Polirinia day hike, West Crete, Greece

Polirinia day hike, West Crete

INTRODUCTION:

Ancient Polirinia is situated in the hills of Kissamos, just 7 km south of the town of Kastelli. The site overlooks a picturesque landscape which extends all the way down to the sea. This once powerful city was founded around the 6th century BC, on top of a hill protected by stone walls and deep gorges – a natural fortification. It had two harbours, one at Falasarna and the other at Kastelli. After the Roman invasion in 67 BC, Polirinia enjoyed a period of wealth; its walls were strengthened and the aqueduct built by Hadrian was the first man-made source of water for its inhabitants. The city lost its importance in the post-Roman period but was rebuilt after the Byzantines regained Crete in 961 AD.

Most of what is currently visible dates from the 2nd Byzantine and Venetian periods. Where a Greek temple once stood there is now the Church of the 99 Martyrs, constructed with slabs originating from the ancient city. Visitors can explore the ruins and marvel at the expertise of times long past that produced stone canals, reservoirs, walls, houses built into the rocks and graves hewn into the hillside.

DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF POLIRINIA!

ITINERARY:
09.00 - 9.30 We will pic k you up from your hotel for a one-hour drive to our destination.

10.30 The hike begins.
From the village of Sirikari, beside the hill from the top of which a tiny church overlooks the Polirinia Gorge, we descend a slightly steep slope covered with large stones. Our route then leads down the narrow path parallel to the stream that carves out the gorge. After a 40-minute walk we will have a short stop to rest in the shade, on the edge of the stream. A little while later we exit the gorge and follow a sandy path for the last short ascent of a hill before entering Polirinia village.

13.00 Lunch in a taverna, situated on a side of the path to ancient Polirinia, where we will sample the specialities of Cretan cuisine!

14.30 Having satisfied our palates and quenched our thirst we slowly head up the road to visit the ancient city of Polirinia. The gorge was certainly an example of the unique Cretan natural landscape, but now we also have an opportunity to explore a piece of the island’s rich history as we wander among the ruins. The panoramic view from the top of the hill is spectacular, and explains partly why the ancient city was built here.

16.30 Departure from Polirinia. On our way back we stop for a swim.

18.30 Arrival in Chania

TRIP DETAILS

Price Includes : Private transfer, lunch, the tour leader - guide, all taxes and VAT.

Not Included : Personal travel-health insurance, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, personal expenses, and fees for other sites of interest that not mentioned in the day trip descrption.

Insurance : Participants should be covered by their own personal travel-health insurance 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 : All through the year 2010.
Any date upon request.

Group Size : Minimum 4 participants.

Difficulty Level : (1)

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

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79,00 Euro per person, minimum 4 participants

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