Visit Crete for a cultural study trip like no other! Explore countless ruins, sacred caves and beautiful seaside towns on the perfect field trip to Crete.
Educational trip to Crete
If you want a study trip that combines history, mythology, tourism and geography, Crete is the destination for you! Immerse your students in a new culture whilst exploring the towns and tavernas of this beautiful island. Ready to start planning an unbeatable field trip to Crete? Get in touch today!
Your travel itinerary could look like...
Day 1
- After checking in at your accommodation, give your students some free time to explore Heraklion, the lively capital of Crete. After wondering around the picturesque port, shopping streets and markets, head to a local taverna for a taste of the local cuisine.
Day 2
- Get ready for a day of culture! Start by visiting the Palace of Knossos – home of King Minos and Cretan labyrinths. This is where Theseus beat the Minotaur according to mythology, so it simply has to be on your agenda!
- Afterwards, visit Heraklion Museum for a trip back in time. The museum houses numerous archaeological displays of Crete’s Minoan civilisation, which ruled the island for more than 1,200 years.
Day 3
- Start your third day with a trip to Malia, where your first stop will be Malia Palace. This exciting archaeological site will allow your group to imagine what this Minoan palace would have looked like in 1650 BCE.
- Next on the itinerary is Lassithi Plateau, Lasinthos Eco Park and Dikteon Cave, which is the reputed birthplace of Zeus – a popular tourist spot for obvious reasons! Not only is this area spectacular to look at, it’s also been the point of rebellion and revolt from ancient times to WWII.
- You’ll be spending the night in Agios Nikolaos, so take some time strolling around this picturesque harbour town before enjoying an evening meal.
Day 4
- Kickstart your morning in the best way – with a stunning drive through the southern mountains via Doric Lato. Your destination will be the archaeological site and monastery of Agia Triada, where your students can explore the beautiful town and its ruins.
- Enjoy lunch with a view at the seaside resort of Matala, then visit Gortyn, capital of Roman Crete. This largely unexcavated site features engravings of the old town’s law codes and is set amongst olive groves in the foothills of Mount Ida – a delightful backdrop to learning!
- Depending on your preferences, spend another night in Agios Nikolaos or opt for Chania or Rethymno instead.
Day 5
- Today you’ll be spending some time at sea! Why not opt for a cruise on a private charter to Spinalonga (formerly known as Leper Colony)? This is where the story of Victoria Hislop’s best seller ‘The Island’ took place!
- If you’d prefer, hop on a boat to either Santorini or Koufonisi, where you’ll be able to explore the breath-taking cities that you’re used to seeing on postcards.
- With your feet back on solid ground, enjoy a traditional meal out in Agios Nikolaos, where you’ll be spending another night.
Day 6
- Sit back and enjoy the ride this morning, as you drive west along the north coast to visit the Venetian ports of Rethymnon, Chania and the Commonwealth Cemetery at Souda Bay. The latter is a WWII burial area for victims of the Battle of Crete, including Pendlebury, a British archaeologist executed for espionage. It’s a harrowing yet interesting look into this part of the island’s history.
- It’s also worth visiting Kournas Lake and village, a traditional village which is completely unaffected by tourism! This unique area is sure to transport your students back in time for a while.
- Spend the night in Chania, a fabulous seaside town that’s worth the visit for the views alone.
Day 7
- Greece is renowned for its olive oil, so it seems fitting to end your stay with a visit to a local olive oil farm! Enjoy learning about the production process and see a 150-year-old oil press in action. On Saturdays, you can even participate in grape treading!
- Stock up on some flight-friendly bottles of olive oil before catching your plane home.
Key details
- 7-day study trip to Crete, Greece
- From £864
- Possible highlights: Palace of Knossos, Palace of Phaestos, Lassithi Plateau, Dikteon Cave, Malia, Heraklion, Chania, Agios Nikolaos, Rethymnon, Matala, Agia Triada, Spinalonga, Gortyn, Commonwealth Cemetery at Souda Bay, Olive oil farm, Kournas La
What’s included?
- Return flights from UK to Heraklion
- Overseas return airport transfers
- 6 nights’ accommodation
- Pre-departure travel pack
- 24-hour emergency service
- Free trip-leader places
- Travel insurance
Why not add…
- Artefact handling at the Knossos Research Centre
- Cruise to Santorini
- Trekking to Samarian Gorge
- Extra day in Chania or Elafonisi
Why choose us?
- Fully accredited and financially protected
- Knowledgeable and experienced staff
- Regional Educational Development Execs to support all stages of the trip process
- Customer portal and app for when you’re on the move
- 24hr support
Make an enquiry...
You're in safe hands when you book with us. Our Flexibility Promise means that you can still book for future study trips, while feeling reassured that we'll do our utmost to support you through any changing circumstances.
