Ancient Wonders & Wellness in Crete

Welcome to Greece! Your destination will be the island of Crete, the largest and most populous of the 230 inhabited Greek islands. Upon arrival at Heraklion International Airport, you will be transferred to your luxurious hotel, overlooking the famous Mirabello Bay. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at your accommodation before joining your group for a celebratory welcome dinner at the hotel restaurant.

After a wellness activity and a nutritious breakfast, you will be transferred to a designated area of the hotel for an interactive cooking experience, guided by one of the hotel's designated chefs.

You will get acquainted with Cretan folklore culture, learn about local ingredients and recipes, and sample your own homemade delicacies. After lunch, spend the afternoon enjoying the amenities at the hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure with dinner on property.

After a wellness activity and breakfast at your hotel, it's time for a trip into the island's long and profound history: a visit to the 3,500-year-old Minoan palace of Knossos, a sprawling maze of royal chambers, grand staircases, storerooms, and workshops. This evocative Bronze Age site is believed to be Europe's oldest city. A professional English-speaking guide will escort you on these visits, making the stones come alive by narrating myths and legends.

Following on, you'll head towards Heraklion, the capital city of the island. Free time for sightseeing, shopping, or just relaxing in one of the traditional cafes of the city.

Late afternoon return to the hotel and spend the rest of the evening at leisure with dinner on the property.

Get ready for a beautiful hike in Crete! After breakfast and a wellness activity, you'll head to the picturesque Kritsa Gorge, where you will embark on a 2-hour hike.
Upon arrival, explore the lush natural beauty of Kritsa Gorge, where a delightful array of trees and flowers awaits. The hiking trail, spanning a manageable 3.23 miles, offers a scenic 2-hour stroll through this picturesque landscape, named after the nearby traditional village of Kritsa. The gorge is adorned with a continuous flow of water throughout the year, creating charming small cascades and ponds for an enchanting and tranquil experience.

After the hike, visit the iconic town of Agios Nikolaos for leisure time and lunch before heading back to the hotel in the afternoon. The remainder of your day is at leisure, with the option to enjoy the hotel's private beach sports facilities — boat rentals, water skiing, wakeboarding, and more.

Start your day off with a morning wellness activity and leisurely breakfast while enjoying the ocean view on the horizon. Later, transfer to the town of Agios Nikolaos. Upon arrival, board a private catamaran cruise to take in a fresh perspective of the island. The beautiful coastline and majestic shades of blue waters will leave you awestruck as you take in the cool ocean breeze. Enjoy drinks and fruit on the boat and a light lunch, snorkeling equipment is provided.

Return to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure with dinner on the property.

After breakfast and a wellness activity at the hotel, you will visit an olive oil factory and learn the process of making olive oil, then continue to a winery for wine tasting. A qualified sommelier will guide you through the signature Cretan vine varieties, you'll taste five superb wines, paired with renowned Cretan meze delicacies.

Return to the hotel to relax and freshen up before heading out to enjoy your farewell dinner at a local seaside restaurant. Take in the last sunset and all your memories from the past week on the island.

It's time to say farewell to Greece! Today, you'll savor one more breakfast in Crete before your transfer to the airport for your flight home.