Feb 17 - Feb 25, 2025
Starting at
2,649
Greece
Winter in Greece: The Magical Island of Crete
Program No. 22935RJ
From its arid east to the lush forests of the west, Crete beckons to be explored. Experience this ancient island like a local during the quieter winter months when the climate is mild.
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DATES
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PRICES
Mar 3 - Mar 11, 2025
Starting at
2,649DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Feb 17 - Feb 25, 2025
Starting at
3,159Mar 3 - Mar 11, 2025
Starting at
3,159Nov 3 - Nov 11, 2025
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9 days
8 nights
15 meals
7B 4L 4D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
3
Athens, Flight to Heraklion
Heraklion
4
Knossos, Heraklion Historical Center
Heraklion
5
Rethymnon, Chania
Heraklion
9
Program Concludes
In Flight
At a Glance
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.
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
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Delve into ancient history during field trips and lecture 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.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Road Scholar Travel Services
*Cell phone contact for emergencies and after hours only*
Dialing outside the US, 00 1 802-254-7190.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Road Scholar Travel Services
View biography
*Cell phone contact for emergencies and after hours only*
Dialing outside the US, 00 1 802-254-7190.
Road Scholar Balkans Program Operations
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*Cell phone contact for emergencies and after hours only (EDO #)*
*Dialing outside of the US, 00 1 617-457-5592*
Suggested Reading List
(21 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Winter in Greece: The Magical Island of Crete
Program Number: 22935
Crete Adventure Map
A detailed, double-sided map at a 1:150,000, printed on handy tear- and water-resistant paper.
Across Crete, From Khania to Herakleion
This collection explores the history of Crete through the writings of various travelers from around the world. The first of three illustrated books that tour the island, east to west.
Kidnap in Crete, The True Story of the Abduction of a Nazi General
In this new chronicle of the kidnapping of a German general on Nazi-occupied Crete by travel writer Patrick Leigh Fermor's small SOE unit, Stroud fills in the narrative with meticulous research, situating the legendary tale in its historical context.
The King Must Die
The first in Mary Renault's trilogy of well-researched page-turners features the tale of Theseus, slayer of the Minotaur and the king of Athens. Known for her exhaustive research, Renault is an acknowledged master of historical fiction.
The Cretan Runner, His Story of the German Occupation
In this exceptional memoir, Psychoundakis recounts his role in the Cretan Resistance as a "runner," delivering messages and goods while dodging Nazi storm troopers. His good-humored narrative even crosses paths with (his eventual translator) Patrick Leigh Fermor.
The Search for Ancient Greece
Lavishly illustrated, this pocket encyclopedia covers the archaeology and meaning of ancient Greece -- quite an accomplishment for such a slim book.
Ill Met by Moonlight
Moss tells the better-than-fiction story of the audacious World War II kidnapping of the German commander of occupied Crete with Patrick Leigh Fermor and fellow S.O.E. officers. Dirk Bogarde played PLF in the Powell movie.
DK Eyewitness Top Ten Crete
A compact, illustrated guide in the popular series, featuring favorite attractions in Crete.
The Greeks, An Illustrated History
This accessible photographic history of ancient Greece pays special attention to Greek innovations: great literature and architecture, war tactics, democracy, the Olympics, Socrates and much more. Cline laces the gripping story of the Greek empire with archaeological discoveries.
The High Mountains of Crete
This new edition of Cicerone’s full-color guide to the White Mountains includes new routes, photographs and information on the Gorge of Samaria National Park and the Psiloritis and Lassithi ranges. Written by a longtime guide to the White Mountains.
The Golden Step, A Walk through the Heart of Crete
Sommerville's account of a heroic 300-mile, mountainous trek west across Crete from Heraklion to the Monastery of the Golden Step.
Greece, A Traveler's Literary Companion
In this terrific anthology, 24 modern Greek writers offer a flavor of their nation, its culture and people, beautiful landscapes and rich history.
