Highlights of Crete.

Welcome to Crete, the largest of Greece's islands. You will be met on arrival at Heraklion Airport [HER] and transferred to your resort, the base for the next 6 nights.

After you are checked in to the resort, the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the facilities.

We begin our day with a welcome buffet breakfast, giving you an opportunity to meet fellow group members and your representatives, and to get an overview of the exciting week ahead!

After breakfast, we head to the famous ruins of the Palace of Knossos, dating back to 2,000 BC. Knossos was the prosperous capital of the Minoan empire and the seat of King Minos.

We will then visit the Museum of Heraklion, one of the most important museums in the world, containing a magnificent collection of items from the Minoan period along with treasures from Phaestos, Zakros and other parts of Crete.

For the rest of the day, you will have free time to explore Heraklion, the island's capital city. Why not grab some lunch at Heraklion's market, one of the richest markets in the Mediterranean. Here you can find modern goods as well as traditional Cretan products such as local olive oil, Raki, local wine, honey and herbs

Today, we'll ascend 3,000 feet up to the west slope of Mount Dicti, to the stunning location of Lassithi Plateau.

Green, fertile and irrigated by thousands of white-sailed wind mills, it offers breathtaking views so be sure to bring your camera. We will pass many small villages along our way, which maintain their traditional colour and character, and you will be rewarded with nostalgic sights of authentic Greek farm living.

After a traditional Greek lunch, we will have the opportunity to see the spectacular cave where legend has it that Zeus, the 'father of the gods,' was born. The cave entrance cannot be reached by vehicle. A steep cobblestone pathway leads to the entrance, but taken at your own pace, you will find amazing views of the area and see the stunning beauty that awaits inside. (Not suitable for those with limited mobility or difficulties walking on uneven ground)

It is well known that the Greek diet is very healthy. Olive oil is not only a staple of the diet, but at the heart of almost every dish. Therefore, no trip to Greece would be complete without a visit to an olive oil factory see how extra virgin olive oil is produced. Of course, during the you will have the opportunity to taste the product and visit the shop to purchase not just the olive oils, but a host of related products - the olive oil skin care products are a must!

This afternoon, we head out to sea on a boat trip to the small island of Spinalonga. Enjoying a BBQ lunch on-board as we go, upon arrival we will tour the ruins that hold the secrets of a Venetian-period fortress and a leper colony. This small, rocky islet has become a very popular attraction after being the focus of Victoria Hislop's book, 'The Island'. Before heading back to shore, we will stop to enjoy the crystal-blue waters of the Mediterranean where you may choose to go for a swim…remember to bring your trunks! 

Today we get to taste the flavours of Crete and Greece.

Our day begins with a fun morning of Greek cooking lessons, hosted by locals. We get to prepare a meal and get to learn about the Cretan diet and local organic products as we make authentic Greek dishes, enjoying different tastes, aromas and making memories.

Afterwards, we head to the beautiful village of Peza for an afternoon of wine tasting and a tour of a local winery. We'll take in the cellar, the production area and the rest of the vineyard. We will then visit the wine tasting area to sample some of their produce, accompanied by some Cretan dishes. Surrounded by beautiful scenery and good company, this is sure to be an afternoon to remember!

On our last day, we will enjoy a visit to Agios Nikolaos, a pretty town with a lake that has inspired many people to write myths about its depth. Here, we will enjoy free time to explore and have lunch at leisure before heading back to the resort to relax.

Tonight, we will spend an unforgettable night in the village of Anopolis and experience the real life of a Cretan local. The evening includes a variety of delicious Cretan dishes, and plenty of local wine! Dancing groups will perform traditional Cretan and Greek dances, and you will also have the opportunity to join in the dancing!

All good things must come to an end, and today is that time. You will be transferred to Heraklion Airport for your journey home, or your onward travel plans.