Santorini & Crete Multi-Adventure Tour - For Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond
Sun-Splashed Mythical Greek Isles
One or more kids 20+ required (siblings 17+ ok)
Family — 20s & Beyond
6 days 5 nights
Activity Level: 2-4
Premiere Hotels
From: $6,599 - $7,099 pp dbl occ
($2,000 - $2,250 for sgl occ)
Beaches, deep mountain gorges and vestiges of great civilizations. Like a gift from the gods, Crete is a vacation paradise. Ride quiet roads on the outskirts of bustling port towns. Hike rugged island terrain and savor serene moments swimming in the sea. Then journey across the Aegean to breathtaking Santorini. Ancient Mediterranean islands, world-class hospitality, luxurious coastal retreats. This trip is legendary.
Greece
Start Heraklion, Crete / End Santorini
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
- Bike through vestiges of great civilizations in Crete, an island known today for its stunning scenery and generous hospitality
- Wander amid the iconic blue and white colors of Santorini and then watch the sunset from the beach at our paradisiacal hotel
- Step back in time as you visit historic sites and old-world hamlets set amid orchards of apricots, figs and pomegranates
- Taste the Mediterranean flavors of local cuisine, savoring delicious fresh dishes honed by deeply rooted cooking traditions
Itinerary
6 Days Premiere Hotels
Begin your Cretan journey biking past tiny villages and citrus groves | Sip a glass of sparkling wine while the sun sets over the sea | Walk tranquil trails through soaring gorges and an idyllic Mediterranean countryside | Soak up the sun and enjoy lunch at a local eatery | Cool off with a swim in the dazzling sea or relax at our palatial resort in the pool | Explore the ancient ruins at Lato, a well-preserved archaeological site with magnificent panoramic views of Crete's mountains and valleys | Take a festive boat excursion to neighboring Spinalonga Island | Discover the Areti Monastery in Karydi and discover the legend behind this fortified site | Ride quiet roads from the island's rugged interior to the Aegean Sea | Taste regional dishes and enjoy welcoming Cretan hospitality at a local taverna | Find your balance in a beachfront yoga class or pamper yourself at the spa.
Modern, eco-friendly design and Greek tradition harmoniously coexist in this luxurious retreat with multiple pools boasting sea views and menus curated by a Michelin-starred Chef. (pool, spa)
Ferry across the jewel-toned Sea of Crete | Arrive in awe-inspiring and alluring Santorini, where signature blue and white buildings climb uphill like an architectural bougainvillea | Wander through the island's picturesque mazelike walkways | Hike one of Santorini's most scenic volcanic trails | Step into the past as you explore peaceful Thirasia island | Sample crisp, volcanic soil-grown local wines | Immerse yourself in the elegant simplicity of Santo Pure Oia Suites & Villas, a Greek Isle oasis | A sunrise walk shows off the beauty of the Cyclades—the perfect way to complete this adventure.
Overlooking the dazzling Aegean Sea, this chic oasis blends elegant style with the authentic feel of this enchanting Greek isle. (pool, spa)
Dates & Prices
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy.
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
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Our Private Trips are best for groups of 6 or more. We suggest joining a scheduled trip.
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From our Guests
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Activity Level:
2-4
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
Route notes
This region's landscape is characterized by constant rises and valleys; the continuously rolling terrain and varied road conditions (as well as summertime heat) can make routes feel more challenging than the mileage may suggest.
Daily Route Options
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
Route notes
This region's landscape is characterized by constant rises and valleys; the continuously rolling terrain and varied road conditions (as well as summertime heat) can make routes feel more challenging than the mileage may suggest.
What's Included
Available Bike Options
The key to a stellar day's ride is a bike that's perfectly in tune with your cycling style… Backroads has you covered with the best bike fleet in the world! Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.
Click the arrow to see all bike options.
Included in your trip price
This custom-designed titanium bike is lightweight and responsive, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork.
Included in your trip price
A proven classic, this custom-designed titanium bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. It features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability.
Included in your trip price
Keep pace or zip ahead, pedaling with an electric boost. This bike provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+
Also Included
- All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Straight talk
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Terrain & Shuttles
Crete is renowned for its spectacular mountain ranges and dramatic gorges. The routes on this trip take you through the best of this diverse landscape. Level sections of riding are few and far between, and extreme seasonal changes in temperature can leave the roads weathered and worn. Also note that some routes follow quiet winding roads with minimal shoulder and few guardrails.
Shuttle Time
In order to access the most scenic biking routes and significant points of interest on this trip, strategic shuttles are incorporated into several days of our itinerary. Most will be limited to an hour or so at a time, but on some days you can expect to spend a bit more time in the shuttle. Please note that we have planned our itinerary to make the most of our time on these spectacular islands. So sit back and relax, knowing that someone else is doing the driving, and enjoy the beauty of the journey.
Ferry Crossing
We travel by public ferry across the Aegean Sea to access the wonders of Santorini Island. Be prepared for the possibility of wet windy conditions and bring seasickness medication if you think you'll need it.
Summer Heat & Crowds
Crete and Santorini are popular tourist destinations with busy peak seasons, especially during the summer months and on national holidays. We've planned our itinerary to take you off the beaten path, but crowds are common on these islands. And keep in mind that summer heat can make biking and hiking more challenging.
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Crete is renowned for its spectacular mountain ranges and dramatic gorges. The routes on this trip take you through the best of this diverse landscape. Level sections of riding are few and far between, and extreme seasonal changes in temperature can leave the roads weathered and worn. Also note that some routes follow quiet winding roads with minimal shoulder and few guardrails.
In order to access the most scenic biking routes and significant points of interest on this trip, strategic shuttles are incorporated into several days of our itinerary. Most will be limited to an hour or so at a time, but on some days you can expect to spend a bit more time in the shuttle. Please note that we have planned our itinerary to make the most of our time on these spectacular islands. So sit back and relax, knowing that someone else is doing the driving, and enjoy the beauty of the journey.
We travel by public ferry across the Aegean Sea to access the wonders of Santorini Island. Be prepared for the possibility of wet windy conditions and bring seasickness medication if you think you'll need it.
Crete and Santorini are popular tourist destinations with busy peak seasons, especially during the summer months and on national holidays. We've planned our itinerary to take you off the beaten path, but crowds are common on these islands. And keep in mind that summer heat can make biking and hiking more challenging.
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