Locally Hosted Small-Group Crete Experience for Connection & Ease
Locally Hosted Small-Group Crete Experience for Connection & Ease
Samaria Hotel, Kidonias, Chania, Greece
Up to 18 in group
May 18 - 24, 2026
Retreat Highlights
- Immerse Yourself in Authentic Cretan Culture and Traditions
- Experience Breathtaking Natural Landscapes and Hidden Gems
- Savor Delicious Local Cuisine with Unique Culinary Experiences
- Build Lasting Connections with Like-Minded Travelers
- Stay in Boutique Accommodations with Local Charm
- Enjoy Guided Tours of Historical Sites and Museums
- Relax and Recharge in a Mindful, Supportive Environment
- Experience the Magic of Stunning Cretan Sunsets Together
- Participate in Unique Workshops and Specialized Events
- Comprehensive Support Before, During, and After Your Journey
About this Retreat
Amalia Kalogridakis is the Executive of Operations for Agape Escapes, where she works closely with founder Maria Avgitidis to curate and coordinate unforgettable adventures that bring people together.
A dynamic entrepreneur with over 14 years of experience in hospitality and event planning, she’s made Crete her forever home. As a longtime Crete local, Amalia brings trusted relationships, insider knowledge, and on-the-ground intuition that turn each itinerary into an experience that feels seamless, authentic, and deeply connected to place.
Chrisoula Mavrianos is a Senior Matchmaker and date coach with Agape Match and co-host of Agape Escapes.
Along with founder Maria Avgitidis, Chrisoula has helped people build meaningful connections and relationships through Agape's coaching program.
Agape Escapes grew from that same mission, bringing people together through hosted travel in Greece since 2022. Chrisoula brings a calm, thoughtful presence to the trip and helps create a warm, inclusive atmosphere.
Details of this retreat
Imagine a week on the magical island of Crete, Greece.
We’ll wander the storybook streets of Chania and Rethymno, sip wine in centuries-old vineyards, and roll up our sleeves for hands-on cooking classes that feel more like a feast with friends than a lesson.
We’ll hike through hidden gorges, discover tucked-away villages, and soak up Crete’s wild landscapes the way locals do.
Evenings are for slowing down and connecting: sharing incredible meals, staying in boutique accommodations, and watching the sun melt into the Cretan sea with new friends who feel like family.
This isn’t just a trip.
It’s a homecoming.
We’ll wander the storybook streets of Chania and Rethymno, sip wine in centuries-old vineyards, and roll up our sleeves for hands-on cooking classes that feel more like a feast with friends than a lesson.
We’ll hike through hidden gorges, discover tucked-away villages, and soak up Crete’s wild landscapes the way locals do.
Evenings are for slowing down and connecting: sharing incredible meals, staying in boutique accommodations, and watching the sun melt into the Cretan sea with new friends who feel like family.
This isn’t just a trip.
It’s a homecoming.
Schedule
The retreat runs from May 18 to May 24, 2026.
Day 1 – Arrival in Chania
Arrival at Chania International Airport
Welcome drinks at the hotel
Group dinner by the Old Venetian Harbor
Day 2 – Wine & Olive Oil Adventure
Visit the Cave of Saint John the Hermit
Tour and tasting at a traditional olive oil mill
Visit the oldest olive tree in the world
Guided wine tasting with a sommelier
Lunch at the winery
Free evening to explore Chania Old Town
Day 3 – Cheese, Honey & Slow Cooking Traditions
Sheep herding and cheese-making demonstration
Bees and honey experience
Lunch at a traditional village taverna
Free evening in Chania
Day 4 – Gorges, Canyons & Waterfalls
Visit Lake Kournas
Journey through the Kotsifou and Kourtaliotiko Gorges
Lunch in a traditional village
Time to explore Rethymno
Day 5 – Wonders of Rethymno & Pottery Traditions
Guided tour of Melidoni Cave
Visit to the Apithano Honey Museum
Stops at local pottery studios
Visit to the Ancient Eleftherna Museum
Free evening in Chania
Day 6 – Chania Walking Tour & Farewell Dinner
Guided walking tour of Chania
Street food stop
Shopping in Chania’s famous quarters
Festive farewell dinner
Day 7 – Departure from Chania
Final Cretan breakfast at the hotel
Departure to Chania International Airport
Day 1 – Arrival in Chania
Arrival at Chania International Airport
Welcome drinks at the hotel
Group dinner by the Old Venetian Harbor
Day 2 – Wine & Olive Oil Adventure
Visit the Cave of Saint John the Hermit
Tour and tasting at a traditional olive oil mill
Visit the oldest olive tree in the world
Guided wine tasting with a sommelier
Lunch at the winery
Free evening to explore Chania Old Town
Day 3 – Cheese, Honey & Slow Cooking Traditions
Sheep herding and cheese-making demonstration
Bees and honey experience
Lunch at a traditional village taverna
Free evening in Chania
Day 4 – Gorges, Canyons & Waterfalls
Visit Lake Kournas
Journey through the Kotsifou and Kourtaliotiko Gorges
Lunch in a traditional village
Time to explore Rethymno
Day 5 – Wonders of Rethymno & Pottery Traditions
Guided tour of Melidoni Cave
Visit to the Apithano Honey Museum
Stops at local pottery studios
Visit to the Ancient Eleftherna Museum
Free evening in Chania
Day 6 – Chania Walking Tour & Farewell Dinner
Guided walking tour of Chania
Street food stop
Shopping in Chania’s famous quarters
Festive farewell dinner
Day 7 – Departure from Chania
Final Cretan breakfast at the hotel
Departure to Chania International Airport
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change
Getting Here
Agape Escapes, Samaria Hotel, Kidonias, Chania, Greece
Directions
The nearest international airport is Chania International Airport Ioannis Daskalogiannis (CHQ).
Accommodation
All rooms are single occupancy and feature high-quality wooden floors, marble bathrooms, COCO-MAT eco-friendly bed systems with pure cotton linen, large flat-screen HD TVs with a wide selection of satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, mini-bar, tea & coffee-making facilities, a laptop-size safebox, and excellent soundproofing.
Program Price
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
Our private accommodation at Samaria Hotel offers a fresh, inviting ambiance with high aesthetic and design standards. The Samaria is situated in the heart of Chania.
Its advantageous location, right in the town's commercial centre, places the hotel a stone's throw from the Old Town and the Venetian Harbour, and just a few minutes from the main attractions, making it an ideal base to explore the scenic Chania Town and the surrounding areas.
Its advantageous location, right in the town's commercial centre, places the hotel a stone's throw from the Old Town and the Venetian Harbour, and just a few minutes from the main attractions, making it an ideal base to explore the scenic Chania Town and the surrounding areas.
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Where meals are provided, they will usually be served family style. If someone had dietary restrictions we will accommodate them. Just let us know!
What's Included
- 6 nights accommodation
- At least 1 meal a day
- Welcome drinks
- Cooking class
- Specialized workshops
- Nature hikes with a trusted guide
- Group excursions/activities
- Curated swag bags
- Professional event photos
- Transportation during the retreat
- Pre and post retreat support from our team
- Luggage storage
- Wifi connection
What's Not Included
- Flights costs
- Travel insurance
- Airport transportation
- Alcoholic beverages
- Visa fee
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