Exploring Crete
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an 8-day journey through the heart of Crete, a land of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and local charm. From the bustling town with its old quarter and harbours to the serene Omalos Plateau nestled in the White Mountains, every day brings a new adventure. Traverse the breathtaking Samaria Gorge, explore the deserted village of Aradaina, and unwind on the pebbly beaches of Agia Roumeli. With comfortable accommodation, traditional cuisine, and a range of activities, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.
Included
7 breakfasts, 3 dinners
vegetarian, vegan, kosher, meat
7 nights accommodation in small hotels and guesthouses on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
Luggage transfer (except to/from Agia Roumeli where you spend nights 4 and 5)
The standard of accommodation on Crete, as in other parts of Greece, has improved radically in recent years, and we can now normally guarantee modern accommodation with fully en-suite facilities throughout this tour. The hotels described are our usual choice of accommodation, however if these are not available then alternatives are used and if these are of a different standard you will be informed at the time of booking. Baths/showers: Many rooms with ensuite/private facilities have a shower rather than a bath, usually because of limited space. Some hotels/guesthouses may however have a separate room in the house where a bath is available to guests.
Information pack
Emergency hotline
GPX files of the walks will be emailed to you
Destinations
ChaniaDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival and Exploration
- Chania - Arrival day
- More
Upon arrival at the airport, you'll make your way to our centrally located hotel. Spend the afternoon and evening exploring the town, with its old quarter, two harbours, museum, and market. You can even take a dip at the town beach. Your accommodation is a modern 2-star hotel, conveniently located near the Venetian harbour and the famous covered market.
Day 2 – Day 2: Chania to Omalos
- Chania
- More
Spend the morning in Chania before a late morning taxi transfer to the beautiful Omalos Plateau in the heart of the White Mountains. After lunch at your hotel, you can explore the plateau or walk up to the Kallergi Mountain Hut to enjoy a cool drink and admire the magnificent view. Your accommodation for the night is a friendly 2-star lodge-style hotel.
Day 3 – Day 3: Omalos Exploration
Day 3: Omalos Exploration
After an early breakfast, you'll be transferred to the head of the Samaria Gorge. From here, you'll climb among scattered cypress and thorny maple trees to the refreshing Linoselli Spring. The last part of the ascent to the summit of Mt. Gingilos involves some scrambling, but the Linoselli saddle provides an enjoyable walk with spectacular views in all directions. You'll return to the hotel by the same route.
Day 4 – Day 4: Omalos to Agia Roumeli
Day 4: Omalos to Agia Roumeli
Today, you'll pack minimum requirements for two nights and leave your main luggage at Omalos. You'll then start your walk down the full length of the Samaria Gorge, one of the finest in Europe. On the way down, you'll pass the chapel of Ay. Nikolaos and the old deserted village of Samaria. You'll emerge finally at the village of Agia Roumeli where you can swim in the Libyan sea. Your accommodation for the night is a small modern 2-star hotel, just behind the long beach of pebbly sand.
Day 5 – Day 5: Agia Roumeli to Loutro
Day 5: Agia Roumeli to Loutro
Today's journey is a magnificent coastal walk, at first along the pebbly beach, then above low cliffs through fragrant woodland of Calabrian pine. You'll visit the little church of Aghios Pavlos, then continue along the cliffs to Loutro, from where you catch the afternoon boat back to Agia Roumeli. Remember to pack your towel and swimming costumes.
Day 6 – Day 6: Agia Roumeli to Anopolis
Day 6: Agia Roumeli to Anopolis
After an early start, you'll walk along the shore eastwards before turning inland to climb the coastal escarpment, via the dramatic Sellouda mule track. After a break, you'll continue on to the almost deserted village of Aradaina. You'll reach Anopolis by mid afternoon. Your accommodation for the night is a 2-star guesthouse overlooking the village square of Anopolis.
Day 7 – Day 7: Anopolis to Chora Sfakion
Day 7: Anopolis to Chora Sfakion
Today, you have two options. You can either traverse the Imbros Gorge, perhaps the next-best known gorge in Crete after Samaria, or you can return to the coast by walking down to Loutro. Either way, you'll end the day in Chora Sfakion, the principal port of this rugged area of Crete. Your accommodation for the night is a 3-star hotel close to the sea front.
Day 8 – Day 8: Departure
- Chania - Departure day
- More
Your arrangements end after breakfast. You'll catch the morning bus to Chania for your onward journey. We hope you enjoyed your time in Crete and look forward to welcoming you back in the future.
Similar tours
Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place
Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.