Custom Private Tour

Uncharted East Crete & Local Secrets

South-Eastern Crete Off the Beaten Track


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Why We like It

Like-a-Local Experience
Crete Uncharted Itineraries
Local Flavors
Cultural Immersion
Ideal for Families

Quotes From

630 €

Duration

8 hours

Description

Every place, every moment, is different.

This is our secret local tour to East Crete.

 

Sometimes, we don’t know where we want to go, but we do know how we want to feel. Always looking for that perfect connection. A feeling of discovery to truly emerge into something unique as there is no better feeling on our custom private tours.

 

There still exists a purity of experiences in this world, and you can find it here, on our authentic East Crete day trips. Follow the roads that go on and on, deep into this captivating region. Where endless olives grow in harmony next to sweet grapes and storied Byzantine Monasteries still sanctify the landscapes. Looking for stories that define people and culture, we want to give you access to the best tours in Crete Greece.

 

Have the inside track from your knowledgeable private guide to access the most intriguing and unknown areas as we whisk you across the dazzling expanse of this region. Venture from village to village to see the island through the eyes of a local. Get off the beaten track and let us guide your tour through the Minoan mountains embraced by ancient forests flooding with aromas of wildflowers and the serene hum of the bees.

 

This is the place of deep contrast. Find the perfect mountainside peak to take in the bird’s eye view by simultaneously cherishing tantalizing panoramas of the Libyan and Aegean Seas that sparkle in deep blue and emerald green. Then lose yourself in the deep veins of magnificent gorges that host wild beauty with a soft heart.

 

Somewhere between heaven and earth, discover the secret paradise of our forefathers. A delicious family tavern, nestled within an oasis of age-old towering trees and perennially flowing waters that blend with raw natural scents and mesmeric sounds. Revel in genuine tastes of Cretan cuisine with local cooking techniques on a wood oven or open fire. On these genuine trips in Crete, don’t forget to say “Ya Mas” heartfully with a raised glass of sun-fueled wine or celebrated raki.

 

For a sublime end to your private day tour, why not take a vitalizing dip in the Libyan waters at the stunning Southern shorelines of Ierapetra? An idyllic way to wallow in the feast of different environments that captures the spirit of our East Crete trips.

 

Day Tour Itinerary Highlights

  • Plunge into a breathtaking adventure of our custom private tours and discover the most authentic things to do in East Crete
  • Visit the hanging Byzantine monastery of Kremasta built with fortified architecture and dedicated to Archangels Michael and Gabriel
  • Experience East Crete village hopping of Kritsa and Kroustas where time has slowed down and history persists
  • Connect with locals and their balmy warmth and soak up the scent of honey and dough that drift from the local kafenion shops
  • Let us guide your tour along the Minoans' forested mountains to reveal otherworldly landscapes flooding with the aromas of wildflowers and the serene hum of bees
  • Discover the highest spot of seaside cliffs to capture eye-catching panoramas of both the Libyan and Cretan Seas
  • Unearth a secret place of alluring beauty with pure water springs and indulge in Cretan scrumptious flavors
  • Follow your knowledgeable private guide and traverse the gentle Sarakinas canyon by embracing the treasures of Cretan vibrant natural wonders
  • End your day tour basking in the joyously warm turquoise Libyan waters at the South-Eastern shorelines of Ierapetra

 

Make this East Crete local tour yours – for all the right reasons

 

or

 

Scroll down to get inspired by our Eastern Crete things to do detailed itinerary to make memories you’ll want to keep a secret.

 

 

Crete Private Tours by Snami Travel

Crete Sightseeing Tours | Private Crete Tour Guides & Personal Drivers | Local Experiences by Award-Winning Travel Designers

 

For cruise travelers, we can fully customize our private Crete excursions from all major ports:

 Chania, Retimno, Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos.

 

Want to learn more about why we run the best excursions in Crete Greece?

