Exploring Crete on Foot

BM-39911

5.0Based on

8 days

“

We had a terrific time. The walks were challenging and very beautiful. We loved the goats in Crete and the amazing landscapes.

Anonymous | Traveled in October

5 - Excellent

Carbon neutral

8 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants

12 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Starts

Ends

Chania, Greece

Greece

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Highlights

Hike the peaks and gorges of Crete’s Lefka Ori, the White Mountains

Discover Chania’s lively harbour, bustling market, and Venetian old town

Explore Samaria Gorge National Park and the historic Imbros Gorge trail

Walk through olive groves, pine forests, and rare wildflowers

Spot griffon vultures, lammergeiers, and species of migrant birds

Experience authentic culture, ancient ruins and warm village hospitality

Itinerary

Discover Crete, the largest of the Greek Islands, on foot. Rich in natural splendour, and in countless reminders of its ancient and turbulent past, Crete affords an inexhaustible source of vivid impressions. Our introduction to western Crete is Chania, with its busy and colourful market and lively waterfront. Inland, where the Levka Ori (White Mountains) rise to over 2400m/8000ft, the high ground is riven by a series of deep gorges leading down to the south coast. The Samaria gorge is now a National Forest Park, while the Imbros Gorge was at one time a main route for pack animals across the island. As you hike through this largest of all Greek islands, there are orange and olive groves, forests of cypress, pine and evergreen oak - and a profusion of wild flowers, some of them found only in Crete, for the island is host to more plant species than are found in the whole of the British Isles. This wealth of flowers and herbs sustains a large insect and butterfly population, which, in part, explains the popularity of Crete with migrant birds. Some 250 different species of migrant birds have been identified in Crete. In the high mountains griffon vultures and even lammergeiers may be observed as well as other birds of prey. You also pass the scattered ruins of former civilisations and occupations, including Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Turkish. However to see remains of the earlier Minoan civilisation you will need to spend longer on Crete. Cretan life reflects its natural surroundings. In the foothill villages, where life is simple and very close to nature, you will meet a proud people, devoted to their customs and traditions, and genuinely generous in their hospitality.

day 1Arrive Chania

From the airport make your own way by bus or taxi to our centrally located hotel. Enjoy the afternoon and evening exploring the town, with its old quarter, two harbours, museum, market, and waterfront. It is possible to swim off the town beach to the west of the promenade. There is a wide choice of places to dine on the waterfront and elsewhere in the old town.
Accommodation: Your modern 2-star hotel is within a short walk of the Venetian harbour, 50m. from the bus station and famous covered market. The bright rooms are equipped with ensuite facilities, balcony, telephone and T.V. For your first evening meal there are plenty of places to choose from by the old harbour with its Venetian lighthouse.

day 2Chania to Omalos

day 3Circular walk Omalos, 12.7km / 7.9 miles, 5.5 hours

day 4Omalos to Agia Roumeli - 15 km / 9.1 miles - 6 hours

day 5Agia Roumeli to Loutro (return by boat) - 14.4 km / 9 miles - 5 hours

day 6Agia Roumeli to Anopolis 16.2 km / 10.1 miles, 7 hours

day 7Anopolis to Chora Sfakion (Various Options up to 16.8 km / 10.5 miles)

day 8Arrangements end after breakfast

What's Included

Accommodation

7 nights accommodation in small hotels and guesthouses on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities

Meals

7 breakfasts, 3 dinners

Others

Luggage transfer (except to/from Agia Roumeli where you spend nights 4 and 5)Digital information pack including navigational appEmergency hotlineGPX files on request

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

4.5

based on 2 reviews

Availability

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Good to Know

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Visa

Other Practical Information

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