Greece
7 nights 5 Departures Available
View All Dates & BookVenture into the rural heart of Crete on this 7-night tour and explore picturesque mountain villages, delve into Cretan culture and sail to the fascinating island of Spinalonga on a journey to remember
Discover the charming side of Crete, from a base in the centre of historic Heraklion, with excursions taking you to explore the east of the island. Visit traditional mountain villages like Kritsa, set in the foothills of the Lassithi mountains, and Kalamafka, famous for its limestone rock formations; and learn about the island’s long-standing arts and crafts heritage from locals who’ve long worked in the trade.
Tour a family-run olive grove to see how they’ve been producing olive oil for more than a century, and explore the famous village of Zaros, known for its fresh spring water. Visit Matala, a hippie fishing village home to millennia-old caves, and sail to Spinalonga – the island once known for its leper colony, now offering tours to teach visitors more about its moving history.
Other highlights include the Cave of Zeus, said to have been Zeus’s hiding place in Greek mythology; Seli Ambelou, home to historic, stone-built windmills; and Agios Nikolaos, known for its lively beaches and restaurants.
Along the way, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to learn about Cretan culture and get under the skin of the island. Take part in a pottery workshop, delight in tasting authentic Cretan cuisines and enjoy a traditional Greek night with live music and dancing for a glimpse into the island’s livelier side; this is Crete at its most enchanting.
Fly from London to Crete’s historic capital, Heraklion. Transfer to the 5-star Hotel Aquila Atlantis Hotel, located in the city centre, to begin your seven-night stay. In the evening, meet your fellow explorers for a welcome drink at the hotel.
Travel to Kritsa, a quaint village in the foothills of the Lassithi mountains, where historic houses line narrow, cobbled streets, and local weavers display their crafts. Continue on to the village of Kalamafka, set right on the edge of the mountains. Kalamafka is famous for its majestic limestone rock formations – among them Kastellos, a huge cliff which sits in the centre of the village and is home to an atmospheric cave temple. Take a leisurely walk and admire the beauty and charm of this enchanting village. From here, travel to a family-run estate in Neapolis; tour the olive grove and learn about the production of olive oil using an original hand-operated press. Enjoy an olive oil tasting accompanied by traditional Cretan delicacies and local wine.
(B, L)
Relax at the hotel this morning, or explore Heraklion at leisure. In the afternoon, travel to the traditional farming village of Anopolis, which offers breathtaking views over the surrounding mountains, and stop by a local ceramics shop to take part in a hands-on pottery class. Afterwards, continue on to the village of Kato Karouzanos, where you’ll learn about village life in the past and see centuries old artefacts, from old looms to historic containers once used for distilling the local spirit, ‘raki’. In the evening, take part in a Greek night with traditional food and wine, accompanied by local live music and dancing.
(B, D)
The day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Or join an optional sunset cruise from Heraklion Marina towards the island of Dia, which according to legends was created from the gods. The tiny and uninhabited island is home to several peaceful bays, an ancient Minoan port and dramatic rocky cliffs. There is a possibility for snorkelling or swimming in the crystal-clear waters. Relax on board with some local snacks and drinks and simply enjoy the stunning landscapes and beauty surrounding the Cretan sea (pre-bookable).
Explore the spectacular Lassithi Plateau this morning, set 830m above sea level in the heart of the Dikti Mountains. Stop at Pyschro Village for sweeping views over the plateau, then visit the Cave of Zeus – one of Crete’s most famous archaeological sites, said to have been Zeus’s hiding place. Admire its illuminated stalactites and stalagmites. Continue to Seli Ambelou, known for its historic, stone-built windmills. Watch a demonstration at one of the restored mills, before enjoying a cooking demonstration in a local taverna followed by a traditional mezze lunch. On the way back, visit the village of Krasi, famous for its 2,000 year-old tree and Roman springs.
(B, L)
Travel to Elounda and board a traditional fishing boat as you set sail for the island of Spinalonga, known for its moving history as a centre for those with leprosy. Learn about its stirring past on a guided tour while admiring picturesque views, before heading back to Elounda with time at leisure to swim. Afterwards, visit the town of Agios Nikolaos, famous for its sandy beaches and lively port.
