Mythical Crete

Magical mythology, impossibly cerulean seas and centuries-old cuisine combine on this deliciously varied adventure across Greece’s largest paradise isle

What's included

All activities shown in itinerary including Imbros gorge hike, 4x4 drive & private RIB boat across Balos Lagoon
Stay in hand-picked 3-4 star hotels
Shared twin room - Watch our 60s clip about room sharing (Single rooms available)
7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners including lunch at a boutique winery
Private minibus
Arrival airport transfer
Experienced, local Pack Leader throughout

Why Flash Pack

Max. 16 people per trip
Everyone at a similar life stage
98% travel solo, 80% stay in touch

About your trip

Delve into ancient myths and immerse yourself in local life on this eight-day epic across Greece’s largest and most spectacular island.

Travelling from Heraklion to Chania, you’ll journey over the rugged White Mountains by 4×4 and through the deep Imbros Gorge on foot. You’ll learn time-worn crafts in traditional stone villages and cook up a feast of rustic recipes at a local farm. And you’ll uncover Minoan mysteries on a private tour of Knossos, tracing the footsteps of the legendary Minotaur.

There’ll be wine and olive oil tasting in boutique rural vineyards. You’ll lose yourself in the winding old town alleys of Chania and Rethymno. In true Flash Pack style, you’ll finish your trip with a beach-hopping excursion by boat, basking on the golden sand, snorkelling in turquoise lagoons and celebrating with new friends who have shared in your Greek adventure.

Day 1

A Cretan welcome

Arrive in Heraklion (HER)

Soak up the coastal views as you touch down in Heraklion, before a private Flash Pack transfer to your beachside hotel
Get to know your fellow Flashpackers over a traditional three-course dinner and raise a glass of raki (Crete’s answer to ouzo) to your week of adventure to come

Day 2

Mountain cooking class

Take a 4×4 excursion into Crete’s stunning hinterlands: a rugged landscape sprinkled with pretty villages, neat vineyards and ancient olive groves
Stop at a shepherd’s farm to taste fresh curd, pick fresh vegetables and even milk the goats, before taking your ingredients to a nearby farm for a rustic cooking class
Stop by a local pottery for a hands-on ceramics workshop before a free evening exploring Heraklion or strolling barefoot along the sand

Day 3

Enter the labyrinth at Knossos

Explore the ancient site of Knossos with a local expert. It’s the centre of Minoan civilization and Europe’s oldest city, dating back to around 7000 BC
Head to the family-run folk village of Arolithos to hear stories of Cretan life and see local artisans at work; try your hand at traditional skills such as weaving and mosaics

Day 4

Rethymno town & wild lake swims

Journey west along the coast to Rethymno, with its impressive 16th-century fortress and flower-shaded cafes
Taste typical local snacks like spanakopita (spinach and feta filo pie) and homemade ice cream
Visit Lake Kournas, a serene freshwater lake against a backdrop of rugged hills. Cool off with a wild swim and spot turtles in the crystal water

Day 5

Hike the dramatic Imbros Gorge

Tackle Crete’s second-longest gorge, Imbros: an uncrowded 11-kilometre hike packed with dramatic scenery, from sheer cliff faces to abandoned churches
Arrive in the village of Komitades and tuck into a well-earned Greek feast

Day 6

Wine taste with a pro

Stroll around the enchanting old town of Chania, its eclectic architecture mirroring the styles of the Minoans, Venetians and Ottomans
Visit a local cutlery maker to see traditional Cretan knives being made
Lunch? That’ll be at a boutique vineyard surrounded by olive groves and citrus trees. Sample wine, olive oil and tuck into a meze platter

Day 7

Beach-hopping to turquoise lagoons

Pack your swimwear – today, you’re off on a beach-hopping excursion
Hop into a fast-paced inflatable RIB boat and speed off to the shimmering Balos Lagoon, Crete’s most impressive beach with white sand and crystal clear water
Relax on the sand, hike to the Venetian fortress and bid farewell to your fellow Flashpackers over a lively Greek farewell dinner

Day 8

Farewell, Crete

Depart from Chania (CHQ)

Say goodbye to your group and head off to the airport; your Pack Leader will be on hand to help you arrange a local taxi
Arrive home from your Cretan adventure feeling relaxed and invigorated; you’ve immersed yourself in local culture on this beautiful rugged island and made a whole new group of friends

Where you'll be staying

We often feature these unique hotels on this trip, with final options confirmed a month before departure. We work with these or similar hotels to ensure a stylish and comfortable stay every time.

