Cycling the Coast of Eastern Crete
Cycling the Coast of Eastern Crete
Cycling the Coast of Eastern Crete
8 Days Starting and ending in Heraklion
Visiting: Heraklion, Knossos, Agios Nikolaos, Ierapetra, Tsoutsouros, Crete, Rethimno
Tour operator:
Tour code:
C07CT
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Age range:
16-99
Activities:
Tour Overview
Crete is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful destinations in Greece - and rightly so! Eastern Crete in particular has retained its genuine character and style and holds its place as the 'quieter' side of the island. With plenty to see and many local tavernas to enjoy, don't forget to sample the national drink Raki alongside your delicious Greek meze.
This trip offers a unique experience to explore Crete in the best way, on two wheels! You'll cycle the islands spectacular coastline, passing through the intriguing villages of Agios Nikolaos, Ierapetra and Rethimno. With important archaeological sites to visit and tranquil golden beaches to relax on, there's heaps to admire in between your rides.
The accommodations on this trip are mostly family-run and traditionally Cretan. While Crete is typically home to more simple accommodations, these have all been chosen for their great location, services, and comfort.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Heraklion
Location: Heraklion
Arrive in Heraklion and transfer to your first hotel. Take some time to explore Crete's biggest city with over 3,000 years of history. Visit the famous 'Koule' (castle) which dominates the port or the intriguing archaeological museum of Heraklion.
Overnight Atrion Hotel, Heraklion.
Day 2 : Heraklion To Koutouloufari Via Knossos
Location: Knossos
Meals Included: Breakfast
Soon after leaving Heraklion, you’ll reach Knossos. Known as the biggest and the most important Cretan archaeological site, Knossos is widely regarded as Europe’s oldest city. Here you can visit the Minoan Palace and surrounding remains before continuing to the traditional village of Koutouloufari.
Overnight Ariadni Palace, Koutouloufari.
Day 3 : Koutouloufari To Agios Nikolaos
Location: Agios Nikolaos
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ride through spectacular mountain scenery, passing traditional villages like Vrahasi where it appears time has stood still. Visit the Vassilakis Estate in Neapoli to taste the locally produced olive oil before continuing into the picturesque capital of Agios Nikalaos, Lasithi.
If you'd like to enjoy an extra day cycling, we recommend adding an extra night in Agios Nikolaos to explore Elounda & Spinalonga (one of the most famous locations on Crete - 32km ride).
Overnight Mantraki Hotel, Agios Nikolaos.
Day 4 : Agios Nikolaos To Ierapetra
Location: Ierapetra
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin your cycle following the coastline before winding through the olive groves to reach the waterfront town of Ierapetra. Enjoy a swim in one of the golden beaches you’ll pass on todays ride. If time allows, you could also take a boat trip to the unique island of Gaidouronissi (book locally).
Overnight Astron Hotel, Ierapetra.
Day 5 : Ierapetra To Tsoutsouros
Location: Tsoutsouros
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is a long but beautiful route following the coast and passing through the intriguing villages of Myrtos, Tertsa, and Keratokambos. Enjoy a well deserved rest on the beach in the tranquil town of Tsoutsouros.
Overnight Apollon Apartments, Tsoutsouros.
Day 6 : Tsoutsouros To Agia Galini
Location: Crete
Meals Included: Breakfast
You’ll be transferred to the start of today’s ride in Mesohori. Cycle among the olive trees and through small villages before reaching the highlight of today – The Palace of Phaistos; this is a Bronze Age archaeological site of major importance on Crete. Continue to the small seaside town of Agia Galini.
Overnight Petra Hotel, Agia Galini.
Day 7 : Agia Galini To Rethimno
Location: Rethimno
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin with a transfer to Spili village where you’ll begin your ride. Pass through the mountain villages of Rethimno Province before reaching “Limni ton Potamon”, this is the “Lake of the Rivers”. Cross the dam for beautiful scenery and to sample the local tavernas. Continue your ride to Rethimno, a historical city founded by the Venetians with its “Fortezza” – the Venetian Era Citadel.
Overnight Ideon Hotel, Rethimno.
Day 8 : Depart Rethimno
Location: Rethimno
Meals Included: Breakfast
Return to Heraklion airport.
What's Included
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7 nights accommodation in mostly family-run, traditional accommodations
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All breakfasts
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Bike hire
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Luggage transfers between hotels
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Car transfers as per the itinerary
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
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Single accommodation (available on request - compulsory supplement)
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Visas or vaccinations
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Lunches & dinners
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Arrival and departure transfers (if booking a land only package)
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Upgrade to e-bike
Food
Accommodation
This lovely hotel is just a short walk from Heraklion’s vibrant centre and seafront promenade. Relax in the hotel's inner courtyard, TV room, lobby bar, or elegant restaurant serving Mediterranean and traditional Cretan dishes.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes bike hire and luggage transfers between hotels, with car transfers as per the itinerary. Arrival and departure transfers are not included if booking a land-only package.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in mostly family-run, traditional accommodations, including a lovely hotel in Heraklion with amenities such as an inner courtyard, TV room, lobby bar, and an elegant restaurant serving Mediterranean and traditional Cretan dishes.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
All breakfasts are included in the tour package. Lunches and dinners are not included and will need to be arranged separately.
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Is bike hire included in the tour?
Yes, bike hire is included in the tour package.
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Are there any additional costs not covered by the tour package?
Yes, additional costs not covered include travel insurance, single accommodation supplement, visas or vaccinations, lunches and dinners, arrival and departure transfers if booking a land-only package, and the option to upgrade to an e-bike.
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What kind of activities can I expect during the tour?
The tour includes cycling through diverse landscapes, visiting important archaeological sites like Knossos and Phaestos, tasting local olive oil at Vassilakis Estate, and enjoying the beaches and local cuisine. There are also opportunities for boat trips and exploring traditional villages.
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Is there an option to extend the cycling experience?
Yes, you can add an extra day of cycling by staying an additional night in Agios Nikolaos to explore Elounda and Spinalonga, which involves a 32km ride.
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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.
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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.