Santorini & Crete Family Multi-Adventure Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
Premiere Hotels
Santorini & Crete Family Multi-Adventure Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
Premiere Hotels
2025: Jun-Aug
Sun-Splashed Mythical Greek Isles
Quiet seaside roads and rugged terrain make Crete a gift from the vacation gods. From here, journey across the Aegean to enjoy world-class luxury in Santorini. This family odyssey is nothing short of legendary.
Highlights
- Pair bike routes on dynamic and mountainous Crete with panoramic hikes on Santorini
- Archaeological site visits, local storytellers and traditional musical instruments keep the continuity of Greek history alive
- Kayak the turquoise sea, play and relax on black- and red-sand beaches and explore ancient waterside ruins
- Learn how to cook Greek food like a local in a fun interactive lesson
- Kick back in infinity pools at whitewashed island retreats draped in bougainvillea
StartHeraklion, Crete
EndSantorini
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Days 1-3
Start your Cretan journey biking past tiny villages and olive groves • Hike rugged paths through coastal gorges and an idyllic Mediterranean countryside • Engage with locals at a co-op where they teach cooking methods that have been passed down through generations • Visit the Areti Monastery in Karydi, a fortified site still inhabited by monks • Kids learn to make pasta and olive oil at an organic farm • Grown-ups sip sparkling wine and other regional varietals • Bike quiet roads from the island's wild interior to the Aegean Sea • Sample regional dishes and enjoy Cretan hospitality at local cafés • Take in tranquil vistas of Spinalonga Island from a traditional sailboat and then swim off the boat • Find your balance in a yoga class by the beach or pamper yourself at the spa • Cool off with a dip in the sea or in the pool at our magnificent hotel.
Nights 1-3
Modern, eco-friendly design and Greek tradition harmoniously coexist in this luxurious retreat with multiple pools boasting sea views and menus curated by a Michelin-starred Chef. (pool, spa)
Days 4-6
Ferry across the jewel-toned Sea of Crete to awe-inspiring and alluring Santorini • Wander through picturesque mazelike walkways, past the island's signature blue and white buildings that climb uphill like an architectural bougainvillea • A family game brings Greek history to life as you navigate the small alleyways of Pyrgos—the ancient former capital of Santorini during the Venetian Occupation • Kayak the bays of the region's famously unique red-, white- and black-sand beaches • Hike one of Santorini's most scenic volcanic trails • Luxuriate in the elegant simplicity of our hotel in the Greek village of Megalochori • Listen to millennia-old instruments and mythological stories • Capture the beauty of the Cyclades during a morning stroll for a perfect lasting memento.
Nights 4-5
Hidden in an ancient village, this bright and stylish family-friendly retreat features traditional Cycladic design and excellent amenities. (pool, spa)
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Crete is renowned for its spectacular mountain ranges and dramatic gorges. The routes on this trip take you through the best of this diverse landscape. Level sections of riding are few and far between, and extreme seasonal changes in temperature can leave the roads weathered and worn. Also note that some routes follow quiet winding roads with minimal shoulder and few guardrails.
In order to access the most scenic biking routes and significant points of interest on this trip, strategic shuttles are incorporated into several days of our itinerary. Most will be limited to an hour or so at a time, but on some days you can expect to spend a bit more time in the shuttle. Please note that we have planned our itinerary to make the most of our time on these spectacular islands.
We travel by public ferry across the Aegean Sea to access the wonders of Santorini Island. Be prepared for the possibility of wet windy conditions and bring seasickness medication if you think you'll need it.
Crete and Santorini are popular tourist destinations with busy peak seasons, especially during the summer months and on national holidays. We've planned our itinerary to take you off the beaten path, but crowds are common on these islands. And keep in mind that summer heat can make biking and hiking more challenging.
Hotels
World-Class Hotels
Our hand-selected Premiere hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.
Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Nights 1-3
Premiere Hotel
Modern, eco-friendly design and Greek tradition harmoniously coexist in this luxurious retreat with multiple pools boasting sea views and menus curated by a Michelin-starred Chef. (pool, spa)
Nights 4-5
Premiere Hotel
Hidden in an ancient village, this bright and stylish family-friendly retreat features traditional Cycladic design and excellent amenities. (pool, spa)
Gallery
Bikes
Choose Your Perfect Bike
Our bikes are designed and built with specific cyclists and riding styles in mind, so we can always offer you a perfect ride. Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.
Included in your trip price
- Ideal for avid cyclists
- Responsive, efficient and comfortable
- Drop handlebars only
Included in your trip price
- Suited for a wide range of cyclists
- Comfortable ergonomic seat
- Long wheel base adds to the bike's control and stability
- Upright handlebars only
Included in your trip price
- One of the lightest e-bikes available
- Provides plenty of power and more than enough battery
- Lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting
- Upright handlebars only
- Limited availability on Unplugged Bike Tours; learn more
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+
Included in your trip price
- Backroads is the only travel company to manufacture it's own line of kid's bikes.
- Features smaller wheels -- the perfect choice for kids.
- On our Family Trips, you'll find 20"" and 24"" bikes.
Included in your trip price
- For children up to 85 pounds
- Attaches to an adult bike with your child providing some of the pedal power for a real team effort!
- Ideal for kids who aren't yet ready for bike touring.
- Cannot be pulled by an e-bike.
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
Please Select a Group Size
Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.