Olive Green Hotel, Heraklion

Here’s a tech-savvy hotel with a sustainability-first approach, its aim being to become a role model for hotels across the world. Modern, comfortable rooms feature smart operations & eco-conscious consumption. Contemporary style with a green ethos? We’re sold.

Petousis Hotel, Ammoudara

Sink into spacious, boutique-style rooms in the resort of Ammoudara, 10 minutes by bus from Heraklion. It’s a short walk to the lively string of bars and cafes lining the long sandy beach, plus one of Crete’s oldest and best-known restaurants is right next door.

Civitel Akali Hotel, Chania

Offering up a charming 1970s feel (in a good way), there’s almost an essence of LA glamour when you step inside this hotel. Having recently been refurbished, this 4-star abode promises comfort, sleek decor plus an outdoor pool and al fresco dining. All at the centre of historic Chania.

Adventure FAQs

Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code

Fly into Heraklion Airport Nikos Kazantzakis (HER) and out of Chania International Airport Ioannis Daskalogiannis (CHQ).

What time should my flight arrive? (to arrive in time for the welcome meeting)

We suggest arriving before 4 pm on Day 1, to allow yourself enough time to freshen up before the welcome meeting. Check-in at the hotel is from 3 pm.

What time should my flight depart on the last day?

There are no planned activities for Day 8, so you can depart at your own leisure. Your Pack Leader can help you book transfers the night before if needed.

Are airport transfers included?

If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you’ve booked yourself a pre-night at the same hotel the adventure starts from, your airport arrival transfer will be included. Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and in groups depending on flight times, so you may have to wait in the airport for a short while.

However, if you’ve booked alternative pre-trip accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport, you’ll have to arrange your own arrival transfer.

Please also note: in order to secure your place on the private transfer, you’ll need to provide your flight details to our Customer Experience team no later than 30 days prior to your adventure’s departure date. You’ll get automated email reminders about this, but the team won’t be chasing you. That’s why it’s key to get this information over in good time. If the details are provided later than 30 days pre-departure, you’ll have to arrange your own arrival transfer.

Departure transfers are typically not included due to travellers leaving at varying times. That said, your Pack Leader will happily help arrange departure transfers for you if required.

Are tips included?

Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:

Pack Leader: 10 EUR per day
Drivers: 3 EUR per transfer
Local guides: 5 EUR per half-day tour
Your Pack Leader will be able to advise on how much to tip in restaurants, taxis, etc. Some Pack Leaders will collect a tipping kitty at the welcome meeting to take care of local tips.

However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.

Are there any other extra costs to be aware of?

Climate Crisis Resilience Fee: Customers will need to pay this government-mandated tax directly at hotel checkouts. The total combined fee for the GR1 tour is approximately €35 per person for those sharing a twin room and €70 per person for those staying in a single room.

What fitness levels do I need for this trip?

Overall, this is a fairly relaxed itinerary. The most strenuous activity is the Imbros Gorge hike on Day 5, which descends 11 kilometres along a rocky path over uneven terrain. A moderate level of fitness is needed.

We recommend having a read through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.

Do I need a visa?

Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.

You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.

Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.

What vaccinations and medication will I need?

While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalised medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.

1. Consult with a healthcare professional

We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.

2. Up-to-date medical advice

UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialised health information.
Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.

3. Government travel advice

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.

4. Medication tips

If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.

We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.

Will this itinerary change?

Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.

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