Explore stunning destinations and create immersive travel experiences that inspire wanderlust and captivate your audience from the start.
Duration
8 DaysLocation
GreeceExplore the former leper colony of Spinalonga by private boat.
Go back in time, cooking over a hearth and painting as the Minoans once did.
Walk around the Palace of Knossos with a private guide on a tour of the former Minoan capital.
Hike along Samaria Gorge, one of the longest gorges in Europe.
Island of Myths and Legends – Explore Crete, the birthplace of Zeus and home to the ancient Minoan civilization.
Heraklion & the Palace of Knossos – Visit the archaeological site of Knossos, the legendary labyrinth of King Minos.
Historic Chania & Rethymno – Wander through Venetian harbors, narrow alleys, and colorful old towns full of charm.
Beautiful Beaches – Relax on Crete’s stunning shores, including Elafonissi, Balos Lagoon, and Vai Palm Beach.
Cretan Gastronomy – Enjoy delicious local dishes, olive oil, and wines in traditional tavernas.
Mountain Villages & Nature – Discover scenic landscapes, gorges like Samaria, and authentic rural communities.
Cultural Heritage – Learn about Crete’s unique blend of Greek, Venetian, and Ottoman influences.
Museums & Monuments – Explore the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion and ancient ruins across the island.
Leisure & Adventure Options – Choose from hiking, boating, or simply relaxing by the crystal-clear waters.
Comfortable Accommodations & Transfers – Stay in well-selected hotels with seamless island transfers and local guidance.
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Heraklion. Arriving in Heraklion, you’ll be met by your driver and taken to your hotel in Chania. The rest of the day is yours to relax at the beach or around your hotel pool, or you can head out to explore the local area.
Meet with your private guide this morning to explore the artisan culture of Chania’s old town. You’ll meet small-scale producers of leather shoes and other traditional crafts from the area. You’ll also have a chance to visit local food vendors to sample traditional foods from the area.
Set off with your private guide to hike Samaria Gorge, one of the longest gorges in Europe. The narrow gorge cuts through the White Mountains and it can be challenging to navigate the rocky terrain, but the scenery of cliffs scattered with vegetation is worth it. You’re rewarded at the end with some free time to swim and relax before returning to Chania.
Head east to the coastal town of Elounda. On the way, you’ll stop at the ancient Palace of Knossos for a private tour of this hugely significant archaeological site. Afterwards, you’ll head inland to visit a winery for some tastings accompanied by local snacks.
Take a private boat out to the island of Spinalonga, which hosted one of the last leper colonies in Europe. It was also once home to a 16th-century Venetian fort, whose remains you can still see. You’ll have a guided tour of the island, can swim in the surrounding aquamarine waters and enjoy a light lunch before returning to Elounda.
Meet your driver this morning for a one-hour journey to the traditional mountain village of Mochos. Here, with a private archaeological guide, you’ll explore the region’s Minoan culture, learning about the cooking techniques they used in a hands-on lesson before trying to paint pottery in a traditional Minoan style.
Spend your last day in Elounda at leisure, perhaps relaxing and enjoying your hotel’s amenities or unwinding on the beach. If you feel like exploring, visit the nearby port town of Agios Nikolaos, where you can stroll its tree-lined promenade lined with cafés, bars, and tavernas.
Meet with your driver for the journey to Heraklion’s airport, where you’ll catch your onward flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day.