(B)
Visit the idyllic village of Zaros this morning, known across Greece for its spring water and set around a picturesque lake flanked by sweeping mountains. Travel to Messara, famous for agriculture and natural beauty. Meet a farmer and learn about natural farming techniques and harvest of organic products, before continuing on to Matala – a fishing village known for its hippie atmosphere and millennia-old caves (caves are not advisable to visit as the surfaces are uneven and slippery). Free time to explore Matala, perhaps have lunch in a local taverna or swim in crystal clear waters of the Libyan Sea. In the evening, relax and enjoy your final night in Heraklion.
(B)
Transfer to Heraklion airport for the return flight to London.
(B)
Fly from London to Crete’s historic capital, Heraklion. Transfer to the 5-star Hotel Aquila Atlantis Hotel, located in the city centre, to begin your seven-night stay. In the evening, meet your fellow explorers for a welcome drink at the hotel.
Travel to Kritsa, a quaint village in the foothills of the Lassithi mountains, where historic houses line narrow, cobbled streets, and local weavers display their crafts. Continue on to the village of Kalamafka, set right on the edge of the mountains. Kalamafka is famous for its majestic limestone rock formations – among them Kastellos, a huge cliff which sits in the centre of the village and is home to an atmospheric cave temple. Take a leisurely walk and admire the beauty and charm of this enchanting village. From here, travel to a family-run estate in Neapolis; tour the olive grove and learn about the production of olive oil using an original hand-operated press. Enjoy an olive oil tasting accompanied by traditional Cretan delicacies and local wine.
(B, L)
Relax at the hotel this morning, or explore Heraklion at leisure. In the afternoon, travel to the traditional farming village of Anopolis, which offers breathtaking views over the surrounding mountains, and stop by a local ceramics shop to take part in a hands-on pottery class. Afterwards, continue on to the village of Kato Karouzanos, where you’ll learn about village life in the past and see centuries old artefacts, from old looms to historic containers once used for distilling the local spirit, ‘raki’. In the evening, take part in a Greek night with traditional food and wine, accompanied by local live music and dancing.
(B, D)
The day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Or join an optional sunset cruise from Heraklion Marina towards the island of Dia, which according to legends was created from the gods. The tiny and uninhabited island is home to several peaceful bays, an ancient Minoan port and dramatic rocky cliffs. There is a possibility for snorkelling or swimming in the crystal-clear waters. Relax on board with some local snacks and drinks and simply enjoy the stunning landscapes and beauty surrounding the Cretan sea (pre-bookable).
Explore the spectacular Lassithi Plateau this morning, set 830m above sea level in the heart of the Dikti Mountains. Stop at Pyschro Village for sweeping views over the plateau, then visit the Keras Kardiotissas Monastery near Kera village offering a unique insight into its historic roots. This ancient stone-built church, restored in the 1970s, features captivating murals from the 14th and 15th centuries and traditional Byzantine architecture.
Continue to Seli Ambelou, known for its historic, stone-built windmills. Watch a demonstration at one of the restored mills, before enjoying a cooking demonstration in a local taverna followed by a traditional mezze lunch. On the way back, visit the village of Krasi, famous for its 2,000 year-old tree and Roman springs.
(B, L)
Travel to Elounda and board a traditional fishing boat as you set sail for the island of Spinalonga, known for its moving history as a centre for those with leprosy. Learn about its stirring past on a guided tour while admiring picturesque views, before heading back to Elounda with time at leisure to swim. Afterwards, visit the town of Agios Nikolaos, famous for its sandy beaches and lively port.
(B)
Visit the idyllic village of Zaros this morning, known across Greece for its spring water and set around a picturesque lake flanked by sweeping mountains. Travel south to Listaros and visit a family-run outlet featuring aromatic and therapeutic tea, herbs and spices that are carefully curated through environmentally friendly farming practices.