Ancient Greece: Art, Architecture, and History
This lively illustrated guide covers the architecture, painting and sculpture of Ancient Greece from the third millennium to the end of the Hellenistic period. With 282 color and 28 black-and-white illustrations.
The Penguin Historical Atlas of Ancient Greece
This pictorial survey of Greek antiquity, recording its culture and expansion, features dozens of full-color maps.
Abducting a General, The Kreipe Operation and SOE in Crete
In another riveting episode from the life of Patrick Leigh Fermor, the eminent travel writer recounts his time as an operative during WWII and as the leader of 11 guerrilla fighters in Crete who famously kidnapped German general Heinrich Kreipe.
Sailing the Wine-Dark Sea, Why the Greeks Matter
Cahill brings to life ancient Greek society and civilization through the lives and words of politicians, playwrights, a poet, a philosopher and an artist in this eloquent and absorbing tribute.
Crete
A travel memoir from the Booker prize-winning novelist, richly detailed and steeped in the millennia-old traditions, myths, literature and history of the island.
The Complete World of Greek Mythology
With hundreds of color illustrations, site plans, genealogies and maps, this handsome, encyclopedic reference illuminates the world of the Greek gods.
Knossos & the Prophets of Modernism
In this marvelous, scholarly study of the myth and meaning on Minoan Crete, Gere illuminates both the original excavations of Sir Arthur Evans at Knossos and how this ancient civilization captured the Western imagination as an idealized society.
Aegean Art and Architecture
An illustrated survey of Minoan and Mycenaean art from the Neolithic to the extraordinary Bronze Age palaces of Knossos, Gournia and Phaistos. Great for any archaeology-minded traveler.
The Colossus of Maroussi
Miller captures the spirit and warmth of the resilient Greek people in this inspired tale of a wartime journey from Athens to Crete, Corfu and Delphi with his friend Lawrence Durrell.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
9 days
8 nights
What's Included
15 meals (
7B, 4L, 4D
)
11 expert-led field trips
2 flights during the program
1 hands-on experience
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
7 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Arrive Athens, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Athens
Meals:
D
Stay:
Hera Hotel
Activity Note
Check-in available from 2:00 PM.
Dinner:
In the hotel restaurant, we will enjoy a festive Welcome Dinner. This will be a 3-course set meal with beverage choices of coffee, tea, water, plus a glass of wine.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
3
Athens, Flight to Heraklion
Location:
Heraklion
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Aquila Atlantis Hotel
Activity Note
Flight from Athens to Heraklion is approximately 1 hour. Today’s activities will include up to 1 hour of walking.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
Check-out of your hotel and enjoy a scenic drive through the city of Athens. Our Group Leader will provide commentary, pointing out the iconic landmarks of the city as well as providing some historical and cultural context. Some of the sites we will see during this drive are the famous Acropolis, Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Zeus, Constitution Square, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the National Garden, the Presidential Mansion and the Olympic Stadium. After our panoramic drive, we will make our way to the Athens International Airport.
Lunch:
On your own at the Athens Airport.
Afternoon:
Board a domestic flight towards Heraklion, Crete. Upon arrival, we will transfer via motorcoach to our new hotel and check-in. Reconvening right before dinner, enjoy a short orientation walk through Heraklion where our Group Leader will point out some local landmarks and give us insight into the island of Crete.
