Arrival – Chania

Welcome to Crete!
Private transfer from Chania airport to your hotel.
This day is spent in the coastal town of Chania.
Depending on the time of your arrival, free time to explore the old part of Chania.
Evening meal and overnight in Chania.

Transfer time: 20mins

Botanical Park and Gardens of Crete – Omalos

During the morning we visit the Botanical Park in its unique setting in the foothills and learn not only about plants of the area including herbs, but also about the long history of locally grown produce and the importance of cultivation over the years. After a walk around the park followed by a lunch based on seasonal produce from the park grounds, we are transferred to Omalos mountain plain.
Free time in the afternoon.
Evening meal to the sound of sheep bells and overnight in Omalos surrounded by high peaks.

Transfer time: 40mins + 40mins – Hiking time (approx.): 1hr (1,5km) – Elevation difference (m): 200-140-200

Voidodema – Omalos

A day in the mountains! Today’s hike includes a forgotten stone-built path (“Voidodema“) with ancient cypress trees and panoramic views. This path used to be the only connection between the mountain villages before roads were built.
After about 5 hours of hiking, we arrive at the plain of Omalos and visit a local herb farm where we find out about other herbs that flourish in the area and their use. We can taste and even pick them in the farm grounds!
Evening meal and overnight in Omalos.

Transfer time: 15mins/30mins – Hiking time (approx.): 5hrs (7km) – Elevation difference (m): 800-650-900

Samaria Gorge – Agia Roumeli

Samaria is just one of the many gorges on Crete, but it is definitely the best-known. This natural treasure lies in the heart of the Samaria National Park (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site) which is home to numerous endemic species of plants and animals. Its breathtaking scale and impressive topography attract visitors from all over the world and the magnificent scenery will not leave the hiker untouched.
We start our hike from Omalos in the cool, early morning air and after an approx. 6-7 hr hike, we reach the small, coastal village of Agia Roumeli (no road access), where we are rewarded with a refreshing swim!
Evening meal and overnight in Agia Roumeli.

Transfer time: 15mins – Hiking time (approx.): 6hrs (13+3km) – Elevation difference (m): 1250-0

Boat trip to Gavdos

A day to relax!
After breakfast, our captain will pick us up in a 10 metre RIB boat for a magnificent, full-day boat trip around the island of Gavdos, the southernmost point of Europe! First we stop at the deep, golden sands of Potamos beach where we can use the clay for a natural spa. Following the south coast of the island we reach Tripiti where we walk up the cliff to the “chair” and the southernmost point of the island… and of the continent! Our next stop, Korfos is where we have a delicious lunch in a fish tavérna by the sea. We then head on to the beautiful, sandy beach of Agios Ioannis on the north side for a final swim in the crystal clear waters, before heading back to the coastal village of Loutro, that is accessible only by boat or on foot.
Evening meal and overnight in Loutro.

Approximate duration of boat trip: 8hrs (incl. 3-4 stops for swimming/relaxing, lunch) – boat is equipped with a sunshade

Hiking option (in case the weather is unsuitable for the boat trip): Agia Roumeli – Marmara – Loutro

We follow the coastal path to Agios Pavlos beach with its picturesque, tiny, Byzantine chapel on the shore. From there, our path takes us gradually upwards through a pine forest then follows the coastline towards Marmara marble beach where a refreshing swim awaits us! The last part of our path leads along the scenic coast to the small village of Loutro with no road access!
Evening meal and overnight in Loutro.

Transfer time: 0 – Hiking time (approx.): 6hrs (14,5km) – Elevation difference (m): 0-110-150-0-70-0

Loutro – Anopolis – Aradena Gorge – Loutro

The first part of our hike is uphill from Loutro to the plain of Anopolis, from where we are treated to outstanding views of the Lefka Ori (White Mountains). The entrance to the lesser-known but equally impressive Aradena Gorge lies to the west of the plain. The dramatic landscape and rough outlines guarantee a stunning experience. The gorge ends at the turquoise waters of Marmara marble beach. Here there is time for a swim before the last part of our hike along the coast to Loutro.
(Optional taxi-boat transfer available for the section Marmara to Loutro, extra cost).
Evening meal and overnight in Loutro.

Note: a less demanding route is followed depending on the level of the group

Transfer time: 0 – Hiking time (approx.): 7hrs 30′ (14km) – Elevation difference (m): 0-690-580-0

Loutro – Glyka Nera – Chora Sfakion – Chania

The last hike of this tour takes us from Loutro to the beach of Glyka Nera (Sweet Water) along a well-marked, coastal path above the endless shades of blue in the sea below. The fresh water springs, both on the beach and in the sea, keep the water significantly cooler than usual even during the summer months. The path then follows the side of the cliff and ends just above the village of Chora Sfakion (Sfakia). From here, transfer by public bus to Chania.
Evening meal and last overnight in Chania.

Note: for more time to relax, today’s hike can be replaced by a taxi-boat transfer from Loutro to Sfakia (extra cost)

Transfer time: 15mins+ 1hr 30′ – Hiking time (approx.): 3hrs (4,5km) – Elevation difference (m): 0-150-0