Day 1 - Sunday, March 28: Flight from Toronto
Late afternoon departure from Toronto for Athens on the direct flight of Air Canada. Dinner and a light breakfast will be served on board.
Day 2 - Monday, March 29: Arrival in Greece and transfer flight to Crete
Arrival Athens where you will go through customs before boarding your connecting flight to Crete. Mid day arrival in Heraklion, capital of Crete. Meet your local escort and transfer to your hotel in Heraklion Town. Check into your room and enjoy time to relax before a guided walking orientation tour of the historic centre, including the Venetian harbour, the Loggia, and lively pedestrian streets lined with cafés and shops. Dinner this evening is included in the hotel restaurant.
Meals: Dinner
Day 3 - Tuesday, March 30: Knossos Palace · Archaeological Museum · Winery Visit
This morning we visit Knossos Palace, the legendary home of King Minos. Official site: https://www.knossosguide.com. Continue to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, home to the world’s finest collection of Minoan art. Official site: https://heraklionmuseum.gr. In the afternoon, enjoy a winery visit and tasting at a selected estate in the Heraklion region. Return to Heraklion for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner and Winery visit
Day 4 - Wednesday, March 31: Lassithi Plateau · Olive Oil · Panagia Kera · Psychro Village · Dikteon Cave
A full day excursion into Crete’s rugged interior, dominated by 2,100 meter Mount Dikti. Travel through fertile valleys and mountain passes to the Lassithi Plateau, famous for its quaint villages and thousands of white sailed windmills. Visits include an olive oil factory for tasting, the Panagia Kera Monastery with its exquisite Byzantine frescoes, and Krasi Village, known for its ancient plane tree. Continue to Psychro Village and, weather permitting, ascend to the Dikteon Cave, mythical birthplace of Zeus. Return to Heraklion in the late afternoon. Dinner in the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner and Olive Oil Tasting
Day 5 - Thursday, April 01: Gortyn · Phaistos · Agia Triada
Today we explore the rich archaeological heritage of southern Crete. Visit Gortyn, the Roman capital of Crete, where the famous Law Code — Europe’s earliest written legal text — was discovered. Continue to Phaistos Palace, dramatically situated on a spur of Mount Ida and considered one of the most important Minoan sites. Nearby lies Agia Triada, interpreted as the summer residence of the rulers of Phaistos. Return to Heraklion for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6 - Friday, April 02: Heraklion - Rethymno - Chania
Check out after breakfast and begin your journey westward. First stop: the historic Arkadi Monastery, symbol of Cretan resistance and one of the island’s most important religious sites. Continue to Rethymno, a charming town of Venetian mansions, narrow lanes, and Ottoman architecture. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the old town. In the late afternoon, drive along the north coast to Chania, one of the loveliest towns in Greece. Check into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 7 - Saturday, April 03: Chania · Venetian Harbour · Argyroupoli · Lake Kournas · Village Food Experience
This morning, enjoy a guided walking tour of Chania, including the atmospheric Venetian harbour, lighthouse, and colourful waterfront. Continue to Argyroupoli Village, known for its springs, greenery, and traditional tavernas. Visit Lake Kournas, Crete’s only natural freshwater lake, set against a backdrop of mountains. The day concludes with visits to traditional villages and a light food experience featuring local products and Cretan hospitality. Return to Chania for overnight.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 8 - Sunday, April 04: Free Day in Chania
A full day at leisure to enjoy Chania at your own pace. Optional experiences may include:
• Apokoronas Villages & Wine Experience
• Cooking class • Boat excursion (weather permitting)
• Shopping and strolling through the old town’s boutiques and markets
Dinner on your own.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 - Monday, April 05: Athens · Plaka District · Evening at Leisure
After breakfast, transfer to Chania Airport for your short flight to Athens. Upon arrival, transfer to your centrally located hotel in the Plaka District, the oldest and most atmospheric neighbourhood in Athens. Enjoy time to settle in and explore the surrounding pedestrian streets filled with cafés, artisan shops, and neoclassical architecture. Evening at leisure with countless dining options steps from your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 - Tuesday, April 06: Return flight to Toronto
Early breakfast, transfer to Athens Airport, and return flight to Toronto with Air Canada or similar. Arrival in Toronto around 3 PM.
