8 Days • 7 Nights
Crete Explored: Chania, Knossos & the Samaria Gorge
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- The beautiful Venetian harbour town of Chania is a captivating highlight of this journey. Chania, on Crete's north-west coast, is one of the most beautiful towns in Greece, built around a picturesque Venetian harbour ringed by pastel-coloured houses, with an old Egyptian lighthouse at the harbour mouth. You wander the atmospheric old town, a labyrinth of Venetian and Ottoman lanes, hidden courtyards, craft workshops, tavernas and cafes, take in the Venetian shipyards and the covered market, and stroll the harbour front as the light softens at sunset. The beauty, history and atmosphere are captivating.
- Hiking the dramatic Samaria Gorge is a spectacular and adventurous highlight of this journey. The Samaria Gorge, in the White Mountains of western Crete, is one of the longest and most spectacular gorges in Europe, a national park of wild, dramatic beauty. On the classic hike you descend some sixteen kilometres through towering rock walls, pine forest and past the famous narrow 'Iron Gates', where the cliffs soar hundreds of metres and almost meet overhead, emerging at a beautiful beach on the Libyan Sea, with the chance to spot the rare Cretan wild goat (kri-kri). The scale, wildness and beauty are exhilarating.
- The great Minoan palace of Knossos and the Heraklion museum are a fascinating highlight. Just outside Heraklion lies Knossos, the largest and most important palace of the Minoan civilisation, Europe's oldest, which flourished on Crete four thousand years ago, home to the legend of King Minos, the Labyrinth and the Minotaur. With your expert guide you explore the remarkable, partly reconstructed palace, its throne room, grand staircases, storerooms and beautiful frescoes, and visit the superb Heraklion Archaeological Museum, home to the palace's original frescoes and treasures. The antiquity and myth are captivating.
- Crete's stunning beaches, from Elafonisi to Balos, are a beautiful highlight of this journey. Crete is ringed by some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. You relax on Crete's famous sands, perhaps the extraordinary pink-tinged shallows of Elafonisi, a nature reserve of turquoise lagoons and dunes in the south-west, or the breathtaking lagoon of Balos, where turquoise and white waters meet beneath a wild headland, or the palm-fringed beach of Preveli, or quieter coves near your base. The beauty, warmth and colour of the water are captivating. Relaxing on Crete's stunning beaches.
- The charm of Rethymno and the flavours of Crete add delight to this journey. Rethymno, between Chania and Heraklion, has one of the best-preserved old towns in Crete, a beautiful maze of Venetian and Ottoman lanes beneath a great fortress (the Fortezza), with a picturesque harbour, minarets and fountains. Throughout Crete you savour the island's renowned cuisine, one of the healthiest and most delicious in the world, from mountain villages serving lamb, snails, wild greens and cheese to seaside tavernas with fresh fish, all with local olive oil, herbs, raki and wine. The charm and flavours are captivating.
- Above all, this journey offers the spectacular beauty, ancient history and flavours of Crete. Crete is the largest and most captivating of the Greek islands, a world of its own, and this journey immerses you in the very best of it. Over eight days you explore beautiful Chania and charming Rethymno, hike the dramatic Samaria Gorge, step back four thousand years at Minoan Knossos and the Heraklion museum, and relax on stunning beaches like Elafonisi and Balos, savouring Crete's renowned cuisine and legendary hospitality throughout. The combination of Venetian harbours, dramatic mountains and gorges, ancient palaces, superb food and beautiful beaches makes Crete utterly captivating.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 8-day journey.
Your journey through beautiful Crete begins as you arrive at Chania (or Heraklion) airport, where you are met and transferred to your hotel in Chania, one of the loveliest towns in Greece. The largest and most captivating of the Greek islands, Crete is a world of its own, and the beauty of Chania's Venetian harbour is a wonderful welcome. Spend the rest of the day settling in and relaxing after your journey, perhaps taking a first stroll around the picturesque harbour, ringed by pastel houses and crowned by its old lighthouse, and through the atmospheric old town. This evening, a welcome dinner introduces you to the renowned flavours of Cretan cuisine and to the spectacular journey ahead across the island. As you settle in, the beauty and warmth of Crete work their magic. Rest well, ready to explore beautiful Chania tomorrow.
