Women Only Small Group Crete Tour
Join us as we travel through Chania, Rethymno, and Heraklion on Greek Island of Crete!
May 24th to June 2nd 2026
This is Crete the way I actually like to travel: slower, more scenic, and never rushed. We’ll stay in three carefully chosen bases (Chania, Rethymno, and Heraklion), with enough time in each place to explore, unwind, and enjoy long meals and coastal views. You’ll get a thoughtful mix of guided experiences and free time, plus highlights like village visits, wine tasting, a boat day, Knossos Palace, and a catamaran cruise to Dia Island.
P.S. Yes, you can come solo. Most women do.
Tour Highlights
DAtes
May 24th to June 2nd 2026
Max Group Size
10
Demographic
Women (18+)
Home Base
Chania, Rethymno & Heraklion (3 hotels)
Trip Length
9 Nights / 10 Days
Accommodation
Double & Single Occupancy
Activity Level
Moderate Walking + Hills
Free Time
Built in Most Days
Why You’ll Love Our Tours
I’ve done those big group tours…you know, the ones where you’re herded from stop to stop, barely scratching the surface before it’s time to move again. You come home more exhausted than when you left.
This is not that kind of trip. We take a slower pace, with space for connection and quiet.
You’ll have time to explore on your own or join the group when it feels right.
We also stay in fewer hotels, so you can settle in, unpack, and actually feel like you’re on vacation..
This tour is for women who love:
How it works
Reserve
A non-refundable deposit of €500 is required at the time of booking.
Pay
Set up your payment installements or pay in full. Trip must be paid in full 45 days prior to departure.
Bon voyage!
Prepare for your trip! All you have to do is pack your bags and book your flights!
Hotel Selection
Where We Are Staying!
Throughout our time in Crete, we’ve chosen centrally located boutique hotels that allow us to experience each destination with ease and comfort, without unnecessary hotel changes or long transfers.
We’ll begin with four nights in Chania, staying in the heart of the old town area at Samaria Hotel *or similar, where charming streets, waterfront tavernas, and historic sights are all within walking distance.
Next, we’ll spend two nights in Rethymno at Veneto Boutique Hotel *or similar, perfectly positioned to enjoy its Venetian old town, relaxed coastal atmosphere, and local dining scene.
We’ll finish with three nights in Heraklion at Dom Boutique Hotel *or similar, based centrally so we can explore the city, enjoy excellent food and wine, and easily access nearby cultural sites and day trips.
Our Itinerary
Sample Itinerary
What’s Included
Pricing
Inclusions
Exclusions
Pricing
€5,199€4,599 for Single Occupancy€4,699€3,899 for Double Occupancy **Roommate matching available- Includes €500 Non-Refundable Fee
- Payment Plans Available
What They’re Saying…
Greece had long been at the top of my travel bucket list, and without a travel partner at the time, I went way out of my comfort zone and decided to go anyways. Besides the idyllic scenery and spectacular food, my trip exceeded my expectations because of Melissa’s diligent planning. The entire trip was a perfect balance of tours and excursions, immersive experiences, and free time, and everything was seamless. The bonus was the friendships formed. Melissa’s personable character effortlessly fostered a community of women whom I instantly felt comfortable with and who made it hard to say “See you later” at the end. I am so grateful for the experience A Solo Woman Traveling provided me!
Melissa is a pro at planning trips! I joined her and 9 other women in Greece in June 2025, and had a blast! Melissa did a great job planning – from the hotels to the activities (beaches, boats, food – what more can a girl want!). We unfortunately couldn’t go to Mykonos due to a wind advisory, but Melissa quickly pivoted and organized a great beach day and cheese/wine tasting in the evening. Most importantly, she ensured we got back to Athens and switched our ferry to guarantee the smoothest ride possible during the higher-than-normal winds. I would definitely recommend a trip with Melissa!
Melissa, thank you for an amazing trip to Greece. You out performed in all aspects. I loved the small group, the destinations, and the overall organization. I will be travelling with you again in the future for sure.
Melissa did a great job on planning a wonderful trip for us. She had all our accommodations made, which were prefect. Day trips were planned and were all amazing. Melissa was very easy to communicate with and responded quickly to any questions I had. The trip was seamless. Meet some wonderful women that I now can say are friends. Would absolutely book another trip with Melissa in a minute, actually planning one for next year. Best discission I could have made. Thank you, Melissa, you’re truly amazing!
