8 days biking, hiking, sea kayaking Crete, Greece

8 days biking, hiking, sea kayaking Crete

Level of difficulty

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-Spilia

Arrival at the airport of Chania where the group is met by their guide. Drive to the city of Chania, where we spend some time in the old town. Transfer to the village of Spilia.
Tonight you will be introduced to Cretan Diet.

Day 2: Spilia-Falasarna (Mountain Bike)

Spilia-Falasarna (Total 37 km, 4 km uphill, difficulty 3)
Falasarna an ancient naval town, still preserved are its walls, foundations of houses, tombs and a stone throne probably dedicated to Poseidon. An ideal place for swimming.

Day 3: Falasarna-Hrysoskalitisa (Mountain Bike)

Falasarna-Hrysoskalitisa (Total 45 km, 17 km uphill, difficulty 3)
Tonight we stay in a old monastery built on top of a rock 35 m high.

Day 4: Hrysoskalitisa-Paleochora (Mountain Bike)

Hrysoskalitisa-Paleochora (Total 44 km, 7 km uphill, difficulty 3)
A beautiful city built right next to the Lybian sea with gorgeous beaches. A town fully developed to accommodate all your need for a night out…

Day 5: Paleochora-Sougia (Sea kayak)

We leave Paleochora and paddle our kayaks to Sougia. On the way there we will spend some time looking at the remains of the ancient site of Lissos.

Day 6: Sougia-Omalos (Hike)

We leave Sougia and the sea to walk up the Agia Irini Gorge. The path is good and the scenery beautiful, quite different from that of the previous days. We arrive at the top of the gorge (600 m) for lunch. Afterwards, the minibus brings us to Omalos in the White Mountains, where we will spend the night. (4 hours’ hiking)

Day 7: Omalos-Samaria-Agia Roumeli (Hike)

The first part of the walk at Xyloskalo is the steepest, but the path is very well constructed; soon (after 1 hour) we reach the bottom of the gorge and follow the river-bed. We can stop to eat our packed lunch by the river. After 6 hours of walking, we reach the village of Agia Roumeli. There is plenty of time for swimming or just resting on the beach. Later in the afternoon we catch the ferry to Sfakia. Our mini bus brings us back to Chania.

Day 8:

A last opportunity to explore the city of Chania. 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 kayak equipment (single or double kayak, life vest, paddle) 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. Optional bike rental.

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 : We travel by our own mini-bus, which leaves us to walk and continues, with our baggage, to the next place where we will stay for the night.

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 : Hike (2) , Kayak (2) , Bike (3)
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
Sandal for the kayak
Waterproof wind jacket
Polar fleece
Water bottle
Hat
Sun cream
Sun glasses
Swimming suit

Check for Prices

Persons & Prices

€ 820 per person for a group size of 4 - 16 persons
Single Supplement € 80
Optional Bike rental : 100,00 €

Check for Availability

Dates	Availability
April 05 - April 12
April 12 - April 19
April 19 - April 26
April 26 - May 03
May 03 - May 10
May 10 - May 17
May 17 - May 24
May 24 - May 31
August 30 - September 06
September 06 - September 13
September 13 - September 20
September 20 - September 27
October 04 - October 11
October 11 - October 18

Available

Limited

Full

Closed