Today you explore beautiful Chania and its coast. With your guide you wander the atmospheric old town, a labyrinth of Venetian and Ottoman lanes, hidden courtyards and craft workshops, taking in the picturesque Venetian harbour and its old lighthouse, the Venetian shipyards, the covered market, and the old mosque on the waterfront. You learn the town's rich history under Venetians, Ottomans and Cretans. In the afternoon you are free to relax on one of the beautiful beaches near Chania, swim in the clear water, or continue exploring the shops, tavernas and cafes of the old town. The beauty, history and atmosphere are captivating. As the day ends, you stroll the harbour front as the light softens. This evening, savour fresh fish and Cretan dishes in a harbour taverna. Rest well, for tomorrow you experience the dramatic Samaria Gorge.
Today you experience the dramatic Samaria Gorge, one of the most spectacular in Europe. In the season (roughly May to October), you set off early into the White Mountains to the top of the gorge, and descend some sixteen kilometres on foot through a national park of wild beauty, between towering rock walls, through pine forest, past an abandoned village and the famous narrow 'Iron Gates', where the cliffs soar hundreds of metres and almost meet overhead. You may spot the rare Cretan wild goat (kri-kri). You emerge at a beautiful beach on the Libyan Sea, returning by boat and coach. (Outside the season, we substitute a beautiful coastal walk and beach day.) The scale and beauty are exhilarating. As the day ends, you return to Chania, tired and elated. This evening, savour a well-earned dinner. Rest well, for tomorrow you journey to charming Rethymno.
Today you journey along the coast to charming Rethymno, with a stunning beach along the way. Depending on your interests, you may take an excursion to one of Crete's most beautiful beaches, the extraordinary pink-tinged shallows and turquoise lagoons of Elafonisi in the south-west, or the breathtaking lagoon of Balos on the wild north-west tip, where turquoise and white waters meet. You then transfer to Rethymno, between Chania and Heraklion, which has one of the best-preserved old towns in Crete. On arrival you begin to explore its beautiful maze of Venetian and Ottoman lanes beneath its great fortress. The beauty of the beaches and old town is captivating. As the day ends, you settle into Rethymno. This evening, savour dinner in its atmospheric old town. Rest well, ready to explore Rethymno and the mountains tomorrow.
Today you explore charming Rethymno and the Cretan interior. With your guide you wander Rethymno's beautiful old town, a maze of Venetian and Ottoman lanes with elegant doorways, fountains, minarets and a picturesque harbour, crowned by the great Venetian Fortezza, one of the largest castles of its kind. You journey into the mountains to the historic Arkadi Monastery, a beautiful and deeply significant national shrine of Cretan resistance, and perhaps to a traditional mountain village, meeting local producers of olive oil, cheese, honey and raki, and experiencing legendary Cretan hospitality. The history, scenery and warmth are captivating. As the day ends, you return to Rethymno. This evening, savour a Cretan feast of mountain and sea specialities. Rest well, for tomorrow you journey to Heraklion and ancient Knossos.
Today you journey to Heraklion and step back four thousand years at Minoan Knossos. You transfer along the coast to Heraklion, Crete's bustling capital, and visit the great palace of Knossos just outside the city, the largest and most important palace of the Minoan civilisation, Europe's oldest, home to the legend of King Minos, the Labyrinth and the Minotaur. With your expert guide you explore the remarkable, partly reconstructed palace, its throne room, grand staircases, storerooms and beautiful frescoes. In the afternoon you settle into Heraklion and may begin exploring its Venetian harbour, fortress and lively centre. The antiquity and myth are captivating. As the day ends, you take in the harbour and old town of Heraklion. This evening, savour a taverna dinner in the capital. Rest well, for tomorrow you explore the museum and more of Crete.
