Traditions of Crete Tour
May 26 - June 7, 2025
12 nights/13 days
Participants: 12 max
Cost: $3,600 per person all-inclusive
(excluding airfare to/from Greece)
6 spots still available as of 1/25
Deeply connect to the history and ecology of Crete through an immersion of this island's unique archaeology & botanical heritage. Archaeo- (old, ancient) + botany (the study of plants): there is an entire subfield of archaeology called archaeobotany, or paleoethnobotany, which is the study of how past humans used and related to plants. Under the right conditions, remains of plants (primarily seeds, charcoal, and pollen) can be found in the archaeological record, which offers information about which plants humans cultivated or wild-harvested for food, medicine, fuel, or textiles. Using plants as a way to connect to the past brings history to life. On this archaeobotanical tour, we will visit archaeological sites and museums to learn how past humans related to plants; we will connect with people still honoring traditional ways of farming, cooking, and healing with the same plants; and we will meet these special plants in the wild. An archaeobotanical tour in a Mediterranean country is the opportunity to meet many familiar plants growing in their natural habitat (where they have been growing alongside humans for thousands of years!)--oregano, thyme, lavender, chamomile, olives, grapes, sage, fennel, saffron, rosemary, and so much more.
Since ancient times, Crete has been the epicenter of the botanical trade, hosting some of the most potent medicinal plants and the most delicious food in the Mediterranean world. This is partially due to the island's unique geology, which creates many different microclimates (there's even a subtropical pocket where avocados, bananas, and mangos are cultivated!). Over the course of two weeks, we will explore the archaeology, people, and plants of each region of Crete with epic hikes, wild harvesting and medicine making, farm tours, traditional cooking classes, museums & archaeological sites. Note that this is an adventurous, eco-luxury retreat, packed with activities and transitions (we will be staying in three different locations). If you like fully immersive and experiential traveling, this trip is for you!
ACCOMODATIONS
May 26 - May 30
May 30 - June 3
June 3 - June 7
ITINERARY
Day 1: Dalabelos Estate
After arriving at the airport of Chania, we will make our way to our first home, Dalabelos Estate--an agritourism retreat at the foothills of Mount Ida. Set on a gorgeous working farm, we will take a tour through the olive grove, vegetable and herb gardens, and vineyards and begin to learn about the importance and traditional uses of these plants throughout Cretan history. We will enjoy a true farm-to-table dinner together with a view to the Aegean Sea.
Day 2: Knossos & Heraklion
This morning we’ll head to the big city of Heraklion to experience the most impressive archaeological museum on the island, followed by a visit to the Minoan Palace of Knossos, the legendary home of King Minos and his labyrinth. The Palace of Knossos, was the political and cultural center of Minoan civilization. Dating back to around 2000 BCE, it was a vast, multi-story complex featuring advanced architecture, elaborate frescoes, and an intricate layout that may have inspired the Greek myth of the Labyrinth and the Minotaur. The palace contained storage rooms, ceremonial spaces, and sophisticated plumbing systems, showcasing the Minoans' engineering prowess. This day of archaeological adventure will set the historical context for our time together on Crete.
Day 3: Gorges & Herbs
Today we will get out in nature with a hike through Mili Gorge. Afterward, we will drive to the village of Maroules to visit Greek herbalist Marianna at her apothecary to learn more about traditional medicinal preparations of Crete, and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing by the pool or with the flowers at Dalabelos.
Day 4: Ancient Eleutherna, Pottery, and Arkadi Monastery
Another archaeology adventure! We will visit the nearby site of Eleutherna and its beautiful new museum. This ancient city was one of the most important cities of Crete during the 8th century BCE, the age in which Homer composed the Iliad and the Odyssey. For lunch, we'll drive to the nearby village of Margaritis, famous for it's pottery workshops, and conclude our day trip at Arkadi Monastery, one of the island's most significant sites in the island's Venetian history (16th century CE).
Day 5: Rethymno
Today, we will say goodbye to our family at Dalabelos and make our way west to the region of Chania. Along the way, we will stop to explore the Old Town of Rethymno, a beautifully preserved historic district that reflects a blend of Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek influences, with narrow alleyways, ancient fountains, and a fortress. While we're in town, we'll visit a historic phyllo shop, where generations of Cretans have made this delicious pastry by hand. After we enjoy a leisurely lunch, we will continue on to Paleochora (Hotel Aris) to enjoy the next 4 days exploring the beaches, plants, archaeology of Crete's south coast--the Libyan Sea.
