Spring Flowers of Crete Escorted Tour

Spring Flowers of Crete Escorted Tour

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8 Days From

$1960

Spring Flowers of Crete Escorted Tour

8 Days Starting and ending in Heraklion, Greece

Visiting: Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, Thripti, Rethymnon, Omalos Plateau, Gious Kambos Plateau

Tour operator:

Travel Editions

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

0 - 20

Physical rating:

Medium

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Meat

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $1960 including Flights from the UK

NB: Prices correct on 14-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

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

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Spring Flowers of Crete Escorted Tour" and immerse yourself in the natural beauty and rich history of Greece's largest island. This tour offers a unique opportunity to discover Crete's 1,700 species of wildflowers, including 60 varieties of orchids. Explore the historic town of Rethymnon, botanize between Agios Nikolaos and Elounda, and visit the Minoan cemetery of Armeni. Enjoy scenic road trips to the village of Thripti and the Gious Kambos plateau, renowned for their diverse flora. Stay in charming three-star hotels, with comfortable accommodations and easy access to local attractions. The tour includes return flights from London Gatwick to Heraklion, transfers, a detailed itinerary, and the expertise of a tour manager and local guide throughout your journey.

Highlights

  • Discover some of Crete's 1700 species of wild flowers including some of its 60 species of wonderful orchids

  • Rethymnon - which offers a glimpse into the vast layers of Crete's history

  • Botanising between Agios Nikolaos and Elounda, exploring coastal flowers and wild herbs

  • Visit to the Minoan cemetery of Armeni, known for its Vallonia oak and interesting flora

  • The orchids of Aktounda, including rainbow, provence, butterfly, and monkey varieties

  • Exploring the Gious Kambos plateau, home to a great variety of flora, particularly orchids and rare tulips

  • Scenic road trip to the tiny village of Thripti, renowned for its orchids and endemic species

Itinerary

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Day 1: Fly From London Gatwick To Heraklion.

Location: Heraklion

Accommodation Name: Naiades Marina Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Transfer to the Naiades Hotel, Agios Nikolaos. This evening a welcome dinner will be arranged in a local taverna.

Day 2: Botanising Between Agios Nikolaos And Elounda.

Location: Agios Nikolaos

Accommodation Name: Naiades Marina Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we enjoy a circular trip that takes us over winding roads to the remote and unspoiled beach of Vlyhadia where we will explore various coastal flowers, like the Matthiola Tricuspidata, as well as wild herbs. After lunch we will continue to the area of Vrouchas, where we hope to find an abundance of orchids including butterfly and bee. Then we continue with our bus along a panoramic coastal road with breathtaking views over the Gulf of Mirabello before descending to the village of Elounda, where you will have free time to explore before returning to our hotel.

Day 3: Thripti And Kalamafka.

Location: Thripti

Accommodation Name: Naiades Marina Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

We follow a scenic road, botanising as we go, between the coastal village of Kalo Chorio and the ‘hidden’ hill village of Kalamafka, hoping to spot fritillaria messanensis and the white butterfly orchid. We next visit a nearby spring where we hope to find the Dutchmen’s pipe and, if we are very lucky, Paeonias. We move on to the tiny village of Thripti, which sits amongst the Thripti mountains. It is a stunningly beautiful rural area with breathtaking views. The ancient forests around Thripti are renowned for their orchids and a handful of endemic species that can only be found on this mountain. In between our botanising in this special area we will stop for lunch in a lovely traditional taverna, which serves tasty authentic local food.

Day 4: Transfer To Rethymnon. Afternoon Botanising At The Minoan Cemetery Of Armeni.

Location: Rethymnon

Accommodation Name: Ideon Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

We transfer to our second hotel at Rethymnon.  On arrival we will have some free time for lunch and then head with our bus to the nearby archaeological site of Armeni. Ongoing excavations at this Minoan cemetery have uncovered more than 200 graves and a wealth of Minoan artefacts, but it is also the main site on the island of the Vallonia oak with its striking acorns and its not unusual to find other interesting flora here.

