Active Holidays in Greece
"We saw you in Chania in early May"
by Jeff & Pam Mc Donald

I wanted to thank you for your advice to go via the Irini Gorge from Sougia, and then the Samaria Gorge to Agia Roumelli. This was very pretty and easy walking. We particularly liked the old path from Agia Irini across the mountains to Omalos.     
"It was great meeting you!"
by Mark Ackelson

It was great meeting you! Susan and I would like to thank you for the wonderful trip (despite her injury). We especially liked the personal attention we received and the fact that our guide, knew everyone! The program was ideal - but challenging - just what we were looking for. The hotels were good (some were great!) and the food was always good and exceeded our expectations. We learned so much about your beautiful area and hope to return again someday.
"One of the best trips of my life"
by Randi

I just wanted to drop a line because my mother and I just returned from Crete yesterday. It was one of the best trips of my life! Our local guide, was unbelievably fantastic. We had a great group and the whole trip was phenomenal. The best part, though, was the connection that our guide had to the local people everywhere we went and the locals were some of the kindest, most interesting people I 've ever met. This allowed our entire group to really, truly experience how Cretans live. Thanks for a wonderful time!!!   
Skydive Crete in cooperation with Skydivecrete.gr
8 days trekking Crete
Level of difficulty
2
CRETE

• The 5th largest island in the Mediterranean
• Surface area of 8,700 sq km
• 250 km long
• 56 km in width in the west to to only 12 km in the east
• 100 kms from the European mainland (Peloponnese) 300 km from the North African coast
• About 200 kms from the coast of Asia Minor.

With such vital statistics, Crete is more than an island it is nothing less than a little continent. 
Discover mysterious caves and traces of the ancient Minoans whose civilization was the earliest of its kind in the eastern Mediterranean. Wander through stately Roman remains amidst olive groves. Pause in the shade of little, frescoed Byzantine churches hidden among swathes of wild flowers, including spectacular orchids of which a number are very rare and endemic to the island. From Samaria Gorge National Park with its unique and amazing geology, to historic coastal cities where the architectural monuments recall Venetian and Turkish conquerors, - Crete has it all!
By day - action and adventure along hiking routes through this stunning landscape.
When the sun goes down, relax by the sea whose colour ranges from turquoise to ‘wine-dark’ as described by Homer. Explore the mosaic of music and dance that has been a part of Cretan tradition since time out of mind!
Sample delicious dishes that make up the phenomenal Cretan Diet, hailed by scientists as a possible key to longevity.
Crete is a land of colours and contrasts, always different, always changing. Every day brings new experiences and lasting impressions.

Day 1: Chania

Arrival at Chania airport; the group is met by their guide. Transfer to the hotel.

Day 2: Chania - Paleochora 

Lunch in the old harbour. Later in the afternoon, we take the minibus to Paleochora on the south-west coast of Crete. Our hotel is close to a sandy beach, and there is plenty of time for our first swim in the Libyan Sea.

Day 3: Paleochora - Sougia 

We leave Paleochora and walk along the coast to Sougia. The path ascends and descends, until we reach the ancient site of Lissos where we can spend some time looking at the ruins. It will take us one more hour to reach Souyia where, as before, we will end our day by the sea. (5-6 hours)

Day 4: Sougia - Agia Irini - Omalos 

We leave Sougia and the sea and walk up through the Agia Irini Gorge along a well-made path. The scenery is beautiful and quite different from that of the previous days. At the top of the gorge (600 m) we will stop for lunch, and afterwards take the minibus to Omalos, in the White Mountains. (4 hours)

Day 5: Samaria Gorge

Samaria Gorge: We begin at Xyloskalo (1200 m)like the day before.Today we take a downward path. The first part of the walk is the steepest, but the trail well maintained and soon (after 1 hour) we reach the bottom of the gorge and begin to follow the river-bed. We can have our packed lunch by the river if we like. After a 6 hour walk, we arrive at the village of Agia Roumeli, our destination for the night. There is plenty of time for swimming or resting on the beach. (5-6 hours)

Day 6: Loutro - loop

Our route today both begins and ends at Loutro. At first, we walk through old terraced fields to the hamlet of Livaniana, at about 320 metres above sea-level; the view is fantastic. Then we begin the descent into the Aradena Gorge, and after reaching its bottom follow a dry river-bed. We will stop for lunch at Marmara beach; we can spend more time there, because afterwards it is only a 1-hour walk to Loutro. (3 hours)

Day 7: Loutro - Sfakia 

Today we take the impressive-looking path that climbs above Loutro to Sfakia; it is actually not as steep as it looks. We will stop at the Sweet Water beach to swim and then walk to Sfakia, an old village against the backdrop of the tall peaks of the White Mountains. From there, the minibus will bring us to Chania. (3 hours)

Day 8:

Transfer to the airport for the flight home.  

TRIP DETAILS

Price Includes : All accommodations, all meals from dinner on day 1 through breakfast on day 8, all picnic lunches, group transfers from and to the airport, all transportations throughout the trip, luggage transportations, services of the tour leader - guide, entrance fees in the National Park (Samaria gorge) and Agia Irini gorge, all taxes and VAT.

Not Included : Air fare to and from Crete, personal travel-health insurance, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, personal expenses, entrance fees in Museums, and other sites of interest that are not included in the program.

Insurance : Participants should be covered by their own personal travel-health insurance and prior to the trip. The personal insurance must at least cover medical expenses as well as air rescue and the cost of repatriation.

Alpine Travel is not responsible for any accidents or mishaps directly or indirectly related to the tour.
(See Terms & Conditions)

Period : From April to October 2010. 

Transportation : All transfers during the trip are included.

Accommodation : Hotels in the cities, village pensions throughout the trip (all with private facilities).
The trip prices are based on double occupancy.

Food : Every morning we have breakfast in the hotels, picnic lunch en route and a dinner at local tavern. (Vegetarians are welcome on the trips)

Group Size : 4-16 participants.

Difficulty Level : (2)
The hikes offer a moderate trek with a maximum of 5-6 hours walk on rocky terrain. Participants should be in good physical condition with a little of experience.

Equipment :
Daypack (approx. 15-20 l)
Trekking shoes
Waterproof wind jacket
Polar fleece
Water bottle
Hat
Sun cream
Sun glasses
Swimming suit                            

Check for Prices

Persons & Prices
  • € 770 per person for a group size of 4 - 16 persons
  • Single Supplement € 80
       

Check for Availability

DatesAvailability 
April 05 - April 12Closed 
April 12 - April 19Closed 
April 19 - April 26Closed 
April 26 - May 03Closed 
May 03 - May 10Closed 
May 10 - May 17Closed 
May 17 - May 24Closed 
May 24 - May 31Closed 
August 30 - September 06Closed 
September 06 - September 13Closed 
September 13 - September 20Closed 
September 20 - September 27Closed 
September 27 - October 04Available
October 04 - October 11Available
AvailableAvailableLimitedLimitedFullFullClosedClosed 



See also :

8 days trekking Crete | 8 days trekking Crete & Santorini | 8 days trekking Mt. Pelion & Olympus | 8 days trekking Meteora & Olympus | 8 days trekking Corfu, the island of Phaeacians | 8 days trekking Zagoria Villages | 15 days trekking Crete | 15 days trekking Cyclades Andros & Tinos | 15 days trekking Cyclades Naxos & Amorgos