Walking in East Crete Short Break
Walking in East Crete Short Break
Walking in East Crete Short Break
5 Days Starting in Palekastro 723 00, Greece and ending in Heraklion, Greece
Visiting: Palekastro, Itanos, Kato Zakros, Heraklion
Tour operator:
Tour code:
676
Group Type:
Independent
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Age range:
18-80
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
The Zakros Way is one of our newest itineraries in the ancient and remote region of Lasithi, characterised by kilometres of pristine beaches, archaeological sites and fascinating natural landscapes. On this highlights tour, you will discover a true hidden gem and probably one of the last places on the popular island where you can get a genuine Cretan experience
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In Palèkastro
Location: Palekastro
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Ostria or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
You are met at Heraklion airport and transferred (2h 30mins) to a hotel in Palèkastro, where our representative discusses the walks that lie ahead. You have time to take in the town and have a traditional dinner.
Day 2 : Itanos To Palèkastro
Location: Palekastro, Itanos
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Ostria or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a 15mins transfer, you start your coastal walk through this area on a day that promises ancient archaeological sites, beaches, palm forests and much more. Don’t forget to bring the swimsuit with you. Ovenight in Palèkastro.
Walking for the day: 5h (elevation gain 500m)
Day 3 : Palèkastro To Kato Zakros
Location: Palekastro, Kato Zakros
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Coral Rooms in Kato Zakros
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The first part of today’s walk is in a rural area, bringing you to the coast at Skinià s. Follow a coastal path past some striking rock formations and a Minoan cave as far as the pretty village of Kato Zakros.
Walking for the day: 6h (elevation gain 650m)
Day 4 : The Gorge Of The Dead And Zakros
Location: Kato Zakros
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Coral Rooms in Kato Zakros
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today’s walk takes you to the famous Gorge of the Dead and then onto the village of Zakros. The gorge is so so called because ancient Minoans walked for miles to bury their dead in the gorge’s caves and walls here. From Zakros, you walk back to Kato Zakros following a track that has great views of the gorge and Zakros Bay.
Walking for the day: approx 5h (elevation gain 650m)
Day 5 : Departure
Location: Heraklion
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you are transferred by car to the airport or bus station of Heraklion (3h). We also recommending extending your trip to explore the city’s cultural sites including the Archaeological Museum, Palace of Knossòs, a walk along the Venetian walls and Koules fortress.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4 nights in small hotels and guesthouses (private rooms with en-suite facilities)
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Meals
4 breakfasts
3 dinners -
All transfers as described in the itinerary
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All luggage transportation during the walking days
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Welcome meeting with a local representative
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Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, route notes and maps
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24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
What's Not Included
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Airfare and connecting land transfers other than from/to Heraklion airport
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1 dinner, drinks and snacks
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Trekking poles rental €15 (4 days) payable locally
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Travel insurance
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Personal expenses
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Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable on-site)
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Any items not explicitly listed as included
Check out our Q&As
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own
This holiday is available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms) -
Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes we can, please contact us for details
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Are flights included in this tour?
No, international flights are not included
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
This will be provided on all documentation
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Difficulty and terrain
The routes can be classified as easy to moderate, and are appropriate for all walkers in good physical shape and some previous experience (read more about difficulty grades). There are no steep ascents or long distances, just a few sections requiring a bit of attention and sure-footedness (no scrambling sections). You mostly follow rocky paths and dirt roads, sometimes with rough and uneven ground that slows down the pace.
We will provide you with detailed road notes, maps and GPS tracks, and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed info on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
All guides are English Speaking
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When to go
The trip is available from April to June and in October. The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates and you can start your trip on any date in the season – so please indicate the desired beginning date when booking.
The climate is generally dry and rain showers do happen but are rare. In the spring the landscape is green and the flowers are blooming, while in the autumn the environment is drier but the sea is a perfect temperature for swimming. The summer is not so good for hiking, as it is too hot and there is not a lot of shade. -
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t
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Low Deposit
The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.
Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.