October 2-9, 2024

A scenic dive into myth, legend and the Mediterranean in the ancient Land of Zeus

The sunsoaked island of Crete, the culinary capital of Greece, where ancient history is etched into every stone.

Whitewashed villages and grand Venetian fortresses.

The labyrinths of Chania and the ancient streets of Heraklion.

The historic legacy of the Minoans layered with thoughtful modern design.

The birthplace of European civilization. A food lover’s paradise. Private guides to show you the hidden backstreets and secret gems. High end hotels that feel like a dream.

And woven throughout all of it, the thread of philoxenia:  the deeply Greek concept of welcoming strangers with overflowing hospitality and joy.

Moveable Feast will be partnering with our friends at Steuber Travel Group and Curated Greece to bring you an insider look at this stunning island beloved by travelers for centuries. 

We’ll begin with three days in Chania and move across the island to experience a new set of views and flavors, ending with four nights in Elounda.

Here’s a sample of what you’ll be up to:

-Immerse yourself in the beauty of Chania on a private evening tour exploring this iconic cultural crossroads. With a local guide to walk you through the Venetian fortifications, the Arsenals, Greek Orthodox Cathedral, the Etz Hayim Synagogue, and the Turkish quarters, this first evening will welcome you to the unique and multilayered history that make Chania so unique. 

-Get your sea legs on a private cruise to Balos Beach, one of the most unique beaches in Greece. A protected, natural area tropical lagoon with white and pink sand, shallow blue waters and a famous castle. You can lounge on the beach with a glass of wine or head out in your snorkel gear.

-Wander through a verdant Greek landscape amongst orange and olive groves, sample wine and olive oil at quaint countryside orchards that are off the beaten path, and dive into sampling the wide range of culinary delights that are far from the normal tourist stops.

-Explore the remote farming and culinary trails, have a private visit to an olive oil estate, a local winery, and a rustic, family-owned diner overlooking the vast olive groves. 

-Take a private transfer across the island to make your way to the impressive town of Heraklion, where you’ll dive into the local food scene on a gentle walking tour. This mouth-watering journey through the city’s most important sites will weave you through authentic, colorful food shops and local eateries. You’ll get an intimate glimpse into the living history of Heraklion and the rich traditions of Cretan gastronomy. You’ll experience a mix of old school classics, tucked away in back streets and beloved by locals, and sample the best things in the local market.

-Hop into a Land Rover to cruise through verdant olive groves in the Dikti Mountains as you soak up the mythology, history and traditions of this iconic land of ancient civilizations. This private safari will cruise through a shepherd’s paddock, where you’ll milk goats and make fresh cheese, drink the shepherd’s raki (if you haven’t had Greek raki yet, strap in baby!), and keep meandering through the remote paths on the mountains of Dikti, enjoying the views and wild landscapes.

-Visit the birthplace of Zeus, the impressive cave of Dikti and its imposing stalactites and stalagmites, and enjoy local dishes that only Grandma Niki knows how to bake in a wood oven.

-Stand under the massive plane tree in the 2000 year old village of Krasi and cruise through the ancient mountains, and feel very small in all the best ways.

-Comb through the ruins of Knossos Palace, one of the preeminent archaeological sites in Greece, a rare glimpse into Minoan culture. With a private archaeology guide, you’ll explore the restored palace and imagine yourself in the Bronze Age lifestyle. 

-Explore the flavors of the food capital of Greece with a private cooking class in the comfort of your own villa, have meals with traditional Cretan music and dance, eat in tucked away restaurants on quiet back streets, and sample olive oils considered the fountain of youth.

Where you’ll be staying:

In Chania, you’ll make yourself at home in a luxury room at either the Casa Delfino Hotel or the Domus Renier hotel.

Casa Delfino has been in the same family for six generations, and authentic charm and hospitality are the cornerstones of its heritage. You can take a sink into relaxation at the spa, have a drink on the spectacular rooftop terrace, or take a short stroll to the lively old town and its vast selection of museums, bars, restaurants, and shopping.

Domus Renier is a classic of Chania’s Venetian history and the Reniers, who lived in the building originally, were one of Venice’s prominent noble families. An architectural gem that has been lovingly restored in the very center of Chania.

In Elounda, you’ll settle into the beautiful Elounda The Villas. Two of the most exclusive properties in Crete, these villas have panoramic views of the most magnificent Mediterranean sunrises and sunsets, infinity pools gazing out onto the Cretan landscape and gardens, and plenty of open air places to relax with a drink, a book, or a deep breath. 

Philoxenia is a way of life on this vibrant island, where history, culture and food combine to create a unique and dreamy experience. Explore a world that bridges the past and the present– we can’t wait to fling open the doors to you at this highly curated Feast.