Discover Crete, an island of a thousand landscapes and millennia-old stories. This trip offers a perfect blend of hikes through spectacular gorges and cultural visits rich in discoveries. From the Minoan myths of Knossos to the idyllic beaches of Vai, passing through the majestic Samaria Gorge and the monasteries of Akrotiri, each day promises new adventures and wonderful discoveries. Enjoy the natural beauty of Crete and delve into its fascinating history, while savoring delicious local cuisine in typical tavernas. An unforgettable experience for nature and culture enthusiasts.
SUD EVASION ADVANTAGES
- ● Lunches every day in tavernas
● Visit to the archaeological site of Knossos
● Hike in the Samaria Gorge, ranked among the longest and most spectacular in Europe
Day 1 - DEPARTURE TO HERAKLION
Meeting at the airport. Check-in and boarding procedures. Flight to Crete. Assistance and transfer to the hotel in the Heraklion region. Check-in, dinner, and overnight stay.
Day 2 - SIGHTSEEING HIKE IN KOLOKYTHA AND AGIOS NIKOLAOS
After breakfast, early departure towards Elounda. Beautiful coastal hike with views of the fabulous Dianiskari cove and the chapel of Agios Loukas. Free time and possibility for swimming. Lunch at a taverna. Visit the charming resort town of Agios Nikolaos and Lake Voulismeni, which is actually an old enclosed lake, now open to the sea by a canal dug at the end of the 19th century. Today, the lake has become the town's harbor where Agios Nikolaos fishermen moor their small boats. Free time. Return to the hotel at the end of the day. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3 - SIGHTSEEING HIKE TO MOUNT KARFI AND KERA KARDIOTISSA MONASTERY
After breakfast, departure from your hotel for the Lassithi Plateau, located in the eastern part of Crete. This former marshland is perched at an altitude of over 800 m. Surrounded by mountains, it is a true hiking paradise. Lunch at a typical taverna in the village of Seli. In the afternoon, visit the Kera Kardiotissa Monastery and its famous icon. This Orthodox convent dates back to the 10th century. Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4 - SIGHTSEEING DAY IN KNOSSOS
After breakfast, departure for the site of Knossos. This palace, occupied since the eighth millennium BC, is recognized as the heart of Minoan civilization and the seat of King Minos. It is the birthplace of legendary stories such as the myth of the labyrinth with its Minotaur, that of Daedalus and Icarus. Visit to its archaeological museum. Lunch at a typical taverna. Drive to the west of the island and check into the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5 - HIKE IN THE SAMARIA GORGE
Full hike of the Gorge. After breakfast, early departure from your hotel towards the Omalos Plateau in the White Mountains. Arrival at Xyloskalo, where the hike begins. The Samaria Gorge is among the longest in Europe. The canyon stretches for 16 km and the elevation drop is 1,230 m! This breathtaking site is recognized and protected by UNESCO. The hike ends in the village of Agia Roumeli. Lunch at a typical taverna. Free time for swimming. Return by boat to Sfakia and transfer back to the hotel by coach. For the easy level: Departure in the morning towards the village of Chora Sfakion. Boat crossing to Agia Roumeli. The group will do part of the hike starting from where the gorge ends. Short hike in the gorge up to the Iron Gates (Sideroportes), return by the same path to Agía Rouméli, free time and swimming if weather permits, and lunch at a typical taverna. In the early afternoon, return by boat to Chóra Sfakíon and transfer by coach to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6 - SIGHTSEEING HIKE IN AKROTIRI, TO THE MONASTERIES AND CHANIA
Breakfast and departure for a stroll through the preserved areas of the Akrotiri peninsula, located on the eastern side of Chania. You will reach the Agia Triada (16th century) and Gouverneto (10th century) monasteries via a developed road used for pilgrimage and passing by the Minoan Bear Sanctuary. Return to Chania and lunch at a taverna. Visit the city of Chania, the second largest city in Crete. The city has a rich history dating back to antiquity. It has been under the control of many different civilizations over the centuries, including the Minoans, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Ottomans, and modern Greeks. Each civilization has left its mark on the city, and this imprint can be seen in Chania's architecture and culture. Free time in the city. Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7 - SIGHTSEEING HIKE IN MILI GORGE AND RETHYMNO
Breakfast and departure towards the hinterland of Rethymno. Arrival at Mili Gorge for a hike. The name of the gorge means 'mills' and comes from the presence of numerous mills along the gorge in the past. These mills were used to grind grains from the neighboring villages. Abundant water sources, small waterfalls, and small lakes emerge under the plentiful plane trees along the route. Continue to Rethymno. Lunch at a typical taverna, then a visit to the city. Free afternoon in the city. Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 8 - RETURN
Breakfast at the hotel and departure towards the airport. Meeting, check-in and boarding procedures. Flight to France.
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