Original
Highlights of Crete
4.8
Excellent
circle55 reviews
location_on 7 days
location_on
Start
Heraklion, Greece
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Finish
Chania, Greece
tour
Trip Code
ZLSA
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Min Age
15
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Trip Size
1 - 12
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Physical Rating
restaurant_menu
Meals
6 breakfasts, 1 dinner
airport_shuttle
Transport
Public bus, Private vehicle, Boat, On foot
bed
Accommodation
Hotel (3 nights), Guesthouse (3 nights)
From £1,337(7 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
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Did you know that Crete is home to Europe’s oldest city? From Heraklion, head to the famous ruins and archaeological site of Knossos – the former capital of Minoan Crete.
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Uncover the real Crete during visits to its quiet corners. We’ve partnered with non-profit organisation MEET to bring you an ecotourism experience in the delightful village of Agios Ioannis. Spend an evening dining in a local restaurant and stay the night in a guesthouse with a welcoming local family.
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Get off the beaten path – literally – during a visit to the charming fishing village of Sougia. Hike, swim, or relax on the beach with a cold drink in hand.
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Visit the colourful port town of Chania and discover one of its most loved commodities during a visit to a local winery for a wonderful tasting experience.
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Explore Crete’s natural wonders on foot during a hike through the Agia Irini Gorge, learning about its historical significance and rare wildlife as you go.
Is this trip right for you?
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Summer temperatures in Greece can reach up to 40°C, which can be uncomfortable for those not used to the heat. On the other hand, early in the season (April) many businesses may still be closed and the weather is unpredictable, however you may have some of the major sights of the Greek islands almost to yourself. Please consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.
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Please be aware that some of the Greek Islands are very hilly and mountainous, which means lots & lots of steps are an inherent feature of the landscape. You will have to be able to easily lift your luggage and carry it up and down stairs and inclines. Also, stone streets become very slippery when wet. Some people may find Greece's topography very demanding.
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On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.
verified
Summer temperatures in Greece can reach up to 40°C, which can be uncomfortable for those not used to the heat. On the other hand, early in the season (April) many businesses may still be closed and the weather is unpredictable, however you may have some of the major sights of the Greek islands almost to yourself. Please consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.
verified
Please be aware that some of the Greek Islands are very hilly and mountainous, which means lots & lots of steps are an inherent feature of the landscape. You will have to be able to easily lift your luggage and carry it up and down stairs and inclines. Also, stone streets become very slippery when wet. Some people may find Greece's topography very demanding.
verified
On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.
Itinerary
Tour the ancient histories and sun-kissed shores of Crete
The island of Crete has so much history and natural wonder to offer to a curious traveller. 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 picturesque beaches. From Heraklion, visit the famous archaeological site of Knossos, hike through forests and gorges, unwind in the secluded seaside village of Sougia, and sip wine in the vibrant port city of Chania to show you what makes the island so special. So quintessentially ‘Greece’ and so full of life, the best of Crete is waiting.
