---
title: "The Crete, Greece Trip | 8-day Small Group Tour | Soca Islands"
canonical_url: "https://socaislands.com/trips/the-crete-greece-trip"
last_updated: "2026-09-20T08:14:28.221Z"
locale: en
meta:
description: "Make the most of 8 days in Greece with a cruise to hidden beaches, Knossos and ancient sites and Cretan wine, cooking and dancing."
"og:description": "Make the most of 8 days in Greece with a cruise to hidden beaches, Knossos and ancient sites and Cretan wine, cooking and dancing."
"og:title": "The Crete, Greece Trip | 8-day Small Group Tour"
"twitter:description": "Make the most of 8 days in Greece with a cruise to hidden beaches, Knossos and ancient sites and Cretan wine, cooking and dancing."
"twitter:title": "The Crete, Greece Trip | 8-day Small Group Tour"
---
**
From **$4,699**
# The Crete, Greece Trip
8 days, 7 nights Greece
Dates and prices
- Tour code ## GRCADV02
- Start ## Agios Nikolaos
- End ## Chania
- Min. age ## 16 years old
- Group size ## Max 6-16 travellers
- Trip style ## Explorer
- Trip pace ## Active
- Language ## English
Listen up travel fam, for anyone wanting a summer adventure with incredible food, traditional culture, beautiful beaches, and exciting nightlife, the Crete trip should be at the top of your list. From an oasis of blue-green beauty set between looming mountains, to cliffside grottos used to shelter locals for centuries, Crete is home to a rare fusion of natural, cultural, and historical diversity.
Mix in locally produced wine, an ancient artisan village, a generous portion of savory goodness, and a few secret beach cocktails, and you’ll soon figure out why Crete is considered the up and coming spot in the Mediterranean. So the time to go is now!
In a nutshell, our small group trip to Crete caters to solo travelers in their 20s and 30s looking for delicious Greek cuisine, ancient Bronze Age history, and secluded beaches along the Mediterranean.
## What you will see and do
Cruise Crete’s stunning coastline, swim in turquoise waters, and relax on hidden Mediterranean beaches.
Discover ancient history at Knossos Palace, sunken cities, monasteries, and charming artisan villages.
Enjoy authentic Cretan culture through local wine, Greek cuisine, cooking classes, and traditional dancing.
## What's included
All activities mentioned on the itinerary
Accommodations in double rooms
Experienced Soca Islands Host with you throughout the trip
Max 16 travellers per group
Arrival and departure airport transfers
Group transportation
One farewell group lunch or dinner
Soca Islanders must provide proof that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their trip. Remember, international flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a double room with two beds. If you'd prefer a private double (for couples), single room, or private transportation for you and your group, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.
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## Group itinerary
##
Touch down on Greece’s largest island and make your way to your hotel in the sun-kissed coastal town of Agios Nikolaos. Nestled between rugged mountains and sparkling waters, this charming town is steeped in myth and history you’re not far from Zeus’s legendary birthplace, after all. If you arrive early, take a stroll and start soaking in the magical surroundings.
In the evening, gather with your fellow travelers for your first taste of Cretan cuisine over local wine, fresh dishes, and lively conversation a perfect introduction to Crete’s flavors and your new travel crew.
##
After breakfast, grab your shades and sunscreen we’re heading out to sea. Hop aboard a traditional Cretan caique and cruise along the island’s rugged coastline. Pass the remains of the sunken city of Olous, thought to have vanished centuries ago, before exploring the ruins of a small fortified island that has withstood the test of time.
Back on shore, enjoy a barbecue by the beach, then dive into the turquoise waters at Kolokytha Beach. End the day with an evening exploring Agios Nikolaos, or relax with friends at a seaside café.
##
Start with a light breakfast before diving into Crete’s culinary and historical treasures. Visit a nearby olive oil farm, where you’ll tour the facilities, sample farm-fresh delicacies like cheeses and honey, and even get a hands-on cooking lesson to master traditional Cretan dishes.
Afterward, explore Knossos Palace, Crete’s oldest Bronze Age site dating back thousands of years. Later, we head west to Rethymno, where a group dinner rounds off a day of culture, history, and flavor.
##
Today we venture to Margarites, a quaint village known as Crete’s pottery capital. Learn from skilled locals, discover how clay transforms into art, and try your hand at creating your own ceramic masterpiece.
Enjoy lunch in a local taverna, then return to Rethymno for some free time. Explore the town, enjoy dinner, or sip cocktails by the waterfront the choice is yours.
##
After a leisurely morning, we head to Lake Kournas, Crete’s largest freshwater lake. Spend the day swimming, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing on its golden shores. Soak up the sun with a cocktail in hand and savor a lakeside Greek lunch surrounded by stunning scenery.
Later, we continue to Chania, setting up your base near the Venetian harbor for your final seaside stay. The evening is free to explore the town or unwind with your new friends.
##
Fuel up with a strong Greek coffee before heading to one of Crete’s most picturesque beaches. Spend the morning swimming, sunbathing, or just admiring the crystal-clear waters.
After some downtime, visit a hilltop monastery with panoramic sea views, then explore a nearby cave full of impressive rock formations. Return to Chania in the evening for a free night to explore, enjoy dinner, or relax.
##
Today is all about immersing yourself in Chania’s local flavors. Wander through a vibrant farmer’s market with your guide, sampling fresh produce, cheeses, and other delicacies. Continue through the colorful streets, exploring shops and cafés, and enjoy an afternoon aperitif Aperol spritz, anyone?
