Escorted Tours
Authentic Crete Tour
If you are something of a Grecophile who loves the more traditional side of Greek life, this tour is for you, as it has been designed to introduce a very authentic side of Cretan life and its culture.
Crete is blessed by nature, fertile and wild, everything grows here, and this agricultural and very traditional side of life will be a focus of the tour along with the celebrations of Greek Easter, as well as the opportunity to sample excellent local food at tavernas, more often well-visited by locals but rarely discovered by visitors.
what’s included
At A Glance
itinerary & excursions
Your Itinerary
Explore this incredible tour in detail and discover what makes each day so special. Below, you’ll find a full day-by-day breakdown of your journey, from the moment you arrive to your final farewell. Learn more about the highlights you’ll experience, the unforgettable places you’ll visit, and the unique moments that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re drawn by rich history, stunning landscapes or unforgettable cultural encounters, this itinerary gives you everything you need to picture your adventure and look forward to every step of the way.
Day 1: Arrival
Fly from London Gatwick or Manchester to Crete. On arrival, transfer to the Ideon Hotel, Rethymnon.
Day 2: Villages of the Apokoronos
Our tour starts with visits to some very traditional and scenic villages. We begin at Argiroupolis, famous for the springs that flow in and around the village all year round.
We will have a short walk through the old village where we shall see some attractive and well-restored Venetian mansions that provide a glimpse of the past. We continue with our bus through scenic countryside to the village of Gavalohori, where we enjoy refreshments in the old square before a visit to the tiny folklore museum that showcases a past village life.
Then it’s on to the tiny village of Megala Horafia, where we find wonderful views across the vast Cretan countryside to the majestic White Mountains and the bay of Souda, and where we will sit altogether for a tasty mezze lunch in a village taverna.
Day 3: Kendrohori & Baking Traditional Easter Bread
Our day starts with a beautifully scenic drive upwards into the beautiful Amari Valley, stopping in a tiny village with wonderful views for coffee before continuing on to the village of Spili and our ultimate destination, a simple family-run taverna where the delightful owners show us how to make the traditional Easter biscuits and Tsoureki, a sweet bread that is traditionally prepared on Maundy Thursday in all homes throughout Greece.
After our cookery lesson our hosts will prepare a tasty mezze lunch for us to enjoy altogether. Our return to the hotel provides us with further lovely views via a completely different route from the one we took in the morning.
Day 4: Visit to Chania
On our way to Chania, we will have a brief stop at the serene nunnery of Chrysopigi where a special service takes place to remove Jesus from the cross. We won’t attend the service but will have the opportunity to visit the church as the service comes to an end. Then it’s on to the very scenic Venetian harbour town of Chania where we will have a short walk through the old town, seeing a little of the town’s colourful historic remnants, before free time for personal exploring, shopping, enjoying the holiday atmosphere and a leisurely lunch before returning to Rethymnon.
This evening there will be the opportunity to witness the ‘Epitafios’ procession in Rethymnon. The Epitafios is decorated on Maundy Thursday with fresh flowers by the women of the church and is a beautiful representation of Christ’s coffin, that is processed throughout the town from different churches in the early evening, all of which eventually come together at one church. Its lovely to see and even be part of the procession, if you wish.
Day 5: Morning at Leisure, afternoon Scenic drive
This morning will be free for you to enjoy as you wish.
In the afternoon we will enjoy a scenic drive that will include two small, but dramatic, gorges, a clifftop monastery and splendid sea views. In the evening you are invited to join us, travelling with our bus to a nearby local village, to witness the final important event of the Greek Easter Orthodox Calendar, the Resurrection service, which takes place at 11 pm at churches all over Crete. It is a lively affair that ends in true Greek celebratory style.
Day 6: Easter Sunday Feast
Today will be spent celebrating Easter Sunday the way the Greeks do, eating! We will travel to a local village and enjoy a feast of roast lamb, (vegetarians catered for too), village pies, salad and local wine.
Day 7: Margaritas, Arkadi & Farewell Dinner
Our final day is a leisurely one after the celebrations of Greek Easter.
We visit the pretty pottery village of Margaritas with an opportunity to visit a local potter who will tell us a little of his trade and its long association with the village; we then continue to the historic and picturesque monastery of Arkadi, which was very important in freeing the Cretans of the Ottomans. This evening we will enjoy a farewell dinner altogether in a local taverna in Rethymnon.
Day 8: Departure
Transfer to the airport for the return flight to London Gatwick or Manchester.
our guests say
Recent reviews
“It’s difficult to pick out just one highlight from this wonderful trip. Travelling towards the snow-capped White Mountains, visiting traditional villages, enjoying wildflowers and relaxed village lunches all gave the feeling of experiencing Greece as it once was. The Greek Easter celebrations were both fun and moving, but the real standout was our tour guide, Jane, whose organisation, knowledge and passion for Crete were exceptional. Her insight into the island’s history, literature, legends and wartime stories added so much depth to the experience.”
Mrs F, April 2026
“The lovely weather and beautiful scenery made it special, we were very lucky. There was also a very nice group of people and an excellent Tour Manager.”
Mrs H, April 2026
“Sharing the Orthodox Easter celebrations under the guidance of our tour leader was a truly special highlight, offering a memorable insight into local traditions. The trip was made all the more enjoyable by superb leadership throughout.”
Anne & David Sparrow, April 2026
An enjoyable and fascinating introduction to Crete, made all the better by excellent guiding from Jane and great support from our driver, Nicos. The warmth of the people and the insight into local life made it a memorable experience.”
Henry Grant Shaw, April 2026
Availability
Choose Your Departure
HOTELS
Tour Accommodation
Rethymnon
The base for our tour is the atmospheric and historical Venetian harbour town of Rethymnon. This fantastic town has a colourful and historical past that is evident in the legacy of marvellous old buildings that line its narrow, pedestrianised streets. Perfect for strolling, sights here include the imposing battlements of the 16th century Venetian fortress, a picturesque harbour with a 13th century lighthouse and a delightful ‘old town’ full of cafes, tavernas and small shops selling local crafts, souvenirs and food. Easily accessed on foot from your hotel, the quaintness of this atmospheric old town will be sure to entice you again and again during your stay.
Ideon Hotel, Rethymnon
The Ideon Hotel is a three-star hotel well located right next to Rethymnon’s fantastic Venetian harbour and just a 3 minute walk from the atmospheric back streets and narrow alleyways that characterise this fantastic old town and where you will find an excellent choice of tavernas, cafes and interesting small shops.
The hotel offers comfortable air-conditioned rooms with private balcony, bath/shower, TV and telephone. The hotel facilities include a swimming pool, street cafe that overlooks the sea, lounge bar and restaurant.
Ideon Hotel Website
our regular tours
Mobility Information
This is one of our more relaxed-paced tours, designed to allow you to enjoy the itinerary at a comfortable rhythm. As with all Travel Editions tours, you should expect some walking between visits, periods of standing during guided tours, and the ability to get on and off a coach or train independently.
As many of our tours visit historic places, occasional steps, slopes, cobbles or uneven surfaces may still be encountered, particularly in old towns, gardens, churches and heritage buildings.
Please read the day-by-day itinerary for any specific notes about stairs, ground conditions, walking distances or time on your feet.
If pace or mobility is an important consideration, please contact us before booking and our team will be happy to discuss whether this tour is the right fit for you.
Your questions answered
Tour FAQ
If you have a question, we are more than happy to answer it via email or phone, but you may find your answer below more quickly.
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