 

Call us at ​+30 698 70 97 639 (WhatsApp) or tell us what you're looking for here.


 

Our secret East Crete tour detailed itinerary

 

The Crete trip to access the best-kept secrets of the island

Enjoy your breakfast and let your private guided tour comfortably begin. Meet your personal tour guide and succumb to our bespoke Crete excursions service from the privacy of a luxury chauffeured vehicle.

 

East Crete has kept many of its treasures secret, known only to the few who have the privilege to take the time to really know the island. That is why we focus on custom private tours that unveil the essence of the island based on our local knowledge.

 

The storied Kremasta Monastery

As you travel from North to South, let’s make a stop at the time-honored Byzantine monastery of Kremasta, built with forting architecture and dedicated to Archangels Michael and Gabriel. Immerse into the story of this venerated monument that played a pivotal role in the education (Secret School) of locals during the Turkish Era.

 

Stroll around the hanging monastery with your knowledgeable Crete tour guide and explore the authentic production of Cretan textiles, creams, and medicinal herbs nurtured from the finest soils. Savor the monastery’s refreshing rose-infused lemonade, a treat by the nuns. From the highest point of the monument capture enticing panoramas that harmoniously reflect the abundance of this everlasting land where the sweet scents of the endless vineyards stretch along the horizon.

 

The locals say if you really want to get to know Crete – its people, traditions, legendary lifestyle – then you have to journey to the island’s villages. So hop again on your chauffeured vehicle and let’s follow this inspiring advice.

 

Into the timeless authenticity: East Crete Village hopping

Meandering along with the oldest olive trees and cyclopean wall ruins of the archaic Lato city, one of the most powerful Dorian settlements in Crete, it is here in the heart of the Eastern part of the island where you will discover the charming villages that shimmer their unspoiled Cretan way of life.

 

Let us guide your tour in the alleyways of the picturesque Kroustas and Kritsa villages, which occupied since the Minoan empire. In the narrow cobblestone streets, exchange smiles with the friendly locals and browse through their handcrafted products. This district is considered one of the most important centers of Cretan weaving art where age-old customs and vivid traditions are kept seemingly untouched by time.

 

Now, how about delighting in a generous slice of the Crete village's vibrant flavors and aromas? Follow your personal tour guide to discover off-the-beaten-path eateries and family kafenion shops. Taste melt-in-the-mouth local sweets and pies and have a cup of Greek coffee as we tell you captivating tales from way back.

 

A local tour fueled with archaic trails of nature & gateways to unseen worlds

Indulge in your travel curiosity for the secret parts of the island as we chauffeur you through the Minoans and Mycenaeans ancient mountains, to pursue the freedom that is out there.

 

A land of bottomless scenes, colors, sounds, and feelings. Whether you are marveling at the views of the earth or sea you have this feeling that produces greatness. The fragrant scent of the mountains blending with the salty air is something unique and makes you think if you could just bottle it up and bring it home with you.

 

Let us give you the inside track to step on the peak above 2 seas – often unbeknownst even to Cretans – where you will take in the bird’s eye view to capture simultaneously panoramas of the Aegean and Libyan Seas. This will be that peace and presence that will ground your soul.

 

Open your heart for genuine flavors as we are about to take on a Crete food tour that few people ever get to really discover.

 

Crete food to remember: A secret paradise packed with scrumptious tastes

On our trips from Crete, discover the beloved place of our forefathers to taste the delicious flavors of authentic Cretan cuisine. Everything is cooked with local techniques and the tastiest materials based on homegrown and local produce.

 

Find yourself at a cozy mountainous place tucked within an oasis of shade and serenity. Age-old tall sycamore trees, juicy watermelons cooling in the pools of breeze freshwater springs, a small chapel, and a relaxed mountainous scenery surrounded by raw natural scents.

 

Ask the local cooks about the delectable dishes of the day and let them take you to the outdoor kitchen to show what meals are prepared. Everything is cooked in a wood oven, charcoal, or on the slow roast of an open fire straight in front of you.