Dinner:
In the hotel dining room.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Knossos, Heraklion Historical Center
Location:
Heraklion
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Aquila Atlantis Hotel
Activity Note
Today’s activities will include walking up to 2 hours on uneven terrain with stairs.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
This was once the ceremonial and political center of the Minoan civilization, but was abandoned in the Late Bronze Age (1,380 – 1,100 BCE.) for unknown reasons. The builders of this palace achieved an extraordinarily high level of architectural sophistication, and its complex design have made many believe this to be the legendary home of King Minos and the site of the famed labyrinth in which he placed his son, the Minotaur. Returning to Heraklion, we will drive along the impressive city walls from the Venetian period, one of the most important monuments of this type in the entire Mediterranean basin. We will stop where Crete’s most acclaimed 20th-century writer Nikos Kazantzakis, is buried in the Martinengo Bastion, the largest on the Venetian walls.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will head out on a walk through the historical center of Heraklion. Led by our Group Leader, we will explore the old herb market, the Morozini fountain, the Loggia, the Church of Saint Titus and the Church of Saint Mark. Those who wish to extend their walk further may visit the old Venetian Harbor, which includes the impressive fortress of Koules that once protected the entrance to the city.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Rethymnon, Chania
Location:
Heraklion
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Aquila Atlantis Hotel
Activity Note
The drive from Heraklion to Chania is approximately 2 hours each way. Today’s activities will include walking up to 2 hours on even terrain with some stairs.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
We will board a motorcoach and drive along the northwest coast of Crete towards Chania, the second largest city on the island. On our way, we will make a short stop in the city of Rethymnon, one of the few preserved Renaissance cities in all of Greece. Here we will see the stunning architecture of the area, which bears a strong Venetian and Ottoman influence and style. After our stop, and after driving a little longer, we will arrive to the city of Chania. Chania was built atop the ruins of ancient Kydonia, a city-state founded, according to tradition, by the mythical King Minos. Due to its strategic positioning in the Aegean, Kydonia was conquered, controlled and owned by a variety of empires – including the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Venetians and Ottomans. Our first visit in Chania will be to the Agia Triada (“Holy Trinity”) Monastery, a 17th century Venetian church built in a Byzantine style. We will then ride into Chania for a walk through the city center, which includes the lively municipal market. This market was established in 1913 by Eleftherios Venizelos, a Chanian-born leader of the Greek liberation movement who was elected Prime Minster of Greece eight times. We will also see the city lighthouse, originally built in 1595 by the Venetian state and then rebuilt into a minaret in 1832 by Ottomans, which remains an iconic symbol of the city.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will continue our exploration of Chania with a walk through the old town. We will see historical structures, including the Venetian church of Agios Nikolaos dating from c.1320 CE. It was originally a monastery, then a mosque, then a church. We will also visit Crete’s only surviving synagogue, Etz Hayyim, converted in the 17th century from a 15th century church. After many years of damage, it was restored with assistance from the World Monuments Fund and rededicated in 1999. We will learn the fascinating saga of Crete’s Romaniote Jews, a distinctive group who are neither Sephardim nor Ashkenaz, with their own language and religious traditions. We’ll return to Heraklion after our field trip.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
Lasithi, Women of Kritsa, Agios Nikolaos
Location:
Heraklion
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Aquila Atlantis Hotel
Activity Note
The drive from Heraklion to Lasithi is approximately 1 hour each way. Today’s activities will include walking up to 2 hours on hilly terrain, with cobblestones and some stairs.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
We’ll board our motorcoach and drive eastward through Lasithi province, the wildest area of Crete, with the richest biodiversity and least trampled ranges. This is also one of the most authentically “Cretan” areas of the island, little affected by mass tourism. The picturesque, whitewashed village of Kritsa is nestled in the Dikti Mountains. Centuries ago, it was the largest and most prosperous village in Crete, but has been razed and restored from conquest to conquest numerous times. Today, it is notable for traditional arts and crafts as well as the vestiges from the past such as the ancient Byzantine church of Panagia Kera, originally constructed in the 12th century. We will see colorful Byzantine frescoes, then stroll along winding lanes where local embroiders, weavers, and other artisans display their fine handiwork. We will also meet some of the women of Kritsa who have established a cooperative to produce and sell local specialties. We will join them in making a local dish and enjoying it for lunch.
Lunch:
At the women’s cooperative, we’ll have a light country lunch and savor our own creations.
