As the central island in the eastern Mediterranean, Crete is unique in terms of fauna (a paradise for bird watchers) and flora ("flowers of Crete" – a miracle in spring time!). Although it is the biggest Greek Island, stretching 260 km from east to west, with mountains that tower to 2400-2600 meters and the longest gorge in Europe, Crete is very narrow. You can stand at heady heights and see the Mediterranean in both directions. From turquoise bays and beautiful beaches that enjoy 340 days of sunshine a year, you will ride deep into the land: Here, 1000 years before the classical Hellenistic tradition evolved, the famous Minoan culture built astonishing palaces, developed a commercial empire, and established the oldest known alphabet.
They developed such profound arts and skills that the Iraklion Museum of Archeology is considered one of the most important in Europe. Since the, conquerors of many ilks have wanted to exploit the island and use its key-point location for their purposes. Dorians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Veniceans, Turks and lately British and Germans have all fought for a stronghold here. Most have left traces in the landscape, the dominant ones being architects from Venice. The proud people of Crete fought against them all, knowing they had little chance of victory, or even of survival. The remote villages in the mountains present music, legends, and traditions that are strongly related to heroic events from the past.
Come to cycle through these enchanted villages, to challenge the gorges and the mountains, or to relax with an unbelievable view from a mountain to the sea. Come to taste typical Cretan cuisine, to smell the heady fragrance of endless carpets of flowers in the meadows, to explore the incredible wall paintings in palaces that did not lose their royal impression through the passing of 3600 years; to adore the Griffon soaring over your head - and yes – to swim in the deep, crystal clear water of the Mediterranean. This is a life-time experience – a phenomenal combination of vacation and adventure.
Route notes: Please note that we have made improvements to this trip since it was first advertised. There is an additional day, and “Day 0” has become an option, at a minimal extra cost. Most of the route is paved, but there are some short gravel stretches. There are hills, and “rewards”. Relaxed riders are assisted with van support on longer climbs.
2008 Groups: Apr27-May4; Oct 11-18. Custom groups any time.
Tour starts: Hania.5 pm. Transfer from Iraklion at 2 pm $75. Finish: Iraklion 4 pm. Day 7.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Pickup in Iraklion (a.k.a. Heraklio or Heraklion) early afternoon for transfer to Hania (a.k.a. Chania), or meet in Hania at 5pm. Lodging: Kalives Beach, Hania. Includes: (D)
Special points:
- The old city of Chania by night;
- Meeting everyone for an opening dinner before beginning cycling
Day 2: 58 km Kalamy or Kalives (near Hania) to Hora Sfakion, crossing western Crete from the Aegean coast in the north to the Libyan Sea in the south, the first 15 relaxed flat and lightly rolling, followed by a steep 17km climb to 700 m. in Askifou. Cycle the level valley of Askifou for 10 km, then climb slightly before enjoying 12 km of uninterrupted descent all the way down to sea level. Includes: (B, L, D). Lunch - in a tavern at Askifou, Petres or Goni. Lodging: The Iligas Hotel in Chora Sfakion.
Special points:
- The tremendous differences of style of living between coastal region and mountains, north and south, rural and urban settlements
- The mountainous valley of Askifou
- The Impros gorge (Cycling of an hour along the edge or hiking for 2 hours inside the ravine)
- The view of the wild drop of the “Lefka Ori” mountains into the southern coast
Day 3: Hora Sfakion to Moni Preveli, along the savage southern coastline. 73 km, curving along the coast-line, with ups and downs. The major ascents - from Argules (50 A.S.L) to Ano Rodakino (200 A.S.L) - 3km, the Kastri mountain (250 meters on 3km) the Koutzifou - (a wild ascent of 300 meters vertical on 2km). Includes: (B, L, D). Lunch – in the traditional village of Rodakino. Lodging: The Plakias bay hotel, Plakias, Monolia Apartments and Studio.
Special points:
- The unbelievable views of the sea from every hill, every bay, every cape
- The Venetian fortress of Frangokostelo
- The ancient chapels and churches along the way, specially at Vouvas, Nomikiana and Argules
- The bridge between Ano Rodakino and Kato Rodakino
- The cycling through the gorges of Koutzifou (uphill..) and Kourtaliotiko (downhill)
- The story of the monastery Moni Preveli
- The outlet of the Kissanos creek and the Megalopotamos at the Palm Beach.
Day 4: 25 minute transfer to Spili. 42 km. An easy ride From Spili to Sivas down to the Messara valley, followed by some hill riding. Between Spili (400m) and Kissou-Kambos (450m), there is 5 km of moderate uphill to the village of Akoumia, then a great descent to the Akoumianos river valley and a shallow climb to the village of Nea Kria Vrisi (450m). There follows an extraordinary 11km ride between two mountains - all the way down to the marina of Agia Galini. East of here – you will ascend to Agia Paraskevi then descend back to the coast at Timpaki. Then it’s a flat coastal ride until you climb to lunch at Kamillary and your inn in Sivas. Includes: (B, L, D). Lodging: Shivas Village Hotel, Sivas.