That evening, learn a traditional Cretan dance with your group before sitting down for a farewell dinner filled with local music, laughter, and delicious food.
##
On your final morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and reflect on a week of history, culture, and unforgettable experiences. Whether heading home or extending your Greek adventure, Crete’s beauty, cuisine, and charm are always waiting for your return. Consider island hopping to nearby gems or spending a few extra days exploring more of the Mediterranean’s hidden treasures.
## Tour FAQS
##
Fly into Heraklion Airport (HER), Fly out of Chania (CHQ).
##
Yes. If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure or book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer is included. If you choose alternative pre-tour accommodation or arrive by another mode of transport, you’ll need to arrange your own arrival transfer.
Our arrival transfers are private to Soca Islands and are organised in groups based on flight times. Sometimes this means a short wait at the airport until other flights arrive.
##
There are no scheduled activities on the final day, so feel free to book your departure at your own convenience.
##
We recommend arriving before 3 pm on Day 1 to make it in time for the welcome event. But don’t worry no matter when you land, we’ll have an airport transfer ready for you.
##
Please Refer to your government’s travel advice or consult your local consulate. Remember, passport and visa requirements can change, so make sure to stay updated.
##
Excluding alcohol, we suggest budgeting around USD $40.00 per day for extras.
##
While we’re not medical professionals, we want to help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure. Here are some tips:
1. **Consult with a healthcare professional:** Schedule an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure to get any necessary vaccines or medications.
2. **Up-to-date medical advice:**
- **US residents:** Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
- **UK residents:** Visit the NHS Fit For Travel website.
- **Australian residents:** Refer to the Smart Traveler Health website.
3\. **Government travel advice:**
- **US residents:** Consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- **UK residents:** Check the FCDO Travel Advice.
- **Australian residents:** Visit the Smart Traveler website.
4\. **Medication tips:** If you take prescription medication, bring enough to last the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays. Carry a copy of your prescription in case you need to visit a clinic abroad.
We hope this helps you prepare for a safe and enjoyable adventure.
##
Please keep in mind that our itinerary, activities, and hotels might change. These adjustments could happen with little notice due to factors like availability, weather conditions, seasonal shifts, or other circumstances beyond our control. Rest assured, we always aim to minimise any impact on your experience. Occasionally, we may tweak the itinerary to try out fresh ideas and keep the adventure exciting.
##
We believe solo travelers shouldn’t have to pay extra to explore the world. That’s why our group trips are designed around shared accommodation and do not include a single supplement. Solo travelers joining our group trips are paired in twin or multi-share rooms with another traveler of the same sex for the duration of the trip.
Some of our Independent trips are structured differently. For these itineraries, solo travelers will need to book at the single occupancy rate.
##
Tips are not included in the cost of this tour. Remember, tipping is entirely at your discretion and based on what you feel comfortable with.
## Would you like to learn more or customise our The Crete, Greece Trip trip?
Have questions about accommodations, accessibility, group preferences, or dietary needs? Complete the form below and our team will get back to you shortly.
## The Crete, Greece Trip 8 days, 7 nights
All dates20262027
- Travel dates:
June 13, 2027 June 20, 202716 spots remainingFrom:
$4,699 USDSingle occupancy +$1,548 USD$705 today, then 7 monthly payments of about $571 [Join this crew](https://mytrips.socaislands.com/book/GRCADV02_13JUN2027?currencyCode=usd)
- Travel dates:
June 20, 2027 June 27, 202716 spots remainingFrom:
$4,699 USDSingle occupancy +$1,548 USD$705 today, then 7 monthly payments of about $571 [Join this crew](https://mytrips.socaislands.com/book/GRCADV02_20JUN2027?currencyCode=usd)
- Travel dates:
July 18, 2027 July 25, 202716 spots remainingFrom:
$4,699 USDSingle occupancy +$1,548 USD$705 today, then 8 monthly payments of about $500 [Join this crew](https://mytrips.socaislands.com/book/GRCADV02_18JUL2027?currencyCode=usd)
- Travel dates:
August 15, 2027 August 22, 202716 spots remainingFrom:
$4,699 USDSingle occupancy +$1,548 USD$705 today, then 9 monthly payments of about $444 [Join this crew](https://mytrips.socaislands.com/book/GRCADV02_15AUG2027?currencyCode=usd)
- Travel dates:
September 12, 2027 September 19, 202716 spots remainingFrom:
$4,699 USDSingle occupancy +$1,548 USD$705 today, then 10 monthly payments of about $400 [Join this crew](https://mytrips.socaislands.com/book/GRCADV02_12SEP2027?currencyCode=usd)
- Travel dates:
October 10, 2027 October 17, 202716 spots remainingFrom:
$4,699 USDSingle occupancy +$1,548 USD$705 today, then 11 monthly payments of about $364 [Join this crew](https://mytrips.socaislands.com/book/GRCADV02_10OCT2027?currencyCode=usd)
###### Your impact
With this purchase you are supporting local guides, drivers, hosts, accommodations and businesses.
###### Secure your spot
Trips 90 days or more away need just a 15% deposit per person. Between 60 and 89 days, it's 50% at booking.
###### Flexible payment plan
Pay the balance in equal monthly payments. Everything is due 60 days before departure, so trips departing sooner are paid in full at booking.