Afternoon:
Next, we will drive to Agios Nikolaos, the fourth-largest town in Crete but with a small town feel. Like so many places in the region, this town named for Saint Nicholas was built on the ruins of earlier settlements going back thousands of years. The town grew around Lake Voulismeni, which we will stroll around today. Its great depth is the stuff of legends, although in reality it’s where the Nazis dumped their war material before retreating from Crete in 1944. Our scenic drive takes us through the small resort of Elounda and along the majestic Mirambello Bay to reach the coastal village of Plaka, which has become very popular after the success of “The Island” by Victoria Hislop. Spinalonga, a former lepers’ colony across the bay from Plaka, is the subject of Hislop’s book. Today the island is characterized by its imposing Venetian fortress. We will stop at Plaka for a photo stop. After our field trip, we’ll return to Heraklion
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
7
Mountain Village, Lunch with Locals, Farewell Dinner
Location:
Heraklion
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Aquila Atlantis Hotel
Activity Note
The drive today is less than 2 hours each way. Today’s activities will include walking up to 1.5 hours on uneven terrain with some steps.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
For our next field trip, we will drive to Central Crete, the untamed heart of the island. This area has an uninterrupted human presence that has lived in harmony with nature since the Neolithic Age and has left a rich archaeological heritage in the fertile plains and the nearby mountainous regions. These areas are of high ecological value where sheep and goat farming provides the inhabitants with income for generations. As we explore this part of Crete we’ll cross the fertile plains where millions of olive trees grow and we’ll talk about the island’s olive oil history. We’ll view the stunning untouched mountains, meet local people and learn about their daily village life. One of the highlights will be exploring one of the most traditional villages of the island, a frontier between civilization and wilderness, with farming roots dating back to the Minoan period and beyond. At the village we’ll be welcomed with a local mountain tea and then we’ll visit the village’s unique byzantine church richly decorated with frescoes. We’ll stroll through its picturesque alleys while viewing one of the most imposing sacred mountain peaks of the ancient Minoans! And while indulging in the song of the sheep bells, we’ll participate in seasonal activities (weather permitting).
Lunch:
At an atmospheric village lodge we’ll enjoy a delicious meal, lovingly prepared, using age-old methods. The traditional dishes prepared by village women are made from fresh, local ingredients, nurtured by Mother Earth for centuries in this unspoiled area. Naturally, local wine and raki (local grappa) will follow our meal while enjoying music played on the Cretan lyra. This enigmatic, truly unique instrument has survived for approximately 600 years with little alteration to its form.
Afternoon:
Return to Heraklion, enjoying another beautiful panoramic drive. The remainder of the afternoon is free.
Dinner:
At a prize-awarded local restaurant, we’ll have a traditional Cretan plated meal with a glass of wine and a glass of herb-flavored raki. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our Farewell Dinner.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
8
Heraklion Archeological Museum, Flight to Athens
Location:
Athens
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Hera Hotel
Activity Note
Flight from Heraklion to Athens is approximately 1 hour. Today’s activities will include up to 1 hour of walking, with long periods of standing at the Heraklion Archeological Museum.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
We will set out on foot with our Group Leader for an in-depth visit of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. This museum houses the largest collection of Minoan art in the world, and is considered one of the greatest museums in all of Greece. Divided into twelve rooms, visitors travel through time through 5,500 years of Cretan history – from the Neolithic period (7,000 BCE) to Roman times (3 CE). After our visit, enjoy some time to explore the museum on your own.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Check-out and meet at the hotel lobby for transfer to the Heraklion Airport. Board a domestic flight to Athens, and upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Dinner:
In the hotel dining room.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
9
Program Concludes
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 12:00 PM.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
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MEALS
15 Meals
7 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
4 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Nov 10, 2025 - Nov 18, 2025
- Feb 17, 2025 - Feb 25, 2025
- Mar 03, 2025 - Mar 11, 2025
- Nov 03, 2025 - Nov 11, 2025
- Nov 10, 2025 - Nov 18, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 41 Reviews
Sort By:
This program came highly recommended and it surpassed our expectations. Crete and its impact on Western history is something we had very little appreciation for. The Program and it's guide, Eleni, were passionate about pre-Greek history and life on this beautiful island witjh lovely people. Highly recommended Program!