Today you delve deeper into Crete's history and flavours. In the morning you visit the superb Heraklion Archaeological Museum, one of the finest in Greece, home to the original frescoes and treasures of Knossos and the whole Minoan world, from the famous Bull-Leaping fresco to intricate gold jewellery, bringing the palace vividly to life. In the afternoon you journey into Crete's beautiful wine country in the hills nearby, visiting a family winery for a tasting of Cretan wines and a taste of the island's renowned cuisine, or relax on a beach near Heraklion. The history, flavours and scenery are captivating. As the day ends, you return to Heraklion. This evening, savour a final Cretan dinner, reflecting on the beauty, history and flavours of the island. Rest well ahead of your departure tomorrow, full of memories.
After a final morning in Crete, perhaps a last stroll around Heraklion's Venetian harbour and fortress or some final shopping for olive oil, honey and Cretan crafts, you are transferred to the airport for your onward journey. You leave having experienced the very best of Crete, the beautiful Venetian harbour of Chania, the charming old town of Rethymno, the dramatic Samaria Gorge, the ancient Minoan palace of Knossos and the treasures of Heraklion, and stunning beaches like Elafonisi and Balos, all savoured alongside Crete's renowned cuisine and legendary hospitality. The images stay vivid long after you land, the harbour of Chania at sunset, the Iron Gates of Samaria, the frescoes of Knossos, and the turquoise lagoons of the beaches. Crete offers spectacular scenery, ancient history, superb food and beautiful beaches in abundance, and you depart already dreaming of a return to this captivating island.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 7 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a Cretan taverna tasting
- Private airport, port and land transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
- Touring and sightseeing as per itinerary with expert licensed local guides
- Entrance fees to archaeological sites and museums as per itinerary
- Private and small-group touring with expert local guides, a Chania walking tour, a Samaria Gorge excursion (seasonal) or beach alternative, guided visits to Knossos and the Heraklion museum, a Rethymno old town tour, and all entrance fees
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Most lunches and dinners beyond those specified
- Optional beach activities, boat trips and tips for guides and drivers
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Greece is part of the Schengen area, and travellers from the US, UK, Canada, Australia and many other countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period; a passport valid for at least three months beyond your stay is required, and the EU's ETIAS travel authorisation is being introduced. Requirements can change, so we confirm the exact process for your nationality before you travel
- Currency: The currency is the Euro (EUR); cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops in Athens, the larger towns and resort areas, but carry some cash for tavernas, small island shops, markets, tips, kiosks and rural areas. ATMs are plentiful in cities and on the larger islands, though smaller islands may have only one or two
- Best time to visit: April to June and September to October are ideal across Greece, with warm, sunny days perfect for the ancient sites, islands and beaches, and fewer crowds; July and August are hot and lively, the peak beach season, especially on the islands; winter is mild, quiet and green on the mainland, and lovely for Athens, Delphi and Meteora, though many island services wind down
- Language & etiquette: The language is Greek, and English is widely spoken in tourism, making travel easy; Greeks are famously warm, generous and hospitable, and a little politeness goes a long way. Dress modestly at monasteries and churches, especially the monasteries of Meteora and Mount Athos region, where covered shoulders and knees are required and women are given wrap skirts at the entrance
- Getting around: Touring the mainland is by private air-conditioned vehicle with your guide or driver, with some long but scenic drives through beautiful mountains and coast; the islands are linked by frequent ferries and fast catamarans, and by domestic flights, all of which we arrange, timing connections carefully. Sturdy, comfortable shoes are essential for the ancient sites and Meteora
- Health & safety: Greece is one of the safest countries in Europe, and travel here is relaxed and rewarding; we monitor conditions and follow official advice. Bring sun protection, a hat and water for the open-air ancient sites and beaches, as summers are hot; ferry schedules can occasionally shift with the weather, so we build in sensible connections and keep you informed
- Ancient sites & museums: Greece's archaeological sites, from the Acropolis to Delphi, Olympia, Mycenae and Knossos, are mostly open-air, so wear good shoes, a hat and sunscreen and carry water; some sites and museums adjust their hours seasonally and may close earlier in winter or on certain days. Our expert licensed guides bring the ancient world vividly and unforgettably to life
- Power & plugs: Power is 230V with European type C and F two-pin plugs, so bring an adapter for UK, US and other devices. Tap water is generally safe to drink in Athens and much of the mainland, while on some islands bottled water is recommended; your guide advises at each stage, and hotels provide bottled water
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samaria Gorge hike suitable for me, and what if it is closed?
