Soak up the coastal views as you touch down in Heraklion, Crete’s bustling capital city, where a private Flash Pack transfer will be waiting to transport you to your beachside hotel. Fronted by soft golden sand lapped by gentle waves, you’ll slip effortlessly into the holiday vibe. Enjoy a welcome drink with your Pack Leader and group, before heading out for your first taste of traditional Cretan food. Tonight, you’ll 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. Yamas!

Today, you’ll take a 4×4 excursion into Crete’s stunning hinterlands: a rugged landscape sprinkled with pretty villages, neat vineyards and ancient olive groves, where traditional life continues much as it has done for centuries. You’ll stop at a shepherd’s farm to taste fresh curd, pick herbs and vegetables, and even milk the goats, before taking your ingredients to a nearby farm for a rustic cooking class. Together, you’ll rustle up some Cretan favourites, such as gemista (stuffed tomatoes) and tiropita (cheese pie), before continuing to a nearby pottery for a hands-on ceramics workshop. Spend a free evening exploring Heraklion or strolling barefoot along the sand.

Wake up to a Greek breakfast (think fresh coffee and pastries, yoghurt, nuts and honey), before exploring the ancient site of Knossos: centre of Minoan civilization and Europe’s oldest city, dating back to around 7000 BC. A local expert will bring history to life as you explore the grand courtyards, vivid frescoes and elaborate drainage system (including the first ‘flush’ toilet) of this labyrinthine palace – an apt setting for the Minotaur myth. After your tour, you’ll head to the family-run folk village of Arolithos to hear stories of Cretan life and see local crafters at work. Try your hand at traditional skills, such as weaving and mosaics, while sampling island specialities and soaking up the mountain views.

Starting early, you’ll journey west along the coast to Rethymno, with its impressive 16th-century fortress. Your Pack Leader will guide you through the tangle of old town stone streets, lined with pastel-coloured townhouses and flower-shaded cafes, to taste typical local snacks like spanakopita (spinach and feta filo pie) and homemade ice cream. Next, you’ll visit Lake Kournas, a serene freshwater lake against a backdrop of rugged hills. Wild swim and spot turtles in the crystal water or relax at one of the lakeside tavernas. Arriving at your hotel in Chania, the evening is yours to explore the lively bars on Agia Marina beach. Sunset cocktails, anyone? 

Fuel up at breakfast, as today you’ll be tackling Crete’s second longest gorge: a moderate 11-kilometre route packed with dramatic scenery. The trail begins in the tiny village of Imbros at 700 metres above sea level, and follows a former mule path used by thousands of British troops evacuating Crete in 1941. Together with an experienced guide, you’ll hike downhill between the sheer cliff faces (at times just 2 metres apart), dotted with fig, almond and oak trees, abandoned churches and blankets of wild flowers. Keep your eyes peeled for eagles and kri-kri (Crete’s shy, native ibexes) as you reach the village of Komitades, where a well-earned lunch awaits. 

You’ll spend this morning exploring the enchanting old town of Chania, its eclectic architecture mirroring the styles of the Minoans, Venetians and Ottomans. Take a stroll to the imposing lighthouse at the mouth of the picturesque harbour, admire the rose-hued domes of Kioutsouk Hasan Mosque and visit a local cutlery maker to see a traditional Cretan knives being made. For lunch today, you’ll travel inland to the village of Anoskeli, a boutique vineyard surrounded by olive groves and citrus trees. Here, you’ll enjoy a dual tasting of wine and olive oil, learning about production methods and sharing a wine-paired meze platter with your Flash Pack group on the shady outdoor terrace.      

Pack your swimwear – today, you’re off on a beach-hopping excursion. Starting on beautiful Falassarna Beach – its pink-cream sand pounded by some of the island’s best surf – you’ll board an inflatable RIB boat and set off to the shimmering Balos Lagoon. Situated between Cape Tigani and the rugged Gramvousa Peninsula, the shallow turquoise water makes an idyllic snorkelling spot. Feeling energetic? Hike up to the huge Venetian fortress built to keep pirates at bay. Or simply relax with your toes in the sand before cruising back to Falassarna for lunch and a free afternoon. Tonight, you’ll gather with your group for a final farewell dinner. With Greek wine, music and dancing, it’s the perfect end to your trip. 

All too soon, your Cretan journey has come to an end and it’s time to make your own way to the airport. You’ve formed new friendships over fine wine and food, and enjoyed experiences unique to Flash Pack. Not ready to go home yet? Why not explore more of Greece on our Athens and the islands adventure, or hop across the Aegean to discover Classical Turkey. Our trip experts are ready and waiting for your call.