Twinkling Mediterranean waters, a rugged interior and millennia-old civilisations make Crete a must for any hike-loving adventurer. See it for yourself on this highlight-heavy walking getaway, which includes a never-forgotten journey down the dramatic chasm of Samaria Gorge and a stop at the peaceful sugarcube village of Loutro. We also dig deep into the local history and culture, admiring ancient ruins of long-gone empires, discovering ancient pottery traditions and sampling the popular local wine at a vineyard. Of course, tracking plenty of coastal trails means we have time for refreshing dips in that inviting sparkly sea.

We stay at small two- and three-star family-run hotels where possible, choosing comfortable, traditional accommodations that highlight the local architecture of each destination. Most offer free wifi.

Single accommodation is available on this trip for a supplement; see dates and prices.