— Review left December 13, 2024
Our trip to Greece and Crete was very educational and enjoyable and we had the best group leader. Eleni was gracious and loves her country and has a vast knowledge of the history dating back thousands of years. Our day trip were very enjoyable, we went to area churches to see the ancient icons, a pottery factory dating back generations, an olive tree farm where I made some purchases, the little towns are charming and the lunch stops are fabulous. I highly recommend this trip.
— Review left November 23, 2024
What a wonderful week in Greece! Our tour leader, Eleni is fantastic--so knowledgeable, warm, funny and helpful. I hope to travel with her again. The trip included such diverse activities from exploring the ruins in Knossos to swimming in the Aegean Sea, to learning about olive oil production. Crete is so beautiful and the food is delicious. For vegetarians, this is a dream come true...on other trips the vegetarian food has been repetitive and uninspired. Not in Crete---every meal featured local fruits and vegetables and many choices. Vegetarian moussaka and stuffed tomatoes really stood out. If you've never been to Athens, I would suggest starting your trip a day or two earlier and taking a tour of Athens, especially the Acropolis. My RS friend and I went on "The Mythology Tour of Athens" with alternativeathens.com, which was excellent. Our guide was an archaeologist and I learned so much. Finally, November is a great time to visit Greece. The weather is very pleasant, 70 degrees and low humidity and the crowds are gone. I highly recommend this RS trip and hope Eleni will be your guide.
— Review left November 23, 2024
This was a wonderful trip! Eleni made it so enjoyable that I cannot praise her enough. I especially loved her enthusiasm for Crete history and culture. She made it come alive. Also this was a perfect mix of activities. We explored ruins in Knossos (a particular interest of mine),visited an olive oil producer, enjoyed a wine tasting, and saw a demonstration of hand made phyllo dough among other things. Eleni filled us in on some of the mythology and how that influenced the culture up to and including modern times. The food was tasty with a variety of traditional dishes offered. In short, this was one of my favorite trips and I highly recommend it.
— Review left November 21, 2024
RS Adventure #12: Winter in Greece: The Magical Island of Crete was a terrific adventure! Not only did we have stops at architectural sites such as Knossos and learn about mythology, and geography of the area, we visited locals including a phyllo dough maker & a potter, who each gave up their days off to demonstrate their skills for us, a knife maker, an olive pressing plant and the Ladies' Cooperative, where we had a lesson in making traditional pasta. I loved the local musicians who provided the backdrop of our lunch at the cooperative.
Eleni is a superb leader who is both knowledgeable and personable. She surprised us with loukoumades, a sweet dumpling treat, as we walked down the Heraklion market street, just one of the daily surprises we experienced . Eleni is a true gift to the program, both in her skills in of sharing knowledge and her ability to provide a diverse group of activities to inspire us to learn.
Each of the hotels were lovely and I very much enjoyed my view from Heraklion at the end of each day. Make sure you check out the rooftop! The food was plentiful , delicious and included many traditional foods and treats including raki to finish our meals. The buses were comfortable and clean.
I thought there was just the right amount of free time, and I felt we were well oriented to the community before striking out on our own to explore.
I really enjoyed the variety of the activities each day, which made the days fly by. Our group ranged in age from mid 40's to 87 and included solos & couples. The activity level is appropriately described. We definitely kept moving!
— Review left November 20, 2024
Led by a very knowledgeable leader. Just the right amount of activity. Great experience.
— Review left November 15, 2024
What a wonderful trip. I love to travel and Road Scholar makes it fun and educational. Will use Road Scholar again and again.
— Review left November 10, 2024
Our Guide, Eleni, was incredible! This was my 5th RS program and all of the guides were amazing, rating my highest scores consistently. However, Eleni’s expertise was beyond superlative. Her breadth and depth of the subject matter was extensive and her warmth and leadership took it all a step beyond. The personal touch she put into the history of Crete made it all come alive. I hadn’t studied, or read on my own, about the Greek gods since high school; but Eleni’s telling of the stories brought it all back and then some. In addition she gave us a booklet with pictures of the places and some of the places we were going to experience, and then, a few days after the program she wrote an email to all of us with a detailed synopsis of our entire trip, something that I found valuable to help enhance personal memories.
