Village garden
Tasting the Raki
Old Chania
Argiroupolis
Clients exploring
Transport
Agiroupolis
Amari Valley
Church of the Holy Spirit
Agio Pnevma
Argiroupolis
Tradition, culture and local life - a real insight into an 'authentic' Crete
The base for our stay - the atmospheric and historic Venetian harbour of Rethymnon
An opportunity to see some of the celebrations of Greek Easter - a very important event in the Greek calendar
Authentic tasty local food in traditional village tavernas
Spectacular scenery
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.
Available Departures |
From |
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| 15 - April - 2025 | £ 1495.00 | Travel Info On Request |
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Provisional Timings London Gatwick Departing: 15th April 2025 at 08:00 Returning: 22nd April 2025 at 14:40 |
Day 1: Fly from London Gatwick 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: Kissos and baking of the traditional Easter bread.
We head south of Rethymnon to the village of Kissos where we walk through the village to an old monastery, Agio Pnevma (Holy Spirit). Relatively recently renovated from a complete ruin and hosting just one monk, it is a delightful place with immaculate gardens and a real serenity. Continuing our travels we head upwards into the beautiful Amari Valley, our destination a simple family-run taverna where the delightful owners show us how to make Tsoureki, a sweet bread that is traditionally prepared on Maunday 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.
Today we visit the Venetian harbour town of Chania where we will have a short guided walk through a very atmospheric part of the old town, learning a little of the town's colourful history. After the walk there will be 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 freshly decorated on Maunday Thursday by the women of the church with fresh flowers and is a beautiful representation of Christ's coffin, this is processed throughout the town from different churches in the early evening, all of which eventually come together at one church before returning to their originating church. Its lovely to see and even be part of the procession alongside the locals, if you wish.
Day 5: Morning at leisure. Afternoon scenic drive visiting the south coast.
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 11pm 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 and farewell lunch.
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 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. Our visits culminate with a tasty final lunch altogether at a lovely taverna.
Day 8: Transfer to the airport for the return flight to London Gatwick.
NB: Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.
Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 25 passengers.
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
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 VIEW ON THE HOTEL
We chose this hotel first and foremost because of its excellent location, which is just a stone's throw from both the Venetian harbour and the atmospheric old town's historic backstreets, which makes dining out in the evening and exploring in your leisure time a very easy option. Equally importantly, we feel the hotel offers comfortable and friendly three-star accommodation with great service.
A wonderful taste of the essence of Crete. Jane outstanding as a tour manager. Please consider more ,your times of flight departures, as your older clients would much prefer to travel at more convenient times of day, rather than crack of dawn departures!!
Review by Mayhew who travelled 19-April-2022
It was a wonderful introduction to Crete and its hospitable people. Having an excellent tour manager in Jane Freeman made it extra special. At first we couldn't understand why so many of our party had been with Jane on previous trips. By the end of this tour we too were looking for further Greek tours run by Jane.
Review by Stewart who travelled 19-April-2022
Review by Anonymous who travelled 19-April-2022
I of course mucked up the outward flight and nearly went home but flew out the next day. So pleased I did an excellent holiday and as ever Jane was brilliant . Didn't like the flight back and hordes of people but obviously that's not in your gift. A really relaxing and memorable holiday.
Review by Davies who travelled 19-April-2022
on two days lunch was very late even for greece of which we had no advance warning so anyone who needed to eat before 3.30pm was at a disadvantage
Review by Tuck who travelled 19-April-2022
Jane put in another great job as tour leader. You may want to put something extra in print about how mobile you need to be getting on & off buses etc.
Review by Batty who travelled 19-April-2022
A very pleasant introduction to Crete at a suitably easy pace. The various mountain /village excursions were a delight with splendid views, whilst the inclusion of various Easter events added further interest.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 19-April-2022
Friday and Saturday evening ceremonies very interesting (because different). The provided meals generally very good but Sunday lunch slightly disappointing. Chania and first village tour, pottery, Filo bakery, Arkadi Monastery, Carob shop visits interesting; We found the interesting content of the other visits a bit thin. Jane found us an excellent driver for our flower foray on our day off. Nikos' driving as always excellent, and he is always so helpful.
Review by Hall who travelled 23-April-2019
This was a wonderful holiday superbly led by Jane Freeman who was suffering a severe attack of bronchitis. She should have succumbed to her bed but she battled on. I loved it all. Well done Travel Editions
Review by Peel who travelled 23-April-2019
An excellent trip. Visits to small villages, spectacular scenery, wonderful convivial lunches. Joining in with the Easter celebrations was an added pleasure. Crete is a beautiful island with open hearted hospitable people. I thoroughly recommend this holiday.
