Cycling the Coast of Eastern Crete

Cycling the Coast of Eastern Crete

50 Views
8 Days From

$1790

Cycling the Coast of Eastern Crete

8 Days Starting and ending in Heraklion

Visiting: Heraklion, Knossos, Agios Nikolaos, Ierapetra, Tsoutsouros, Crete, Rethimno

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

C07CT

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Activities:

Cycling

From: $1790

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

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

  • Cycle through the diverse history, culture, mountains, and beaches of Eastern Crete

  • Relax on golden beaches and sample the delicious local cuisine

  • Visit the important archaeological sites of Knossos and Phaestos

Itinerary

Expand All

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

  • 7 nights accommodation in mostly family-run, traditional accommodations

  • All breakfasts

  • Bike hire

  • Luggage transfers between hotels

  • Car transfers as per the itinerary

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Single accommodation (available on request - compulsory supplement)

  • Visas or vaccinations

  • Lunches & dinners

  • Arrival and departure transfers (if booking a land only package)

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Is bike hire included in the tour?

    Yes, bike hire is included in the tour package.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

paul green (Google Reviewer)  

Went on a tour of...

14-Jan-2022

Went on a tour of morocco in October and loved it ,mohamed the tour guide was excellent, probably go with exodus to India next year

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
Ann B (Google Reviewer)  

We had a week walking...

08-Oct-2024

We had a week walking and wine in the Duro valley with two local guides Louis and Theresa. They were both exceptional, knowledgeable, professional and funny. Our group of 11 had a great time. This was a premium tour. Our 4 star hotels were both well located clean and with great views. We had several local meals arranged by our guides with local people cooking for us. We did not meet any other walkers during our hikes only two shepherds. I would certainly recommend this tour to anyone interested in the local produce and wine. We both felt as we had learnt a lot about Portugal during this tour. We will use Exodus again. One of our group had done 30 tours with Exodus over the years. Quite an endorsement.

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

David (Google Reviewer)  

Exodus are generally a good...

21-Aug-2024

Exodus are generally a good travel company. Things tend to run smoothly and trips well organised. Their customers tend to be at retirement age. Trips are a bit overpriced. I would also avoid trips in Europe, as these often focus on more coffee stops and meals, rather than walking. I would also recommend making sure your guide records any accidents you have, hopefully not applicable. I had one on Sierra de Aitana which the guide saw and knew about, but he and Exodus said it never happened when I followed up after the trip. I wasn’t putting in a claim, just suggested a safety improvement. They have since apologised and acknowledged this as an error. They are a good reliable option for outside of Europe trips.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 12, 2025
$1790

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025
$1790

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 19, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025
$1790

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 26, 2025 - May 03, 2025
$1790

Saturday - Saturday

May 03, 2025 - May 10, 2025
$2555

Saturday - Saturday

May 10, 2025 - May 17, 2025
$2555

Saturday - Saturday

May 17, 2025 - May 24, 2025
$2555

Saturday - Saturday

May 24, 2025 - May 31, 2025
$2555

Saturday - Saturday

May 31, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025
$2555

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025
$2555

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025
$2555

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025
$2555

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025
$2555

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025
$2495

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025
$2495

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025
$2495

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 25, 2025 - Nov 01, 2025
$2495

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Similar Tours