Crete's Culture & Cuisine
$1569.00
Sun
7 nights in Crete
What to expect
Foodie Experiences
Cooking class, olive & wine tasting
Fascinating History
Explore Knossos Palace & Spinalonga
Sole Occupancy Room
Your own room - no single supplement
Uncrowded Setting
Property & pool exclusive to Solos
About this trip...
Welcome to Solos Exclusive Iraklis Apartments in Gouves – your perfect base for a week filled with history, culture and relaxation on the sun-drenched island of Crete. Highlights include a guided visit to the legendary Palace of Knossos, wine tasting at the renowned Titakis Winery and the immersive Fabrika Wine Experience, plus a scenic boat trip to the island fortress of Spinalonga with time to explore the charming harbour town of Agios Nikolaos. You’ll also uncover the rich story of olive oil production, wander through the ancient ruins of Faistos Palace and unwind in the laid-back, bohemian seaside village of Matala. Your unforgettable week concludes with a breathtaking sunset cruise and a hands-on traditional Greek cooking class – the perfect finale to a truly memorable Cretan adventure.
What's included?
Return Transfers (Heraklion Airport)
Studio room for sole use (Apartments available at a supplement)
Daily breakfast & three on-site taverna dinners each week-
One BBQ on Sunset Cruise
Welcome drink & information meeting
Entrance to Knossos & Spinalonga with guide-
Wine & olive tasting
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Traditional Greek cooking class
Sunset Cruise
Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
What's Extra
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International flights not included. Let us help you book them! Learn more.
- Travel insurance
- Tips & drinks
- Meals when not included in the itinerary
- Activities when not included in the itinerary
- Air Conditioning €7 per day, payable locally
- Apartment supplement from $95 per week
Itinerary
- Arrive in Crete
- Knossos And Wine Tasting Fabrika
- Day at Leisure
- Spinalonga-Agios Nikolaos
- Olive’s journey-Faistos Palace-Matala
- Sunset Cruise
- Traditional Greek Cooking Class
- Departure Day
What you'll be doing
Day One: Arrival Day
Day Two: Knossos & Wine Tasting at Fabrika
Our first day starts with a visit to Knossos, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Greece’s most important archaeological treasures. Once the ceremonial, political, religious, and economic centre of the Minoan civilization, this magnificent palace offers a fascinating glimpse into Europe’s earliest advanced society. Our guide will bring ancient myths and history to life and we walk in the footsteps of legendary kings and explore the heart of Crete’s storied past.
Next, we visit the renowned Titakis Winery, where a memorable tasting experience awaits. Sample exceptional wines made from unique local grape varieties, grown in Crete’s rich volcanic soil, and learn about the island’s ancient winemaking traditions — a craft deeply intertwined with the land and its people.
But this is no ordinary wine tour. At Fabrika, we step into a world where tradition meets innovation, exploring the remarkable underground Concrete Village — a vast, maze-like network that once stored wine in towering cement tanks with a 5,000-ton capacity. As we wander through its cool, humid corridors, we uncover the rich family history behind the winery, brought to life by passionate storytellers.
We continue with a guided tour through the heart of the winery, marvelling at the impressive four-metre-high tanks and capturing some truly unique photo moments. Finally, we indulge in a tasting of six carefully selected wines, perfectly paired with authentic Cretan delicacies — a fitting toast to local flavour and craftsmanship.
- Breakfast & dinner included
Day Three: Day at Leisure
- Breakfast included
Day Four: Spinalonga-Agios Nikolaos
Our day begins with a visit to the peaceful St. George Monastery in Selinari, a revered spiritual site with Venetian-era roots. We stroll through its tranquil grounds and explore the historic chapel of Agios Georgios, admiring its intricate mosaics and the beautifully carved stone fountain dating back to 1923. We’ll also see the newer churches of Theophany and the Resurrection, visit the Ecclesiastical Museum, and enjoy the sweeping views from the monastery’s towering bell tower.
We then continue to the picturesque fishing village of Elounda, where we board a boat to the remarkable island of Spinalonga. Once a Venetian fortress and later a leper colony, Spinalonga holds a powerful place in Cretan history. Its dramatic past inspired Victoria Hislop’s bestselling novel The Island and the classic TV series Who Pays the Ferryman? As we explore the island, we’ll walk through centuries of history, surrounded by stunning coastal views.
Our final stop is the vibrant coastal town of Agios Nikolaos – affectionately known as “Ag Nik.” The capital of Lassithi, this lively town offers a charming mix of cafés, shops and seaside promenades. Enjoy lunch (at own cost), followed by free time to shop, explore or simply relax – rounding off the day with the perfect blend of culture, history and coastal charm.
- Breakfast & dinner included
Day Five: Olive’s journey-Faistos Palace-Matala
We begin our day with a scenic drive to Psarakis Harvests, a traditional Cretan farm where we’ll enjoy a guided tour of the olive groves and learn about the island’s rich olive oil–making heritage. Discover how olive oil has shaped Cretan culture and cuisine for centuries, from tree to table. After the tour, we’ll indulge in a tasting of premium extra virgin olive oils straight from the source – a truly authentic and flavourful experience.
Next, we journey to the Palace of Phaistos, one of Crete’s most important archaeological sites. This ancient palace was a major centre of Minoan civilisation, known for its influence, wealth and power in southern Crete. Perched on a hill above the Litheos River, the site offers breathtaking views and a fascinating glimpse into Bronze Age life.
Mentioned by Homer and praised by ancient writers such as Strabo and Pausanias, Phaistos is steeped in both history and mythology. It is said to have been ruled by Rhadamanthys, the wise son of Zeus and brother of King Minos. As we wander through the ruins, we step into a world of ancient legends, royal courts and early architectural innovation.
After exploring the site, we continue to the laid-back seaside village of Matala. Famous for its natural sandstone caves carved into the cliffs — once used as ancient tombs and later by 1960s hippies — Matala blends history with beachside charm. Enjoy a relaxing lunch (at own cost) by the sea, followed by free time to swim in the clear waters, stroll along the beach or browse the local shops and vibrant street art that give this village its bohemian spirit. It’s the perfect way to end a day filled with history, culture and authentic Cretan flavour.
- Breakfast included
Day Six: Sunset Cruise
This afternoon, we set sail along the breathtaking coastline of Hersonissos, where crystal-clear waters and sweeping sea views create an unforgettable backdrop. Sit back and enjoy warm Cretan hospitality on board, with a delicious barbecue and drinks included as we cruise to some of the region’s most picturesque and secluded spots. This magical sunset voyage is the perfect way to reflect on a week filled with discovery, connection and unforgettable memories in Crete.
- Breakfast & BBQ included
Day Seven: Traditional Greek Cooking Class
Our final experience of the week is a fun and traditional Greek cooking class. Stratos, the chef at Iraklis Taverna, will show us how to make the classic Greek dish moussaka, using fresh ingredients picked straight from the family garden, along with delicious spinach and cheese pies made from Stratos’ secret recipe. Once everything is ready, we’ll sit down together to enjoy our creations as part of our final evening meal – a perfect end to a wonderful week in Crete.
- Breakfast & dinner included
Day Eight: Departure day
- Breakfast included
Accommodations
Iraklis Apartments
Facilities include
Room includes
Dates & Prices
Essential Information
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