Mythical Crete: The Land of Women

Arrive in Athens and take a taxi to our hotel, the delightfully artistic 5-star Athens Capital Hotel by MGallery. 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. Check out the rooftop bar and lounge for a stunning view. 

We'll pick everyone up at the hotel for a guided tour of the Acropolis Museum in the early evening. As we walk through the halls, our expert guide will share fascinating stories and insights about the artifacts found here.

After the museum tour, we will return to the hotel, where welcome drinks and dinner await us at Mappemonde. Choose from a menu full of Greek classics like lamb moussaka and seafood saganaki while enjoying the beautiful views of the Acropolis.

Start your day with a delicious hotel breakfast. Then, we'll pick everyone up for a comprehensive tour of the Acropolis. We'll explore one of the world's wonders as our knowledgeable guide explains the significance of this ancient citadel. 

We'll return to our hotel to check out after the tour and head to the airport for our domestic flight to Chania. Upon arrival, we'll check into the charming Domus Renier Hotel. This boutique, 5-star hotel has gorgeous views of the harbor and is situated in an old Venetian manor house. 

In the early evening, we’ll embark on a "Sites and Bites Walking Tour" to explore Chania's rich history and culinary delights. Our tour begins in the old town near the hotel, where we'll visit Venetian and Ottoman monuments, such as the Firkas Fortress, the Venetian Church, the Franciscan Monastery, and the Ottoman District of Splanzia, among others. 

To round out our day, we'll sit down for a tasting of authentic, locally made Cretan specialities after learning about the island.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and morning at the hotel before we head out for our day of Greek gastronomy. We'll join in a hands-on cooking class, learning to prepare traditional Cretan dishes from a local "Yaya" (grandma) who uses only local, farm-fresh ingredients. Afterward, we'll devour the delicious lunch we've made together.

Next, we'll tour a picturesque village in the heart of Crete. As we walk the charming streets, we'll be immersed 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 just one of the day's culinary highlights, featuring dishes fresh from the sea and locally grown produce. 

Sleep in a little and enjoy a coffee and light bites at our hotel before we head out to enjoy a late, boozy brunch with wine and food pairings, a perfect start to another day dedicated to Greek gastronomy.

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

Take this evening to relax. Perhaps wander around town and shop for souvenirs, or simply relax on the hotel's rooftop bar overlooking the harbor. Dinner tonight is on your own or with new friends. 

Our day begins with breakfast before saying goodbye to the beautiful town of Chania and setting off on a scenic ride across the island to our next destination. 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 the Minos Palace. Nestled along the coast, the 5-star Minos Palace resort is a spectacular place for us to slow down and be present. 

Take this afternoon to explore the resort. Relax on their private beach in a plush lounger, challenge a friend to a game of tennis on their fully-equipped court, or enjoy a wellness treatment in their spa. There's truly an activity for everyone.  

Tonight, we'll make the most of this beautiful seaside retreat by eating at one of its many sea-view restaurants.

After breakfast, we'll head to Kritsa Village for a walking tour. We'll visit a weaving workshop to learn about traditional Cretan crafts and learn about the local charm of this hillside village. 

Lunch today is a homemade meal at a local women’s cooperative, where we'll savor authentic local dishes made with love and watch as the women of Krtisa work their baking magic.

In the afternoon, we'll stroll through the charming coastal town of Agios Nikolaos, where you'll have some free time to explore and shop. Meet women artisans in their unique shops, hear their stories, and check out their handmade products before we return to the hotel.

Enjoy another evening to yourself, soaking in the relaxing grounds of Minos Palace. Take your pick of on-site restaurants for dinner, or perhaps cozy up and order room service. 

After breakfast, we'll visit the Knossos Palace, one of Greece's most important archaeological sites. 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 halls and frescoes, we'll learn about the powerful goddesses the Minoans worshipped and the influential role women played in society. Women held key religious and public roles, with priestesses conducting rituals. Palace frescoes, like the famous "Ladies in Blue," depict women in sacred rituals, highlighting their esteemed status.

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

We'll continue on to tour the village of Kera after lunch, a nearby mountainous community whose traditional buildings and phenomenal olive oil will capture your heart. 

We'll gather one last time tonight for a farewell dinner in town, toasting to a week well spent on this gorgeous island. 

We’ll start the day with breakfast boxes due to our early departures. We'll transfer to the Heraklion Airport, where we'll catch a domestic flight to Athens for onward connections. 

Our flight lands in Athens at 10:25 am, so plan your onward travel no earlier than 1:30 pm to allow yourself enough time to clear security and customs. If you absolutely must fly out earlier, we can potentially schedule a flight to arrive a bit earlier in the morning. 

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