• Dates

    June 4 - 10, 2027

  • Group Size

    8-14 Travelers

  • Duration

    6 days, 7 nights

  • Cost

    $3,495 (25% deposit to reserve your spot)

The Greek Island That Has it All...

Crete is one of those rare places that truly has it all. Dramatic mountains, turquoise beaches, ancient ruins, charming villages, incredible food, and rich traditions - you can experience so many different sides of Greece without constantly packing your bags or hopping from island to island.

Rather than rushing from place to place, this trip is designed to experience one incredible island deeply. Over a week in Crete, we’ll settle into the rhythm of the island: wandering historic streets, eating at family-run tavernas, learning to cook traditional dishes, swimming in turquoise waters, exploring mountain villages, and discovering the landscapes and traditions that make Crete so special.

Designed in collaboration with Intrepid Travel and local Cretan experts, this custom itinerary balances adventure and relaxation - all alongside a small group of like-minded women.

Less rushing. More lingering. A week to really get to know Crete.

Trip Highlights

  • Chania's Old Town

    Our adventure will begin and end in Chania, one of Crete's most beautiful and historic cities. We’ll get to know the city's Venetian Harbor, hidden backstreets, colorful Ottoman-era buildings, and rich history through a walking tour with a local guide. Then you'll have free time to explore the city at your own pace and discover its charming bakeries, local cafés, and waterfront.

  • A Taste of Cretan Life

    It’s impossible to visit Crete and not eat well. To make sure you'll get to taste authentic, local cuisine, we'll be visiting a small farm in the countryside where we'll learn how to make traditional Cretan dishes using fresh ingredients. We'll also be visiting a local winery and olive oil producer to taste Cretan wines and olive oil and learn more about the traditions behind them.

  • Rethymno Old Town

    We'll explore Rethymno, a beautiful coastal town known for its charming Venetian architecture, winding cobblestone streets, and rich history. We'll explore the historic Old Town and picturesque streets on a guided orientation walk. Along the way, we'll also get to sample traditional Greek coffee and Cretan sweets before having time to enjoy the town at our own pace.

  • Kourtaliotiko Gorge + Kalypso Beach

    We’ll venture into the wild landscapes of Crete’s South Coast, where dramatic mountains meet the turquoise waters of the sea. We’ll hike through Kourtaliotiko Gorge to a beautiful waterfall tucked among the towering cliffs. Then we'll continue to Kalypso Beach where you'll have plenty of time to swim and relax before returning to Plakias for the evening.

  • Pottery Workshop + Lake Kournas

    We'll head into the Cretan countryside to explore Margarites, a traditional mountain village famous for its centuries-old pottery tradition. After participating in a hands-on pottery workshop and creating our own pieces to take home as a souvenir, we'll enjoy an included lunch at a local taverna before continuing to Lake Kournas, Crete's only natural freshwater lake.

  • Sailing the Cretan Coast

    We’ll finish our week where Crete meets the sea, with a half-day sailing and snorkeling adventure along the coast (optional, add-on). Swim in crystal-clear Mediterranean waters, explore secluded coves, and soak up the dramatic coastline from the deck of our boat. Then we'll return to Chania for one final evening together and our goodbye dinner.

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Crete!

Kalimera and welcome to Crete! This evening, we'll meet in the lobby of our hotel for a welcome meeting and orientation with our local guide before heading out for our first taste of Cretan cuisine.

We'll enjoy a traditional mezze dinner at a local restaurant, with small plates, local wine or ouzo, and plenty of delicious Cretan specialties - the perfect introduction to the island's food and culture.

If you arrive early today, you can take some time to settle in, relax by the pool at our hotel, or start exploring Chania on your own. A few optional places to check out include:

  • Archaeological Museum of Chania
  • Aptera Archaeological Site
  • Seitan Limania

Meals: Dinner

Included activities:

  • Welcome meeting
  • Mezze dinner at a local, traditional restaurant

Overnight: Kriti Hotel or similar

Day 2: Chania Old Town, Cooking Class at a Local Farm & Olive Oil Tasting

We'll start our day with a guided walking tour of Chania - a city with more than 5,000 years of history. Our local guide will lead us through the Venetian Harbor and hidden alleyways, pointing out the Ottoman-era architecture and other traces of the many civilizations that have shaped this fascinating city. After our tour, you'll have some free time to explore Chania on your own.

