I am so excited to be offering this adventure into the heart of Crete, where rugged trails, hidden gorges, and breathtaking coastal views will lead us deep into the soul of the island! We’ll begin in the charming city of Chania before heading into the rugged beauty of the White Mountains. Over the course of a week, we’ll hike ancient paths and shepherd trails, traverse dramatic gorges, and follow the southern coastline, where a refreshing swim often awaits at the end of the trail.
I invite you to come with an open heart and a spirit of adventure, ready to join a small group of fellow travelers who value intention, curiosity, creativity, and growth. Think of this trip as an elevated, intentional, traveling adult summer camp— set against the wild beauty of Crete.
Read through this page, and if this adventure is calling you, send us an application! Can’t wait to see you.
Myth & Mountain
aug 29 - sept 5, 2025
explore crete's wild side
- erin
Crete, the birthplace of Zeus and home to Europe’s earliest civilization, is rightfully known as the “Great Island.” Its story goes far beyond its stunning beaches and crystalline seas. Towering mountains rise dramatically from the coastline, with dozens of peaks soaring over 2,000 meters (6,500 feet), creating a breathtaking contrast between land and sea. Few places in the world combine rugged highlands, deep gorges, and an idyllic climate in such a spectacular way.
Our journey begins in Chania, one of Crete’s most charming cities, before we venture into the White Mountains (Lefka Ori), named for their brilliant bleached limestone in summer and snow-capped peaks in winter. We’ll follow ancient footpaths and rugged shepherd trails, climbing to breathtaking summits and descending into Crete’s most awe-inspiring gorges—including the legendary Samaria Gorge. On hot summer days, these shaded canyons provide a cool escape, leading us to the ultimate reward: a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters.
Journey through Crete’s rugged beauty.
you're invited:
Dates
Cost
Group Size
What's Included
The details
All accommodations based on double occupancy
Hotel taxes and service charges
All transportation during the trip
All activities mentioned in the program
Guide and driver services throughout the tour
All meals starting with dinner on arrival day, ending with breakfast on departure day
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What's Not Included
Airfare to/from Crete
A travel insurance plan (we require this!)
Medical expenses
Tips for guides and drivers
Alcoholic beverages
Transfer to the start of the trip from the airport. As everyone arrives independently, please plan to get to our starting hotel on your own.
Visas if needed
Snacks – bring from home, or purchase once in Greece
Any personal items or souvenirs
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“This was not just a hiking trip.”
jared, trek jordan '22 & natural wonders '23
"This was one of the better trip experiences of my life! Erin did a great job of gathering great people who were all looking to connect with both a place and a people. I have been home almost two weeks now and I am still reeling and aching to be back on the trails with the group. I hope there is another trip being planned sooner than later, because, I have no doubt that I will be participating yet again. This was not just a hiking trip, this was an adventure of both the body and the mind. Thank you Erin."
DAY 01: Arrivals & Welcome Dinner
the itinerary
Welcome to Chania! With its vibrant harbor, historic charm, and bustling markets, this city is the perfect starting point for our adventure. In the afternoon, we’ll meet at our hotel for an introductory talk before heading to a traditional restaurant for our first dinner together. Of course, Cretan cuisine plays a starring role—we’ve spent countless hours researching (and tasting!) the best local delicacies.
your adventure awaits
Overnight: chania
Day 2: Agia Irini Gorge & Omalos Plateau
Wake up and get ready to enter the White Mountains through the stunning Agia Irini Gorge. This shaded, narrow gorge is rich with lush vegetation, ancient plane trees, and a variety of native plants. Our hike ends at the small settlement of Agia Irini, where we’ll take a short transfer to our hotel in Omalos. Enjoy the evening breeze and the distant jingle of goat bells in this peaceful mountain setting.
