Highlights of Crete

Tour the ancient histories and sun-kissed shores of Crete

The island of Crete has so much history and natural wonder to offer, and in seven days on its shores, you’ll see what’s known as Europe’s oldest city, taste some of the region’s best food and wine, and discover some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Visit the Knossos archaeological site and unwind in the secluded seaside village of Sougia. Join a boat trip with a local family through the region’s islands, sip wine in the vibrant port city of Chania and indulge in local dishes like fresh seafood or bougatsa (warm flaky pastry with creamy semolina custard or cheese).

Trip code: ZLSA

Start: Heraklion, Greece

End: Chania, Greece


Duration
7 days
Group size
1 to 12
Minimum age
15 years old
Style

Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time

Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time

Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities

Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders

Original
Theme

Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.

Explorer
Physical rating

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From
EUR €1,515

Why you'll love this trip

  • Visit the well-preserved archaeological site of Knossos – the former capital of Minoan Crete. Explore the ruins of Europe’s oldest city with your leader and discover the hundreds and thousands of years of history embedded within its walls.
  • Join a local family on a boat trip around Crete's shorelines. Learn about the region’s history and maybe try some local dishes like fresh seafood or bougatsa for lunch.
  • Explore Chania on an orientation walk through the colourful port town. Discover one of its most loved commodities during a wine tasting and maybe join a local workshop to learn to bake kalitsounia (pastries).
  • Unwind in the small fishing village of Sougia. Maybe walk along the coastal trails, take a swim in the warm waters or simply relax on the beach with a cold drink in your hand during your free time.
  • Hear stories about the area’s historic past from your local leader. Maybe hike to the Entrance of Agia Eirini Gorge, look for endangered Cretan wild goats or relax on the beach in Sougia.
This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2026 to 31 December 2026.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025

Itinerary

Map of Highlights Of Crete including Greece

Inclusions and activities

Destinations
Greece
Meals

6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Transport

Public bus, Private vehicle, Boat, On foot

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights), Guesthouse (3 nights)

Included activities
  • Knossos - Archaeological Site
  • Dourakis - wine tasting
  • Sougia - Agia Irini Gorge Hike
  • Sougia - Coastal Boat Ride
  • Sougia – Family lunch
  • Chania - Old Town guided tour

Optional activities
  • Heraklion - Archaeological Musem of Heraklion - EUR12
  • HERAKLION - Museum of Ancient Greek Technology by Kotsanas - EUR5
  • Chania - Archaeological Museum of Chania - EUR15
  • Chania - Marine time Museum of Crete - EUR4
  • Chania - Kalitsounia Bakery Workshop - Free
  • Chania - Balos and Gamvousa islands boat tour - Free

This trip generates 25 kg of CO2-e per person per day

Learn more about our climate commitment.

When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.

Before you book you should know

Dates and prices

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is bookable on this trip. Availability is limited due to small properties we use. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Reviews

4.8 . 56 reviews
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Gemma
Traveled September 2025
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Highlights of Crete
From
EUR €1,515