Through the Samaria Gorge We arrive in Crete at the old Venetian harbour-town of Heraklion. Our first visit is the Knossos Palace and then on to the beautiful town of Khania for lunch. We then begin our walk following pleasant hill trails on the Omalos Plateau (1100m), where traditional goat-herds tend their flocks. From here we descend the winding and awesome canyon of Samaria - Europe's longest and most spectacular gorge (6-8 hour hike) - to emerge at the old fishing village of Ayia Roumeli, where we board the ferry to Loutro.
Cretan Village Life Two days are then spent hiking along this dramatic stretch of coast, sculpted by deep ravines and dotted with old castles, ruined churches and forts. We discover secluded coves and sandy beaches, and perhaps make a sortie along ancient pathways to the Aradhena Gorge. Finally, we base ourselves in the lively Cretan village of Zaros (640m) - a thriving agricultural community in the foothills of the Idi Mountains. Here we visit a friendly working monastery and hike through the spectacular ravines and canyons, before ending at the capital, Heraklion.
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This morning we go by public bus to visit the ancient site of Knossos. After visiting we return to the Iraklion Museum for a short visit then after lunch we will drive to Khania. We’ll have a break to enjoy the old Venetian-style walled town and the bustling harbour with its lively tavernas – Zorba the Greek was filmed here. Later we continue up the precipitous escarpment to the Omalos Plateau (1082m). This wild plateau is situated in the middle of the massive White Mountains, poised on the edge of a titanic split in the rock and the gateway to the longest and perhaps most beautiful ravine in Europe, the Samaria Gorge. The isolation of the plateau made it an historic refuge for Cretan revolutionaries against the Turks.
Overnight Hotel (Standard)Included meals: Breakfast
Day 3:
Optional walks in the White Mountains
We spend the day exploring the peaks and plateau of the White Mountains on foot, with walks available to suit all abilities. A challenging optional walk is to the summit of the mighty Mount Gingilos (2080m, about 7-8 hours walking) for spectacular views of the north and south coasts. Alternatively, ascending to the refuge at Kallergi mountain. You can enjoy lunch at the refuge and take in the wonderful views (about 3-4 hours walk).
Overnight Hotel (Standard)Included meals: Breakfast
Day 4:
Hike Samaria Gorge; ferry to Loutro
Today we walk through this spectacular gorge. Blocked by snow and torrents during the winter, the gorge is then impassable. To make the complete 15km descent to the fishing village of Ayia Roumeli may take anywhere from 6 to 8 hours. We follow a steep zig-zag path, some 760m down into the gorge itself, past high cypress trees and many different alpine shrubs – and if we’re very lucky, we may catch a glimpse of the wild Cretan Ibex (Kri Kri) leaping from ledge to ledge. In midsummer, the river dries to a trickle, but there are still stretches of water to be crossed with handy stepping stones. After walking for roughly 3 hours from the entrance at Xiliskalo, we stop at the now uninhabited village of Samaria, where the Venetian Church of Holy Mary with its old Byzantine mosaics and inscription over the front door can be seen. Now the gorge really starts to close in around us, and the river often disappears underground. After passing below the Church of Aphendis Christos, we hike through the narrowest part, the sidheroportes (the ‘iron gates’, only 4 metres wide, but over 350m high), and continue along the rocky riverbed into the small village of Ayia Roumeli. Depending on the departure time of our ferry to Loutro, there may be time for a refreshing swim in the Libyan Sea.
Overnight Hotel (Standard)Included meals: Breakfast
Day 5:
Exploring Loutro
This quaint seashore village, perched on craggy rocks and nestled in a cove, affords an opportunity to experience life in a less accessible part of the island. Most houses are the very traditional white with blue shutters providing a harmony of architecture. We’ll spend the day here, perhaps taking a walk along the coast or inland, swimming or simply relaxing. An optional boat trip by water taxi can often be arranged to Marmara or Finix beach. Alternatively, you may prefer something more active such as a full day or half day walk behind the village, up to the historic village of Anopolis or perhaps down the Aradena Gorge enjoying spectacular views of the coast en route. In the evening you may care to try the delicious fresh seafood caught by local fishermen.
Overnight Hotel (Standard)Included meals: Breakfast
Day 6:
Morning relaxing; ferry to Khora Sfakion; drive to Zaros
Today we get the ferry along the coast to Khora Sfakion. A pleasant coastal village with a few hundred inhabitants and an old reputation as a lair of brigands, smugglers and pirates. The Sfakians cherish their independence and see themsleves as Sfakians first, Cretans second and Greeks third! As a rallying point for revolutionaries, there are many sea caves in the area which were used as great hiding places during disputes. We then journey by bus to Zaros in the rugged Idi Mountains. We’ll pause en route at Preveli cliff-top monastery. Perched high above the sea, its fame was capped in World War Two when the monks sheltered allied troops who were stranded on the island after the Battle of Crete and helped them to escape from the beaches nearby. The views from here are magnificent. We also break the journey for a short while in the pretty Greek village of Spili . We plan to arrive in the village of Zaros in the early evening.
Overnight Hotel (Standard)Included meals: Breakfast
Day 7:
Hiking Zaros Gorge
Deep in the heart of Crete are the Idi Mountains This region is very scenic and is particularly noted for its spring waters, which are bottled and sold throughout the island. Our primary reason for visiting Zaros is to walk in the surrounding mountains, and we set off after breakfast to explore the dramatic Rouvas Gorge. Local vehicles take us to a steep rough track from where we’ll descend the dramatic 5km long gorge on foot (about 3-4 hours walk) enjoying spectacular views of the Psiloritis range as we go. The afternoon is left free for you to explore the surrounding area. Located in a peaceful setting overlooking the Koutsoulidi valley, this is an ideal spot to relax.
Overnight Hotel (Standard)Included meals: Breakfast
Day 8:
Drive to Iraklion where tour ends
We leave Zaros today to drive to Iraklion airport where tour ends.
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