CRETE (with Athens extension): Sept. 30-Oct. 7, 2026
Crete is the largest and southernmost of the Greek Islands. Its ruggedly beautiful landscape boasts some of the most stunning beaches in the world, Europe's second longest gorge, the cave where (according to myth) Zeus was born, and the birthplace of the Minoans: the first European civilization.
We will be staying in three adjoining private villas in Rethymno, each with their own pool, within 100 meters of a beach with private loungers and easy walking distance to amazing restaurants, shops, and beach clubs.
What's included:
- 7-nights in a king room
- Breakfasts and four dinners with wine
- Private coach bus and driver to all excursions
- Private yacht trip with dinner
- Guided tour of Rethymno's Venetian Fortezza and free evening in Rethymno
- Guided tour of the archaeological site at Knossos, the Archaeological Museum and a free evening in Heraklion
- Guided tour and free evening in Chania's Old Town
- Two free days to lounge by the pool or beach or take your own day trip
What's NOT included:
- Flights
- Airport transfers
- Lunches and three dinners
- Alcohol (other than initial bar basics & wine with provided dinners)
- All prices in USD, per room, based on double occupancy
- Deposit of $3,000 USD per room due at time of booking (fully refundable minus $200 admin fee for 30 days. Non-refundable after that date)
- Remainder of cost due June 1st, 2026 (non-refundable after that date)
- Coming with friends? Request to be in the same villa!
Accommodations
Each villa is equipped with air conditioning, wi-fi, TV's in each room, gym (with stationary bike, treadmill, free weights), sauna, kitchen, living room, washer/dryer, and lower level family room. Bikes and private beach loungers are also included with stay. Housekeeping is provided every three days, and 24-hour concierge service is available to help plan your free days. CLICK THE PHOTO FOR A COMPLETE TOUR OF THE VILLA.
Amara I
This four-bedroom villa offers two rooms on the lower level (one with in-room ensuite and terrace, one with a separate full bath), one room with separate bath on the ground floor, and a deluxe ensuite room with terrace on the top floor. The rooftop houses a hot tub, ping pong table, and outdoor sofa. It has both indoor and outdoor dining tables and a large living room and kitchen. The pool is unheated. This will be the location of our party with a DJ.
Amara II
This four-bedroom villa sits at the centre of our complex. It offers two rooms on the lower level (one with ensuite and terrace, one with separate bath), one room with separate bath on the ground floor, and a top floor ensuite room with terrace. The rooftop houses a hot tub, ping pong table, and outdoor sofa. It has both indoor and outdoor dining tables and a large living room and kitchen. The pool is unheated. This will be the location of our daily breakfasts.
Amara III
This three-bedroom villa has one lower level deluxe room, one ground level deluxe room with in-room jacuzzi with hand-held shower and separate toilet, and an upper floor deluxe room with large in-room shower/ensuite. The kitchen features an island with breakfast bar. The outdoor space has sun loungers, a shaded seating area, a ping pong table, and the complex's only heated pool (but no hot tub). It will be the location of our late-night hang outs.
Rooms & Pricing
Deluxe Room - $6,500
Standard Room - $6,000
Standard Room - $6,000
King-sized bed with ensuite bathroom and walk-out to private balcony or pool area. Six available.
Standard Room - $6,000
Standard Room - $6,000
Standard Room - $6,000
King-sized bed with separate private bathroom. Five available.
Optional Extension: Come ahead to Athens Sept. 27 - Sept. 30
Start the fun early!
If you have a little extra time, why not join some of your fellow travellers in Athens three days before the larger tour begins. We'll see the acropolis and its museum, take private transport out of the city for a tour of Mycenae, and enjoy the food and sights of Plaka.
Room, daily breakfast, and tours included. Lunch/dinner, drinks, and flights not included.
Stay in Athens' 5-Star Royal Olympia Hotel
Come-Ahead Options
Athenian Panorama Room - $3,000 (2 available)
This 484 sq foot queen room offers one of the best views you'll ever have in bed. The marble-clad bathroom with soaker tub and robes complete the luxury treatment.
Deluxe Room - $2,400 (4 available)
This 366 sq foot room with queen bed has plenty of room for your bags and your love. A marble bathroom and soaker tub complete the experience.
Our Planning philosophy
Scheduled & free time
We know you want to see the sights, but we also know you each have unique interests. So, we aim to balance scheduled time with free time. You'll always have at least two days to yourself to make the trip your own. We also try to leave free time in the evening for you to make your own fun. (2025 Itinerary provided an an example. Subject to change.)
Breakfasts
The conversations and connections go long into the night on a Sapio Tour, so we try to keep our mornings relaxed. Our private chef will have breakfast ready by 10:00 most days. The early risers always have the option to use our full kitchens. Make yourselves at home!
Departure times
Included dinners
We know late nights are sometimes the best part of a trip. So, our excursion days in Greece never depart before 11:00, leaving you time for a workout, a leisurely breakfast, or a walk to the market before we head out for the day.
Included dinners
Included dinners
Included dinners
We've chosen four special locations for our group meals, each with their own charm and unique cuisine: our welcome and farewell dinners in town, sunset dinner on a yacht, and a traditional Cretan meal with music and dancing in the hills. Each included dinner offers a limited menu for you to choose from and unlimited wine.
Theme Nights
Included dinners
Special Touches
We try to pack light, so theme nights are kept to a minimum. Each trip will have ONE party night with a simple theme, so you can save room in your luggage for all the shopping you'll do! There are also good discos in Rethymno, if dancing is your thing.
Special Touches
Included dinners
Special Touches
Kate is always on the lookout for ways to make each trip memorable. A dinner on a private yacht, a DJ at our party, and an evening of traditional Cretan music and dancing under the stars are some of the special touches on this itinerary.