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Highlights of Crete

5.0/5 Based on 1 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Our Price From
US$1,496
Save up To $364
Twin Share (Per Person)
 Trip Length
7 Days
 Trip Starts
Heraklion
 Trip Finishes
Chania
7 Day Highlights of Crete Itinerary (Intrepid)
Countries Explored: Greece
Trip Style
Original
Departures
Budget
Affordable
Max. Group Size
12
Pace
Leisurely
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
ZLSA

Overview

Read reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Intrepid's 7 Day Highlights 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 read more (warm flaky pastry with creamy semolina custard or cheese).

Itinerary

Welcome to Greece! Your island adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 in Heraklion – a port city and the capital of Crete, known for its ancient frescoes, baths and large collections of Minoan art. If you arrive early, maybe visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, see the Palace of Knossos or wander through the Museum of Ancient Greek Technology by Kotsanas. After the group meeting, get your bearings around the capital with a leader-led orientation walk of Heraklion, then maybe head out for dinner with the group.

This morning, head out of the city to the renowned archaeological site of Knossos, considered to be Europe’s oldest city. Explore the ruins with your leader and soak in thousands of years of history within its walls. After, discover one of Crete’s most celebrated commodities (vino, of course)! with a visit to a nearby winery for a tasting. Learn about the different varietes of grape grown here and sample a range of small-batch vintages. Then it’s time to slow things down – continue to the small village of Omalos, set at an altitude of 1000 metres, offering a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the authentic Cretan countryside. (B)

Lace up your boots as you set off on a hike through the gorges this morning, stopping at the entrance of Agia Eirini Gorge along the way. Hear stories about the area’s historic past and how it once hid Greek rebels during the Turkish Occupation. Look out for the endangered Cretan wild goats and dittany trees as you walk. After, travel along the beautiful south coast to the village of Sougia. This is Crete at its very best – an undiscovered sweep of beach overlooked by mountains. When you arrive, the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. (B)

After breakfast, set off on a boat trip , where there will be a couple of swimming stops and later join your leader for a traditional homecooked meal in a rural area. Discover the region’s rich history as you cruise, then join the family for lunch. Maybe try some seasonal local dishes. The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend as you please. Maybe explore one of the coastal trails, take a swim in the warm waters or simply lay back on the beach with a drink in hand. (B/L)

Say goodbye to Sougia this morning and catch a local bus to Chania. When you arrive, join your local leader on a guided tour of the Old Town. As you walk, you’ll explore the city markets, the Ottoman neighbourhood and Jewish quarter and pass by the workshops of traditional artisans of local pottery. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Tonight, maybe venture out into the bustling night life and sit down to dinner at a local restaurant – your leader will have the best recommendations! (B)

Today is a free day for you to enjoy how you like. Maybe set off on a boat tour of the Balos and Gamvousa Islands or join a kalitsounia workshop where you’ll learn firsthand how one of the most famous Cretan pastries is made. Kalitsounia is commonly enjoyed as an appetizer or for breakfast, and you can choose your fillings according to your taste – Cretan mizithra or anthotyro cheese with Cretan greens or maybe a sweet filling instead. You could even take them with you to enjoy later in the day. This evening, maybe to head out to a local restaurant for a final dinner and use your knowledge of Cretan wine to pair with your meal. (B)

With no activities planned for the day, your adventure on Crete comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to spend some more time exploring the island, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • 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.

  • Hotel (3 nights)
  • Guesthouse (3 nights)

  • 6 Breakfasts included
  • 1 Lunches included

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
  • Intrepid regularly update their itineraries throughout the year based on feedback and local conditions. Therefore the itinerary you see now may differ from when you booked. Global Journeys will provide you with detailed trip notes at the time of quoting, along with a finalised itinerary and trip notes before your trip departs.

Trip Reviews (1) Most Recent 'Highlights of Crete' Reviews

5.0
Average Rating 5.0 / 5
1 Review
5 Star
100%
4 Star
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Incredible Crete 0 , NSW, Australia, Sep 2025
We loved Crete and the experience this trip offered us. We’ve just spent 3 weeks travelling in Crete and incorporated this 7 day Intrepid tour as we wanted to see the more rural areas of Crete and didn’t want to drive. It was incredible and gave us an authentic and local look into Crete. We loved the home stay experience and the small seaside village read more allowing us to trek one of the gorges. Our tour guide was very good and attentive to making our experience a true local experience.

This is our first Intrepid tour and definitely won’t be our last. We enjoyed Intrepid’s travel style, small groups (we only had 5 in our group) and their focus on sustainable responsible travel and supporting locals. This is our 4th tour booked through Global Journeys. The service is always excellent with prompt communication and response times. I highly recommend this tour.
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Since 1989, Intrepid has been taking travellers beyond the ordinary to discover the real and remarkable. With small groups, passionate local leaders, and a commitment to responsible travel, every journey is crafted to connect you deeply with the people and places you visit. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Intrepid combines comfort, culture, and more curiosity for adventures that truly matter, all backed by a global network and guaranteed departures for peace of mind.

