Our journey through Athens and the Greek Islands is a celebration of history, culture, and the timeless beauty of the Aegean. We begin in Athens, the birthplace of Western civilization, where ancient temples rise above a vibrant modern city. As we wander the cobblestone lanes of Plaka and stand before the mighty Acropolis, we feel the enduring spirit of the Greek gods and philosophers who shaped the world’s earliest ideas of art, democracy, and beauty.
From Athens, we ferry to the Cyclades Islands, where island life moves to a gentler rhythm. On Tinos, we discover a world of whitewashed villages, terraced hillsides, and age-old craftsmanship. Our days blend hikes through marble-sculpted landscapes with intimate encounters—like cooking alongside a local host in her home or sharing lunch in a seaside taverna. Each step reveals another layer of Cycladic tradition, from the intricate dovecotes to the artistry that has defined this island for centuries.
Our adventure continues on to Naxos and Santorini, where mythology and natural splendor intertwine. We follow ancient trails past olive groves and up to the summit of Mount Zeus, where legend says the king of gods was born. On Santorini, we trace the dramatic rim of the caldera, kayak along volcanic cliffs, and toast the sunset over the shimmering sea. Throughout our journey, the spirit of Greece shines through—in the warmth of its people, the richness of its flavors, and the timeless landscapes that remind us what it means to travel deeply and with wonder.
Combine this tour with our Greece: Athens to the Aegean Islands tour by taking a ferry from Santorini to Crete. Contact our office at 1-800-941-8010 for more details!
Welcome to Crete
Our journey begins in Heraklion, Crete’s vibrant capital and a city where ancient history and modern island life blend seamlessly.
After arriving and settling into our hotel, we set out together to explore the atmospheric old town. Strolling through lively squares and pedestrian streets lined with cafés, markets, and centuries-old architecture, we begin to discover the rich cultural heritage that has shaped Crete for millennia.
This evening, we gather for our welcome dinner at a traditional Cretan taverna, where fresh, locally sourced ingredients and time-honored recipes offer a delicious introduction to the island’s celebrated cuisine. It’s the perfect opportunity to get to know our fellow travelers and toast the beginning of our adventure together.
GDM MegaronHeraklion, Greece
GDM Megaron is a 5-star hotel located in the heart of Heraklion, overlooking the historic Venetian Harbor. The hotel is known for its elegant contemporary design, spacious rooms, and rooftop restaurant and bar, which offer panoramic views of the harbor, the old fortress, and the Cretan Sea.
Archaeological Museum and Knossos
Crete’s natural beauty is matched only by the richness of its history. Our day begins with a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, home to the world’s most important collection of Minoan art. This provides the perfect introduction to our next stop: the Palace of Knossos, Crete’s most iconic archaeological site.
More than 4,000 years ago, the Minoans ruled much of the Aegean from their magnificent palace at Knossos, establishing Crete as a center of strategic, political, and cultural significance.
After lunch, we continue to the Mediterranean gem of Rethymnon. In the afternoon, we have time to wander through the labyrinthine streets of its historic quarter, where Venetian and Ottoman influences have been beautifully preserved, creating one of Crete’s most charming old towns.
Hotel AvliRethymnon, Greece
Hotel Avli is a charming boutique hotel located in the heart of Rethymnon's beautifully preserved Old Town. Housed within a restored Venetian mansion, the hotel combines historic character with contemporary comforts, offering elegant suites, a peaceful courtyard, and acclaimed dining. Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the town's winding streets, historic landmarks, waterfront, and vibrant local culture.
Ancient Eleftherna and Margarites
Today we explore Ancient Eleftherna, one of Crete's most important archaeological sites, nestled in the foothills ofMount Psiloritis, the island's highest peak. Named among the Archaeological Institute of America's most significant discoveries of 2009, Eleftherna reveals layers of Cretan history spanning thousands of years.
Beginning at the ancient acropolis, we follow paths past impressive Roman cisterns carved directly into the hillside, the necropolis, and a beautifully preserved third-century BCE stone bridge. Surrounded by sweeping mountain views, the landscape offers a fascinating blend of archaeology and nature.
Our day concludes in the charming village of Margarites, renowned for its generations of master potters. Here we meet a local artisan whose work draws inspiration from Minoan and Byzantine traditions, offering us an intimatelook at one of Crete's oldest living crafts.
Imbros Gorge and Chania
Today we venture into the rugged heart of southern Crete, traveling through a landscape of sleepy villages, fertile valleys, and Byzantine churches that remains largely untouched by mass tourism. Our destination is Imbros Gorge, an ancient route once connecting Chania with the remote village of Chora Sfakion.
Setting out on foot, we spend the next several hours hiking beneath fragrant pine trees as the gorge gradually narrows into one of its most dramatic sections, where towering limestone walls rise nearly 300 feet above us and the passage narrows to just a few feet across. Along the way, we keep an eye out for Crete's famous kri-kri wild goats, found only on this remarkable island.
This afternoon we continue to Chania, widely considered Crete's most beautiful town. Framed by the White Mountains and centered around its picturesque Venetian harbor, Chania charms us with its colorful waterfront, bustling markets, winding lanes, and inviting cafés. The evening is ours to enjoy one of the island's most atmospheric destinations.
Hotel OFFChania, Greece
Hotel OFF is a stylish boutique hotel located in the heart of Chania's historic Old Town. Set within a beautifully restored heritage building, the hotel blends contemporary design with traditional architecture, offering elegant rooms, a tranquil courtyard, and a peaceful atmosphere. Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the Venetian Harbor, charming alleyways, local cafés, and cultural landmarks.
