Patricia Kyritsi Howell invites you
to join her on the Greek island of Crete
May 2–11, 2026
As spring is in its full glory, we'll explore wildflowers and herbs in ancient olive groves and along aromatic mountain trails, discovering the island's rich culture, unique cuisine, and living herbal traditions. Inspired by years of connection with the island, I'll share a side of Crete that most travelers never glimpse — a world of lively village life, historic landscapes, hillsides lush with aromatic herbs, all interwoven with layers of history.
AN ISLAND STEEPED IN MYTH AND HISTORY
Crete stands apart from the rest of Greece, both in spirit and in its long history. More than 5,000 years ago, the Minoan civilization flourished here, marking the emergence of Europe's first advanced civilization. Their artistry and imagination still echo in the ruins of Knossos and in the treasures of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, both of which we'll visit.
A FEAST FOR THE SENSES
Each day, you'll learn about the island's traditional cuisine, featuring dishes like hand-rolled stuffed grape leaves (dolmathes), wild green pies (hortopitta), creamy fava beans, and local cheeses baked into flaky tiropitta. Family-style meals throughout the tour, prepared just for our group with the season's freshest ingredients, will introduce you to the original Mediterranean diet and inspire you to recreate them in your own kitchen.
YOUR GUIDES
Patricia Kyritsi Howell has been living on and visiting Crete for more than 27 years, bringing an insider's perspective to your experience of the island. For the 2026 tour, she has invited Anna Papazoglou, an aromatherapist based in Athens, to share her extensive knowledge of aromatic herbs, aromatherapy, myth and history with the group.
You'll also have the opportunity to meet many of my friends and colleagues, who share my passion for herbs, traditional cuisine, and sustainable living.
OUR JOURNEY ON CRETE
We begin in Kritsa, one of Crete's oldest and most beautiful mountain villages where you'll stay in a small, family-run inn, with views of the Bay of Mirabello, waking to the sounds of church bells and village life. Each day, we'll explore the mountains of Eastern Crete on excursions that include:
After we depart Kritsa, we travel west to the traditional village of Vamos,
where you'll stay in delightful stone houses on a working farm. Here you'll learn more about Cretan herbs and foraged spring greens. Activities include:
Our tour ends in Heraklion, Crete's lively seaside capital. Here you'll experience the urban side of Crete from a centrally located boutique hotel overlooking the Sea of Crete. Our licensed archaeological guide takes us through the nearby Palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, which boasts an extensive collection of artifacts from the glorious Minoan civilization. While in Heraklion, you'll have time to visit bustling nearby shops, galleries and markets.
TOUR DETAILS
Dates: May 2–11, 2026
Price: €3,900 (approx. $4,500 USD) per person, double occupancy. A €500 deposit secures your place. Please note that our tour is limited to a maximum of ten guests. Limited single rooms are available for an additional €500; email Patricia for details.
INCLUDED:
NOT INCLUDED:
Airfare, travel insurance, personal items, optional excursions, alcoholic beverages, and gratuities.
ACCOMODATIONS
Our lodging reflects the spirit of Crete itself —
intimate, comfortable, and rooted in place.
In Kritsa and Vamos, we'll stay in family-run guesthouses and traditional stone homes that offer modern amenities alongside authentic village charm.
In Heraklion, you'll enjoy a boutique seaside hotel offering a rooftop bar, room service, a spa, and breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea.
IS THIS TOUR FOR YOU?
If you are looking for an authentic travel experience and love learning about new cuisines, edible and medicinal plants, and history, and if you prefer back roads and flower-filled hiking trails over generic tourist destinations, then this journey is for you. We pride ourselves on an itinerary that balances group activities with time to explore the landscape of Crete at your own pace. Most days require lots of walking and several days feature moderate hikes on unpaved terrain — so plan to bring your sense of adventure and good walking shoes!
REGISTRATION
Registration for the May 2026 Wild Crete Travel Tour is now open. A deposit of €500 is requested to reserve your place on the tour.
Please email Patricia to receive a registration link with payment details.
Have questions?
Please send Patricia an email with your questions,
or we can schedule a time to chat by phone or Zoom.
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