— Review left March 28, 2024
Crete is a wonderful place to visit to learn the history and culture of Greece and Winter in Crete allows this in an uncrowded time.
— Review left March 15, 2024
This was a fantastic time to visit Crete. We are so glad we went
— Review left March 15, 2024
We had a fabulous time going to Crete in Winter. It was our first Road Scholar trip and we were uncertain what to expect. I can honestly say that the entire trip was wonderful. The only downside was that I wanted to spend more time there, but we knew it was a quick trip when we signed up. Our instructor, Eleni, was amazing, we made friends, and we are already looking into another trip.
— Review left March 6, 2024
Excellent experience all around.
— Review left February 11, 2024
We were very impressed in the organization, logistics, and quality of the group leader/instructor. Program was structured but also allowed plenty of opportunities to individualize the free time to tailor to our taste. Attention to details to make participants comfortable was notable and appreciated.
— Review left February 11, 2024
What can I say? The trip to Crete exceeded my expectations. I recommend that anyone considering a trip that is 10 time zones away take the opportunity to book 3 days in advance so you are fully awake for every minute of your tour. That is my plan for the future.
— Review left February 7, 2024
A fabulous opportunity to explore the largest Greek island - its towns, museums, a vineyard, a pottery and other sites. As an added our particular guide studied archeology and had done field work on Crete.Itwas a magical experience.
— Review left November 30, 2023
What a wonderful program! It very much exceeded my expectations, from the marvelous group leader to the amazing historical sites & museums. Definitely glad I was able to attend!
— Review left November 22, 2023
Excellent informative and entertaining program led by a top-notch guide.
— Review left November 17, 2023
The tour has all the elements of a favorite movie about discovering a new and magical place.
— Review left November 8, 2023
Winter in Crete is a very interesting and well-planned program. You will learn a lot!
— Review left November 8, 2023
It was an interesting program. The leader was less than good! I’ve only had two inferior leaders and she was one of the two.
— Review left May 8, 2023
We went to Crete on a relatively short trip. The trip was wonderful, made memorable by the simply phenomenal tour guide (Eleni Petroutsou). It was educational, fun, and the food was spectacular. However, the trip was, in the end, also memorable for the totally miserable voyage home. We chose to fly business class and allowed RS to make our itinerary. We came home via Lufthansa from Athens to Munich, then United from Munich to Newark to Raleigh. It was in Munich that our semi-tragedy occurred. We got off the plane into a vast and empty terminal (it was about 9 A.M.), with no Lufthansa employees in view, and no signage indicating where we were to go to get to our next flight. Fortunately, an employee soon appeared; we immediately asked her what to do, and she asked us whether we were the passengers who had requested aid. We were not, and she told us to wait there while she got those people, and that in the meantime she would call for aid for us. Soon a man appeared, and then proceeded to take us through several locked doors, into a locked elevator, out onto the tarmac and into a locked van. He then drove us across the tarmac, out of the terminal and around another building, back into the terminal at the other side of this building, out of the van into a locked door and a locked elevator, and after a significant walk in another huge terminal, to our gate and onto our plane. Now, no one had mentioned that we might have difficulty going from one terminal to another, nor that we should ask ahead of time for help (who would do that?). This was a truly terrible experience -- especially for two 88-year old, but still quite healthy and reasonably active, travelers -- and makes me wonder about the ability of Road Scholar to make reservations without warning people about such things, and about whether I'll take any more RS trips.
— Review left April 24, 2023
Winter in Crete was one of the best programs we have taken with RS. From the beaches to the snow in mountains, we immersed ourselves to a variety of things that Crete is famous for, whether it was the archeological sites, the culture, its people and the variety of the Cretan food. It was our first tour after COVID and it was most enjoyable, with the participants being welcoming and friendly.
