+1 (646) 972-4274  explore@socaislands.com
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From $4,699

The Crete, Greece Trip

8 days, 7 nights Greece
View departure dates
  • Tour code

    GRCADV02

  • Start

    Agios Nikolaos

  • End

    Chania

  • Min. age

    16 years old

  • Group size

    6-16 persons

  • Trip style

    Explorer

  • Trip pace

    Active

  • Language

    English

Listen up travel fam, for anyone wanting a summer adventure with incredible food, traditional culture, beautiful beaches, and exciting nightlife, the Crete trip should be at the top of your list. From an oasis of blue-green beauty set between looming mountains, to cliffside grottos used to shelter locals for centuries, Crete is home to a rare fusion of natural, cultural, and historical diversity. Mix in locally produced wine, an ancient artisan village, a generous portion of savory goodness, and a few secret beach cocktails, and you’ll soon figure out why Crete is considered the up and coming spot in the Mediterranean. So the time to go is now! In a nutshell, our small group trip to Crete caters to solo travelers in their 20s and 30s looking for delicious Greek cuisine, ancient Bronze Age history, and secluded beaches along the Mediterranean.

What you will see and do

Cruise Crete’s stunning coastline, swim in turquoise waters, and relax on hidden Mediterranean beaches.

Cruise Crete’s stunning coastline, swim in turquoise waters, and relax on hidden Mediterranean beaches.

Discover ancient history at Knossos Palace, sunken cities, monasteries, and charming artisan villages.

Discover ancient history at Knossos Palace, sunken cities, monasteries, and charming artisan villages.

Enjoy authentic Cretan culture through local wine, Greek cuisine, cooking classes, and traditional dancing.

Enjoy authentic Cretan culture through local wine, Greek cuisine, cooking classes, and traditional dancing.

What's included

All activities mentioned on the itinerary

Accommodations in double rooms

Experienced Soca Islands Host with you throughout the trip

Max 20 travellers per group

Arrival and departure airport transfers

Group transportation

One farewell group lunch or dinner

Soca Islanders must provide proof that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their trip. Remember, international flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a double room with two beds. If you'd prefer a private double (for couples), single room, or private transportation for you and your group, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.

Group itinerary

Touch down on Greece’s largest island and make your way to your hotel in the sun-kissed coastal town of Agios Nikolaos. Nestled between rugged mountains and sparkling waters, this charming town is steeped in myth and history you’re not far from Zeus’s legendary birthplace, after all. If you arrive early, take a stroll and start soaking in the magical surroundings.

In the evening, gather with your fellow travelers for your first taste of Cretan cuisine over local wine, fresh dishes, and lively conversation a perfect introduction to Crete’s flavors and your new travel crew.

After breakfast, grab your shades and sunscreen we’re heading out to sea. Hop aboard a traditional Cretan caique and cruise along the island’s rugged coastline. Pass the remains of the sunken city of Olous, thought to have vanished centuries ago, before exploring the ruins of a small fortified island that has withstood the test of time.

Back on shore, enjoy a barbecue by the beach, then dive into the turquoise waters at Kolokytha Beach. End the day with an evening exploring Agios Nikolaos, or relax with friends at a seaside café.

Start with a light breakfast before diving into Crete’s culinary and historical treasures. Visit a nearby olive oil farm, where you’ll tour the facilities, sample farm-fresh delicacies like cheeses and honey, and even get a hands-on cooking lesson to master traditional Cretan dishes.

Afterward, explore Knossos Palace, Crete’s oldest Bronze Age site dating back thousands of years. Later, we head west to Rethymno, where a group dinner rounds off a day of culture, history, and flavor.

Today we venture to Margarites, a quaint village known as Crete’s pottery capital. Learn from skilled locals, discover how clay transforms into art, and try your hand at creating your own ceramic masterpiece.

Enjoy lunch in a local taverna, then return to Rethymno for some free time. Explore the town, enjoy dinner, or sip cocktails by the waterfront the choice is yours.

After a leisurely morning, we head to Lake Kournas, Crete’s largest freshwater lake. Spend the day swimming, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing on its golden shores. Soak up the sun with a cocktail in hand and savor a lakeside Greek lunch surrounded by stunning scenery.

Later, we continue to Chania, setting up your base near the Venetian harbor for your final seaside stay. The evening is free to explore the town or unwind with your new friends.

