Battle OF Crete 85th Anniversary tour
Exploring the Rethymno Battlefield and Beyond 15-25 May 2026
An expert-guided tour joining the official 85th anniversary of the Battle of Crete commemorations plus Rethymno Battlefield Tour and curated excursions to key Anzac sites.
Beyond The Battlefield
This tour has been specially curated for Australian Battle of Crete veterans’ families wishing to honour their relative’s service, particularly those who took part in the battle for Rethymno. But this tour is not only a solemn remembrance honouring their duty and sacrifice, it is a celebration of their lives and the bonds they forged with the Cretans themselves. With its rich culture, wonderful cuisine and stunning landscapes, our tour is also a celebration of Crete, its people and traditions.
Gallery
Our TOUR
After three nights in Athens we begin our
tour in Crete on Monday 18 May with a
welcome dinner in Rethymno’s beautful
Old Town. The next morning we begin
our pilgrimage, visiting the key locations
of Australian actions during the battle
for Rethymno.
Day 6 sees the first of
our excursions - following the route of
the Allied evacuation of Crete which saw
12,000 troops taken off the island. Also Spili and the village of Labini where
many Anzac troops were given refuge.
On Day 7 we visit Preveli Monastery which protected scores of Australian soldiers on-the-run after the Allied surrender before they were evacuated by submarine.
On Day 8 the main commemorative
ceremonies hosted by the Cretan
authorities begin, with events in Perivolia
(Rethymno) and at 42nd Street near
Chania.
On Day 9 the official Stavromenos and Rethymno Hellenic Australian commemoration ceremonies take place hosted by the Mayor of Rethymno. We also visit the nearby towns where commemorations take place, plus the major Allied remembrance ceremony at Suda Bay War Cemetery.
Our tour concludes the next morning with attendance as guests of honour at the Rethymno Police Academy and in the evening with a farewell dinner.
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