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A group of tourists listens to a guide while standing among the ancient ruins and colorful frescoes at the Palace of Knossos in Crete, Greece.
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Greece

Winter in Greece: The Magical Island of Crete

Program No. 22935RJ
Program
At a Glance
Duration
9 days
Program Begins
Athens
Program Concludes
Athens
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
15 ( 7B, 4L, 4D )
Activity Level
From
2,849
The largest of the Greek islands, Crete has served as a melting pot of cultures since ancient times. Discover the best of this Aegean isle during the quieter winter months when the crowds have dissipated and the weather is mild. As you explore coastal villages and ancient sites, unravel the history of the Minoans, Romans, Ottomans and others who have left their mark on Cretan culture. Meet local families, sample local delicacies and even try your hand at creating Cretan cuisine during a hands-on cooking class.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Delve into ancient history during field trips and lectures to learn about Minoan civilization.
  • Experience a traditional visit at the home of a local family in a village and enjoy authentic local raki, followed by lunch at a picturesque eco-lodge and a performance by a local musician playing the Cretan lyra.
  • Marvel at the ruins of Knossos, considered by experts to be Europe’s oldest city.
All Experts
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Eleni Petroutsou was born in Athens and has always been intrigued by the wider world. In school, she learned English, Italian, German and some Spanish. After studying archaeology and history at university, she graduated from the State School of Tour Guides. Her 36 years of experience as a group leader have taken her to Asia, the Middle East and beyond. She says leading Road Scholar programs gives her “the opportunity to share my knowledge with well-traveled, educated, polite and interesting people!”
Roula Skoula is from the island of Crete and has been leading educational explorations through Greece for over 25 years. Prior to that, she was a freelance print and radio journalist in Athens. In addition to her native Greek, Roula speaks English and Italian. She participates each year in specialized conferences and seminars organized by the Hellenic Archaeological Society in order to increase her vast knowledge of Greek history and culture.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles a day over hilly and uneven terrain. Steep stairs without railings at historic sites, standing up to four hours a day with breaks.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Books and Resources
View Full List
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

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Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

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Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

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Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

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