The Samaria Gorge hike is about sixteen kilometres, mostly downhill on rocky ground, taking five to seven hours, and requires reasonable fitness and sturdy footwear, but is achievable for most active travellers at a steady pace. The gorge is open roughly from May to October, weather permitting. Outside the season or if you prefer, we substitute a beautiful coastal walk, a shorter gorge, or a relaxed beach day, so everyone enjoys Crete's spectacular landscapes at a comfortable level. We tailor the activity to your fitness and interests.
What makes Cretan food and hospitality special?
Cretan cuisine is celebrated as one of the healthiest and most delicious in the world, built on superb local olive oil, wild greens, herbs, cheeses, lamb, snails, fresh fish, honey and raki, and eaten with legendary generosity. In mountain villages and seaside tavernas alike you experience the famous Cretan hospitality, where guests are treated as family and meals become feasts. We include tastings and recommend the best authentic tavernas, wineries and family kitchens at every stage of your journey across the island.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary (typically a welcome dinner and selected tastings or half-board stays). Greek cuisine is one of the great pleasures of a visit, from fresh fish, grilled meats, salads and mezes to olive oil, feta, honey and wine, and we usually leave most lunches and dinners free so you can explore the tavernas, seaside fish spots and family kitchens we recommend at every stage of your journey.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Your journey is private by default, with your own expert licensed local guide and air-conditioned vehicle on the mainland, and carefully arranged ferries or flights between the islands, giving you flexibility, depth and a pace tailored to you; small-group and escorted options can be arranged if you prefer. Greece's knowledgeable guides bring the ancient sites, monasteries, museums, villages and island life vividly to life, greatly enriching every day of your journey.
Do I need a visa for Greece?
Greece is in the Schengen area, and travellers from the US, UK, Canada, Australia and many other countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, with the EU's ETIAS authorisation being introduced. We confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality, advise on the best option, and help with any paperwork, so entry is smooth. A passport valid for at least three months beyond your stay is required.
Is Greece safe to visit?
Greece is one of the safest and most welcoming countries in Europe, and travel here is relaxed, easy and deeply rewarding. We continuously monitor conditions, use trusted local guides and drivers, and follow official guidance at all times, timing ferry and flight connections carefully. The genuine warmth and hospitality of the Greek people, on the mainland and the islands alike, are among the great joys of any visit.
When is the best time to visit?
April to June and September to October are ideal across Greece, with warm, sunny days perfect for the ancient sites, islands and beaches, and thinner crowds than the peak. July and August are hot and lively, the height of the beach and island season, while winter is mild, quiet and green on the mainland, lovely for Athens, Delphi and Meteora. We advise on the best timing for your interests and the regions and islands you wish to see.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of Athens, the ancient sites, the mainland and the islands, add or swap islands, extend beach time, include a sailing or cruising leg in the Aegean, add Meteora, Delphi or the Peloponnese, and tailor the pace, comfort and focus to you. Every itinerary is a flexible starting point for your ideal journey through the ancient sites, islands and beautiful landscapes of Greece.
More Adventure Journeys
Adventure
Customizable
Highlights of Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls & Hwange
Highlights of Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls & Hwange
Zimbabwe
Adventure
Customizable
Victoria Falls Adventure: The Smoke that Thunders
Victoria Falls Adventure: The Smoke that Thunders
Zimbabwe
Adventure
Customizable
Hwange & Mana Pools: A Great Zimbabwe Safari
Hwange & Mana Pools: A Great Zimbabwe Safari
Zimbabwe