Cradle of Minoan civilization and birthplace of Zeus, Crete is an island with 5,000 years of myth, culture, and history all wrapped into one. Explore vibrant cities with Minoan palaces, timeless villages, or picture-postcard beaches along 650 miles of coastline. For something different, hike the snowy slopes of the White Mountains, gaze in wonder at the epic Samaria Gorge, or simply just relax with an espresso in the striking old Venetian harbour town of Rethymnon.