Day 5: The Orchids Of Aktounda.

Location: Rethymnon

Accommodation Name: Ideon Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

We enjoy a relaxed botanical walk close to the village of Aktounda, situated south of Rethymnon, which takes us uphill to a view point that overlooks the south coast. This route is usually quite exceptional for orchids, particularly rainbow, provence, butterfly and monkey varieties. After our exploring here we head to a nearby village for a leisurely lunch before returning to Rethymnon. Evening at leisure.

Day 6: We Leave Today Open, Choosing Our Route On The Day Depending On The Conditions At The Time That Will Tell Us Where We Might Find The Best Flora.

Location: Omalos Plateau

Accommodation Name: Ideon Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This could be the Omalos Plateau if the tulips are flowering, or exploring gorge flora and sites on the south coast.

Day 7: The Gious Kambos Plateau.

Location: Gious Kambos Plateau

Accommodation Name: Ideon Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Our main botanising site today will be at the Gious Kambos plateau, which is home to a great variety of flora, particuarly orchids, as well as a rare tulip; we may also find anemones, Turban buttercup, iris and, if we are lucky, fritillary. When our botanising is complete we continue into the Amari Valley. This area is one of the most untouched and fertile regions of Crete, fed by year round  springs that keep it beautifully lush even in the height of summer. We shall sit together for a farewell lunch at a lovely village taverna with true village hospitality and delicious Cretan cooking before returning to our hotel.

Day 8: 

Location: Heraklion

Meals Included: Breakfast

Transfer to Heraklion airport for the return flight to London Gatwick.

What's Included

  • Return flights from London Gatwick to Heraklion

    The tour includes return flights from London Gatwick to Heraklion.

  • Transfers from airport to hotels

    Transfers from the airport to the hotels are included in the tour package.

  • Three nights on bed and breakfast basis at the three-star Naiades Marina Hotel, Agios Nikolaos

    Accommodation for three nights on a bed and breakfast basis at the three-star Naiades Marina Hotel in Agios Nikolaos is included.

  • Four nights bed and breakfast at the three-star Ideon Hotel, Rethymnon

    Accommodation for four nights on a bed and breakfast basis at the three-star Ideon Hotel in Rethymnon is included.

  • One dinner and one lunch

    The tour includes one dinner and one lunch.

  • Touring itinerary as detailed

    The tour includes a detailed touring itinerary.

  • Tour Manager and local guide throughout

    A Tour Manager and local guide will be available throughout the tour.

What's Not Included

  • Single room supplement

    The cost of a single room supplement is not included in the tour package.

  • Holiday insurance

    Holiday insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.

  • Meals other than those stated

    Meals other than the specified one dinner and one lunch are not included.

  • Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls

    Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, and telephone calls are not included.

  • Porterage and gratuities

    Porterage and gratuities are not included in the tour package.

Mode of Transport

The tour includes return flights from London Gatwick to Heraklion, with transfers from the airport to the hotels. Travel between locations is provided by bus, ensuring a comfortable journey as you explore the beautiful landscapes of Crete.

Accommodation

Stay at the Naiades Marina Hotel in Agios Nikolaos, a charming three-star hotel with comfortable rooms, a small swimming pool, and easy access to local tavernas. In Rethymnon, enjoy the Ideon Hotel, also three-star, located near the Venetian harbour with air-conditioned rooms, a swimming pool, and a street cafe overlooking the sea.

Videos

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes return flights from London Gatwick to Heraklion, with transfers from the airport to the hotels. Travel between locations is provided by bus, ensuring a comfortable journey as you explore the beautiful landscapes of Crete.

  • What kind of accommodation is included in the tour?

    You will stay at the Naiades Marina Hotel in Agios Nikolaos, a charming three-star hotel with comfortable rooms, a small swimming pool, and easy access to local tavernas. In Rethymnon, you will stay at the Ideon Hotel, also three-star, located near the Venetian harbour with air-conditioned rooms, a swimming pool, and a street cafe overlooking the sea.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    The tour includes one dinner and one lunch. Additionally, accommodation is provided on a bed and breakfast basis.

