Greece·April 26 - May 3 2025

Mythical Crete: The Land of Women

A magical Mediterranean island where women once ruled!

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Overview

Imagine yourself on an island where powerful goddesses like the Snake Goddess once reigned, and women continue to play a vital role in shaping the culture. This captivating adventure to Crete delves into the island's rich history and celebrates the remarkable women who keep its spirit alive. Explore the Minoan palace of Knossos, where priestesses once served as intermediaries to the divine feminine. Uncover the stories of these powerful goddesses through captivating local narratives and museum exhibits. Immerse yourself in the art of Cretan cuisine with a hands-on cooking class led by local women. Meet the inspiring bakers behind a beloved local establishment and discover the secrets passed down through generations. Indulge in a delectable tasting tour led by a knowledgeable guide, experiencing the flavors that have nourished the island for millennia. Explore the island's vibrant art scene, where talented craftswomen create exquisite handmade pottery. Discover one-of-a-kind treasures and unique Greek fashion with the help of friendly female shop owners, supporting the local economy and taking a piece of Crete's magic home. This immersive journey to Crete promises a captivating blend of history, breathtaking scenery, delectable cuisine, and the enduring spirit of its incredible women. Are you ready to embark on an epic adventure?

Highlights

Visit the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum with a private guide

Visit the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum with a private guide

Uncover Cretan recipes at make Greek food at an 18th century olive oil mill

Uncover Cretan recipes at make Greek food at an 18th century olive oil mill

Discover recently excavated ruins in the ancient city of Eleutherna

Discover recently excavated ruins in the ancient city of Eleutherna

Learn traditional pottery-making techniques in Margarites Village

Learn traditional pottery-making techniques in Margarites Village

Explore the ancient Minoan ruins and mythical labyrinth of Knossos

Explore the ancient Minoan ruins and mythical labyrinth of Knossos

Stay at a 5-star wellness resort, steps from the beautiful Mediterranean Sea

Stay at a 5-star wellness resort, steps from the beautiful Mediterranean Sea

Meet a local boutique owner in the mountain village of Kritsa

Meet a local boutique owner in the mountain village of Kritsa

Discover women's influential roles in Minoan society at Knossos Palace

Discover women's influential roles in Minoan society at Knossos Palace

Itinerary

Here's a SAMPLE day-by-day itinerary of the trip.

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Athens

Day 1: Saturday, April 26, 2025

Arrive in Athens and take a taxi to your hotel, the delightfully artistic 5-star New Hotel. It's steps from the Plaka, perfect for a leisurely stroll or sightseeing. Relax and recover from your travels while you enjoy the hotel's creative decor and warm ambiance.

We'll pick you up at the hotel for a guided tour of the Acropolis Museum in the early evening. As we walk through the ancient halls, an expert guide will share fascinating stories and insights about the ancient artifacts and their history, highlighting the powerful roles of women in ancient Greek society.

After the museum tour, we will return to the New Hotel, where welcome drinks and dinner await us at the Art Lounge. Enjoy a delightful meal while taking in stunning views of the Acropolis, setting the stage for our coming adventures.

Included

Welcome Drink & Dinner

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Athens & Chania

Day 2: Sunday, April 27th, 2025

Start your day with a delicious hotel breakfast. Then, we'll pick you up for a comprehensive tour of the Acropolis. You'll explore the ancient ruins as the knowledgeable guide explains their historical significance.

We'll return to the hotel to check out after the tour and head to the airport for our domestic flight to Chania. Upon arrival, we'll drive to the charming Domus Renier Hotel

In the early evening, we’ll embark on the "Sites and Bites Walking Tour," a delightful exploration of Chania's rich history and culinary delights. Our tour begins in the old town near the hotel, exploring the Venetian and Ottoman monuments, like the Firkas Fortress, the Franciscan Monastery of San Salvador, the Venetian church of Agios Rockos, the Venetian Grand Arsenal, the Venetian “Neoria,” Gialli Tzamissi and the Ottoman district of Splanzia. Along the way, we'll meet local women and hear their stories for a personal touch to the experience.

