Into the Heart of Crete: An Invitation from Your Expert Guide
Explore the wild heart of Crete with expert guide Kostas Vasileiou and discover dramatic mountains, ancient trails, and living traditions.
Dear fellow traveler and lover of adventure,
I was born and raised in the mountains of Greece, and I spent my childhood walking the ancient trails with my grandfather and the flocks of sheep. During a successful 20-year career as a Navy SEAL, I came to know the islands of Greece well, but in my heart, it was always Crete. After retiring, I returned to the mountains of my childhood, where I became an outdoor guide with Wilderness Travel 29 years ago.
Join me to unlock the secrets and delights of one of the most beautiful Greek islands, and come to Crete!
We will hike through impressive ravines and climb high, wild mountain peaks to enjoy 360° views, with the Aegean Sea on one side and the Libyan Sea on the other. Forests and rivers complete the landscape, and we will swim in the deep blue waters of the Aegean.
I will also take you on a gastronomic odyssey, where we will learn to cook simple but delicious recipes as we visit local taverns, farmhouses, and vineyards. Since 3000 BC, the Minoans have shaped a culture of nutrition and cultivation, and even today Cretans continue many of these traditions. Together we will enjoy the famous Cretan Mediterranean cuisine, local wines made from native varieties, and flavors that have been passed down for millennia.
Hospitality is a part of life in Crete, and as we travel between the coastline and the rarely visited interior, we will enjoy a warm welcome.
In my travels, I try to give people the opportunity to see the real, unspoiled Greece, and to experience the tradition, history, and beauty of my home country.
If you have any questions about the trip, please contact our Europe Specialists at europe@wildernesstravel.com.
I look forward to seeing you in Crete.
Kostas Vasileiou
Trip Leader
February 5, 2026
