With Golbon Destinations your time is spent discovering and delighting in an extraordinary place.  Whether it’s one of Europe’s grand cities, or an exotic tropical hideaway, each carefully-selected location offers its own blend of sights, sensations and flavors.  As you begin your experience, you quickly find that you are already in the company of not just industry peers, but friends.

Crete, Greece: A Feast for the Senses

“The mystery of Crete runs deep. Whoever sets foot on this island senses a mysterious force coursing warmly and beneficently through their veins, sensing their soul beginning to grow.” – Nikos Kazantzakis, Crete’s most celebrated author (of Zorba the Greek), in Report to Greco.

On the south side of the Aegean is an island that is mystical, warm and welcoming, pure and generous. Crete captures the spirit of Greece and enchants everyone who visits it. Heraklion, Rethymno, Chania, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Ierapetra, Malia, Hersonisso: an island with numerous destinations and thousands of vibrant images. Crete captivates and seduces the senses with its impressive and majestic landscape, with its open-hearted and vivacious spirit, its rich history, its world-famous cuisine and its hospitable people. – from discovergreece.com

Quick Facts:

• Crete is located in the southern part of the Aegean Sea separating the Aegean from the Libyan Sea.
• Official Language:  Greek; however English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
• Currency:  Euro
• Population: Over 600,000
• The people of Crete are referred to as Cretans
• Area:  3206 square miles; 160 miles east to west; 37 miles across at its widest point
• Weather: Crete is the best year-round destination of any Greek Island. In May we should have warm, pleasant weather, yet still may encounter some overcast days.  It should be perfect for sightseeing, and enjoying the history, wineries and culture!

 

 

Crete: A priceless gift of culture and history

On Crete, you’ll find some of the most significant attractions in Greece: famous archaeological sites such as the Minoan palaces of Knossos, Phaistos, Malia and Kato Zakros. You’ll also visit important monasteries, some built in the 15th century or even earlier, including Preveli monastery in southern Rethymno, the monasteries in southern Heraklion and the historic Arkadi and Toplous monasteries.

You’ll be transported to another time wandering around the castles of the region erected by Venetians and Byzantines. More of the island’s riches are displayed in its many museums. Impressive also are the Cretaquarium, the Museum of Natural History and the Historical Museum of Crete. – from discovergreece.com

To learn about the history of Crete visit:

https://www.incrediblecrete.gr/history-crete/

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/archaeology-and-history/magazine/2017/09-10/Minoan_Crete/

Home of the Mediterranean Diet

Here you’ll eat to your heart’s content, whether enjoying gourmet gastronomy, or simply a homemade rusk salad with sea salt, extra-virgin olive oil, raw artichokes and cheese. Discover the secrets of a Cretan diet – the best example of the Mediterranean diet, long been considered, internationally, as the healthiest. – from discovergreece.com

Read more about the Cretan Diet:

http://www.greece-is.com/what-is-the-cretan-diet/

https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10083071

https://www.olivetomato.com/mediterranean-diet-month-is-the-cretan-diet-the-real-mediterranean-diet/

The Importance of Olive Oil

Olive oil is, of course, most often simply eaten as part of a healthy diet, especially by Greeks, who consume more olive oil per person than any other nation in the world. They consume it raw, best preserving its flavor and nutrients, by dipping bread in it or pouring it over salads, eggs, fish, boiled or grilled vegetables, and many other dishes. (Diamantis Pierrakos of the olive oil company Laconiko suggests it be “drizzled on everything.”) A superior EVOO adds so much flavor that nothing else is required, but it can also be used in dressings, marinades and sauces. Extra virgin olive oil can even add a striking twist to chocolate mousse, ice cream, and cocktails! – from www.greece-is.com

To read more about olive oil in Greece click below:

http://www.greece-is.com/madeingreece/welcome-to-the-evoo-lution-greek-olive-oils-add-science-to-tradition/