Swim at Balos and winery visit
We spend our final full day in Crete embracing the island’s slower pace of life. This morning brings us to Balos Lagoon, one of Greece’s most spectacular coastal landscapes. A short walk reveals breathtaking views of turquoise water, white sand, and rugged headlands before we descend to the lagoon itself, where there is time to relax, swim, and simply savor this extraordinary setting.
Later this afternoon, we visit Manousakis Winery, nestled among the hills outside Chania. Here we sample a selection of distinctive Cretan wines while learning about the island’s ancient winemaking traditions. As evening falls, we gather for a memorable farewell dinner, celebrating a week of remarkable landscapes, rich history, warm hospitality, and unforgettable flavors.
Say farewell to Greece
Breakfast is at your leisure at the hotel. Transfer independently from our accommodations in Chania to one of the international airports on the island for return flights home or continue your explorations of this marvelous region of Greece.
Please note that this is a typical itinerary, and actual activities may vary due to weather conditions, local events, and to allow serendipity to play a hand in your experience. Accommodations are as outlined in the itinerary, although we reserve the right to change these or the order visited should the need arise.
6 Days
May 15-20, 2027
Oct 4-9, 2027
$4,495 Per Person
First two reserved:$350
Additional:$850
See single supplement policy below.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: Accommodations are based on double occupancy. A single supplement is paid by participants who specifically request single accommodations, subject to availability.
Single Supplement for Scheduled Group Departures. If you reserve at least 120 days prior to departure, you may be eligible for a reduced or free single supplement. This is generally limited to the first one or two solo travelers to reserve, and the reduction is outlined in the pricing for each trip. Free or reduced single supplements are not combinable with other offers or promotions.
If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will try to match you with a roommate of the same gender. If you reserve at least 120 days ahead and request a roommate but one is not available, you will receive a $500 reduction from the standard single supplement (unless otherwise noted in the detailed itinerary for your specific trip).
Single Supplement for Custom Tours. Custom Tour prices are generally based on two or more participants; therefore, single supplements for “solo” Custom Tours will vary and are available upon request.
Boundless Journeys' trips are designed for active individuals who have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. Greece: Explore Crete is rated 2+, easy to moderate, on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most strenuous). It features walks of varying lengths and easy-to-moderate difficulty that average 2-4 hours per day. Walks on this tour will be on varying terrain, including cobblestone streets in and around villages, dirt roads, rocky trails, and stone stairs. Although the paths are generally well-maintained, some sections are rocky, especially along Imbros Gorge. Walks are broken up by rest, cultural activities, and meals. Please refer to the detailed itinerary for descriptions of the activities on each day of the trip.
Temperatures in Crete in May are pleasantly warm, making it one of the best times to visit for hiking and sightseeing. Daytime highs typically range from the low to mid-70s °F, while evenings are comfortably cool with lows in the mid-50 to low-60s °F. October offers similarly enjoyable conditions, with warm days in the mid-70s °F and evenings cooling to around 60 °F. Humidity is generally low in both months, and sunshine is abundant. Sea temperatures average around 67 °F in May and a comfortable 74 °F in October, making swimming especially pleasant in the fall.
Crete
High: 76 Low: 64
High: 78 Low: 68
Most Convenient AirportArrival: Heraklion International Airport (HER). or Heraklion Ferry Port if coming from our Greece: Athens to the Aegean Islands tour
Departure: Chania International Airport (CHQ), or bus to Heraklion (www.e-ktel.com/en/) and Heraklion International Airport (HER). The bus from Chania to Heraklion takes 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Meeting Time and PlaceIn the lobby of the GDM Megaron Hotel in Heraklion, at 6 p.m. on Day 1 of your tour.
Departure Time and PlaceAfter breakfast in Chania, on Day 6 of your tour.
The cuisine of Crete is widely regarded as one of the healthiest and most celebrated in Greece—a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, built on fresh, seasonal ingredients and recipes passed down through generations. Extra virgin olive oil is at the heart of nearly every dish, paired with vegetables harvested from fertile valleys, fragrant mountain herbs, handmade cheeses, and locally raised lamb and goat. Signature specialties include dakos (barley rusks topped with tomatoes and creamy mizithra cheese), slow-cooked lamb with wild herbs, hand-rolled pasta, and fresh seafood prepared simply with lemon and olive oil. Cretan honey, aromatic herbs, olives, and local wines complete meals that are as nourishing as they are delicious, offering an authentic taste of the island’s rich agricultural traditions.
Meals in Greece, and on this tour, are often ordered family style creating an atmosphere that is as much about connection and celebration as it is about food. This allows travelers to taste many different foods, with a large variety to choose from.
Dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice, though choices may be more limited. Please inform us of specific dietary restrictions by completing your online guest forms.
With a Boundless Journeys guide, your experience is that of friend and local adventurer. We believe strongly in working with local guides, experts in the areas to which we travel, and they hold the keys to unlocking the hidden delights of your chosen destination. Although you will never know they are at work—the mark of a truly great leader—our guides make magical things happen and add a dimension to your trip that you could not experience on your own. Over the years we have forged bonds with some of the best guides in the world, and we typically work with a small team of guides in each region. You will be informed of the guide for your trip one month prior to your departure.
Walking and hiking, 2-4 hours per day, on varying terrain, including cobblestone streets in and around villages, dirt roads, rocky trails.
This trip can be your own adventure by taking over one of our scheduled dates, or we can request a fresh one.
By: Deborah Tobey
I just returned from experiencing our Greece journey firsthand, and I’m still trying to find the words for how extraordinary it truly was. From the ancient streets of Athens to…
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