Continue to Matala – a fishing village known for its hippie atmosphere and millennia-old caves (caves are not advisable to visit as the surfaces are uneven and slippery). Free time to explore Matala, perhaps have lunch in a local taverna or swim in crystal clear waters of the Libyan Sea. In the evening, relax and enjoy your final night in Heraklion.
(B)
Transfer to Heraklion airport for the return flight to London.
(B)
This is a busy itinerary and involves many visits on foot and uneven surfaces.
Delight in Cretan culinary experiences from, cooking demonstration at a taverna with locally sourced ingredients to olive oil tasting and mezza style lunch with local wine. Enjoy a traditional Greek Evening in Kato Karouzanos with local live music, dancing and delicious food.
Here is a list of the accommodation you can stay in for this tour. Occasionally we use alternative hotels, or have a choice of hotels to choose from which will be detailed when booking.
A modern 5-star hotel in central Heraklion, close to the Archaeological museum. Restaurants, bar, pools, spa and WiFi (free). 164 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-fridge, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
Add extra nights to your tour at the starting or ending hotel.
You can find out more about the country on the travel guide.
29 Oct 25, 5 Nov 25 and 3 more
Sail on a small ship, full circle around the Peloponnese, from inimitable Athens to ancient Epidaurus, old-world Nafplion, the Mycenaean palaces of Nestor and Agamemnon, medieval Monemvasia and Mani, Olympian relics of Gods and games, and the Delphic Oracle
From £3445 pp
incl Flight
10 Sep 25, 8 Oct 25 and 5 more
On this relaxing and revealing tour, a blissfully beautiful acropolis, a Doric city-state, a hilltop church in a deserted monastery, and a sail to beguiling Symi, complement the castle citadel of the crusader Knights of St. John, forming the fabulous Old Town of Rhodes
From £1845 pp
incl Flight
16 Sep 25, 7 Oct 25 and 4 more
From Thessaloniki’s Byzantine quarter to the haunts of Alexander the Great, the home of the Gods, Mount Olympus, the monasteries of Mount Athos, Philippi’s Roman remains, and bountiful nature at Lake Kerkini, this is a glorious discovery of northern Greece
From £2345 pp
incl Flight
We need to check availability for this departure date. Please proceed with the reservation, and we will get in touch within 72 hours to confirm and take payment.
The below departures are available - please click into the booking process for a quote and to book.
| Date | Two sharing | Solo traveller | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 May 25 (7 nights) |
Offer Ends 30 Apr |
£1795pp
£1945pp |
£2085pp
£2235pp |
Book now |
| 18 Sep 25 (7 nights) |
Offer Ends 30 Apr |
£1995pp
£2295pp |
£2285pp
£2585pp |
Book now |
| 16 Oct 25 (7 nights) |
Offer Ends 30 Apr |
£1895pp
£1995pp |
£2090pp
£2190pp |
Book now |
| 11 Jun 26 (7 nights) |
£2245pp | £2560pp | Book now | |
| 17 Sep 26 (7 nights) |
£2245pp | £2560pp | Book now |
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 7 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 2 lunches, 1 dinner, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Travel insurance, optional excursions, accommodation tax, tipping, porterage, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
The following extensions are available to book with this tour. Please click through to the booking process to check your preferred departure date and to make a reservation.
Extra nights are priced per person, per night.
Please contact us to check availability and book alongside your tour.
Extra nights are on request, please call to discuss your requirements
Aquila Atlantis Hotel
(per night)
2024
Standard City/Atrium View £65 (Oct £55)
Single supplement £40 (Oct £35)
Harbour View £75 (Oct £65)
Harbour View single supplement £65 (Oct £60)
Arrival or departure transfer £25
2025
Standard City/Atrium View £70 (Apr & Oct £60)
Single supplement £45 (Apr & Oct £35)
Harbour View £80 (Apr & Oct £70)
Harbour View single supplement £70 (Apr & Oct £65)
Arrival or departure transfer £25
2026
Standard City/Atrium View £75 (Oct £60)
Single supplement £50 (Oct £35)
Harbour View £83 (Oct £70)
Harbour View single supplement £78 (Oct £65)
Arrival or departure transfer £28