Women’s Retreat in Crete
Day 0 – Hello Athens, We’ve Arrived – Let the Adventure Begin!
Welcome to Athens!
We’re kicking off with a stay at a fabulous five-star hotel in the heart of this iconic city.
Rest up or start exploring (but really, who needs sleep when there’s so much to see?).
Day 1 – Acropolis, Views, and Happy Hour – A Perfect First Day in Athens
We’re hitting the ground running with a walking tour of the ancient Acropolis.
After that, we’re dining like royalty at the Acropolis Museum café.
Free time to roam, and if you’re feeling adventurous, meet us at Koukaki for a hip
happy hour (optional but highly recommended). Let’s make this a day to remember!
Day 2 – Museums, Spas, and Dinner Dresses – Feeling Fancy, Are We?
Start your day exploring the Benaki Museum with its thousands of fabulous exhibits (yes,thousands, it’s a big one!).
Free time to do your thing, then we’ll pamper ourselves with a spa experience at a boutique bathing house.
After freshening up, get ready to rock that evening dress for a fabulous dinner in the heart of Athens.
Day 3 – Heraklion, Here We Come – A Cretan Adventure Awaits
Pack your bags, ladies, because we’re off to Heraklion!
After settling into our eco-chic hotel, let’s take a guided walking tour and explore the city. We’ll end the day at a local favorite, dining on gourmet Cretan dishes.
A perfect introduction to Heraklion.
Day 4 – Museums and Minoans – Digging Into Cretan History
Today we’re diving into the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, one of the finest in the world.
After some free time for lunch, we’ll head to the Minoan archaeological site of Knossos to get our history fix.
Later, we’ll enjoy a private cooking lesson from a friend’s home and indulge in a delicious home-cooked dinner (chef’s kiss).
Day 5 – Tech, Art, and Cookies – A Day of Fun and Creativity
Get ready to be wowed by the Kotsanas Technology Museum where ancient games and gadgets come to life.
After some techy fun, we’re off to Archanes for lunch and a hands-on woodturning session with a local artist.
We’ll top it off with tea, cookies, and jewelry at a local artist’s studio. Dinner? Well, that’s up to you!
Day 6 – Rethymno Rapture – A Port City Adventure
We’re off to the picturesque Venetian port city of Rethymno! We’ll start with the Museum of Ancient Eleutherna, followed by a cozy bite at a traditional kafenion.
Afterward, check into our boutique hotel (a former monastery, ooooh fancy).
Dinner tonight is on your own, so get ready to explore the local scene.
Day 7 – Pottery, Shopping, and Cafes – Old Town Vibes in Rethymno
The morning is all yours to wander around the Old Town, shop, or simply relax.
Lunch will be served in a secret alley with the best cafeneion in town (shhh, it’s a secret).
In the afternoon, we’re heading to the village of Margarites for pottery lessons where you’ll make your own masterpiece (shipped straight to your home, if you’re lucky).
Dinner? Your choice, darling.
Day 8 – Weaving, Wool, and Farm-to-Table Dining – Getting Crafty
After a relaxed morning, we’ll head back to Heraklion for some free time and a satisfying lunch.
In the afternoon, we’ll learn the ancient art of weaving from a local artisan using Cretan wool. And yes, you get to take home your very own woven piece!
Dinner tonight? Only the finest, at a top restaurant serving farm-to-table goodness. Let’s eat like queens!
Day 9 – Beach, Herbs, and Olive Oil – A Day of Relaxation and Tasty Delights
Southern Crete is calling! We’ll begin the day by unwinding at the beach in Kommos on the Libyan Sea.
Afterward, enjoy lunch at a beachside taverna or cantina.
Then we’ll visit a herb and spice shop before wrapping up the day with a wine and olive oil pairing at a local charcuterie. Perfect day? We think so!
Day 10 – Fortresses, Shepherds, and Cretan Poetry – A Cultural Grand Finale
We’ll start with a peaceful stroll around the Venetian harbor fortress in Heraklion, followed by free time to do whatever makes you happiest.
Then, we’re off to Kalo Chorio to meet a shepherd-poet who will introduce us to the art of mantinades (Cretan poetry).
After a feast together, we’ll end the night with traditional Cretan music and a dance or two (or three!).
Day 11 – Goodbye, Crete – Until Next Time, Beautiful Island
It’s time to say goodbye (but not forever).
After a final breakfast, we’ll head to the airport with hearts full of memories and hopefully a few extra souvenirs.
Until next time, Crete!