Special points:
- The Middle-ages “Lions –Fountain” in Spili
- The mountain road from Spili to Agia Galini
- The picturesque town of Agia Galini
- The villages of Kamillary and Sivas
Day 5: Relaxing round Shivas. Shivas Hotel is located on a hill 10 minutes ride from the sea, 15 minutes ride from Festoes (one of the most important Minoan Palaces in Crete and the site of the discovery of the "Festos Disk"), 20 minutes away from Gortyn (the roman-time capital of Crete, and the site of the famous "Gortyn-Laws" Odeon where a full size detailed Law Codex of 2600 years ago is presented), 20 minutes away from Vori (where a fantastic ethnographic museum is located) - and 25 km north of the Lybian Sea resort of Kalai Limanes. A variety of self-guided options are available from here, and depending on your choice, we shall supply the literature, maps, and transportation. Includes: (B, L, D). Lunch: your option. Lodging: Same as last night.
Suggested options:
- A visit to Festoes and Gortyn. (an hour for each)
- A visit to the museum of Vori (2-3 hours including the ride)
- Checking Matala’s beach reputation as the best in Crete (10 minutes to all day long…)
- Self guided cycling to Kalay Limanes (25 km of an enchanting rural cycling)
- Lazing out near the swimming pool of the hotel
Day 6: Cross Crete to the north again, 54 km, from Agii Deka to Archanes, starting with relaxed 9 km along the Messara Valley (100m.), then a gradual 28 km climb through Loures, Atsipdes, Ano Akria, Mades, and Metaxochory, to cross the continental divide. This ride becomes very challenging, and the peak at Choudessy is 528m ASL. Includes: (B, L, D). Lunch – a picnic near the Epanossifi monastery. Lodging: Villa Archanes.
Special points:
- The villages in the remote mountains
- The Venetian castle at Kastelli
- The isolated monastery of Moni Epanossify
- The village of Archanes (This village has been granted with a very important European prize for preserving traditional architecture)
Day 7: Following Zorba the Greek. 60 km round-trip ride in the hilly district of wine, raisins, vines, vineyards and…the birthplace of the famous Nikos Kazantzakis. Apart from the descent to Agia Irini (9 wonderful km) and the climb from Scalani to Mirtia (8 km of a moderate but enduring ascent) – this is a moderately rolling ride between 300 and 450m ASL. Includes: (B, L). Lunch: One of the vineyards, or in the Sampas Taverna. Lodging: Same as last night.
Special points:
- The ride downstream along the Sillamianos brook – a plethora of sights and smells!
- The Nikos Kazantzakis museum at Mirthos
- The wall paintings in the Byzantine churches of Agia Marina
- Vines, vineyards, wine cellars
This is a day that allows independent trips to Knossos (The most important archeological site in Crete, perhaps in the entire Greek world) which is 10 minutes away from Archanes. Since we spend 2 nights in Archanes, which is located 20 minutes bus ride from Iraklion, and at the foot of the legendary Yuchtas Mountain – an independent diversion to see the Iraklion’s famous museums or market is also possible. The fit adventurers might replace cycling with climbing the Yuchtas, while others would prefer the Villa’s swimming-pool or the village’s cafes or Iraklion’s shopping areas.
Day 8: Transfer from Lasithy Plateau to the unique and beautiful valley of Agios Nickolaos, then an easy ride round the valley and out of mountains eastward towards the enchanted capital of eastern Crete. 54 km, the first 23 inside the Lasithi Plateau (850m), then a sharp climb out of the valley to 1000m, followed by a wonderful 28km descent to the marina of Agios Nickolaos. At day’s end we will transfer you to the hotel of your choice, in Agios Nickolaus or Iraklion, or the airport in Iraklion. Includes: (B). Lunch – at one of the village restaurants in Agios Konstandinos.
Special points:
- The unique plateau of Lasithi with its peculiar windmills
- The Dicteon cave
- The unique descend to the coastal plain
- The Town of Agios Nikolaos
Testimonials:
"Everyone said… the biking was the best they ever had - Ever!"
(Cheryl B., CA)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
- Guided Cost: $3795 price per double room (7 nights, 7 breakfasts, light picnic lunches on most days, 6 dinners, guide and van support, maps/route notes, luggage handling, taxes)
- Self-Guided Cost: Not currently available. Contact us to discuss options
- Bike Rental: Light hybrid/mountain C$ 220
Custom groups or self-guided departures any time. All details are subject to change.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Greece
Hiking & Trekking
Bicycle Touring
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