the
crete
GREECE
Trip
For the love of
PINK SAND BEACHES
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CHEESE PIES
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ANCIENT VARIETALS
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GREEK ISLANDS
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CRETAN POTTERY
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SUNSET SAILING
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SUNKEN CITIES
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BLUE LAGOONS
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MYTHICAL RUINS
CRETE
WHAT TO EXPECT
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.
2025 dates
​​May 25 - Jun 1, 2025
Runs over Memorial Day ​​
3 Gal spots + 1 Guy spot left
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Jul 13 - 20, 2025​​​​​
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Aug 31 - Sep 7, 2025
Runs over Labor Day - likely to sell out
1 Gal spot + 2 Guy spots + 1 private room left
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Sep 14 - 21, 2025
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8 days/7 nights
starting at $3,999 USD
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Limited private room upgrades starting from $799 are available and can be added during booking, subject to availability.
Payment can be broken down into a $500 deposit + 3 additional installments.
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Included
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All accommodations in a shared room with one other person with the option to upgrade to a private room (limited availability)
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7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
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Full-day private boat cruise
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Traditional Cretan pottery visit
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Afternoon at the pink sands of one of the world’s most beautiful beaches
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Traditional Cretan farm experience
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Hilltop monastery with sea views
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Guided visit of Knossos Palace, the largest Bronze Age archeological site on Crete
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Cretan cooking class of island specialties and local cheese on the farm
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​Agio Sofia Cave
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Food walking and market tour in Chania with a local chef
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Traditional, guided dance lesson with local dress
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FTLO Trip Leader
*All activities are weather-dependent; in the unlikely event that we are unable to run an activity, we will have a suitable alternative in place.
not included
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Flights to and from Crete
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Mandatory trip insurance
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Meals not mentioned (budget around $350, depending on consumption habits)
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Incidental expenses
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Private rooms available for additional costs
DAY BY DAY
Trip itineraries are subject to change. For more information, check out our FAQs HERE.
Day 1 - Agios Nikolaos
YASSAS!
After touching down on Greece’s largest island, head to your hotel in the sun-kissed seaside town of Agios Nikolaos.
Fringed by arid mountains, this colorful eastern Crete capital is home to plenty of mythical tales (we’re not far from Zeus’s hometown, after all); if you get in early, head out and start diving into tales of a legendary past.
In the evening, we’ll all meet up in the hotel lobby and venture out for drinks and our first taste of Cretan food - said to be the best in Greece! Get to know your travelmates over local wine and fresh local recipes.
ARRIVE
Day 2 - Agios Nikolaos
Water world
Have breakfast with friends at the hotel and then grab your shades and sunscreen; we’ve got a boat to catch.
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By mid-morning, we’ll be heading north from the docks at Agios Nikolaos hugging rugged, rocky coastlines on a traditional Cretan caique. You’ll cruise past the sunken city of Olous (which archaeologists believe was submerged back in the second century by an earthquake) before winding up on the rocky shores of an ancient fortressed island to explore ruins that have withstood the test of time.
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We’ll cruise back through the bay for a barbeque in paradise before diving into the oh-so-blue waters off Kolokytha Beach. After a day at sea, hit the town with your new friends.
cruise
Day 3 - Agios N., Rethymno
Ancient Treasure
Grab a light breakfast before we head out to explore an epic past and one delicious present.
We’ll get things rolling in the hills of a nearby olive oil farm, where you’ll tour the facilities, learn the ins and outs of time-honored techniques, and settle down for some farm fresh eats (think cheeses, honey, and a few secret specialties). As this is one all-encompassing experience, you’ll even step into the kitchen to learn how to cook like a Cretan yourself.
After dining locally, we’ll make the short ride over to Knossos Palace to check out the crumbling stone structures of Crete’s oldest Bronze Age ruins (they originated around 7,000 BC!). That evening, keep rolling on west to Rethymno, where we’ll get together for a delicious group dinner.
FeAST
Day 4 - Rethymno
Arts Enclave
Today, we’re cruising over to the magical little town of Margarites to mix in some art with our Cretan adventure.
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This colorful stone village just so happens to be the pottery capital of the island, so it’s only fitting that we’ll learn about ceramics, from the local raw materials to the finished product from some talented locals. After a brief intro, it’s time to get your hands dirty and get potting with the best of them.
