Highlights of Crete

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Description

Summary

Starts
Heraklion
Duration
7 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy
Minimum age
15 years

Description

Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour of Crete, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge. From the bustling streets of Heraklion to the serene shores of Sougia, each day offers a new adventure. Discover ancient ruins, savor local wines, and immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions of this enchanting island. With expert guides and carefully curated experiences, this journey promises to be a captivating exploration of Crete's hidden gems and timeless allure.

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Included

6 breakfasts, 1 dinner

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All Intrepid group trips in Europe are accompanied by one of our local European group leaders. ’Local’ in this context means a leader who is European or lives in Europe. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader takes care of logistics, will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.

At Intrepid we also aim to support local guides in the individual cities or locations we travel to. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend an optional local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

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Knossos - Archaeological Site

Agios Ioannis - Village Visits

Chania - Wine Tasting

Agios Ioannis - traditional Cretan dinner

Chora Sfakion - Coastal Boat Ride

Sougia - Agia Irini Gorge Hike

Chania - Old Town guided tour

Chania - Kalitsounia Bakery Workshop

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The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.

Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION:

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.

TWIN SHARE BASIS:

Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.

CHECK-IN TIME:

Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.

PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION:

If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.

FACILITIES:

Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.

Hotel (3 nights), Guesthouse (3 nights)

hotel: 3 night(s), guesthouse: 3 night(s);

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TRANSPORT IN EUROPE:

Half the fun of travel is the travelling itself, that's why we like to travel the local way – whether that means mingling with commuters on a local train, watching the scenery roll by from the window of a long distance bus, arriving on a high speed train in the city centre of your next destination, or navigating each city's public transport system. In Europe, you are guaranteed to travel by genuine local public transport wherever possible, which puts you right in the centre of the action.

STRIKES:

Ferry strikes, bad weather and the general unpredictable nature of Greek public transport means you need to be prepared for possible delays and itinerary changes.

Public bus , Private vehicle , Boat , On foot

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Destinations

Photo of aerial view of Chania with the amazing lighthouse, mosque, venetian shipyards, Crete, Greece.Chania
Crete - region in GreeceHeraklion
Knossos

Map

Attractions

Old Chania Market, District of Chania, Chania Regional Unit, Region of Crete, GreeceOld Chania Market
photo of view of Preveli beach, Greece.Preveli Beach
Crete Quad Safari
Cave of Agia Sofia, District of Kissamos, Chania Regional Unit, Region of Crete, GreeceCave of Agia Sofia
Aradena Gorge
Ενετικό Λιμάνι Ηρακλείου, Heraklion Regional Unit, Region of Crete, GreeceΕνετικό Λιμάνι Ηρακλείου
Photo of the Heraklion Historical Museum is a museum located in Heraklion city on Crete island, Greece.Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Daily Itinerary

Day1

Day 1
Day 1: Arrival in Heraklion

  • Heraklion - Arrival day
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  • Ενετικό Λιμάνι Ηρακλείου
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Welcome to the enchanting island of Crete, where your adventure begins in Heraklion. As the sun sets, gather for a welcome meeting to connect with your fellow travelers and local guide. Afterward, embark on an orientation walk to familiarize yourself with the vibrant capital. Consider joining your new friends for a delightful dinner at a local eatery, setting the stage for the journey ahead.

Day2

Day 2
Day 2: Historical and Culinary Delights

  • Knossos
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  • Crete Quad Safari
  • Heraklion Archaeological Museum
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Begin your day with a journey to the ancient ruins of Knossos, where history whispers through the stones of Europe's oldest city. Delve into the past with your guide before indulging in a wine tasting session at a nearby vineyard, savoring the unique flavors of Cretan varietals. Continue your exploration with visits to the serene towns of Chora Sfakion, Anopolis, and Aradaina, each offering a glimpse into Crete's rich tapestry. Conclude your day in the picturesque village of Agios Ioannis, where a traditional dinner awaits, immersing you in the warmth of Cretan hospitality.

Day3

Day 3
Day 3: Coastal Charms and Leisure

  • Preveli Beach
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Bid farewell to Agios Ioannis and embark on a scenic drive back to Chora Sfakion. From here, a private boat will whisk you along Crete's stunning southern coastline to the tranquil village of Sougia. With its pristine beaches and majestic mountains, Sougia offers a perfect retreat. Spend your afternoon at leisure, whether exploring coastal trails, swimming in the azure waters, or simply relaxing on the beach with a refreshing drink.

Day4

Day 4
Day 4: Gorge Trekking Adventure

  • Aradena Gorge
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Rise early for a private transfer to the Agia Irini Gorge, a natural wonder carved through the White Mountains. Embark on a guided hike through this verdant landscape, where tales of Greek rebels and breathtaking vistas await. Keep an eye out for the region's unique flora and fauna, including the elusive Cretan wild goats. After your trek, the afternoon is yours to unwind back in Sougia, savoring the tranquility of this coastal haven.

Day5

Day 5
Day 5: Discovering Chania's Charms

  • Chania
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  • Cave of Agia Sofia
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Depart Sougia and journey to the vibrant city of Chania, a coastal gem brimming with culture and history. Join a guided tour of the Old Town, where bustling markets, Ottoman architecture, and the Jewish quarter reveal the city's rich heritage. As you wander through artisan workshops, let the aromas of local cuisine entice you to explore Chania's culinary delights. Seek your guide's recommendations for a memorable dinner experience.

Day6

Day 6
Day 6: Culinary Creations and Leisure

  • Chania
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  • Old Chania Market
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Begin your day with a hands-on kalitsounia workshop, crafting these delightful Cretan pastries with your choice of savory or sweet fillings. Enjoy the fruits of your labor as you explore Chania at your own pace, revisiting favorite spots or discovering new corners of the city. As evening falls, indulge in a final dinner, pairing your meal with the perfect Cretan wine, a fitting toast to your island adventure.

Day7

Day 7
Day 7: Farewell to Crete

  • Chania - Departure day
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As your Cretan journey draws to a close, enjoy a leisurely breakfast in Chania. With no scheduled activities, take the opportunity to reflect on your adventures or explore the city further. Should you wish to extend your stay, assistance is available to arrange additional accommodations, allowing you to continue your exploration of this captivating island.

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Explore with confidence
From ancient cities to alpine peaks, we’re here for you 24/7 with local expertise and support, wherever your travels take you.
Secure your spot
Book instantly and lock in your place on one of Europe’s top-rated tours. Enjoy the best price and secure checkout so you can focus on the fun.
Get instant confirmation
Receive your e-ticket and booking summary immediately after checkout, with all meeting points and schedules included.
Easily make changes
Plans changed? No problem. Our team is just seconds away—ready to help with any adjustments quickly and smoothly.
Explore with confidence
From ancient cities to alpine peaks, we’re here for you 24/7 with local expertise and support, wherever your travels take you.

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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