  • Will there be a guide during the tour?

    Yes, a Tour Manager and local guide will be available throughout the tour.

  • What kind of activities can I expect during the tour?

    The tour includes botanising between Agios Nikolaos and Elounda, exploring coastal flowers and wild herbs, visiting the Minoan cemetery of Armeni, and exploring the Gious Kambos plateau, which is home to a great variety of flora, particularly orchids and rare tulips. You will also visit the tiny village of Thripti, renowned for its orchids and endemic species.

  • Are there any additional costs not included in the tour package?

    Yes, the cost of a single room supplement, holiday insurance, meals other than the specified one dinner and one lunch, personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, and telephone calls, and porterage and gratuities are not included in the tour package.

  • What is the itinerary for the first day of the tour?

    On the first day, you will fly from London Gatwick to Heraklion and transfer to the Naiades Hotel in Agios Nikolaos. In the evening, a welcome dinner will be arranged in a local taverna.

  • What will we do on the second day of the tour?

    On the second day, you will enjoy a circular trip botanising between Agios Nikolaos and Elounda, exploring coastal flowers and wild herbs. After lunch, you will continue to the area of Vrouchas to find an abundance of orchids, including butterfly and bee varieties. The day will end with a panoramic coastal road trip with breathtaking views over the Gulf of Mirabello before descending to the village of Elounda.

  • What is planned for the third day of the tour?

    On the third day, you will follow a scenic road botanising between the coastal village of Kalo Chorio and the hill village of Kalamafka, hoping to spot various orchids and other flora. You will also visit a nearby spring and the tiny village of Thripti, renowned for its orchids and endemic species. Lunch will be at a traditional taverna.

  • What will we do on the fourth day of the tour?

    On the fourth day, you will transfer to Rethymnon and visit the Minoan cemetery of Armeni, known for its Vallonia oak and interesting flora. You will have some free time for lunch before heading to the archaeological site.

  • What is the plan for the fifth day of the tour?

    On the fifth day, you will enjoy a relaxed botanical walk close to the village of Aktounda, which is exceptional for orchids, particularly rainbow, provence, butterfly, and monkey varieties. After exploring, you will head to a nearby village for a leisurely lunch before returning to Rethymnon.

  • What will we do on the sixth day of the tour?

    The sixth day is left open, and the route will be chosen on the day depending on the conditions to find the best flora. This could include visiting the Omalos Plateau if the tulips are flowering or exploring gorge flora and sites on the south coast.

  • What is planned for the seventh day of the tour?

    On the seventh day, you will botanise at the Gious Kambos plateau, home to a great variety of flora, particularly orchids and a rare tulip. You may also find anemones, Turban buttercup, iris, and fritillary. The day will end with a farewell lunch at a village taverna in the Amari Valley.

  • What is the itinerary for the last day of the tour?

    On the last day, you will transfer to Heraklion airport for the return flight to London Gatwick.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Final joining instructions and documentation will be despatched approximately 10 days before travel.

  • Do I need any Visas or Vaccinations for my holidays?

    Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change. Please check with your local doctor/GP about the current Vaccination requirements of the country you are visiting. For Visa enquiries, please contact the Embassy of the country you are visiting.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Generally, single and double rooms carry the same price, which means that single supplements for certain itineraries can seem high. We would be pleased to arrange for clients travelling alone to share with another client, however this is subject to somebody in the same situation booking on the tour. If you would be interested in this option, please let us know at the time of enquiry/booking.

  • Where does the tour manager meet us?

