Wild Crete Travel - May 2 to 11, 2026

Wild Crete Travel – Spring 2026

May 2–11, 2026

Patricia Kyritsi Howell invites you to join her on an immersive spring journey to the Greek island of Crete—a place where wild herbs still shape daily life, cuisine is inseparable from the seasons, and ancient stories linger in the stones.

As the island bursts into bloom, we’ll wander through olive groves and mountain paths alive with wildflowers and aromatic herbs. Together, we’ll explore Crete’s rich culture, timeless cuisine, and living herbal traditions, as we explore the landscape and the people who call it home. This is a Crete few travelers ever encounter: vibrant village life, mythic landscapes, fragrant hillsides, and deep layers of history woven seamlessly into everyday life.

An Island Steeped in Myth and Memory

Crete stands apart from the rest of Greece—fiercely independent in spirit and with a profoundly unique history. More than 5,000 years ago, the Minoans flourished here, creating Europe’s earliest known civilization. Their sophisticated art, architecture, and worldview still echo through the ruins of Knossos and the remarkable collections of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, both of which we’ll explore in depth.

But Crete’s history is not confined to museums. It lives on in village customs, seasonal foods, herbal practices, and the intimate relationship between people and place.

A Feast for the Senses

Each day offers a taste of Crete’s traditional cuisine, prepared with care and savored slowly. You’ll enjoy hand-rolled dolmathes, wild green pies (hortopitta), creamy fava, local cheeses baked into flaky tiropitta, and more. For those who enjoy wine and traditional liqueurs, there will be opportunities to sample beverages infused with local herbs and rooted in centuries of practice.

Meals are shared family-style, often prepared exclusively for our group, using the freshest seasonal ingredients—many harvested just hours before they reach the table.

Testimonials from Our 2025 Guests

Your Guides

Your journey is guided by Patricia Kyritsi Howell, whose Greek heritage and years living in the mountain village of Kritsa offer an insider’s understanding of Cretan life, plants, and traditions.

She is joined by Anna Papazoglou, an Athens-based aromatherapist whose knowledge of Greek mythology, local botany, and cultural history deepens our experience of each place we visit. 

Together, they introduce you to friends and colleagues who share their passion for herbs, traditional cuisine, and sustainable, place-based living.

Our Journey on Crete

Kritsa

We begin in Kritsa, one of Crete’s oldest and most beautiful mountain villages. At a small, family-run inn overlooking the Bay of Mirabello, you’ll be surrounded by church bells, the rhythms of village life, and expansive sea views. From Kritsa, our explorations include:

• Guided plant walks to learn about spring herbs, wild greens, and wildflowers in the surrounding mountains
• An afternoon at a local natural history museum
• A behind-the-scenes visit to an essential oil distillery specializing in native Cretan herbs
• A visit to a 13th-century Byzantine church adorned with exquisite  frescoes
• An introduction to the elements of traditional Cretan cuisine through many memorable shared meals

Vamos

We then travel west to the village of Vamos, where you’ll stay in your own stone house on a working farm. Our hosts at the farm are known for their warm hospitality. Here, you’ll experience:

• A guided visit to a nearby permaculture herb farm
• A Wild Greens (Horta) cooking class, that includes hands-on foraging  for spring greens and learning to prepare several traditional Cretan dishes – followed by a celebratory feast to enjoy the fruits of our labors!
• Local olive oil tasting
• Free time to explore Vamos and the surrounding countryside at your  own pace

Heraklion

Our journey concludes in Heraklion, Crete’s lively seaside capital. From a boutique hotel overlooking the Sea of Crete, you’ll be surrounded by local markets, cafés, and galleries with time to explore them all. 

A private archaeological guide will lead us through the Palace of Knossos, the heart of the Minoan world, and one of the most extensive archaeological sites in Europe. We’ll also visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, which showcases artifacts from Cretan archaeological sites. 

And here, we’ll enjoy modern twists on the traditional dishes you experienced in the villages. You’ll have time to explore local artisan shops and unwind in cafés. 

See the full May 2026 Itinerary here. 

Tour Details

Dates: May 2–11, 2026
Price: €3,900 (approximately $4,500 USD) per person, double occupancy
Deposit: €500 to reserve your place
Single Supplement: Limited availability, €500 additional

Included

• 9 nights lodging (double occupancy)
• 8 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 5 dinners with wine
• All guided tours, entrance fees, and private transfers
• Patricia Kyritsi Howell and Anna Papazoglou as your personal guides

Not Included

Airfare, travel insurance, personal expenses, two dinners on your own, optional excursions, additional alcoholic beverages, and gratuities.

Accommodations

Our accommodations reflect the spirit of Crete—intimate, comfortable, and deeply rooted in place.

• In Kritsa and Vamos, you’ll stay in family-run  guesthouses and traditional stone homes offering modern amenities and  authentic village charm
• In Heraklion, you’ll enjoy a boutique hotel with a rooftop  bar, spa, and sweeping views of the Aegean Sea

Is This Tour for You?

This journey is ideal for travelers who value authenticity, curiosity, and connection. If you love learning about plants, food, and culture—and prefer winding back roads to crowded must-see tourist destinations—this tour is for you.

Most days include gentle walks or moderate hikes on uneven terrain, leisurely meals and free time to absorb it all. A sense of adventure, cultural respect, and good walking shoes are essential.

Registration

Registration for the May 2026 Wild Crete Travel Touris now open.

Please email Patricia to receive a registration link and payment details, or to schedule a phone or Zoom conversation if you’d like to talk through the experience.