— Review left March 27, 2023
This program was wonderful. There is so much history and things to see and do in Crete. The guide was wonderful----very knowledgeable; and she made the trip very special by all the inside stories and her special connections with the people of Crete.
— Review left March 26, 2023
"Winter in Crete" was absolutely perfect! Eleni is experienced and knowledgeable. Hotels are conveniently located. Food is to die for. I recommend coming a day or two before or staying a day or two afterwards to see the Acropolis and other attractions in Athens.
— Review left March 26, 2023
Winter in Greece: the Magical Island of Crete was indeed a magical experience. Making traditional cheese high on a rugged mountain and listening to live folk music while rolling pasta certainly beat jostling crowds for a sunset photo! We toured an archeological site one day, an olive farm or Romaniote synagogue the next. We met a baker of phyllo dough treats, a knife-maker's daughter, and the curator of the Natural History museum. If you crave variety and love learning, look no further. Unique local cuisine is a bonus.
— Review left March 26, 2023
"Winter in Crete" proved to be a fabulous immersive experience in Cretan culture, community, food, history and geography. Our tour guide's relationships with people in the local communities that we visited enhanced our experience beyond compare. Being in Crete at this time of year made the experience more intimate and fulfilling, too, because of the lack of summer crowds. We would highly recommend this program!
— Review left March 25, 2023
My wife and I are considered exotic travelers by our family and friends. And we are. We are humbled though by the experiences of our fellow travelers. They were friendly, fun, generous and involved. Add two more nouns, love and passionate, and you have Eleni Petroutsou our group leader. She was truly a Greek Guidess. Her love for Greece was easily embraced by the group.
— Review left March 24, 2023
One program in, and I am at high risk of becoming a Road Scholar addict....
— Review left March 23, 2023
A wonderful experience with a remarkable guide Crete is truly Magical!
— Review left March 22, 2023
I couldn't ask for a more rewarding trip. Everything was either flawless, fascinating, or delicious, and most things were all three.
— Review left March 22, 2023
This program and guide was the best of all the programs we have been on.
— Review left March 22, 2023
To experience and understand in depth the history, culture, economy, and food of a small and beautiful place on our planet I strongly recommend the RS program in Crete. Winter is a great time to do so.
— Review left February 17, 2023
Road Scholar is not your everyday tour company. If you not only want to see known sights, this is an outfit for you. The leadership is excellent and knowledgeable and you will go to non tourist places and enjoy the local culture and its people. The accommodations and food are wonderful as well.
— Review left February 8, 2023
I loved this tour. I went because a friend encouraged me to, but it may be my favorite tour. Crete is a beautiful and interesting island and Road Scholar was amazing!
— Review left November 26, 2022
Crete is an amazing place to visit. My adventure was enhanced by my travel partners and our group leader. I would recommend this program.
— Review left March 24, 2022
We experienced a wonderful combination of ancient history and people today living and working, often in ancient crafts in Crete.
— Review left November 27, 2021
I loved this trip - a concentrated look at a small island! The guide was incredibly knowledgeable and each of the stops was a treat. I am not just enthusing to enthuse. I love it.
HOWEVER, my trip home was enough to want to stop going with you all. We flew to Athen, arrived late, drove through traffic for 45 minutes to a hotel that was not so nice and food that was OK, Then at 2:30 am we had to get on a bus and drive back to the airport. Many of the people on the tour said your logistics are always poor, particularly flight arrangements. I wanted to sleep at the airport, on the floor!
— Review left March 13, 2020
If you want to experience an immersion into culture and learn the history by living it with a knowledgeable, local guide , you want to travel with Road Scholar.
— Review left February 22, 2020
This was my first trip with Road Scholar and it was really great. Our guide, Eleni, was wonderful. Lots of information, food, and laughs.
— Review left March 25, 2019
A wonderful program in a beautiful location with a nice variety of activities.
Eleni is a fantastic guide!
— Review left March 25, 2019
Fabulous program for the traveler curious about Crete culture and in particular for anyone with an interest in ancient history. And oh, the food!!!
— Review left March 2, 2019