    In most cases the tour manager will travel out with the tour group from the UK. However, this is not always the case and the tour manager may meet you at the destination station / airport. The exact details specific to your tour will be given to you in your final documentation, 10 days prior to departure.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Wouters  

Spring Flowers of Crete Escorted Tour

02-April-2024

It was a lovely trip with a group of friendly, like-minded travellers, but it was the excellence of the team who looked after us throughout the tour, Jane, Graham and Nikko, that made it particularly enjoyable and memorable. We were well briefed by Jane on every town, place and hotel we visited; and Graham’s botanical knowledge was encyclopaedic. Nothing was too much trouble for either of them. Nikko our driver, was brilliant, negotiating narrow mountain roads with numerous hairpin bends and vertiginous drops with calm assurance. Our trips took us through magnificent rocky mountains, pine forests, elevated plateaus and coastlines, all sustaining different habitats for the flora and rare endemic species we had come to see. We also enjoyed the excellent Cretan cuisine which was delicious no matter where we ate or what meal it was, and the wine was perfect!

Mrs Kathleen Hall  

Spring Flowers of Crete Escorted Tour

04-April-2017

I tried to send this yesterday, but it said there was a fault, so I'll try again, though you may have this already. This was our 5th Wild flower trip to Greece with Travel editions. (I got that wrong yesterday) Graham and Jane are fantastic leaders and Nikos an excellent driver. It is more comfortable to have a coach rather than a minibus. Bianca looked after us very well when we arrived in Heraklion.

Prof Anne Feaver  

Spring Flowers of Crete Escorted Tour

05-May-2015

Graham, the gardener/botanist guide was really wonderful - so knowledgeable and patient. Jane, too, the tour manager was very good. Re the visits to flower sights, I think some people would have like more walking in the landscape, but due to different levels of fitness, it was probably about right.

Mr Ronald Smith  

Spring Flowers of Crete Escorted Tour

08-April-2014

A thoroughly enjoyable trip which gave access to new and long-lasting experiences for all the senses.

Mrs Lyndall Bishop  

Spring Flowers of Crete Escorted Tour

04-April-2017

A return visit to Crete was even better than the first. Flowers were amazing. Graham his usual wonderful knowledgeable self and Jane looked after us very well indeed. Lots of flowers, lots of food and drink and very importantly lots of laugh.

Mr Mik Wisniewski  

Spring Flowers of Crete Escorted Tour

12-April-2016

A wonderful trip organised by a thoroughly professional company. The booking and organising was customer friendly and efficient with help and advice given at every stage the tour itself was well organised and lived up to our expectations. we shall be using Travel Editions again!

Mr David Eaves  

Spring Flowers of Crete Escorted Tour

12-April-2016

We ewnjoyed the tour and may come again next year. My wife did find the bed in Hotel Ideon rather hard and there were a couple of minor errors on the documentation (asked to go to Heathrow airport when it was Gatwick, and it read as though we would have to make our own way to Rethimnon. Otherwise very good. Please send any info you have on flower tours for 2017 - I believe Graham is running one in N Greece in June 2017 Thanks David Eaves

anonymous  

Spring Flowers of Crete Escorted Tour

02-April-2024

Should be 18 passengers - can’t get beyond 10!! The second hotel was great and the breakfast fantastic. The room was spacious and comfort. Not sure about the first hotel - the breakfast was not very good.

Mr P Knight  

Spring Flowers of Crete Escorted Tour

11-April-2017

Very, very enjoyable. Graham and Trish were extremely knowledgeable, friendly and well organised. The trips were nicely varied, and the flowers absolutely stunning. Our first holiday with you, but not the last, I'm sure.

Mrs Carole Webb  

Spring Flowers of Crete Escorted Tour

15-April-2014

Flight itself was fine but Easy Jet's Bag Drop arrangements at Gatwick were chaotic and should be addressed. However, our holiday was excellent, in particular the helpfulness and attention shown by both Jane Freeman And Graham Kendall. So much so that not only are we planning to book next year but we are also strongly recommending your company and this holiday to our friends. (Are you able to feed back your customers' poor experience with Easy Jet to the company?)

Read all 44 reviews

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Thursday - Thursday

Apr 03, 2025 - Apr 10, 2025
$1960

Including UK Flights

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Travel Editions requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travel editions charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 45% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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