Spring Flowers of Crete Escorted Tour
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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:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 20
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
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
Itinerary
Day 1:Â 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:Â 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:Â
Location: Heraklion
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer to Heraklion airport for the return flight to London Gatwick.
What's Included
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Return flights from London Gatwick to Heraklion
The tour includes return flights from London Gatwick to Heraklion.
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Transfers from airport to hotels
Transfers from the airport to the hotels are included in the tour package.
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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.
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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.
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One dinner and one lunch
The tour includes one dinner and one lunch.
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Touring itinerary as detailed
The tour includes a detailed touring itinerary.
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Tour Manager and local guide throughout
A Tour Manager and local guide will be available throughout the tour.
What's Not Included
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Single room supplement
The cost of a single room supplement is not included in the tour package.
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Holiday insurance
Holiday insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Meals other than those stated
Meals other than the specified one dinner and one lunch are not included.
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Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls
Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, and telephone calls are not included.
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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.
Check out our Q&As
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Will there be a guide during the tour?
Yes, a Tour Manager and local guide will be available throughout the tour.
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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.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final joining instructions and documentation will be despatched approximately 10 days before travel.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Thursday - Thursday
Apr 03, 2025 - Apr 10, 2025Book with Confidence
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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.
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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.