Day 6: Paleochora
After so much adventuring, we will enjoy a free day to relax on the multiple beaches surrounding Paleochora town and wander around the pedestrian streets. For those still up for more, we can drive a short distance to hike down the beautiful Anidri Gorge and be rewarded with the crystal clear waters of Gialiskari beach.
Day 7: Ancient Lissos
Today we pilgrimage to the ancient healing sanctuary of Lissos, which can only be reached by foot or by boat. We will choose whether to venture by foot over the scene E4 coastal trail or by boat from Paleochora town to arrive at the remains of the 3rd century BC Temple to Asclepius, god of healing. In ancient times, people from all over the Mediterranean world would pilgrimage here, seeking healing in the sacred spring that still flows underneath the sanctuary. While there, we will learn about ancient medicine, drink from the sacred spring, and enjoy a leisurely picnic and swim at the beautiful pebble beach (once the harbor of the ancient city).
Day 8: Elafonissi
We will spend today hiking about and enjoying the famous pink sand beach of Elafonissi and it's unique fauna and flora.
Day 9: Olive Oil & Honey
Today we depart Paleochora and make our way to the Old Town of Chania, where we will stay at Hotel OFF, a historic Venetian mansion transformed into a modern guesthouse, situated on a picturesque pedestrian alleyway just steps away from the harbor. On the way, we will have the honor of meeting an ancient olive tree at Ano Vouvos, believed to be between 2,000-4,000 years old. From there, we will have a chance to learn about and experience the fruits and oils of the sacred olives of Crete at Biolea, and feast on honey at a local apiary.
Day 10: Chania
The historic Old Town of Chania carries thousands of years of story, from its foundation as a Minoan (prehistoric) palatial center, to its Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman occupations. Today is a free day to wander along the cobblestone pedestrian streets of the Old Town and take advantage of all the good shopping the town has to offer. In the evening, we’ll meet each other for sunset drink on the hotel’s rooftop lounge with a view the town’s historic harbor. For dinner, we will savor the unique culinary heritage of Crete at the legendary restaurant, Tamam, set in a building that was once an Ottoman hammam (steam bath).
Day 11: Botanical Park & Omalos Plateau
We will drive shortly outside the city to the Botanical Park and Gardens of Chania and take a stroll through the collection of subtropical & Mediterranean plants and trees, making new friends as we go. We’ll enjoy lunch with a view at the on-site restaurant, which specializes in traditional Cretan cuisine infused artfully with fruits and herbs directly from the gardens. From there, we'll head up into the mountains to the Omalos Plateau to meet malotira, Greek mountain tea, in the wild. We'll have dinner in Aliki's favorite mountain village, Lakkoi, at her friends' taverna.
Day 12: Boat Tour to Ancient Diktinna
Today we are going on a private boat tour from Chania to the ancient city of Diktynna, which was a sanctuary dedicated to the Cretan goddess Diktynna, associated with hunting, mountains, and wild nature. Dittany of Crete was her special plant! She was often linked to Artemis and worshipped primarily in western Crete. The sanctuary was one of the most significant religious sites in ancient Crete. We will swim in the secluded cove, explore the site, and journey back to enjoy one last Cretan sunset and dinner together in Chania
Day 13: Departure from Chania
Our last morning! We'll enjoy one last epic breakfast at Hotel OFF and part ways, but with memories to keep us connected for a lifetime. With a late morning or early afternoon departure, we'll transport you to the airport for your next adventure. Kalo taxidi!
Travel Information for Participants:
Please arrive to CHANIA CHQ Airport on May 26 via
Aegean Air A3338 at 12:15 or A3334 at 13:25
Depart from CHANIA CHQ Airport any time on June .
Group transport available from late morning to early afternoon.
Outside these hours you may take a taxi at your own expense.
It is usually more economical to purchase a round trip ticket to Athens (ATH) and then separate tickets through Aegean Airlines to/from Crete. You may be able to line it up so that you can do all of your travel still in the same day. Please account for the time it will take you to go through passport control during your Athens layover. You may, however, also consider a 2-3 night stay in Athens before or after the retreat.
Please contact Aliki directly with travel questions and to confirm your itinerary before booking.
A $1200 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place. This is an intimate, small group retreat, so register early!
Registration deadline is: March 1.
Individual payment plans are available.