In the afternoon, we'll head to a local village just outside the city for a hands-on cooking class on a small Cretan farm. Surrounded by olive and avocado trees, we'll learn how to prepare several traditional Cretan dishes using local ingredients before sitting down together to enjoy the meal we've made.

We'll also learn about one of the most important ingredients in Cretan cuisine with an olive oil tasting - a delicious way to experience the island's food traditions firsthand.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Included activities:

  • Guided Walking Tour of Chania Old Town
  • Cooking Class + Olive Oil Tasting with Included Dinner

Overnight: Kriti Hotel or similar

Day 3: Rethymno, Winery Visit & Plakias

Today, we'll check out of our hotel in Chania and head south by private transfer, with a stop in the charming coastal town of Rethymno along the way.

We'll explore Rethymno's beautiful Old Town before stopping at a local café to try traditional Greek coffee and Cretan sweets. Then we'll continue our journey south toward the relaxed seaside town of Plakias.

Along the way, we'll stop at a local winery to taste a selection of Cretan wines, local cold cuts, and other regional specialties. This will be a great opportunity to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and get a taste of some of the flavors that make Crete so special.

Once we arrive in Plakias, we'll check into our hotel and have the rest of the evening free to settle in and relax by the sea.

Meals: Breakfast

Included:

  • Rethymno Visit with Greek Coffee + Sweets
  • Winery Visit with Wine Tasting + Regional Specialties

Overnight: Myrtis Spa Hotel or similar

Day 4: South Coast Adventures (Kourtaliotiko Gorge & Kalypso Beach)

Today, we'll explore some of Crete's most dramatic natural scenery as we make our way along the south coast.

We'll start at Kourtaliotiko Gorge, where we'll take a short hike to a beautiful waterfall. If conditions allow, we'll have the chance to cool off with a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear water before continuing toward the coast.

From there, we'll head to Kalypso Beach, a tiny cove tucked between towering cliffs and surrounded by turquoise Mediterranean waters. We'll have time to swim, relax, and soak up the scenery before returning to Plakias.

In the evening, we'll come together for a group dinner in Plakias and enjoy a relaxed evening by the sea.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Included activities:

  • Kourtaliotiko Gorge Waterfall
  • Kalypso Beach Visit (Sunbeds + refreshment included)
  • Group dinner at a local taverna in Plakias

Overnight: Myrtis Spa Hotel or similar

Day 5: Pottery Workshop in Margarites & Lake Kournas

We'll start today with a slow morning in Plakias. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, take a walk along the beach, grab a coffee, or simply relax by the pool before we say goodbye to the south coast.

We'll then head north to the mountain village of Margarites, one of Crete's most famous pottery villages. Here, we'll take part in a hands-on pottery workshop and learn about the traditional craft that has been passed down through generations.

After the workshop, we'll have a group lunch in the village before heading to Lake Kournas - the only natural, freshwater lake on the island of Crete.

We'll have free time to enjoy Lake Kournas before returning to Chania.

Meals: Breakfast

Included Activities:

  • Hands-On Traditional Pottery Workshop in Margarites
  • Group lunch in Margarites
  • Lake Kournas Visit

Overnight: Kriti Hotel or similar

Day 6: Optional Sailing & Sunset Dinner

For our final full day in Crete, you'll have the option to join a half-day catamaran sailing and snorkeling cruise departing from Chania's Old Venetian Harbor. We'll spend the day out on the water, stopping at two nearby islands - Thodorou and Lazaretta - where you can swim in crystal-clear waters, snorkel, or simply relax on board and soak up the Mediterranean sunshine. A light lunch, Cretan snacks, fresh fruit, and refreshments are included, making this a lovely way to experience Crete from the sea.

Prefer to stay on land? You can enjoy a free morning in Chania instead - wander through the Old Town, visit a museum, grab a coffee by the harbor, or maybe even read a book by the pool.