Overnight in Omalos
Hiking Distance: 8.5 km | Hiking Duration: 3 hr
Elevation Gain & Loss: +530 m / -70 m
Day 3: Samaria Gorge Crossing
Today, we take on the legendary Samaria Gorge, the longest gorge in Europe. This breathtaking 16km trek leads us through forests of fragrant pine, across trickling streams, and finally through the dramatic "Iron Gates," where the towering cliffs narrow to just a few meters apart. At the end of the trail, we’ll arrive in the coastal village of Agia Roumeli, where the clear turquoise waters and pebble beach offer a well-earned reward.
lk to lunch and then to the Grand Bazaar, a thousand-year-old shopping mecca with over 3,000 shops packed into 60 streets. You'll have some time to enjoy the bazaar on your own, or you can try a Turkish Hammam. Dinner this evening at an excellent Indian restaurant with a view of the minarets and dome of the Hagia Sophia.
Overnight in Agia Roumeli
Hiking Distance: 16 km | Hiking Duration: 7 hr
Elevation Gain & Loss: +200 m / -1,300 m
Day 4: Agia Roumeli to Agios Ioannis
Start your day with a refreshing swim in the Libyan Sea before we lace up our boots again. Today, we hike along one of the best-preserved coastlines in Europe, with spectacular sea views along the way. Our destination is the secluded village of Agios Ioannis, nestled in the forest and home to just 15 inhabitants. A cozy mountain retreat awaits us for the night.
Overnight in Agios Ioannis
Hiking Distance: 11 km | Hiking Duration: 4 hr 30 min
Elevation Gain & Loss: +884 m / -161 m
Day 5: Summit of Pachnes
Breathe in the crisp mountain air as we set off to climb Pachnes, the highest peak of the White Mountains. This otherworldly limestone landscape is classified as a high-altitude desert. From the summit, we’ll take in panoramic views stretching to the island of Gavdos in the south and Mount Psiloritis in the east.
Overnight in Agios Ioannis
Hiking Distance: 7.7 km | Hiking Duration: 4 hr
Elevation Gain & Loss: +534 m / -534 m
Day 6: Aradena Gorge to Loutro & Return to Chania
Wake up in our peaceful mountain hideaway and enjoy a quiet morning with coffee as the sun rises. Today’s adventure takes us through the dramatic Aradena Gorge, where towering rock walls create a narrow and rugged passage. After reaching the sea at Marmara Beach, we’ll follow the coastal path to the picturesque harbor of Loutro. From there, a short ferry ride takes us to Sfakia, where we’ll drive back to Chania.
Overnight in Chania
Hiking Distance: 10 km | Hiking Duration: 5 hr
Elevation Gain & Loss: +200 m / -796 m
Day 7: Balos Lagoon & Farewell Dinner
Today, we take a private jeep to the breathtaking Balos Lagoon, one of Crete’s most prized natural wonders. This exotic beach, with its turquoise waters and white sandbars, is a must-see destination. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the maze-like alleys of Chania’s old town before gathering for our farewell dinner.
Overnight in Chania
Hiking Distance: 2.4 km | Hiking Duration: 2 hr
Elevation Gain & Loss: +160 m / -160 m
Day 8: Farewell or Continue Exploring
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before saying goodbye to Crete—or continuing your journey on your own! You’ll transfer independently to the airport for your return flight or set off for more adventures in this remarkable region of Greece.
“I don't exaggerate when I say that this trip changed my life.”
MARIA, GREEK ISLANDS '19
“Came away from the trip with a lot of peace, clarity, confidence and intention."
"Super thoughtfully-designed and well-curated trip! It was a great balance between physical and emotional challenge and growth. Came away from the trip with a lot of peace, clarity, confidence and intention and a new family I didn’t expect to make. I can’t wait till our next adventure with them ! Thank you for crafting such a great trip with such amazing people!"
michaela, trek jordan '22
"It’s been a few months since I’ve been back home and I have thought about this trip every single day since. It was truly life changing."
ANNA, NATURAL WONDERS '23
"Before this, I had never considered going on a group trip or anything like this, but I took the chance and am so glad I did. Erin and Dimitris were so open, encouraging, basically the most amazing guides that turned into friends. I also met people on this trip who became my family, who I felt I knew for years already. I was able to learn more about Greece, about other people and cultures, and about myself than I dreamed I would. I cannot wait for our next adventure together!"