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We’ll grab a delicious local lunch nearby, and then in the evening, wind our way back to Rethmyno, where you can head out for dinner and drinks with friends.
UNWIND
Day 5 - Rethymno
Lakeside
view
Enjoy a morning of leisure and then we’re off once more, this time towards Crete’s largest freshwater lake.
We’ll wind up on the golden shores of Lake Kournas around noon for an afternoon of swimming, paddleboarding, and relaxing on one of the island’s greenest lagoons. So kick back on a sunbed, grab a tropical cocktail, and soak up the good life.
After a day of lakeside lounging, we’ll make our way to Chania for one final seaside setup. The evening is free to explore the 14th-century Venetian harbor with new friends.
EXPLORE
Day 6 - Chania
Coastal vibes
Start your day with a cup of strong Greek coffee and a tasty breakfast to fuel up for the adventure ahead.
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We’re heading to one of Crete’s most beautiful beaches, where soft golden sands and clear waters set the scene for a relaxed morning. Whether you’re swimming, sunbathing, or just enjoying the view, it’s the perfect spot to unwind.
After plenty of time by the water, we’ll stop at a historic hilltop monastery with sweeping sea views before visiting a cave known for its impressive rock formations and natural chambers.
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As the day winds down, we’ll make our way back to Chania. The evening is yours to explore, grab a seaside dinner, or simply relax and take in the island atmosphere.
Taste
Day 7 - Chania
Country Feast
Get ready to eat your way through Chania as we explore one delectably fresh farmer's market.
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In the morning, we'll meet up with our expert local guide, who will take us on our tour of the town to learn all about the region's local produce. After savoring the goods, we'll make our way downtown to continue through the shops and cafes of Chania's colorful streets. And then, in the afternoon, it's time for a drink or two; you've earned it. Aperol spritz, anyone?
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We'll all get together one last time that night to learn a traditional Cretan dance before we sit down for a delicious, music-filled farewell dinner.
Day 8 - Chania
Antío Sas
Find your friends and grab one final bite at the hotel before you you head back to reality.
The history, culture, and food of Greece are always waiting, so come back when you can.
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If you’ve got some more time to spare, well, this magical country has plenty more in store for you. So keep on cruisin’ through Crete or go island hopping and check out some more magical Mediterranean beauty.
FAST FACTS
About Crete
Of more than 200 inhabited Greek islands, Crete is the largest. However, it’s not the size that makes this fascinating place important; it’s the history. Many archaeologists and historians consider this mountainous stretch of land the birthplace of modern Europe. While settlement date to the 7th millennium BC, stone tools that have been found on the island, are believed to be 130,000 years old—meaning early hominids most likely existed here at some point.
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GOOD TO KNOW
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Greek is the national language; however, those on the island speak with a very specific dialect known as Cretan Greek.
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All of Greece uses the euro for currency.
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Tipping is not mandatory nor expected from locals; for tourists 10% is appreciated at restaurants.
Trip notes
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While we can’t guarantee private rooms, you should book your trip earlier if you prefer one, as they usually fill up.
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Summers in Crete are hot, dry, and sunny, so pack accordingly.
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Ensure your passport is valid for 6 months after your return date.
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On European trips, we stay as close to historic city centers as possible. This means your accommodations will often be on the small side, quirky, and unique (we love this!).
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All activities are weather dependent; in the unlikely event that we are unable to run an activity, we will have a suitable alternative in place.
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More information regarding visa requirements and Covid restrictions can be found here.
flight information
Fly into Heraklion Airport
(HER)
We recommend buying a roundtrip flight to Athens and then booking a separate regional flight to Crete if you want to save money. You'll need to be in Agios Nikolaos by 2:30 pm on Day 1. From Heraklion Airport to Agios Nikalaos takes about 50 minutes by taxi.
Fly out of Chania (CHQ)
We recommend flying out of Chania or extending your trip and enjoying a few more days in Greece. If you've booked a roundtrip flight from Athens make sure you have enough connection time to make your transfer.
Alumni Reviews
We know how much you'll love the Crete trip...
but don't take our word for it! Check out some of our alumni reviews.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Interested in learning more about our Crete trip?
Have a question? We're here to help! Whether you're curious about accommodations, accessibility, group vibe, or dietary needs, fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you ASAP.