Greek Islands magic retreat - Vanishing Inc. Magic shop
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25th - 30th May 2026
Ancient ruins of the Palace of Knossos in Crete, Greece
View of historic Spinalonga Island fortress with turquoise waters
Interior of Heraklion Archaeological Museum with ancient Minoan artifacts
Jeep safari excursion through Cretan countryside and mountains

Trip Highlights You'll Love

Palace of Knossos

You've heard of Theseus? The Minotaur? These icons of Greek Mythology were set here, alongside the Minoans, the real people who populated Greece before Greece was Greece. This remarkable settlement is responsible for spreading the earliest kernels of art and culture throughout the Mediterranean, in their trade routes with Cyprus, Egypt, and even the Orient. The ruins that remain are vibrant and fascinating, and they leave mysterious clues to how their advanced culture flourished.

Spinalonga Island

We'll leave Crete by boat to explore another enchanted island–and it's hard to believe this place was once a leper colony. It also functioned as a Venetian Fortress, but now it's known primarily for its picturesque views and picture-perfect turquoise waters.

Heraklion Museum

At The Retreat it's important that we not only see unforgettable places, but that we understand them in context. This museum is the connective tissue of all the adventures you'll be on, and it will help you grasp how it all comes together. View stunning sculptures and artifacts found on Crete dating back to antiquity.

Where Tradition Meets Taste

The Retreat is about being pampered, and our itinerary includes not only culinary gems but also the underground, lesser-known, locally-run-for-a-century mom-and-pop places that won't appear in guidebooks. Cretans consider themselves Cretans first and Greeks second.

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Introducing Your Master Magicians

We offer something no other convention offers: access. You get to see two master magicians perform, then lecture…and then you get to spend a week enjoying Crete with them! You'll share meals, boat rides, and village visits with our guest performers and gain a true understanding of their unique approach to the craft.

Ondrej Psenicka
Hails from the Czech Republic, and he is a master of theatrical card magic. From the standpoint of method, he has pioneered a fascinating way to perform card magic, a kind of "unifying theory" that you can use to improve all the card magic you already do. Ondrej will perform a show for you and your guest. Then the guests and partners are excused…and he will tip all the serious work on his most interesting material.

Richard Wiseman
Is a world-renowned author, lecturer, and magician. A sought-after speaker for companies like Google and Amazon, Wiseman's university position is "Professor of Public Understanding," and he is known for debunking unusual scams and quirks from our everyday lives. Wiseman will perform and lecture for us and present a talk on the psychology of magic that magicians and partners will find equally fascinating.

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Professional headshot of card magician Ondrej Psenicka from Czech Republic
Professional headshot of author and magician Richard Wiseman
Authentic Greek meze spread with olives, feta, and Mediterranean dishes
Fresh Greek seafood and local cuisine served with traditional garnishes

The Culinary Delights of Greece

Greece is the center of the world-famous "Mediterranean Diet," widely regarded as one of the healthiest and tastiest on Earth.

With an emphasis on freshly-prepared fish, healthy fats, locally-produced olive oil, and an abundance of fresh-out-of-the-ground vegetables, you will experience a variety of meals that emphasize Greek food and, specifically, preparations unique to the island of Crete.

Expect more than just good food in Greece - this is a culinary adventure.

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Optional Add-On: Picture-Perfect Santorini (30 May - 2 June)

This year, we're offering a very special add-on that serves as the perfect complement to our adventure in Crete. Our Crete adventure will be unlike anything you've done before, even if you've been to Greece–Crete is a unique place, even among the many other Greek islands.

Our add-on will give you the full, luxurious experience of the most sought-after island in the region, Santorini. When you think of white domes and blue roofs that fade into the turquoise sky, this is the place you think of. This quaint, exclusive village is the fullest expression of both Greek luxury and culture. And we'll be staying in one of Santorini's top 5-star hotels, the Volcano View. Your room hugs the cliffside, and the balcony has, perhaps, the best views on the island.

The food in Santorini is world-renowned, and crucially, it is quite different from the food we'll enjoy on Crete. And, did we mention the shopping? The shops that line the sloping streets of Santorini are a mix of couture fashion and artisanal, handmade goods prepared by locals. This is your best opportunity to obtain artwork, clothing, and pottery to display in your home, to forever remind you of The Retreat: Greek Islands.

But our Santorini add-on is more than a chance to decompress by the stunning horizon pool and enjoy this fairytale city. We also have an itinerary lined up that is quite simply…amazing. We'll travel to the cities of Oia and Fira for more beautiful, cliffside vistas, where the views and photo opportunities are unmatched. We'll go on a wine-tasting and olive-oil experience, and experience meals away from the bustle of the other tourists, choosing instead to watch the sun set in a village that time…forgot.