Melissa reminds me of a “duck” because she appears to be gliding beautifully across the top of the water, but underneath the water, her feet are working extra hard, behind the scenes, to make sure every aspect of our trip is perfect! My trip to Greece and a few of the Greek Isles was just perfect. I truly enjoyed Melissa’s company as well as the company of the other five ladies on our trip! I’m looking forward to joining Melissa on a future small group tour as soon as possible.
There aren’t enough words to describe this incredible trip to Greece! Melissa made this so seamless and easy! All we had to do is show up! The hotels were top notch, the tours, food , beach days ..everything was just so magical! I only wish I could go back next week! Thank you Melissa for making this an unforgettable trip for my girls and myself!
I had a wonderful time. Melissa was the epitome of a fantastic guide, great organiser and happy travelling companion. Everything ran so smoothly, the accommodation was lovely and the organised activities and free time were perfectly balanced. Melissa could not have been more accommodating, she is very knowledgeable about the areas we travelled to. I can one hundred percent recommend a trip with Melissa and look forward to travelling with her in the future.
Traveling with Melissa Byron of A Solo Woman Traveling was an absolute dream. From the moment the tour began, every detail was taken care of with care and precision. The only decision I had to make was what to order from the menu—everything else was flawlessly handled. What made this women-only tour truly unforgettable: • Stress-free logistics: Accommodations, local transportation, daily schedules—completely taken care of. I never had to think about what was next or how we’d get there. • Incredible excursions: Each day brought a new adventure—jeep tours through stunning landscapes, breezy boat rides along the coast, tastings at local wineries, and guided walks through remarkable historical sites. Every experience felt curated just for us. • Beautifully chosen accommodations: Every hotel and guesthouse felt like a hidden gem—comfortable, charming, and perfectly located. • Supportive group atmosphere: There’s something special about traveling with a group of women. The camaraderie, laughter, and shared curiosity made it even more meaningful. • Impeccable planning: Every element felt intentional and seamless. I was able to be fully present, knowing everything was in good hands. I can’t recommend Melissa enough. If you’re looking for a worry-free, inspiring, and joy-filled way to explore the world—this is it. I’m already looking forward to my next trip!
I don’t even know where to begin to write a review about Melissa and her “A Solo Woman Traveling” trip planning. My mother, sister, and I booked the Greece 2025 trip with Melissa after a friend recommended her. Before the trip Melissa walked us through everything we needed to know to be completely prepared for our trip. Our travel to Greece was very smooth and once we landed there the pickups and hotel we checked into were PERFECT.. and that was how the rest of the trip was. PERFECT. Melissa thinks of every detail so that you don’t have to. She knows the area, knows what to see and what to skip. On our trip, we had a total group number of 10 women.. and I can say that I left this trip with friends I will have forever. I do not think that we will ever travel again to a place overseas without going with Melissa. The attention to detail, the flexibility, and the group of women accompanied by Melissa’s knowledge, professionalism, fun personality were the recipie for what will (for the rest of my life) be one of the greatest experiences of my life.
I would give this trip ten stars if I could. Everything was so well organized. It was the perfect balance of planned activities and free time. We stayed at boutique hotels that had personality. We dined at a number of great restaurants. We were spoiled with boat trips, wine tastings and jeep tours. I can’t say enough wonderful things about how Melissa conducted this trip. It was the vacation of my dreams.
This was my second trip with Melissa, and once again, she exceeded all expectations. Every detail—from the beautiful accommodations to the amazing food and curated experiences—was perfectly planned and effortlessly executed. When unexpected weather rolled in, Melissa quickly adjusted our itinerary without missing a beat. What could’ve been a washout turned into one of the most memorable days of the trip, thanks to her flexibility and thoughtful planning. Her restaurant recommendations were fantastic, and her deep knowledge of the islands added so much richness to the experience. There’s a reason I keep coming back—Melissa makes travel easy, enjoyable, and truly unforgettable. This won’t be my last trip with her!
This was a fabulous trip. Melissa was a great host and planned the best itinerary. I think I saw the high points and intend to return.