In the evening, we'll come back together for one final farewell dinner in Chania to celebrate an amazing week in Crete together and the new friendships that will have formed.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Included activities:

  • Farewell Dinner with Sunset View

Optional add-on activities:

  • Half-Day Sailing and Snorkeling Cruise (€140/person)

Overnight: Kriti Hotel or similar

Day 7: Goodbye, Crete

Sadly, our time in Crete has come to an end! Enjoy one last breakfast at the hotel before checking out and continuing on to your next adventure.

If you have additional time in Crete, I recommend visiting Knossos in Heraklion or exploring another nearby Greek island. Crete is a great launching point for reaching other islands, with ferries and flights connecting you to destinations throughout Greece.

I hope you enjoyed our time together and I hope to travel with you again!

Meals: Breakfast

  • What's Included

    • 6 nights in centrally located hotels (Double occupancy in twin-share rooms)
    • Expert local guide throughout the entire trip
    • All transportation during the tour to included activities, including:
    • Private roundtrip transfer to our cooking class on Day 2
    • Private transfer to Rethmyno + Plakias on Day 3
    • Private roundtrip transfer to Kourtaliotiko Gorge + Kalypso Beach on Day 4
    • Private transfer to Margarites and Chania on Day 5
    • 6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 4 dinners, including:
    • Welcome mezze dinner in Chania
    • Dinner at our cooking class
    • Dinner at a local taverna in Plakias
    • Lunch in Margarites
    • Farewell dinner in Chania
    • All included activities listed in the itinerary

  • What's Not Included

    • International flights
    • Food and drinks not listed above
    • Optional activities (cooking class, boat tours, wine tasting, etc.)
    • Travel insurance (required)
    • Visas, if applicable
    • Airport transfers
    • Tips & gratuities for guides and drivers

Ready to Join Us in Greece?

Secure your spot on the women-only group trip to Greece with a 25% deposit (limited-spots available).

Reserve Your Spot

Hi, I'm Allison!

I'm an American with 11+ years of solo travel experience across 45 countries and I'll be your host on this group trip. I've learned how to search out unique and authentic adventures around the world - something I'm passionate about sharing with others. If you want to meet new people and immerse yourself in another culture, I'd love to travel together!

This will be my second group trip to Greece I've hosted and fourth overall. I've also helped women travel to China and Nepal.

Testimonials

  • Kayla K. - Athens, Delphi, Naxos & Santorini

    I loved our Greece trip! Greece has been my number one travel destination, since I was a kid, and this trip exceeded my expectations. With a trip like this, I think it’s really important to have an open mind, to go with the flow, be understanding and to overall have trust. Allison, You are so personable, thoughtful, and encouraging. You made it really easy to feel safe enough to have an open mind, to go with the flow, be understanding, and to have trust. Thank you so much for this adventure! My heart feels so full, because of this experience and all of the beautiful women I got to meet and share it with. I can’t wait to be a part of another one 🤞💖

  • Hannah S. - Athens, Delphi, Naxos & Santorini

    Allison, this trip was sooo amazing!!!! Traveling on my own has always seemed scary but has been a goal of mine for a while now and I couldn’t have imagined a better first trip. Greece was incredible but you and the rest of the girls are truly what made it so special. Thank you for hosting because if it wasn't for this trip I wouldn’t have met any of the other incredible women who also love solo travel. I got to talk to some of them about their experiences solo traveling (including you :)) and it has sparked a new realization that traveling on my own isn’t so out of reach. Greece was so so beautiful and I loved learning about the culture and the food and the slower lifestyle there that has made me want to experience more of it in other parts of Europe as well. Also you were such an incredible host, I felt so safe and welcome right when I arrived. You definitely set the tone of the whole trip by being so positive and supportive of everyone! 💕

  • Kellie W. - Athens, Delphi, Naxos & Santorini

    My first true trip abroad and I could not have asked for a better experience. Although I traveled to Greece solo for this experience, I never felt lonely with Allison and this awesome group of ladies. I believe it was Greece as well as Allison and her aura that drew in such a lively, kind, and perfect group of attendees. Greece itself has a special soul I hope everyone gets to experience at least once. From the food and landscapes to the people and culture - we were able to do so much in the time allotted with Allison and her itinerary. Just enough that left me wanting to visit again! I would happily join Allison on another trip whether it is back to see other parts of Greece or venture to a new country. Allison helped me build confidence in traveling to other parts of this magnetic world and for that I will always be thankful.