Fuel up with a strong Greek coffee before heading to one of Crete’s most picturesque beaches. Spend the morning swimming, sunbathing, or just admiring the crystal-clear waters.

After some downtime, visit a hilltop monastery with panoramic sea views, then explore a nearby cave full of impressive rock formations. Return to Chania in the evening for a free night to explore, enjoy dinner, or relax.

Today is all about immersing yourself in Chania’s local flavors. Wander through a vibrant farmer’s market with your guide, sampling fresh produce, cheeses, and other delicacies. Continue through the colorful streets, exploring shops and cafés, and enjoy an afternoon aperitif Aperol spritz, anyone?

That evening, learn a traditional Cretan dance with your group before sitting down for a farewell dinner filled with local music, laughter, and delicious food.

On your final morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and reflect on a week of history, culture, and unforgettable experiences. Whether heading home or extending your Greek adventure, Crete’s beauty, cuisine, and charm are always waiting for your return. Consider island hopping to nearby gems or spending a few extra days exploring more of the Mediterranean’s hidden treasures.

Tour FAQS

Fly into Heraklion Airport (HER), Fly out of Chania (CHQ).

Yes. If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure or book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer is included. If you choose alternative pre-tour accommodation or arrive by another mode of transport, you’ll need to arrange your own arrival transfer.

Our arrival transfers are private to Soca Islands and are organised in groups based on flight times. Sometimes this means a short wait at the airport until other flights arrive.

While we’re not medical professionals, we want to help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure. Here are some tips:

  1. Consult with a healthcare professional: Schedule an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure to get any necessary vaccines or medications.
  2. Up-to-date medical advice:
    • US residents: Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
    • UK residents: Visit the NHS Fit For Travel website.
    • Australian residents: Refer to the Smart Traveler Health website.

3. Government travel advice:

    • US residents: Consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
    • UK residents: Check the FCDO Travel Advice.
    • Australian residents: Visit the Smart Traveler website.

    • 4. Medication tips: If you take prescription medication, bring enough to last the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays. Carry a copy of your prescription in case you need to visit a clinic abroad.

    We hope this helps you prepare for a safe and enjoyable adventure.

    There are no scheduled activities on the final day, so feel free to book your departure at your own convenience.

    We recommend arriving before 3 pm on Day 1 to make it in time for the welcome event. But don’t worry no matter when you land, we’ll have an airport transfer ready for you.

    Please Refer to your government’s travel advice or consult your local consulate. Remember, passport and visa requirements can change, so make sure to stay updated.

    Excluding alcohol, we suggest budgeting around USD $40.00 per day for extras.

    While we’re not medical professionals, we want to help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure. Here are some tips:

    1. Consult with a healthcare professional: Schedule an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure to get any necessary vaccines or medications.
    2. Up-to-date medical advice:
      • US residents: Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
      • UK residents: Visit the NHS Fit For Travel website.
      • Australian residents: Refer to the Smart Traveler Health website.

    3. Government travel advice:

    • US residents: Consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
    • UK residents: Check the FCDO Travel Advice.
    • Australian residents: Visit the Smart Traveler website.

    • 4. Medication tips: If you take prescription medication, bring enough to last the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays. Carry a copy of your prescription in case you need to visit a clinic abroad.

    We hope this helps you prepare for a safe and enjoyable adventure.

    Please keep in mind that our itinerary, activities, and hotels might change. These adjustments could happen with little notice due to factors like availability, weather conditions, seasonal shifts, or other circumstances beyond our control. Rest assured, we always aim to minimise any impact on your experience. Occasionally, we may tweak the itinerary to try out fresh ideas and keep the adventure exciting.

    We believe solo travelers shouldn’t have to pay extra to explore the world. That’s why our group trips are designed around shared accommodation and do not include a single supplement. Solo travelers joining our group trips are paired in twin or multi-share rooms with another traveler of the same sex for the duration of the trip.

    Some of our Independent trips are structured differently. For these itineraries, solo travelers will need to book at the single occupancy rate.

    Tips are not included in the cost of this tour. Remember, tipping is entirely at your discretion and based on what you feel comfortable with.

    Would you like to learn more or customise our The Crete, Greece Trip trip?

    Have questions about accommodations, accessibility, group preferences, or dietary needs? Complete the form below and our team will get back to you shortly.

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