I had the pleasure of being on Melissa’s Portugal trip September 2024. It was OUTSTANDING. The value for the money beyond exceeded my expectations. First of all, Melissa takes all the stress, planning, booking and things you don’t think of out of your mind. Second, everything she selected and booked was beyond perfect. There is an excellent balance of tours and free time. The tours Melissa hand picks are not mainstream and “touristy”, they are a blend of seeing all the right things and the hidden treasures. She is so well connected and focused in on creating a community with the local people that she has developed a unique, boutique style of travel. I can’t say enough about my experience. I wish I could give more than five stars. The amount of work that she puts in and takes away from you is mind blowing. WELL, WELL worth the money. I can’t wait for my next tour!!!
I had a better time than I could ever imagine! It was a wonderful experience. All of the women in our group were so fun and inspiring. I can’t wait to travel on another solo woman trip . Melissa thought of everything and made everyone feel special.
I had the pleasure of traveling to Greece with Melissa and eleven other amazing women during the first week of October, and I can’t say enough good things about the experience. Every day felt like the best day ever, but my absolute favorite was the day Melissa rented a private, ten-hour boat trip for island hopping. Everything was perfect, from the stunning scenery to the seamless organization. Melissa’s attention to detail and dedication to ensuring everyone had a fantastic time was evident throughout the trip. Anytime someone had an issue or needed assistance, Melissa was right there to help. Her enthusiasm and passion for creating memorable experiences made this trip truly unforgettable. I highly recommend Melissa for anyone looking to have an incredible travel experience. She goes above and beyond to make sure everything runs smoothly and that everyone has the time of their lives. Thank you, Melissa, for an extraordinary adventure in Greece!
This trip was fantastic. Melissa did a wonderful job planning such that I just had to show up! I would not have been able to organize this kind of a trip by myself and been able to experience all that we did, yet the pace was relaxed. The chosen accommodations were excellent, the small group of ladies were a pleasure to travel with and I just loved Portugal! So many great memories and friendships made. Thanks A Solo Woman Traveling!
I recently went on a tour of Portugal (Lisbon, Cascais and Sintra) with Melissa that she organized and it was amazing!!! The communication leading up to the trip and during was clear and concise. My time was being pulled in various directions before the trip and never once did I have to worry about a thing. During the trip the tours, restaurants, activities and recommendations were thoroughly thought out with care and thought about each of us on the tour. I will be looking forward to new trips and will join again in a heartbeat.
The trip was amazing and for a first timer doing a group trip I could not have expected that I would have enjoyed it as much as I did.
Melissa organized this to perfection, from the arrival pick up at the airport to the last day. The hotels were perfect and the locations of each suited all of our needs and easy access to the ferries, boat rides and central to where we needed to go.
The organization of all the tours, trips and the extra special ones like the sunset cruise and taking photos of the most amazing sunsets! A day on the Aegean Sea with a private boat that included a few stops to swim in the Sea, a cave experience, traditional Greek lunch and even some dancing. The most beautiful sunsets on the boats that one could ask for! read more
This experience exceeded all my expectations. To meet some of the most amazing woman and to experience this journey together was life changing. From authentic Greek cuisine to historical sites to sunset sails and some of the most beautiful accommodations. Melissa(A solo woman traveling) our host beautifully crafted the perfect itinerary combining leisure time with historical site seeing and fun activities. Her seamless planning and attention to details showed in every way possible. Melissa provided us with experiences beyond my expectations and I cannot thank her enough. I would highly recommend A Solo Woman Traveling to anyone wanting a fun, relaxing and educational journey with great company.
I joined the trip to Athens, Naxos, Paros and Mykonos. I was an amazing trip and experience. Melissa is the most patient person and best travel guide I could ever imagine. She had everything planned out for transportation, lodging, activities and places to go for meals. This was my first trip out of the country and Melissa made me so comfortable knowing that she had thoroughly planned and researched everything down to all the smallest details. She left us with free time but also planned activities that made me feel like I got to experience a lot of what Greece has to offer. I would love to join another trip lead by Melissa. I appreciate her so much and think she is great at what she does.
We had an amazing, seamless trip. Everything was more than we ever expected. All the tours, hotels, and restaurants were top notch. Will definitely book another trip with Melissa in the future.
The trip was perfect. All the excursions were well planned and appealed to all the different individuals in our group. Our travel guide, Melissa, even added a personal touch by planning the naming ceremony/activity. The day on a private boat was magical. I never imagined myself swimming in caves and exploring quaint seaside villages. The trip exceeded my expectations.
