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Live Like A Local Adventure: Crete
LIVE LIKE A LOCAL ADVENTURE:
Crete, Greece
September 18- 26 2025
- Single Occupancy $5,699 per person
- Double Occupancy $5,299 per person
8 NIGHTS- 9 DAYS
Crete, the largest island in Greece and the 5th largest of the Mediterranean sea. The most southern Greek island that is known for beautiful beaches, delicious produce, and friendly Greek hospitality. Crete is well known for their cuisine and especially the tomatoes! Whenever you get a chance to visit Crete, tomatoes is a must try. Meanwhile you will notice that the Cretans love their spirit called Tsikoudia. Plan on enjoying this spirit with almost every dinner you have in Crete. The Cretans won’t let you pass on their homemade spirit. You will find many gems in Crete. If you start in the middle of Crete which is Heraklion you have the palace of Knossos. This is about the history of the Minoans, and it is a beautiful place to see. If you head over to the west side of Crete you will explore Chania a beautiful Venetian harbor with so much charm and waterfront restaurants. Head towards the North coast and check out the romantic town of Rethymno. They are famous for the Fortezza castle. Now, our adventure is focused on the Eastern side of Crete. We spent summers in Elounda and traveling of course to my favorite traditional village; Kritsa. There you will not only explore Spinalonga, the famous island of the lepers, but you will explore many hidden spots with us.
Crete is Krystina’s favorite island of all, and she finds herself traveling back to Crete as often as she can. You definitely can’t see all of Crete in 1 week, but that just gives you time to come back with us on another adventure!
Highlights
- Enjoy an itinerary designed for a truly immersive, authentic, Cretan experience
- Learn to cook authentic Cretan recipes taught by our chefs & a local foodie from a picturesque village in Crete
- Attend a cold-pressed olive oil tasting at a unique olive oil grove
- Sail over to neighboring island Spinalonga for a day trip of fascinating history
- Visit a world-famous distillery (still a secret!) for a VIP tasting!
- Explore a local Cretan farmers’ market and learn about the Cretan produce
- Shop to your heart’s content on a day trip to Agios Nikolaos
- Enjoy a goodbye dinner with our group including live music & food
- Soothe your soul with remarkable views and landscapes of Southern Greece
- Renew yourself with plenty of quiet downtime to just BE YOU
- Discover Crete’s famous spirit”Tsikoudia”
- Immersive historical exploration from the ancient Minoans to the Byzantine and Venetian influences
- Enjoy sunrise and sunset views from your very own villa
- Create unique memories
Inclusions
- English-speaking driver & hosts
- Transportation to activities provided by Travel Mazi Mou
- Private small tours with the group
- 8 Nights’ Accommodation including sea views in your accommodations
- 7 breakfast included
- 4 dinners included
- 4 lunches included
- 2 cooking classes by our chefs & local foodies
- Non-alcoholic drinks, beer, or wine provided by TMM on all lunches or dinners provided (1 per person alcoholic beverage)
- Transfer from/to Heraklion airport by Travel Mazi Mou (depending on the date you arrive in Greece)
- Enjoy a sailboat ride over to the best beaches
- Tickets to all activities included in the adventure are provided by Travel Mazi Mou
- Welcome Travel Mazi Mou swag bag
- A free Zoom meeting with Travel Mazi Mou team member
- We give you all the tools to make sure your adventure to fly over to Greece runs smoothly
Day 1
Welcome to Crete!
Arrive at Heraklion Airport, where Travel Mazi Mou (TMM) will pick you up. We will head to our beautiful accommodations. After check-in, get to know your group and enjoy light snacks and beverages. Rest up for a big day tomorrow!
Meals included: Light snacks and beverages available when you arrive at the villa.
Day 2
Explore Elounda and Spinalonga
Enjoy breakfast prepared by our chefs while overlooking the beautiful view of the sea. Today, we’ll explore Elounda and visit Spinalonga. We’ll take a short boat ride from Elounda to Spinalonga, so don’t forget your camera. A guided tour will provide historical insights.
