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Wildflowers, Wine and History in Crete

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Dates
18 Apr
24 Apr
2026

Visiting Crete is a sensory adventure filled with the scents of rosemary, thyme, sage, lavender, and chamomile. An island brimming with beautiful flowers and stunning landscapes, there are around 2,000 species of plants, of which about 10% are endemic to Crete. The peak explosion of wildflowers occurs from March to May, when wild orchids and tulips are joined by chamomile, poppies, anemones, iris, field gladiolus, and much more, in bloom.

Crete’s natural beauty is equalled only by the richness of its history. The island is the birthplace of the f irst advanced society on European soil, the Minoans, who ruled some 4,000 years ago. At the crossroads of three continents, Crete has been occupied by consecutive invaders. Evidence of this long history can be seen in Chania, where mighty fortresses preside over labyrinthine lanes and beautifully restored Renaissance mansions rub rafters with mosques and Turkish bathhouses. In Crete, ‘locavore’ is not a trend but a way of life. Rural tavernas often produce their own meat, cheese, olive oil, raki and wine, and catch their own seafood.

There is a possibility that this tour can be linked with our Cambridge Alumni 'Guernsey, Sark and Jersey - A Heritage Tour in the Channel Islands', which runs after this tour from 24 April - 2 May 2025. This will be possible if there are spaces available for people who are not Cambridge Alumni. Please contact us to express interest at this stage.

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Reference:
GRE0426-1
At a glance
What you need to know
Type of tour
Cultural
Profession
Botanical History
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Nights
6
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Countries
1
Tour grade
Moderate
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Remaining places
0
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Dates and places

Itinerary at a glance

1
Chania
Saturday
,
18
April
Arrive and transfer to Porto Veneziano Hotel. Hear a brief background on the tour in the evening before a welcome dinner at the hotel.
2
Chania
Sunday
,
19
April
Explore Chania's old town on a walking tour. In the afternoon, drive out to the foothills of the White Mountains and visit the Botanical Park and Gardens of Crete. Learn about the food and wine of Crete with a cooking demonstration, followed by dinner at the park's restaurant.
3
Chania
Monday
,
20
April
Drive to Heraklion and visit the world renowned Bronze Age Palace of Knossos, accompanied by a specialist guide. After lunch visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, which includes important finds from the island such as the Phaistos Disc and Minoan frescoes. Enjoy lunch at a local taverna before returning to Chania.
4
Chania
Tuesday
,
21
April
Discover the natural beauty and authentic charm of rural Crete on a walk around orange groves in Stylos to see the springs and river which supply the Samaria table water. Continue to Kefalas for a walk around the olive groves in Kefalas taking in the serene landscapes. Have lunch in Meterizi taverna in Kefalas village. Return to the hotel.
5
Chania
Wednesday
,
22
April
Accompanied by a specialist guide, take a tour tracing Operation Mercury (the German Invasion of Crete). Visit the German war cemetery, Hill 107 in Maleme, the airfield and Tavronitis Bridge. Continue on to Galatas village and its small museum, the Greek-New Zealand memorial and ANZAC memorial. Light lunch at Manousakis winery. Continue to the Allied cemetery. Return to Chania and at leisure.
6
Chania
Thursday
,
23
April
This day is at leisure OR join one of our optional visits, at your own expense. Walkable options include Chania Archaeological Museum, Maritime Museum, the synagogue, Kipos cafe and garden, or a nearby beach. Options requiring a bus or taxi include Aptera Roman ruins and Turkish fort, Koumos stone village and Kalyves beach. Farewell dinner at Ta Neoria accompanied by local wines.
7
Chania
Friday
,
24
April
Depart hotel after breakfast.
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Tour map

Plot your journey

Explore Crete’s rich botany, its ancient and modern history, its beautiful landscapes and delicious food and wine, and learn how all of these intertwine.

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What to expect

Tour highlights

Tulipa doerfleri (endemic wild tulips). Photo credit A. Inman
Crete

Crete has around 2,000 species of plants (10% are endemic). The peak explosion of wildflowers occurs from March to May - wild orchids, tulips, iris, poppies, chamomile, field gladiolus and much more.

Enjoy the home grown food in the restaurant at the Botanical Park of Crete
Location two

Drive out to the foothills of the White Mountains and visit the Botanical Park of Crete, which spreads over 20 hectares. Its microclimate allows a wide range of plants and wildlife to thrive.

Locavore
Crete

In Crete, ‘locavore’ is not a trend but a way of life. Rural tavernas often produce their own meat, cheese, olive oil, raki and wine, and catch their own seafood, as well as growing produce.

The Palace of Knossos
Crete

Crete’s natural beauty is equalled only by the richness of its history. The island is the birthplace of the first advanced society on European soil, the Minoans, who ruled some 4,000 years ago.

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Beautiful landscapes

Tour gallery

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Tour exertion grading

Is this tour right for me?

Moderate
Level 3

Some walking between destinations, more time spent standing, and increased travel distances. Requires a reasonable level of fitness.

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Your expert companions

Tour leaders

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Accommodation

Hotels

We like charm, comfort, convenience in location, and of course, excellence in service.

Chania

Porto Veneziano

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If you have some questions about this particular tour, you can contact the Jon Baines Tours team by phone or email.

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020 7223 9485
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