Custom Trips

Crete's Culinary Sanctuaries

Learn about local traditions and cooking in Crete

Your dates, your group

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Robin Connects You With The World!

Here are a few examples of places we travel to and Robin's take on the locaton. We've included a sample itinerary of each (some are part of our set departures), but don't let that stop your imagination of what we can provide. The best part of the countries we visit is the relationship we've established with the local operators who have become our friends. In the unlikely case they can't arrange something, they know someone who can. If the location is not on our upcoming list, ask about custom departures.

About This Trip

Discover Crete: A Custom Adventure of Culture, Nature, and Cuisine

Looking for an adventure that blends history, nature, and local culture? Our custom Crete itineraries take you beyond the usual tourist experience, immersing you in the island’s traditions, landscapes, and way of life.

Crete is more than just an island—it’s a place of rugged mountains, breathtaking coastlines, and a history that stretches back to the earliest civilizations. From its rich biodiversity and ancient ruins to its vibrant music, literature, and stories of resilience, Crete offers an experience unlike any other.

Through our custom itineraries, you’ll explore the island with Chef Nikki Rose, founder of Crete’s Culinary Sanctuaries, an award-winning program dedicated to sustainable and immersive travel experiences. Whether you want to cook with local chefs, hike along scenic trails, sail the coastline, or engage with Crete’s people, we’ll create a trip designed around your interests.

Craft Your Perfect Crete Experience

Every trip is personalized so you can explore what fascinates you most about Crete. Whether it’s diving into the island’s food culture, hiking through its stunning terrain, or uncovering its deep history, your itinerary can include:

Culinary & Cultural Immersion

Cook with local chefs and learn traditional Cretan recipes using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Meet artisans and musicians who keep Crete’s craft traditions and musical heritage alive.
Visit local farms and markets to experience Crete’s food culture firsthand.

Outdoor Adventure & Exploration

Hike through mountain trails, coastal paths, and lush valleys.
Sail along the Aegean Sea, discovering hidden beaches and remote islands.
Explore Crete’s unique landscapes, from olive groves to nature reserves.

History & Archaeology

Step into ancient history at the Minoan palace of Knossos, one of the world’s oldest civilizations.
Visit Byzantine monasteries and Venetian fortresses, each with a story to tell.
Learn about Crete’s role in history, from its ancient past to its wartime resistance.

Why Travel with Steppin’ Out Adventures?

Personalized Itineraries – Whether you’re a food lover, outdoor adventurer, or history enthusiast, we create a trip that reflects your passions.
Local Experts & Insider Access – Travel with Chef Nikki Rose and other local experts who offer knowledge and exclusive experiences.
Stress-Free Planning – We handle all the details so you can focus on enjoying the trip.
Authentic Travel – Go beyond the typical tourist spots and experience the real Crete through its people, traditions, and landscapes.

Start Planning Your Crete Adventure

Whether you’re dreaming of cooking alongside local chefs, hiking to hidden gems, or exploring centuries of history, we’ll craft the perfect trip for you.

Trip Details

Activity Level

Highlight

Crete's diverse ecosystems, rugged mountain terrain, majestic coastal vistas, intriguing geology, botany, biodiversity, music, literature and heroic resistance movements throughout time, all encompass the distinctive character of the isle and its people. Join us with hands on cooking and learning about the unique aspects of Crete, like making your own olive oil and exploring vineyards. Sail the Dia Island and enjoy the gorgeous scenery. Hike the archeological sights and learn about the significance of Cretes history.

Trip at a Glance

Trip typeCustom – planned around you

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Need a different type of itinerary?
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Trip Photos

Need a different type of itinerary?

We'll build a trip around your dates, your group and your interests.

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Voices From Our Community

"I have been blessed to have had many opportunities with Steppin' Out to see and experience the world in such off-trail, non conventional and unique ways."
Steve, Adventures: Tanzania, Peru, Thailand, Mexico, Bhutan, Nep

"We were able to become closer with the local culture on her trips such as traveling to a Swaziland orphanage, where we created a Christmas party luncheon and brought toys and games for kids, and taught the hokey pokey."
Heather, Adventures: South Africa, Mexico, Dominican Republic, S

"You can tell that a lot of effort goes into every detail of the trip. You don't have to think about anything. Robin takes care of the things you don't even think of. Plus Robin has a photographic memory and connects everyone. She knows who has met whom on what trip and continues to remember. It's because of her that I believe that I have met some of my closest friends."
Harold, Adventures: Cuba, Peru, Thailand, Skiing

"Her trips are like a summer camp for adults where you make lifelong friends with the Steppin' Out family."
Lisa, Ski Trips

"Robin planned an awesome trip for my friend and me and our two daughters. Every last detail was taken care of. All the adventures that Robin suggested and scheduled for us were exciting and fun. We felt so safe and taken care of due to the incredible planning by Robin. "
Jenny, Adventures: Costa Rica