Dates & Pricing USD USD

Flexible Deposit

Cancel up to 56 days before departure and your deposit becomes a credit for future travel.

Definite Departures

Your Intrepid trip is guaranteed to depart as soon as one full paying traveler is booked!
Sunday 26 Apr 2026 26 Apr 26 Heraklion
Saturday 02 May 2026 02 May 26 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$2,240
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Sunday 17 May 2026 17 May 26 Heraklion
Saturday 23 May 2026 23 May 26 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$2,060
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Sunday 24 May 2026 24 May 26 Heraklion
Saturday 30 May 2026 30 May 26 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$2,005
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Sold Out
Sunday 07 Jun 2026 07 Jun 26 Heraklion
Saturday 13 Jun 2026 13 Jun 26 Chania
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Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,000
US$1,649
Save $351
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 28 Jun 2026 28 Jun 26 Heraklion
Saturday 04 Jul 2026 04 Jul 26 Chania
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Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $1,960
US$1,666
Save $294
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 23 Aug 2026 23 Aug 26 Heraklion
Saturday 29 Aug 2026 29 Aug 26 Chania
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Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $1,960
US$1,666
Save $294
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday 01 Sep 2026 01 Sep 26 Heraklion
Monday 07 Sep 2026 07 Sep 26 Chania
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Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $1,850
US$1,572
Save $278
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 06 Sep 2026 06 Sep 26 Heraklion
Saturday 12 Sep 2026 12 Sep 26 Chania
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Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $1,850
US$1,572
Save $278
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 13 Sep 2026 13 Sep 26 Heraklion
Saturday 19 Sep 2026 19 Sep 26 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $1,850
US$1,572
Save $278
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 20 Sep 2026 20 Sep 26 Heraklion
Saturday 26 Sep 2026 26 Sep 26 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $1,850
US$1,572
Save $278
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 27 Sep 2026 27 Sep 26 Heraklion
Saturday 03 Oct 2026 03 Oct 26 Chania
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Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,075
US$1,711
Save $364
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 04 Oct 2026 04 Oct 26 Heraklion
Saturday 10 Oct 2026 10 Oct 26 Chania
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Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $1,760
US$1,496
Save $264
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 11 Oct 2026 11 Oct 26 Heraklion
Saturday 17 Oct 2026 17 Oct 26 Chania
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Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $1,760
US$1,496
Save $264
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 25 Apr 2027 25 Apr 27 Heraklion
Saturday 01 May 2027 01 May 27 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,030
US$1,969
Save $61
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 09 May 2027 09 May 27 Heraklion
Saturday 15 May 2027 15 May 27 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,030
US$1,969
Save $61
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 23 May 2027 23 May 27 Heraklion
Saturday 29 May 2027 29 May 27 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,030
US$1,969
Save $61
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 06 Jun 2027 06 Jun 27 Heraklion
Saturday 12 Jun 2027 12 Jun 27 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,030
US$1,969
Save $61
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 27 Jun 2027 27 Jun 27 Heraklion
Saturday 03 Jul 2027 03 Jul 27 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,030
US$1,969
Save $61
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 01 Aug 2027 01 Aug 27 Heraklion
Saturday 07 Aug 2027 07 Aug 27 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,030
US$1,969
Save $61
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 22 Aug 2027 22 Aug 27 Heraklion
Saturday 28 Aug 2027 28 Aug 27 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,030
US$1,969
Save $61
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 29 Aug 2027 29 Aug 27 Heraklion
Saturday 04 Sep 2027 04 Sep 27 Chania
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Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $1,935
US$1,877
Save $58
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 05 Sep 2027 05 Sep 27 Heraklion
Saturday 11 Sep 2027 11 Sep 27 Chania
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Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,125
US$2,061
Save $64
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 12 Sep 2027 12 Sep 27 Heraklion
Saturday 18 Sep 2027 18 Sep 27 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,125
US$2,061
Save $64
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 19 Sep 2027 19 Sep 27 Heraklion
