Santorini & Crete Multi-Adventure Tour
Santorini & Crete Multi-Adventure Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 1-3
Premiere Hotels
2025: Jul-Oct2026: Apr-Oct
Sun-Splashed Mythical Greek Isles
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 tranquil moments by the sea. Then journey across the Aegean to breathtaking Santorini. Ancient Mediterranean traditions, world-class hospitality, luxurious coastal retreats. This is an active adventure of mythological proportions.
Highlights
- Bike through fascinating ancient sites in Crete, an island known today for its stunning scenery and warm hospitality
- Hike amid the iconic blue and white colors of Santorini and watch the sunset from the terrace of our heavenly hotel
- Journey back in time as you visit historic sites and old-world hamlets set amid orchards of apricots, figs and pomegranates
- Celebrate the Mediterranean flavors of local cuisine, savoring fresh dishes honed by deeply rooted cooking traditions
StartHeraklion
EndSantorini
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Days 1-3
Start your active journey in Crete biking past tiny villages and olive groves • Sip a glass of wine and learn a traditional Cretan dance • Soak up the sun over lunch at a local eatery • Cool off with a swim in the dazzling sea or relax in the pool at our resort • Hike tranquil paths through soaring gorges and an idyllic Mediterranean countryside • Explore the ancient ruins at Lato, a well-preserved archaeological site with extraordinary panoramic views of Crete’s mountains and valleys • Take in tranquil vistas of Spinalonga Island from a traditional sailboat, then drop anchor for a swim in the sea • Bike quiet roads from the island’s rugged interior to the Aegean Sea • Visit the Areti Monastery in Karydi and discover the legend behind this fortified site • Sample regional dishes and enjoy Cretan hospitality at a local taverna • Find your balance in a yoga class or opt to pamper yourself at the spa.
Nights 1-3
Modern, eco-friendly design and Greek tradition harmoniously coexist in this luxurious retreat with multiple pools boasting sea views. (pool, spa)
Days 4-6
Ferry across the jewel-toned Sea of Crete to awe-inspiring and alluring Santorini • Wander through picturesque mazelike walkways, past the island’s signature blue and white buildings that climb uphill like an architectural bougainvillea • Hike one of Santorini’s most scenic volcanic trails • Step into the past as you explore the quiet island of Thirasia • Sample crisp, volcanic soil-grown local wines • Luxuriate in the elegant simplicity of Santo Pure Oia Suites & Villas, a Greek Isle oasis • Capture the beauty of the Cyclades during a sunrise walk for a perfect lasting memento.
Nights 4-5
Overlooking the dazzling Aegean Sea, this chic oasis blends elegant style with the authentic feel of this enchanting Greek isle. (pool, spa)
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. 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.
We travel by public ferry across the Aegean Sea to access the wonders of Santorini Island. Be prepared with 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.
Hotels
World-Class Hotels
Our hand-selected Premiere hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.
Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Nights 1-3
Premiere Hotel
Modern, eco-friendly design and Greek tradition harmoniously coexist in this luxurious retreat with multiple pools boasting sea views. (pool, spa)
Nights 4-5
Premiere Hotel
Overlooking the dazzling Aegean Sea, this chic oasis blends elegant style with the authentic feel of this enchanting Greek isle. (pool, spa)
Gallery
Bikes
Choose Your Perfect Bike
Our bikes are designed and built with specific cyclists and riding styles in mind, so we can always offer you a perfect ride. Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.
Included in your trip price
- Ideal for avid cyclists
- Responsive, efficient and comfortable
- Drop handlebars only
Included in your trip price
- One of the lightest e-bikes available
- Provides plenty of power and more than enough battery
- Lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting
- Upright handlebars only
- Limited availability on Unplugged Bike Tours; learn more
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+
Review Snapshot
by PowerReviews
Reviewed by 17 customers
Santorini/Crete Multi-Adventure Was a Ton of Fun
We had a private trip with two families. All of us had a blast. The itinerary was terrific and our trip leaders were the best. Highly recommend.
Amazing way to see Crete, Santorini, and Thirasia!
This trip was my first time visiting Greece. What a wonderful way to engage with the beautiful scenery and terrain as well as the warm and welcoming people of Greece. We enjoyed amazing food, pampering accommodations, and unexpected treats along the way. Our guides were expert, accommodating, and just plain nice people who were fun to be around! When we did need assistance, though, they proved capable and responsive. They demonstrated true teamwork and an ability to pivot as circumstances changed throughout the trip. I felt confident to stretch myself, knowing that there was support if and when needed. I can't wait to do another Backroads trip!
Our new favorite country!
What an amazing trip. The people, food and scenery of Greece is amazing. Crete and Santorini are so interesting and the two hotels were outstanding. The biking was great with low traffic , the hiking was challenging and the scenery outstanding. Our group was just 12 guests and this was the perfect number and everyone was wonderful. This trip is a winner.
Ready to book our next Backroads trip!!
Our trip to Greece was amazing from start to finish! Truly exceeded our very high expectations. Now we get it! Wish we had started traveling with Backroads sooner....we will be doing another trip soon!! The hiking and biking were the perfect activity levels to work off all the great food and wine! Both resorts were very high end. And our guides felt like good friends and great hosts! First class all the way around!
This trip was amazing. Beautiful and challenging.
Backroads does not ever disappoint. The leaders are really wonderful and knowledgeable and very enthusiastic and energetic. The hotels are beyond great, and the activities and dining are well planned and varied!
Our trip to Crete and Santorini was fabulous.
The e-bikes and routes were on quiet, scenic roads. The guides excelled from the beginning to the end in group preparation and creating a fun, engaging experience. Each day there was time to enjoy the spectacular resorts we stayed at. The local Mediterranean food was always fresh, healthy and a nice variety.
We are already planning our next Backroads adventure.
Everything about this trip was perfect. The hotels were lovely, the activities were well supported, the itinerary was very thoughtfully planned and executed, the other guests quickly became new friends and the trip Leaders Davide Cattaneo and Joana Jacinto were phenomenal.
It was the most amazing adventure! Beautiful, and dreamy
We loved every minute of this multi adventure! The hotels were excellent, the food out of this world, the guides were energetic and engaging, and views unforgettable!
Off the charts fabulous trip to Santorini and Crete!
Backroad's is a premier active travel company— another exceptional active adventure, one of more than 15 with this company. A+ in every way — from pre trip info, premiere hotels, exceptionally knowledgeable and accommodating guides, great hiking and biking routes to maximize your experience. Everyone should experience a trip to Santorini and Crete — truly a bucket list place in the world !
Looking for an "I deserved this vacation"? Look at Backroads
I was a solo traveler on the Crete/Santorini multi-adventure trip. I never felt alone. I never had to think about logistics. I got a decent amount of exercise daily and ate far too much of extraordinary food (it just kept coming....). The entire trip was incredibly well planned- any hiccups occurred in the background and were never experienced by the group. It was an incredibly pleasurable experience without stress or worry. Thank you and kudos to you Backroads and our leaders for re-shaping how I define vacationl!!!
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
Please Select a Group Size
Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.