Included

Breakfast

Acropolis Tour and Site Visit

Sites and Bites Food Tour in Chania

Not Included

Lunch

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Chania

Day 3: Monday, April 28th, 2025

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before we head out for a morning gastronomy course. You'll participate in a hands-on cooking class, learning to prepare traditional Cretan dishes. Afterward, we'll savor the delicious lunch we've made together.

Following lunch, we'll tour a picturesque village in the heart of Crete. As we walk the charming streets, immerse yourself in the local culture and way of life. We’ll visit traditional homes, and shops selling handmade crafts. If we're lucky, we'll meet some friendly locals eager to share their stories.

Admire the rustic architecture and vibrant flowers while enjoying a break at a cozy café with a cup of Greek coffee or a glass of local raki.

In the evening, we’ll dine at Pallas Chania, a renowned restaurant with exquisite cuisine and stunning harbor views. This dining experience is the day's highlight, featuring dishes made from the freshest local ingredients. Enjoy the gentle sea breeze and reflect on the day's adventures as the sun sets over the water.

Included

Breakfast

Cooking class

Dinner

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Chania

Day 4: Tuesday, April 29th, 2025

Enjoy a leisurely morning and breakfast at the hotel. 

Then, we are off to enjoy a late boozy brunch with a wine and food pairing, a perfect start to a day dedicated to gastronomy.

We'll continue with an olive oil tour and tasting, where you'll learn about the production process and sample some of the finest olive oils. On our way back, we'll visit the oldest olive tree in the world, a living testament to Crete's rich agricultural heritage.


Included

Breakfast

Lunch

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Heraklion

Day 5: Wednesday, April 30th, 2025

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before we embark on a scenic private transfer across Crete. Along the way, we'll stop in Heraklion for a leisurely lunch, allowing us to explore this vibrant city.

After lunch, we'll continue our journey to Minos Palace. Nestled along the coast, Minos Palace offers stunning views and serene surroundings. If the weather permits, take this wonderful opportunity to enjoy the sparkling waters during your free time. 

Tonight, we'll make the most of this beautiful seaside retreat and eat at one of the many restaurants.

Included

All meals

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Agios Nikolaos

Day 6: Thursday, May 1th, 2025

Start the day with a hearty breakfast before we head to Kritsa Village for a walking tour. You'll visit a boutique weaving workshop and learn about traditional Cretan crafts. 

We’ll stop for a delicious lunch at a women’s cooperative, savoring home-cooked dishes made with love and local ingredients.

In the afternoon, we'll transfer to the charming coastal town of Agios Nikolaos, where you'll have time to explore and shop. Meet women artisans in their unique shops, hear their stories, and see their handmade products on the picturesque streets before we return to the hotel.

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Not Included

Dinner

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Knossos Palace

Day 7: Friday, May 2nd, 2025

After breakfast, we'll visit the Knossos Palace, one of Greece's most important archaeological sites in Greece. An expert guide will take us through the magnificent ruins, sharing stories of the ancient Minoan civilization that once thrived here. 

As we explore the palace's grand halls and intricate frescoes, we'll learn about the powerful goddesses the Minoans worshipped and the influential role of women in their society. Women held significant positions in religious and public life, with priestesses conducting rituals and ceremonies. Notably, palace frescoes depict women participating in sacred rituals, like the famous "Ladies in Blue" fresco, highlighting their esteemed status.

Following the tour, we'll head to a local winery for a picnic amidst the vineyards. Enjoy a selection of local wines and a delicious picnic lunch in the serene landscape. 

In the evening, we'll gather for a memorable farewell dinner to celebrate the incredible journey we've shared.

Included

All Meals

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Departure Day

Day 8: Saturday, May 3rd, 2025

We’ll start the day with an early breakfast box due to our early departure. You'll be picked up for a private group transfer to Heraklion Airport, where you'll catch your domestic flight to Athens to connect with your international flights.

Αντίο, Adio, Farewell. We hope the memories made and friendships formed will last a lifetime.

Included

Breakfast

You'll Be Staying Here

The New Hotel

The New Hotel

New Hotel is an architectural jewel, adorning Athen's city center with its intriguing design, fabulous atmosphere and fine gastronomic proposals.

The Domus Renier

The Domus Renier

The Domus Renier is a boutique hotel inside the ancient port city of Chania. 

The Minos Palace

The Minos Palace

Immerse yourself into a holistic experience at The Minos Palace, a 5-star adults-only luxury hotel on the beach.

