Recently, Jayne, one of Travel Club Elite’s Sales Team, took part on a Highlights of Crete tour as part of her role as one of TTG’s Sustainable Travel Ambassadors. This 6 day trip, courtesy of Intrepid and Avis, allowed her to see some of Crete’s best sights, and below is her review.
Day 1
On the first day, we all met up at Gatwick and were introduced to the group. We then all set off to begin our epic trip to Crete, landing in Heraklion. We then drove to Hotel Kastro where we stayed for one night.
Day 2
After Breakfast we travelled by private bus to Sfakia – on the way we visited Knossos Archaeological site in Heraklion. We then headed off to the southwest part of Crete, coming to a family run winery where we got to sample some amazing wines which were all organically produced on site a variety of white, rose, and red wines. This was at Dourakis Winery where were treated to lunch with the owners in a lovely outside setting. Then there were quick visits to Aradena and Anopoli villages. We stayed at Alonia Guesthouse right by the white mountains. This evening we had dinner along with Greek live music by local musicians
Day 3
Today we left the guesthouse and started our journey to Agia Roumeli via a private boat transfer, with a 30-minute stop for swimming and to explore on route. We then continued by private boat to our next accommodation – Calypso Hotel – Agia Roumeli.
We then had some free time before our evening meal.
Day 4
We had a very early breakfast today before setting off on a hike to Samaria gorge. We met our hiking guide Anna who told us all about the local flora and fauna and all about the area. We were treated to amazing scenery hiking right through the gorge and crossing small wooden bridges and stepping stones was something not to be missed.
After we continued by private boat to Sougia for lunch at a local restaurant right near the beach. Then we had some free time to visit our hiking guide’s local shop where she sells local handmade crafts and some, she makes herself. We then took our private transfer to Chania to our next accommodation, the Kydon hotel. We would stay here for 2 nights.
Day 5
Today was a full day of activities. After breakfast we were treated to a walking tour of the old town of Chania (Venetian harbour). Our tour guide Katarina was full of energy and enthusiasm for the place, making it a truly amazing experience. After this we were taken to a local family run pottery shop where we were shown the process right from the potter’s wheel to the end result. After this we were taken by private transfer to Anna’s house (Soulcookingworshop.com) for a cooking class where we were shown how to make local pastries. We then ate lunch with the cooking teachers before heading back to the hotel.
We had some free time where were had drinks by the harbour then headed back to the hotel to have an amazing farewell dinner to say goodbye to our incredible tour leader Aris and this was the end of the Intrepid part of the tour.
Day 6
Today the trip was taken over by Avis. We were treated to a driving tour of the island using hybrid cars which were brilliant. We had our hybrid cars delivered to us at the hotel which was great. The first port of call was a stop off at the famous pink beach called Elafonisi Beach. We stayed here only a short amount of time enough to swim and explore the beach. Second stop was Prima Plora Organic restaurant and winery where we met the guys from Avis, and they were very good explaining to us all about the car hire and the struggle they have trying to get people to commit to having electric cars. Hybrid are a great alternative.
Then we were drove to our hotel, Galaxy hotel in Heraklion before heading out to dinner at a local organic restaurant, Peskesi Kapetan.
Day 7
Up early for a last stroll to the old town to take in the sights one last time before heading to the airport and set off on our journey home.
I can honestly say I would highly recommend doing a tour of Crete (The one I did was Intrepid’s Highlights of Crete) whether this is a guided tour or, if that’s not your thing, then hire a car and tour the island. I have laughed and cried (In a good way) so much on this tour and made memories that will stay with me forever. Crete has so many wonderful things to offer, so much more than just lovely hotels and beaches. Thank you, Crete, you’ve been amazing. You really need to do a bit of “Adventurizing.” Go and explore, I dare you.
By Jayne MacDonald
For more information about Intrepid’s Highlights of Crete tour or to book with Extra Savings call Travel Club Elite free 0808 258 4752 or Enquire. ABTA 35+ Years | Rated 5* Trust Pilot.