What to Do and See while on Crete

• Visit ancient historic sites such as Knossos Palace and delve into Crete’s fascinating history
• Experience outdoor adventures such as hiking and off roading
• Slip into the sea:  kayaking, boating, snorkeling, scuba and swimming
• Gastronomy: cooking classes, visits to olive groves and wineries, learn all about the Cretan diet
• Bask on the numerous beautiful beaches
• Explore charming towns and villages: Elounda, Agios Nidolaos, Plaka to name a few
• Take a day trip ferry ride to Santorini
• Relax and enjoy the sea, pool and resort spa

Blue Palace, Crete: Our Home Away from Home

The Blue Palace is tucked away in the Gulf of Elounda, about an hour from Heraklion, the capital of Crete, and location of the international airport.

Endless views, crystal clear waters and a host of cultural and gastronomical experiences await guests at Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort and Spa. Discover unique dining experiences within five restaurants and select from a variety of exquisite Mediterranean dishes, traditional Greek specialties and cuisine with an international flair. Nourish body and soul with a signature spa  treatment, or simply indulge in the sea or pools, while rejoicing in a landscape of breathtaking beauty.

Check it out!  The Blue Palace was rated the #3 resort in Greece in Travel & Leisure’s 2018 survey of the world’s best in travel; the island of Crete came in #5 of all European islands.

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Traveling with Golbon Destinations

Your travel arrangements are part of your Golbon Destinations experience, and we strive to make it easy for you.  Once you are registered for the trip, our travel agent will assist you with booking your airline tickets.  Golbon Special Events will secure your room reservation at our event hotel, and arrange for your ground transfers between the airport and hotel.

Leading up to the trip you’ll receive a detailed itinerary with activity options to select from, and descriptions of our evening events.  We aim to offer experiences that will appeal to the variety of personalities and interests inherent in our guest list; you can expect to have great choices for creating an itinerary that speaks to you personally.

We’ll also provide you with helpful travel tips so you know what to pack and what to expect.  We attend to the logistics of your travel, allowing you to simply relax and enjoy.

Are you ready to join us? Registration is opening online later this summer. Questions? Please e-mail us at events@golbon.com.

Trip Package Inclusions

Each trip for two requires 12,950 Golbon Destinations points

• Roundtrip air transportation (coach) between your home city and Heraklion International Airport, booked through Golbon’s travel agency
• Transportation between Heraklion International Airport and the Blue Palace, Crete on May 8 and 14.
• Six nights’ accommodations at Blue Palace, Crete over program dates.
• Participation in Golbon-hosted evening events, recreational outings and activities
• Special gifts and much more!

Program Rules

1. General registration form must be received by Golbon and airline ticketing must be completed no later than the published deadline to avoid a minimum surcharge of $125 per attendee.
2. Accommodations are booked for a maximum of double occupancy each room.  Third guest in room incurs charge of $100 per night.
3. All tours are pre-arranged and pre-paid by Golbon; any changes made onsite to pre-selected recreation will result in a charge of $150 per change.
4. Rooms, meals and activity costs are pre-paid for by Golbon in advance.  In event of cancellation, any cancellation fees or other costs incurred will be deducted from participant’s Golbon Destinations points.
5. Trip packages must be accepted as presented; no offsets or other considerations for adjustments to the package.
6. Golbon will not be liable for any and all claims arising from accidental harm, injury or death to a person or persons, or for damaged or lost possessions, while attending Golbon Destinations Incentive Trips.  The liability form that will be provided must be signed and returned for each attendee prior to airline ticketing.

 

Previous guests of Golbon Destinations have said…

“It’s an experience I’ll be talking about forever.”

“Golbon is second to NOBODY with their events, planning, thoughtfulness, and overall service on these wonderful trips!”

“One of the best times of my life!”

“Great planning and wonderful people. Fun way to exchange business ideas and how other companies address similar issues.”