Hosts

Sofia Sereli

Sofia Sereli

Sophia grew up in the bustling city of Athens, but her heart always belonged to the tranquility of the Aegean islands. After earning her English proficiency degree, she moved to a Cycladic island.

Sophia is passionate about her adopted home and enjoys sharing its beauty and history with others.  She currently works as a guide, leading visitors through charming villages, hidden coves, and historical sites. Her enthusiasm for the island's culture and traditions is contagious, ensuring a memorable experience for all.

In her free time, Sophia enjoys tending to her garden, reading historical books, and spending quality time with her three children and close friends. 

She's excited to welcome you to Crete and help you discover its magic!

Price

Private Room

Private Room

Everyone gets their own fabulous room!

FROM$9,225

"There is a kind of flame in Crete - Let us call it soul"

Crete

Crete is the largest island in Greece and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Here, you can admire the remnants of brilliant civilizations, explore glorious beaches, impressive mountainscapes, fertile valleys, and steep gorges, and enjoy the island's rich gastronomic culture. 

Crete

What's Included

What's Included

All meals (except where indicated), including beer & wine with dinner

Expert guides and trip leaders

A small group experience

All transportation during the trip (except where indicated)

Accomodations at unique, 4-star or better hotels

Private tour of the Acropolis Museum in Athens

Private tour of the Acropolis in Athens

Private Sites and Bites Walking Tour in Chania

Private Gastronomy Course with a cooking class and lunch in Chania

Knossos Palace tour

Flight Athens to Chania and Heraklion to Athens

Roundtrip airfare to Athens

Any spa treatments desired

Additional wine, beer, or spirits beyond what is offered at meals.

All personal souvenir purchases

Travel and Medical Insurance (required)

Arrival Airport Transfer

Reviews

"Girls’ Guide to the World is perfect for the traveler who wants a first-class trip with unique experiences. The hotels are fabulous, the meals delicious and the guides are wonderful. You will feel pampered and well cared for the entire time. I highly recommend for the woman who wants to travel alone or with a friend."

Kathy M, May 2023 on Trip Advisor

"This was my first trip with Girls Guide, and I can't wait to do another. Crete is a beautiful and welcoming country, with a long history: so interesting were the Minoan ruins at Knossos and the Venetian fortress on the island of Spinalonga. I loved the time we spent cooking with Koula and can now better appreciate the simplicity of traditional Cretan cooking - and the health benefits! The best part of the trip was meeting new friends and really getting to know one another. While we were of different ages and diverse backgrounds, we bonded immediately and enjoyed our time together. Accommodations and food were top-notch ... I can absolutely recommend this specific trip and Girls Guide to the World!"

Ginger Lowe, May 2022 on Trip Advisor

"I took the Mythical Crete tour, and would sign up for another Grils' Guide trip in a heartbeat. Doni arranged such varied activities: seeing historic and prehistoric sites (including some that most tourists don't visit), taking a cooking and a dancing class, spending an evening on our own boat .... I liked the balance between structured activities and flexible time so we could follow our interests. The food was consistently fresh and local; the hotels were fine too, especially the Minos Palace. All in all, unforgettable! "

Sue, May 2022 on Trip Advisor

FAQs

The trip officially starts on April 26th, but if you are traveling across an ocean to get to Athens, consider arriving a day early so you have time to relax and adjust to the local time zone. If you do decide to arrive early, please let us know and we will take care of booking your room for you and make sure that you are kept in the same room until the trip starts.

About 6-8 weeks before the trip starts, we'll organize a Zoom video call to discuss all the details of the trip and give you a packing list. Here is a great website that we love that will help you with packing and travel trips.

At the end of April and beginning of May, Crete enjoys mild weather with daytime temperatures ranging from 63°F to 75°F (17°C to 24°C) and cooler nights at 52°F to 59°F (11°C to 15°C). Rainfall is low, averaging 13mm to 48mm (0.5 to 1.9 inches), and there are around eight hours of sunshine daily, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the island. 

Yes, airport transfers are included in our itinerary. If you have any other questions or need further details, please contact our concierge.

Inquire about this trip

Mythical Crete: The Land of Women

Greece· April 26 - May 3 2025· 7 nights

FROM$9,225/pp