An island where the Minoan civilization existed 4000+ years ago. Come and join us for an 8 day tour where by walking all those villages and towns, you will be introduced to the culture and history of Crete. On the way we will stop for swimming in beautiful places, stay overnight in graceful hotels or family pensions; watch beautiful sunsets, taste local specialties and more.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Chania. Upon your arrival at Chania port or airport and after our greetings, we transfer to the beautiful city of Chania, where we will spend time in the old town (near the harbour) build by the Venetians in 1252. Some time later and after lunch, we drive to our hotel in Omalos village, 40 km from Chania. Omalos (altitude 1050 m) is a small village built in a plateau of irregular shape and surrounded by steep mountains.
Day 2: Climb Mt.Gigilos. Gigilos is a fearsome rock of 2080 m height where goddess Gea hid her son Zeus from his father Cronos (he used to eat his newborn male children). Today we will walk the last 900 m of mount Gigilos located at the beginning of Samaria gorge. For the last 300 m of climbing we will have to use both of our hands and feet. Also if the wind is too strong we will stop at 1780 m. Total walking time 4+ hours.
Day 3: Cross Samaria Gorge. If there was only one place to walk on, when in Crete, that would be the gorge of SAMARIA. The longest and one of the most beautiful gorges in Europe. A place of unfound beauty that will reward your innermost expectations. A strenuous 17 km walk that will take us from an altitude of 1250 m all the way down to the costal town of Agia Roumeli (ancient Tara) for a swim in the Libyan sea. Total walking time 6 hr.
Day 4: South coast walk. Imagine walking on a path next to the Libyan sea that people (goats too) walk for the last 4000 years. Making a stop in Agios Pavlos where Nikiforos Fokas (Byzantine emperor) built a chapel 1100 years ago. Swimming in Marmara beach with its crystal clear waters and spend the night in the post card village named Loutro. Total walking time 6 hr.
Day 5: Aradena Gorge. After breakfast we leave Loutro and walk to the village of Livaniana (altitude 350 m). From there we decent to the middle of Aradena gorge. A beautiful and wild ravine with towering walls filled with oleander that will take us again to Marmara for a swim and a good lunch. From there we either walk back to Loutro or if you want you can take a small boat back (3 euros). Total walking time 2:30-3 hr.
Day 6: Imbros Gorge. We take the boat from Loutro to the town of Sfakia (20 minutes). From there we transfer to the exit of Imbros gorge. The trail, once an old supply route, will take us to Imbros village (altitude 780 m) for a nice lunch. Total walking time 2:30 hr. From there we will be transfered to our hotel in Stavros (in Acrotiri peninsula 13 km from Chania). If you think paradise is too far think again, because that is the name of our hotel in Stavros. A complex of 7 beautiful air-conditioned apartments with a swimming pool. Each apartment has two twin bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen, refrigerator and veranda. The refrigerator will be full of seasonal fruits and wine, an offer from our hosts Christina and Costas.
Day 7: Historical site of Chania. Today we pay a visit to the history of Crete. Firstly, we visit the monastery of Agia Triada (5 km from Stavros) built by the monks Jagarolo brothers in the year 1635. Secondly, we drive to the fortress like monastery of Gouverneto built just before Agia Triada. From Gouverneto we enjoy a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains and the Cretan archipelagos.
After viewing the monastery, 140 steps will take us down to Catholikon, probably the oldest monastery of Crete where saint John the hermit lived and died. Afterwards we walk back to Gouverneto to be transferred for swimming and lunch to Marathi beach (15 km away). After Marathi we will drive back to our hotel, for a preparation of a wonderful farewell dinner, offered from us to you, to thank you for visiting us.
Day 8: Sadly, today we say good bye. We transfer to the airport or port of Chania.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Prices:
- € 593 for 15-20 persons
- € 646 for 11-14 persons
- € 730 for 6-10 persons
- € 932 for 4-6 persons
- Single Supplement € 70
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Greece
Hiking & Trekking
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