Contrasts of Crete Walking
Contrasts of Crete Walking
Contrasts of Crete Walking
8 Days Starting and ending in Chania
Visiting: Greece
Tour operator:
Tour code:
W07GI
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
18-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
This self-guided walking holiday explores the most remote south-west corner of Crete. there are often no roads within miles and most of the local commuting is done by boat! You'll follow ancient paths and shepherd trails through gorges and along stoney coastal paths that meander above hidden coves, along virgin beaches and across pebbly promontories, often within metres of the appetisingly clear waters of the Mediterranean.
Starting in Chania, the most charming city of Crete we head towards the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) which take their name from the shining bleached limestone in summer. Explore the lush Samaria and Agia Irini gorges blanketed with colourful Cretan rock lettuce and Aubretia. Follow the southern coastline from Sougia to Ancient Lissos, known for its famous Temple of Asklepios (Aesculapium), where people came from all over Crete to be cured by the local waters. The temple was destroyed in a great earthquake, but its mosaic floor depicting animals and geometrical patterns is preserved. Continue along the coast to Loutro, passing the chapel of St Pavlos, said to mark the place where St Paul landed on Crete. There are plenty of swimming opportunities along the way and your final walk takes you to Freshwater Beach before returning to Chania.You'll be treated to historical sites, fabulous swimming spots and a spectacular variety of birds. The White Mountains have golden eagles and lammergeyers and at lower altitudes you will find bee-eaters, hoopoes, blue rock thrush and golden oreols.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Chania
Meals Included: Breakfast
Arrive in the charming city of Chania. Its perfect setting with the White Mountains as a background, lively harbour, historical remains and busy market make it the ideal starting point. You'll be met in the afternoon by our local representative for your briefing.
Day 2 : Chania To Agia Irini And Sougia Bay
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today starts with a transfer to the White Mountains. The walk takes you through the narrow gorge of Agia Irini where areas of humidity and shade sustain a variety of plants, and gigantic plane trees grace a large clearing half way up. Ending at Agia Irini village a short transfer takes you to Sougia bay on the Lybian coast.
Day 3 : Sougia Bay To Ancient Lissos
Meals Included: Breakfast
From Sougia walk along a path towards the ancient city of Lissos waterfront, the walk follows a beautiful small canyon with narrow yet high walls, after which the Temple of Asclepius appears in front of you. You walk amongst the scattered ruins of the ancient city discovering tombs, the Roman theatre and the church of Saint Kirikos. Return to Sougia the same way and time permitting relax at the beach before taking a boat transfer to the fishing village of Agia Roumeli where you spend the next two nights.
Day 4 : Samaria Gorge
Meals Included: Breakfast
Walk from Agia Roumeli up part of the Samaria gorge, Europe's longest gorge. Watch out for lammergeyers as you go over trickling streams and through forests of scented pines tp the 'Iron Gates' the narrowest point of the gorge where the rocks on either side are 600m high. Head back down the gorge to return to Agia Roumeli.
Day 5 : Agia Roumeli To Loutro
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a wonderful coastal walk today to the picturesque 13th century chapel of St Pavlos,where the apostle supposedly first arrived in Crete, stop for a swim before heading on to Marmara where you can enjoy lunch in a taverna and stop for another swim, continue on along the coastal path to Loutro or take a water taxi from Marmara (payable locally). A shorter walking option is also available.
Day 6 : Optional Walk To Aradena
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend the day relaxing in Loutro or take a leisurely hike via Foinikas to Marmara beach to the entrance of Aradena gorge. Return the same way or take a water taxi back to Loutro (payable locally).
Day 7 : Loutro To Hora Sfakion (Chania)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Follow the coastal path to Freshwater beach, so-called because of the fresh spring water that bubbles just under the surface. Enjoy a swim and a picnic before continuing on to Hora Sfakion where a transfer takes you back to Chania for your last night.
Day 8 : Leave Chania
Meals Included: Breakfast
The tour ends after breakfast in Chania.
What's Included
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Meals
8 breakfasts, 0 lunches, 0 dinners.
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
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Single accommodation (available on request)
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Any Solo traveller supplements (where only one person is travelling on a departure date)
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Visas or vaccinations
Food
Simple buffet style Greek breakfast consists of bread/toast, butter, jam,
fresh juice, milk, local yoghurt, eggs and honey, and coffee/tea. For lunch
we recommend taking a picnic on most days although there may be options on
some days to eat at a taverna. For dinner, in each place you stay there
will be a range of different local tavernas and restaurants to choose from
where you can sample some typical Greek meze dishes, olives, fresh fish,
vegetables and much more.
Accommodation
The hotels you'll be staying in are small, family-run properties some of which are close to the sea shore.
Check out our Q&As
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Luggage transfers between hotels
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
British and other EU passport holders do not need a visa to visit Greece.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
There are no specific health risks.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.