 

Meats are beautifully tender, slow-cooked, and deliciously seasoned with salt to produce a crispy skin. Not to mention the abounding accompaniments like stuffed vine leaves, wild greens, creamy tzatziki, dakos of the shepherds, local cheese pies fried in olive oil and served with scrumptious honey from pine trees, and of course, home sweets made by the ladies in the kitchen. Quintessentially, everything is paired with local wine and raki.

 

Hold on, we have more surprises for you. Let us reveal to you one more natural secret of East Crete.

 

Crete hiking tours in the paradise of Sarakina. A canyon with wild beauty but a soft heart.

Hiking trails cross like veins to the heart of the marvelous Cretan mountains with ancient gorges leading to journeys that are impossible to forget. Let’s make a stop at the magnificent Sarakinas canyon to encounter a wonder of Cretan nature along with its timeless ability to awe.

 

With a parking spot just outside Sarakina, pair up with your private Crete guide insider to walk across the gentle path of the canyon. Home to indigenous wildlife and beautiful waterfalls with deliciously refreshing pools, Sarakinas Canyon is a paradise for thrill-seekers, hikers, and nature lovers.

 

Wondering, what would be a sublime ending to this East Crete tour?

 

South-Eastern Libyan shorelines of Ierapetra

As we chauffeur you back, watching the sun dive into the sea in an explosion of warm orange, pink, and red, why not take a dip in the crystal blue waters of the Libyan shores?

 

One more reason to truly disconnect from the world.

 

Somehow, once you’ve sampled it all on our East Crete day tours, it never fails to become a part of you

 

Are our authentic day trips from Crete inspiring you? Then make the guide tour of East Crete yours

 

Crete Greece Private Tour by Snami Travel

East Crete Tours from Rethymnon | East Crete Day Trips From Heraklion | East Crete Day Trips from Hersonissos | East Crete Day Trips from Agios Nikolaos | East Crete Day Trips from Elounda

 

For cruise travelers, we can fully customize our private shore excursions Crete from all major ports:

 Chania, Retimno, Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos.

 

Want to learn more about why we run the best excursions in Crete?

 

Call us at ​+30 698 70 97 639 (WhatsApp) or tell us what you're looking for here.


Make this itinerary yours

Like what you see? Contact us today to find out more about our exclusive itineraries on Crete island. But remember: each and every Snami Travel trip is tailored entirely for you. So let’s get in touch.

We’ll make it happen.

Book your experience Or call us on (+30) 698 70 97 639

WHAT TO EXPECT

This itinenary is ideal for the Agios Nikolaos and Heraklion shore excursions in terms of timeframe with your corresponding cruise. In addition, we can fully personalize our East Crete day trips from Elounda if you travel with your family by adding tailored details inspired by your own travel aspirations.

Do not forget to bring along

Comfortable shoes and proper dress code in Byzantine Monasteries, sun and beach amenities.

Destinations

  1. South-Eastern Crete Off the Beaten Track

Private Excursions

Price Options

TypeVehicleCapacityQuotes from
PrivatePremium 3-seats1 - 3630€
PrivatePremium 5-seats4 - 5750€
PrivatePremium 9-seats6 - 9950€
PrivatePremium 12-seats10 - 121150€

Additional Cost

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Crete Island & Greece Luxury Travel Designers by Snami Travel

Quintessentially Travel Concierge | Luxury Lifestyle Management | Luxury Hotels & Villa Rentals | Tailor-Made Experiences | Yacht & Private Aviation Charter | Selective Real Estate

Call us on (+30) 698 70 97 639 or tell us what you’re looking for here.

Snami Travel is a fully licensed DMC, incorporated under the laws of the Hellenic Republic & having its offices at Analipsi of Hersonissos, Crete, Greece.

Company Registration No 1039E60000111001 & VAT EL800554594.