An Island Escape to Crete

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 the family-run Vassilakis Estate in Neapolis to embark on our Unique Experience, with a tour of an 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.
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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.
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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, £95; 2025 £100 per person).

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.
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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.
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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.
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Transfer to Heraklion airport for the return flight to London.
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