FAQ

Who is this trip for?

This trip is for women who want to experience Greece with a group of like-minded, female travelers. Ideally, someone who loves having a well-rounded mix of experiences when they travel. In this case, learning about Cretan culture and cuisine, exploring natural and historical wonders, getting out into nature, and swimming in the sea!

It's also perfect if you love to travel but don't like to deal with the stress of booking things, planning out your itinerary, or navigating a city on your own. With this trip, all of the logistics are taken care of and we'll have a local guide who speaks English and Greek.

Here's to a stress-free vacation, new travel friends, and a week full of incredible experiences!

What is the age range of travelers?

Ages range from 18 - 65+. On my China group trip our youngest traveler was 27 and our oldest traveler was 68.

Typically, the median age is around 30, but all ages 18 and over are welcome!

How physically active is the trip?

Light to moderate. We have a short hike on Day 4 to Kourtaliotiko Gorge Waterfall. Besides that, we'll mostly be doing a lot of walking on foot and some swimming in the sea if you're interested. 

Do I need a visa?

If you're a U.S. citizen, you do not need a visa to enter Greece for visits of up to 90 days for tourism purposes. Greece is part of the Schengen Area.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, please look up the visa requirements for your nationality.

How do room shares work?

Room shares are randomly assigned unless you specify otherwise in your booking (for example, if you're booking the trip with a friend or family member, you can specify that you would like to room with them).

Can I book a private room?

While some of my group trips have private room upgrades available, this one does not. Everyone who signs up will be in a twin-share room.

The plus side of this is you'll be able to get to know one of the other travelers really well and hopefully form a lasting friendship!

What airport do I fly into/out of?

The trip starts and ends in Chania, Greece on the island of Crete. This city has an international airport - however, when booking your flights, you may get the best deal by flying in an out of Athens and booking a separate, roundtrip flight to Chania.

Chania is also a great place to continue traveling from if you want to explore other islands in Greece or visit another country after the trip.

Airport Codes:

  • Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH)
  • Chania International Airport Ioannis Daskalogiannis (CHQ)

How does payment work?

A 25% deposit is required in order to reserve a spot. The remaining balance is due 70 days prior to departure.

You can reserve a spot on this trip here.

Cancellation:

  • Cancellation prior to 70 days; Intrepid will hold the deposit amount as a credit.
  • Cancellation 69 days or inside prior to travel will incur 100% cancellation fees
  • No shows will be treated as a cancellation and will incur 100% cancellation fees.

  • Trip Activities (Complete List)

    • Welcome Mezze Dinner in Chania
    • Guided Walking Tour of Chania's Old Town & Venetian Harbor
    • Traditional Cretan Cooking Class, Farm Visit & Olive Oil Tasting with Dinner
    • Guided Orientation of Rethymno's Old Town
    • Sample Traditional Greek Coffee & Cretan Sweets in Rethymno
    • Cretan Winery Tour & Tasting
    • Kourtaliotiko Gorge & Waterfall Visit
    • Kalypso Beach (Sunbeds + Refreshment Included)
    • Dinner at a Local Taverna in Plakias
    • Traditional Pottery Workshop in Margarites Village + Included Lunch at a Local Taverna
    • Lake Kournas Visit
    • Optional Add-On: Half-Day Catamaran & Snorkeling Excursion (€140/person)
    • Farewell Dinner in Chania

Ready to Join Us in Greece?

Secure your spot on the women-only group trip to Greece with a 25% deposit (limited-spots available).

Reserve Your Spot

More About Intrepid + Official Trip PDF

Intrepid has been taking travelers around the globe and connecting people from all walks of life since 1989. That's over 35 years of adventures, changing the way people see the world, and countless, unforgettable moments.

The team at Intrepid created a PDF for our trip with more information - including examples of the hotels we'll be staying at. I've linked it below in case you want to take a look!

Official Trip PDF Available Soon