includes: Coffee, tea, bread, jams, honey, yogurt, milk, croissant, cake, cereals, seasonal fruits, eggs, cold cuts, bacon and sausages (above items can vary).

activity

APPROX. 7 HOURS

Tropical Balos and Gramvousa Islet Cruise (Shared) (Optional)

This morning, you will be privately transferred to the dock for a boat tour. This shared cruise takes you to Gramvousa, where you will have the chance to observe geological phenomena, sea caves and beautiful waters. Upon arrival at Gramvousa Island, you will have time to walk up to the Venetian castle or spend your time swimming and sunbathing. Your next stop is Balos, one of the most beautiful places on earth! Here you will have the privilege of swimming in the shallow and warm lagoon waters. For today, please be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes, a hat, bathing suit, towel, sunscreen, water and snacks. You can also bring a change of clothes if you'd like. After returning to the dock, you will be transferred back to the hotel where you will have time to relax on your own before the farewell dinner.

meal

dinner

Cheers to an amazing adventure! Enjoy an included farewell dinner at a local taverna, with a set menu consisting of: Family style shared starters, choice of 1 main dish, dessert and 1 glass of wine or 1 beer or 1 soft drink. Water and bread are also included. Final menu and restaurant to be determined. Roundtrip transfers are included.

accommodation

Akali hotel, or similar

Overnight in Chania

Day 7

info

Day 7

All good things must come to an end, but only until your next adventure! Enjoy a final breakfast and then make your own way onward. If departing directly from the hotel, we recommend flying out of CHQ.

meal

breakfast

Greek Continental buffet breakfast at the hotel is included. A typical Greek Continental breakfast usually includes: Coffee, tea, bread, jams, honey, yogurt, milk, croissant, cake, cereals, seasonal fruits, eggs, cold cuts, bacon and sausages (above items can vary).

Itinerary Details

Itineraries may change throughout the year due to several factors including logistical issues, Traveler feedback, or operational changes. The provided itinerary, including estimated times, serve as guidelines only. As your date of travel approaches, our Operators will amend the itinerary to include more details, adjust activities and provide updated information.

TrovaTrip and our Operators reserve the right to alter itineraries as we deem necessary before and during your experience in-destination.

$2300+ USD

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$2300+ USD

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