FROM OUR ALUMNI
meet your guides
Erin & Dimitris
Erin Sullivan is an adventure guide turned blogger and photographer. After spending her early 20’s as a wilderness and adventure travel guide worldwide, Erin turned her experiences into a blog with the goal of helping people to find adventure in their own lives. Erin connects with thousands of people online every day through her writing and photography, centered around travel, the outdoors, and living with purpose. Erin has 10 years of experience leading and facilitating adventure programming worldwide, and is thrilled to invite you on a journey of exploration, growth, and self-discovery.
This is
erin
Traveling is a way of life for Dimitris, and although he studied to be an engineer, he decided that sharing his passion with others is much more important. Dimitris has over 15 years of guiding experience, leading trips for the largest companies in the world including National Geographic and REI. Dimitris was honored with the REI Top Guide Award in 2013 for his unique and adventurous guiding style. Establishing his own adventure travel company TripIn Adventures was simply the next step, because showing people Greece off the beaten track, is after all, his dream job!
This is Dimitris
What’s the difficulty level of the trip?
This trip is best suited for active travelers who enjoy hiking and exploring rugged landscapes. Expect moderate to challenging hikes, including steep ascents, rocky terrain, and long days on foot. A reasonable level of fitness is required, but no technical climbing experience is needed.
Yes! While we have a full itinerary, there will be opportunities to relax, explore villages, and enjoy Crete’s culture (or take a nap).
This trip is for you if you value exploring with intention, if you treasure deep conversations under the stars, if you want to truly know people and connect on a deeper level. This trip is for you if you want to travel with a bit more intention, maybe with a touch of spirituality, and definitely with creativity and curiosity. This trip is for you if you especially love to see where your own two feet can take you, an delight in what's around the next corner. Above all, we have found that the best indicator is an internal "YES". If you feel it, you know.
All are welcome, but most of our participants range from being in their late 20's to early 40's. That said, we've had participants as young as 20 and as old as 50. On the trip, we really focus on who you are as a person, not your age.
Most of our participants started their trip nervous. It makes sense :) Going on a trip with a group of strangers is outside of most people's comfort zones! Know that everyone feels the same way, but the nerves melt away quickly.
This isn't a photography workshop in the traditional sense, where you all go to the same place, set your tripods up in a line and take the same photo. Nothing wrong with that, this just isn't that! This is a mindful adventure trip where your creativity is encouraged and celebrated. Bring your camera.
Frequently
asked questions
Will there be free time?
is this a photography workshop?
HOW DO I KNOW THAT THIS TRIP IS FOR ME?
what is the age group?
i am nervous to come alone!
What kind of accommodation can I expect?
We’ll be staying in a mix of charming guesthouses, small hotels, and a cozy mountain lodge—places that reflect Crete’s unique culture and hospitality. Expect comfortable yet simple accommodations. Our price is based on double occupancy. If you'd like a single room, please let us know and we'll see what is possible!
What kind of food can I expect?
Crete is known for its fresh, flavorful cuisine. Expect lots of locally sourced ingredients, including olive oil, fresh vegetables, seafood, and traditional dishes like dakos, moussaka, and souvlaki. We can accommodate dietary restrictions—just let us know in advance.
A non-refundable $1,250 deposit is due at the time of registration. We can sometimes hold spots for a few days after you’ve been sent an offer, but the deposit is the only thing that officially secures your spot! Full trip cost is due on or before July 15. Cancellation timeline is as follows:
Cancellation Policy
Cancel before July 15: full refund except $1,250 deposit.
Cancel after July 15: no refund.
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"I'm convinced I wouldn't have had the experiences I did, had I not traveled with this group."
DAPHNE, NATURAL WONDERS '23
"Everything from hikes to learning more about the history and culture of the place to an incredible evening spent at the house of a local woman and her family to all the delectable meals - they were all so thoughtfully curated and I have so many beautiful memories from this to hold on to and cherish. Erin is warm, friendly and has a natural gift to get a group of strangers to interact well with each other. She sets a fantastic tone of mindfulness and intention on the trip that enables everyone to do the same."
Click to apply. Applicants are interviewed and offered spots on a first-come, first-served basis. We kindly ask that you review your schedule and finances prior to applying.
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