A brown-bag lunch will be provided by TMM. Afterward, explore the local town and get to know your fellow travelers. Return to the villa to rest. Dinner is on your own, with transportation provided by TMM.
Meals included: Breakfast/ Lunch (Snacks & water available daily)
Day 3
Swimming and Sailing Adventure
Start the day with breakfast prepared by our chefs. Get ready for a fun day of swimming and sailing to stunning locations, including Dia Island. This swim day will last about 5-6 hours, so bring your camera and swimwear. A lovely seafood lunch will be served on the boat by TMM.
Return to the villa and enjoy some free time. In the evening, we’ll explore the town of Sissi for a traditional Cretan dinner with live music, arranged by TMM. Dinner provided by TMM.
Return to the villa for rest.
Meals included: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner (Snacks & water available daily)
Day 4
Visit Neapoli and Olive Grove
After breakfast by our chefs, we’ll take an early morning visit to Neapoli for a walk around the village and a visit to one of the oldest monasteries. Lunch is on your own at a local taverna.
Next, discover a unique olive grove and learn about the process of making extra virgin olive oil, with a tasting of various olive oils produced in Crete. Following this, enjoy a Cretan wine tasting accompanied by local snacks. We’ll then head to a local village for some shopping.
Enjoy free time before dinner, with transportation provided by TMM.
Dinner not provided by TMM.
Meals included: Breakfast (Snacks & water available daily)
Day 5
Explore Kritsa and Cretan Cooking Class
Start with breakfast prepared by our chefs. We’ll head to Kritsa, one of Krystina’s favorite traditional villages. Explore Kritsa and meet a British artist residing in the village. Participate in a Cretan cooking class with a local foodie, and enjoy lunch during the class.
Savor traditional coffee and a sweet treat in a local kafenio, provided by TMM. Explore Kritsa’s famous churches, history, and shopping opportunities. Return to the villa for some rest and free time.
Dinner will be at our favorite restaurant in Elounda, arranged by TMM. Dinner provided by TMM.
Return to the villa for rest.
Meals included: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner (Snacks & water available daily)
Day 6
Farmers Market and Cooking Class
Enjoy breakfast by our chefs. Get ready for an early visit to Agios Nikolaos for shopping and exploring the farmers market. Learn about Cretan specialty items with our chefs, and have lunch while overlooking the lake and town, provided by TMM.
After lunch, visit a raki distillery to discover the famous Cretan spirit. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon.
In the evening, participate in a cooking class with our chefs to learn how to make traditional Cretan mezes (appetizers). We’ll have dinner outside at the villa and take an evening stroll in the local town with the group. Dinner provided by TMM.
Return to the villa for rest.
Meals included: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner (Snacks & water available daily)
Day 7
Heraklion and Nearby Villages
Enjoy breakfast by our chefs. Spend the day exploring Heraklion and nearby villages. Visit the famous Knossos Palace and walk through historical sites once visited by the Minoans. Lunch is on your own or with the group, with transportation provided by TMM.
Explore the traditional towns of Archanes, Agios Deka, and Kasteli. We’ll then visit the Cave of Diktaion, the reputed birthplace of Zeus. Dinner is on your own, with transportation provided by TMM. Return to the villa for rest.
Meals included: Breakfast (Snacks & water available daily)
Day 8
Beach & Forest Day
Enjoy breakfast by our chefs. Today, we’ll explore two unique beaches and a famous palm forest. We’ll leave early for this excursion and have a farewell dinner planned for the evening.
Lunch on your own, but we will provide snacks during the excursion. We will stop at a local taverna for group lunch. Transportation provided by TMM.
Return to the villa for rest and prepare for our goodbye dinner celebration, featuring a beautiful Cretan meal with music and dance. Pack your belongings before checking out of the villa. Rest well, as most of you will check out early to catch your flights.
Dinner provided by TMM.
Meals included: Breakfast/ Dinner (Snacks & water available daily)
Day 9
Check Out & Goodbyes
Early morning snack bags will be available. Check out of the villa and TMM will take you to Heraklion Airport or your next destination in Crete. We’ll say our goodbyes to you and wish you all safe travels back home.
Meals included: Breakfast goody bag for your flight home