Review by Key who travelled 23-April-2019
Another very enjoyable holiday with interesting travelling companions and with Jane and Nikos the best double act in the business. Jane, as usual, made our time in Crete great fun with lots of off the beaten track experiences. A wonderful selection of different tavernas and food tastings, especially the amazing Easter Day lunch. Gun fire at midnight with a huge bonfire burning Judas at the stake, The flower covered sarcophagus being carried through the streets of Rethymnon were some highlights. Nikos's driving was breathtaking at times but totally relaxing. Great holiday!
Review by Bishop who travelled 23-April-2019
Despite being very poorly our tour guide, Jane, remained cheerful and efficient throughout the week. Would be happy to join her again on a tour. Due to road subsidence we could not get to Agio Pnevma monastery and the alternative village walks were not particularly interesting. The lunches were superb as was our driver, Nikos. Great group and all in all a lovely holiday.
Review by Rann who travelled 23-April-2019
A great trip in every way. Excellent hotel which was well situated. Super excursions & a really marvellous guide Jane Freeman. She was so informative, very charming & so helpful when we foolishly left our coats in the hotel at the end! She packed them up & amazingly they arrived back in Uk three days later. Would definitely use Travel Editions again.
Review by Henderson who travelled 03-April-2018
Like the proverbial swimming duck, Jane worked her socks off, generating a happy atmosphere while appearing calm and relaxed. A nice balance between group excursions and time to explore on our own. Christos, our "Authentic Cretan", was a delightful source of local and historical information. For us, it came a close second to the Unexplored Crete tour in 2016 but that's when we met one another, so we may be biased!
Review by Mr Philip Martin who travelled 11-April-2017
The week of experiencing 'Authentic Crete' with an interesting and friendly group of people was wonderful. It was a privilege to join in with the local village celebrations especially Easter Sunday in Christos's village, which was my highlight. Jane quickly created a relaxed ambience and was always helpful and professional. I have to mention the drivers especially Nicos who dealt with some 'amazing roads'. This is certainly a tour I would do again. Thank you Jane and Travel editions.
Review by Mrs Jackie Roberts who travelled 11-April-2017
Review by Mrs Eileen Wilkinson who travelled 11-April-2017
Review by who travelled 11-April-2017
This was our most enjoyable Travel Editions tour to date. As always, Jane was excellent and it was good to have "authentic Cretan" Christos along on some excursions. Yiannis was a very good careful driver who was helpful, friendly and spoke very good English. The substantial lunches ranged from very good to excellent. Hotel Ideon continues to improve and minor problems with our bath and sink were dealt with promptly. In conclusion we feel that this first "Authentic Crete Tour" was a great success. We also think it would work well as a 9 or 10 day holiday to include a couple of "rest days" for independent sight-seeing and evening meals.
Review by Mr David Cowley who travelled 26-April-2016
To my Cretan Friends, Jane, Angela and Stelios. This is a BIG thank you for lovely holiday (both weeks) I just enjoyed in CRETE. Rethymno was everything I remembered and Hotel Ideon gave us great service. We found so many new and extraordinary places with the Cretan ambience as a common factor. We experienced Authentic Crete with a great welcome and wonderful food as a part of the real Cretan tradition. You must have noticed that all the group were ‘old hands’ returning to Greece and many to Crete, drawn I guess by the “tavern lunches” you featured. The Easter Festival of the Orthodox Church was the truly memorable high light of our visit. Thank you.
Review by Mrs Ann Aveling who travelled 26-April-2016
An excellent tour well organised with lovely visits to Cretan villages .The good Friday and midnight mass visits were well worth seeing. A very comfortable hotel with excellent food. Jane the tour manager was well organised with good local knowledge she coped with all situations very well.
Review by Mr Edmund Revell who travelled 26-April-2016
brilliant tour manager, Jane, always positive and smiling, made collection of very varied holiday-makers, all strangers to each other, into a cohesive group.
Review by Mrs Caryl Rothwell who travelled 26-April-2016
Jane, Christos and the driver made an excellent team and ensured that we all had really enjoyable holiday. Visit to potter was fantastic. The drive through the gorge on the last day was spectacular and we suggested to Jane that a tour "Our favourite locations and tavernas" with opportunities for photographic stops for scenery, special locations etc inviting photographs for next brochure..
Review by Mr James Spanner who travelled 26-April-2016
We Brits don't eat as late as the Cretans, need to watch the lunch timings. Thought we might have visited 1-2 more simple archealogical sites - but that might have guide issues. For 'premiere' of a tour it went very well.
Review by Mr Philip Batty who travelled 26-April-2016