Panoramic view of Santorini with white buildings and blue domes against the Aegean Sea
Stunning Santorini sunset over the caldera with traditional architecture
Classic Santorini white-washed buildings with blue domes overlooking the sea

Limited spots available:
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Our Accommodation

The Five Star Intercontinental Crete

Our home base will be the luxurious, brand-new Intercontinental Hotel, nestled along the pristine coastline of Crete. We'll spend our days exploring the rich culture, food, and history of one of the world's oldest outposts and our evenings learning magic from two of magic's brightest minds.

The Intercontinental Hotel offers a stunning and serene setting for The Retreat. With breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, world-class amenities, and elegantly designed rooms, it provides the perfect balance of modern comfort and sophistication. Whether you want to relax, connect, or be inspired, this stunning location sets the tone for an unforgettable Retreat.

The Volcano View (Santorini add-on)

For those joining the add-on, we’ll head to the iconic island of Santorini, where we’ll stay at the stunning Volcano View Hotel, perched high on the caldera cliffs. This luxurious retreat offers sweeping views of the Aegean Sea and the island’s legendary sunsets, making it one of the most breathtaking settings in the world. With elegant Cycladic architecture, serene infinity pools, and beautifully appointed rooms, it’s the perfect place to unwind and take in the magic of the island. Whether you're relaxing on your private balcony or soaking in the panoramic vistas, Volcano View provides an inspiring and unforgettable backdrop for the add-on experience.

Exterior view of the five-star Intercontinental Hotel Crete with oceanfront location Luxurious infinity pool at Intercontinental Crete with Aegean Sea views Volcano View Hotel Volcano View Hotel
Magic retreat participants enjoying a group activity in Tuscany Magicians sharing techniques during a previous Magic Retreat session Close-up magic being performed during a previous Magic Retreat event

Why The Retreat

What our guests love about the Retreat is the immersion we offer into a new culture without any of the planning headaches. From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, you won't have to think about any logistical issues. You just…enjoy.

We have gone to great lengths to offer you the best quality that Crete has to offer, cutting out anything inessential and adding in world-class magic programming. You will leave inspired, with new magic, and with a deep understanding of one of the world's oldest cultures.

Photos Provided

Everyone wishes they had a photographer on hand to catch the most memorable moments of your trip, but nobody likes the hassle of doing it. We'll have a photographer on hand for all the excursions and the magic events so that each of you leaves with a collection of professional-grade moments from your trip. There is, of course, no charge for this feature. It's included in your package.

What's Included in Your Package

Crete

  • Five Star Intercontinental Hotel: 5 nights of luxurious accommodation
  • Jeep Safari to Kritsa Village and beyond
  • Dikteon Cave exploration
  • Catamaran Sailing to Mirabello Bay & Kolokitha Beach
  • Spingalonga Island Tour
  • Palace of Knossos discovery
  • Heraklion Museum visit

Santorini (add-on)

  • Five Star Volcano View Hotel: 3 nights caldera view accommodation
  • Oia & Fira tours
  • Wine-tasting farm lunch
  • Crete to Santorini ferry

Also Included

  • Transportation to all attractions, events and tours
  • Airport transfers
  • Expert guides throughout our stay
  • Cultural magic immersion
  • Performances, lectures & shows
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner on most days
  • Exclusive Retreat gift set
  • Plus some very secret surprises

You are responsible for international flights to Crete, some meals or drinks not specified in the program, and gratuities for guides and drivers. All guests are required to have travel insurance.

*All itinerary elements are subject to change & may be substituted for other activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I arrive?
The Retreat starts the evening of 25 May, with guest departure on 30 May. The Santorini add-on is from 30 May, with guest departure on 2 June. We recommend guests arrive no later than 4 pm on 25 May. To help acclimatize - and reduce any jet lag - you may wish to arrive into Greece a day earlier on the 24 May. Email us for early arrival options. Heraklion International Airport "Nikos Kazantzakis" (HER) is Crete's primary international airport.

What is the booking policy?
You can choose to pay in full or in five easy instalments during the registration process. As The Retreats consistently sell-out - and to ensure the highest quality experience, we commit to bookings, reservations and service providers well in advance. As a result, registrations are non-refundable and travel insurance is a pre-requisite. Please ensure you have sufficient medical, cancellation and travel coverage for your trip.

Do you cater for solo travellers?
Yes! Whilst we absolutely encourage you to bring a partner or guest to experience The Retreat - we warmly welcome solo travellers. Many of our past guests have joined solo and left with lifelong memories-and friends! The Retreat is very much a family.

Limited spots available:
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