- DAY 1Day 1 • Heraklion
- DAY 2Day 2 • Knossos / Agios Ioannis
- DAY 3Day 3 • South Coast / Sougia
- DAY 4Day 4 • Agia Irini Gorge / Sougia
- DAY 5Day 5 • Chania
- DAY 6Day 6 • Chania
- DAY 7Day 7 • Chania
Inclusions
restaurant_menu Meals
6 breakfasts, 1 dinner
airport_shuttle Transport
Public bus, Private vehicle, Boat, On foot
bed Accommodation
Hotel (3 nights), Guesthouse (3 nights)
festival Included activities
circleKnossos - Archaeological Site
circleAgios Ioannis - Village Visits
circleChania - Wine Tasting
circleAgios Ioannis - traditional Cretan dinner
circleChora Sfakion - Coastal Boat Ride
circleSougia - Agia Irini Gorge Hike
circleChania - Old Town guided tour
circleChania - Kalitsounia Bakery Workshop
museum Optional activities
circleHeraklion - Archaeological Musem of Heraklion - EUR12
circleHERAKLION - Museum of Ancient Greek Technology by Kotsanas - EUR5
circleChania - Archaeological Museum of Chania - EUR15
circleChania - Marine time Museum of Crete - EUR4
Dates and availability
Starting
Ending
Remaining
Prices From
Tuesday Sep 30, 2025
Monday Oct 06, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out
Sunday Oct 05, 2025
Saturday Oct 11, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out
Sunday Oct 12, 2025
Saturday Oct 18, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 7 spaces left
£1,892£1,608
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Sunday Apr 05, 2026
Saturday Apr 11, 2026
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£1,898
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Sunday Apr 19, 2026
Saturday Apr 25, 2026
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£1,898
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Sunday Apr 26, 2026
Saturday May 02, 2026
Trip size max: 12 - 10 spaces left
£1,485
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Sunday May 03, 2026
Saturday May 09, 2026
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£1,975
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Sunday May 10, 2026
Saturday May 16, 2026
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£1,975
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Sunday May 17, 2026
Saturday May 23, 2026
Trip size max: 12 - 10 spaces left
£1,485
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Sunday May 24, 2026
Saturday May 30, 2026
Trip size max: 12 - 11 spaces left
£1,485
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Sunday May 31, 2026
Saturday Jun 06, 2026
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£1,898
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Sunday Jun 07, 2026
Saturday Jun 13, 2026
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£1,337
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Sunday Jun 14, 2026
Saturday Jun 20, 2026
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£1,810
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Sunday Jun 28, 2026
Saturday Jul 04, 2026
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£1,337
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Sunday Jul 12, 2026
Saturday Jul 18, 2026
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£1,810
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Important notes
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1. A single supplement is bookable on this trip, excluding Day 2,3&4. Availability is limited due to small properties we use. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
Reviews (54)
5 stars
49
4 stars
3
2 stars
2
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Margie
Sep 09, 2025
I would highly recommend Intrepid as a tour company.
Each time I have joined an Intrepid tour the Itinerary & the professionalism of the tour leaders has been outstanding..The tour leader Angelina for The Crete tour made my travel experience the best & was beyond my expectations.
The accommodations were excellent with breakfast provided
The drivers were professional & I felt safe at all times
The guides that we joined in certain areas for extra historical information were interesting & again proud to share their knowledge.
Looking forward to my next Intrepid experience in the future.
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Anna-Lea
Aug 19, 2025
This trip completely blew my mind - I had not been aware before that Crete would have so much different things to offer.
Our tour leader Gabriela was excellent - the trip exceeded my expectations. We all had a unbelievable good time together. It‘s been the best trip of my life ❤️
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Brian
Aug 12, 2025
We have done more than 10 intrepid trips and are always impressed by the itinerary and selection of locations, activities and accommodation provided. We love travelling with Intrepid and highly recommend them to new and seasoned travellers alike.
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Molly
May 29, 2025
Crete is a magical island well worth a visit. Extend your tour both before and after.The museum in Heraklion a must visit before Knossos . Take a tour of the Lasithi plateau.
Explore the West coast .
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Elena
May 17, 2025
Amazing trip, tastiest food and beautiful locations, great balance of rest and activities
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Jonathan
May 06, 2025
Crete is a magical place that you won't soon forget! A nice balance of activities and free time. Our tour guide Gabriela is fantastic in her communication, approachability and ideas about how to use our free time. I would recommend you consider extending your stay and arrive early to see some other sites.
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Marian
Oct 13, 2024
Crete is an incredible place and this trip was a great introduction to the past, the Minoan civilization, and the present! The hikes, the cooking class, wine tasting, and the food!!! Our guide, Eva was so knowledgeable and made this trip perfect!
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Sonya
Oct 04, 2024
This was my first Intrepid trip and it won't be my last. I don't see myself traveling any other way. Our team leader, Georgia, was amazing, I met people from all over the world and I cherished each experience
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Michael
Aug 14, 2024
I would highly recommend the interpid trip to Crete if anyone who hasn't yet been here, you can explore the island for yourselves if you stay longer.
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Erin
Aug 13, 2024
This was the perfect trip start to finish. It gave an excellent snapshot of the island and was the perfect amount of activities. I would happily do this trip again.