Saturday 25 Sep 2027 25 Sep 27 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,125
US$2,061
Save $64
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 26 Sep 2027 26 Sep 27 Heraklion
Saturday 02 Oct 2027 02 Oct 27 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,125
US$2,061
Save $64
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 03 Oct 2027 03 Oct 27 Heraklion
Saturday 09 Oct 2027 09 Oct 27 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,030
US$1,969
Save $61
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 10 Oct 2027 10 Oct 27 Heraklion
Saturday 16 Oct 2027 16 Oct 27 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,030
US$1,969
Save $61
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 26 Apr 2026 26 Apr 26 Heraklion
Saturday 02 May 2026 02 May 26 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$2,565
Solo (Own Room)
Sold Out
Sunday 17 May 2026 17 May 26 Heraklion
Saturday 23 May 2026 23 May 26 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$2,385
Solo (Own Room)
Sold Out
Sunday 24 May 2026 24 May 26 Heraklion
Saturday 30 May 2026 30 May 26 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$2,330
Solo (Own Room)
Sold Out
Sunday 07 Jun 2026 07 Jun 26 Heraklion
Saturday 13 Jun 2026 13 Jun 26 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,325
US$1,974
Save $351
Solo (Own Room)
Sunday 28 Jun 2026 28 Jun 26 Heraklion
Saturday 04 Jul 2026 04 Jul 26 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,285
US$1,991
Save $294
Solo (Own Room)
Sunday 23 Aug 2026 23 Aug 26 Heraklion
Saturday 29 Aug 2026 29 Aug 26 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,285
US$1,991
Save $294
Solo (Own Room)
Tuesday 01 Sep 2026 01 Sep 26 Heraklion
Monday 07 Sep 2026 07 Sep 26 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,175
US$1,897
Save $278
Solo (Own Room)
Sunday 06 Sep 2026 06 Sep 26 Heraklion
Saturday 12 Sep 2026 12 Sep 26 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,175
US$1,897
Save $278
Solo (Own Room)
Sunday 13 Sep 2026 13 Sep 26 Heraklion
Saturday 19 Sep 2026 19 Sep 26 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,175
US$1,897
Save $278
Solo (Own Room)
Sunday 20 Sep 2026 20 Sep 26 Heraklion
Saturday 26 Sep 2026 26 Sep 26 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,175
US$1,897
Save $278
Solo (Own Room)
Sunday 27 Sep 2026 27 Sep 26 Heraklion
Saturday 03 Oct 2026 03 Oct 26 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,400
US$2,036
Save $364
Solo (Own Room)
Sunday 04 Oct 2026 04 Oct 26 Heraklion
Saturday 10 Oct 2026 10 Oct 26 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,085
US$1,821
Save $264
Solo (Own Room)
Sunday 11 Oct 2026 11 Oct 26 Heraklion
Saturday 17 Oct 2026 17 Oct 26 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,085
US$1,821
Save $264
Solo (Own Room)
Sunday 25 Apr 2027 25 Apr 27 Heraklion
Saturday 01 May 2027 01 May 27 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,355
US$2,294
Save $61
Solo (Own Room)
Sunday 09 May 2027 09 May 27 Heraklion
Saturday 15 May 2027 15 May 27 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,355
US$2,294
Save $61
Solo (Own Room)
Sunday 23 May 2027 23 May 27 Heraklion
Saturday 29 May 2027 29 May 27 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,355
US$2,294
Save $61
Solo (Own Room)
Sunday 06 Jun 2027 06 Jun 27 Heraklion
Saturday 12 Jun 2027 12 Jun 27 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,355
US$2,294
Save $61
Solo (Own Room)
Sunday 27 Jun 2027 27 Jun 27 Heraklion
Saturday 03 Jul 2027 03 Jul 27 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,355
US$2,294
Save $61
Solo (Own Room)
Sunday 01 Aug 2027 01 Aug 27 Heraklion
Saturday 07 Aug 2027 07 Aug 27 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,355
US$2,294
Save $61
Solo (Own Room)
Sunday 22 Aug 2027 22 Aug 27 Heraklion
Saturday 28 Aug 2027 28 Aug 27 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,355
US$2,294
Save $61
Solo (Own Room)
Sunday 29 Aug 2027 29 Aug 27 Heraklion
Saturday 04 Sep 2027 04 Sep 27 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,260
US$2,202
Save $58
Solo (Own Room)
Sunday 05 Sep 2027 05 Sep 27 Heraklion
Saturday 11 Sep 2027 11 Sep 27 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,450
US$2,386
Save $64
Solo (Own Room)
Sunday 12 Sep 2027 12 Sep 27 Heraklion
Saturday 18 Sep 2027 18 Sep 27 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,450
US$2,386
Save $64
Solo (Own Room)
Sunday 19 Sep 2027 19 Sep 27 Heraklion
Saturday 25 Sep 2027 25 Sep 27 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,450
US$2,386
Save $64
Solo (Own Room)
Sunday 26 Sep 2027 26 Sep 27 Heraklion
Saturday 02 Oct 2027 02 Oct 27 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,450
US$2,386
Save $64
Solo (Own Room)
Sunday 03 Oct 2027 03 Oct 27 Heraklion
Saturday 09 Oct 2027 09 Oct 27 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,355
US$2,294
Save $61
Solo (Own Room)
Sunday 10 Oct 2027 10 Oct 27 Heraklion
Saturday 16 Oct 2027 16 Oct 27 Chania
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $2,355
US$2,294
Save $61
Solo (Own Room)
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Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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