A Transformative Journey Through Greece: Embracing New Experiences and Lifelong Friendships Travel has always been a pathway to self-discovery and personal growth, and my recent adventure to Greece exemplified this truth. On October 1, 2024, I embarked on a journey that would take me deeper into both the waters of the Adriatic Sea and the rich cultural tapestry of Greece. This trip, inspired by following the blog of A Solo Woman Traveling – Melissa Leigh, was not only a tribute to my late husband, who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 63, but also a leap towards reclaiming my independence and zest for life. read more
I stumbled upon Melissa’s blog in early 2024, then joined her FB page and saw she had a female group trip to Greece in October 2024. I had no expectations, other than just wanting to explore a new country that I had not been to before without having to plan the trip myself. Been there, done that and takes a lot of time to do if you’re not familiar with the area/country. So I loved the idea that it was all planned out and all I had to do was book my flight and pack my bags! The trip was beyond anything I could have imaged. From the excursions, tours, dinners, etc., I could not have asked for a better trip. Some of the things that drew me in to her trip was that you had group and alone time to explore, stayed at boutique hotels and a variety of different tours/excursions. I loved the trip so much, that I am going on my second trip through A Solo Woman Traveling to France in August 2025!
What a fabulous experience! I can’t say enough about traveling on one of “Melissa’s Tours.” Exceeded my expectations. The hotels were gorgeous, restaurants impressed my foodie soul, excursions were a good combo of “there is a reason thousands flock here” and going totally off the beaten path. And completely stress free. All you have to do is get to your airport and then just sit back and enjoy. The best part though is the personal touch – getting to know both Melissa and travel mates in such a small group – you will walk away with a newfound family. It is both professional and personal at the same time. This truly is Melissas special sauce. I will be planning the next one shortly!
I don’t even know where to begin to write a review about Melissa and her “A Solo Woman Traveling” trip planning. My mother, sister, and I booked the Greece 2025 trip with Melissa after a friend recommended her. Before the trip Melissa walked us through everything we needed to know to be completely prepared for our trip. Our travel to Greece was very smooth and once we landed there the pickups and hotel we checked into were PERFECT.. and that was how the rest of the trip was. PERFECT. Melissa thinks of every detail so that you don’t have to. She knows the area, knows what to see and what to skip. On our trip, we had a total group number of 10 women.. and I can say that I left this trip with friends I will have forever. I do not think that we will ever travel again to a place overseas without going with Melissa. The attention to detail, the flexibility, and the group of women accompanied by Melissa’s knowledge, professionalism, fun personality were the recipie for what will (for the rest of my life) be one of the greatest experiences of my life.
Got Questions?
Food in Greece is more reasonably priced than in other European countries. You can find the average price of an entree around 12 to 15 euros in some traditional Greek Restaurants.
Generally, I have experienced:
Fine dining: €40+ per person for a meal at upscale restaurants.
Budget meals: €10-€15 per person at casual or street food places.
Mid-range restaurants: €20-€30 per person for a meal with a drink.
Often times when paying in a large group it is required to have some cash. Most restaurants only allow for one credit card to be used when paying the bill.
For a 10-day trip to Greece, aim to pack light but versatile. Consider:
- 4-5 tops (mix of short sleeves and a long sleeve)
- 3-4 bottoms (shorts/skirts and pants)
- 1-2 dresses (if applicable)
- 1 light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
- Swimsuit
- Undergarments for 9 days
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sandals/flip-flops
- Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Minimal toiletries (travel-sized)
- Any necessary adapters/chargers
- A daypack for excursions
Remember, most accommodations offer laundry services or facilities, allowing you to re-wear items. Stick to a color scheme for easy mixing and matching.
While a shared would would have 2 mattresses, often times these mattresses are pushed together like seen below.
We typically recommend you arrive 1 day early depending on where you are traveling from. In this case, you will need to arrange for your own accommodations for that early arrival date.
YES! Each day there is almost always time for you to explore on your own! We prioritize balancing time for yourself along with an organized activity!
Meet Your Host!
I’m Melissa
Your go-to girl for all things travel
I’ve traveled to over 40 countries solo! And I’m passionate about helping you explore the world.
My favorite part about traveling is trying the local cusine, taking photographs and making new friends!
I’m a big believer that anyone can achieve their goals if they are willing to work at it!.
Ready to begin your voyage?
Women Only Tours Greece
Highlight Reel
Take a look back at our unforgettable adventure through Athens and the Greek Islands! From exploring ancient ruins on the mainland to soaking up the sun in the bluest waters, relive the magic with this highlight reel!
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