Hiking Hidden Crete

Hiking Hidden Crete, Greece

Cretan Adventures
10, Evans Str.712 01, Heraklion
Crete – Greece
Tel: +30 2810 332772
Fax: +30 2810 288226
Email: info@cretanadventures.gr

Discovering Cretan Nature and History
If you would like to discover a different side of Crete that contains 65 summits over 2000 meters and more than 3500 caves;
If you like to ascend mountains that offer fantastic views in all directions;
If you would like to discover numerous gorges that split the mountains and create spectacular botanic gardens, places with plants and animals that do not exist anywhere else on the planet;
If you like to relax and be revitalized in crystal waters of quiet beaches;
If you would like to discover ancient paths and walk through mythology and history;
If you are an outdoor adventurer, you like to live healthy and taste the traditional Cretan cuisine,
If you would like to meet the most authentic Cretans, these romantic people famous for their hospitality;
Then you will be excited to join one of our trips through the nature and the history of Crete...
the island of contrasts.

Itinerary

Day 1
Meet at Heraklion airport and transfer to our hotel. In the evening we will have a brief presentation of the whole trip and will continue with a dinner at a traditional tavern. Welcome to the gastronomic reality of the authentic Cretan cuisine! (Overnight at Heraklion)

Day 2 (6 hrs walk)
After breakfast we will drive towards the largest plateau of Crete - Lassithi plateau. Starting from "Ambelos" with the old windmills, we will hike to the summit of Karfi, which offers spectacular view to the north coast and a Minoan settlement. Passing from the small and beautiful "Nissimos" valley we descend to Lassithi plateau, where we have the chance to experience a small journey through mythology by visiting Dictaion Andro, the cave where Zeus was born. (Overnight at Lassithi)

Day 3 (6-7 hrs walk)
Our goal today is the highest summit of mountain Dikti. (2148m). During our ascent we will have the opportunity to see some pairs of Eagles flying over the cliffs of the impressive west face of the mountain. The summit offers us an unbelievable view of Lassithi plateau and the east area of Crete. (Overnight at Lassithi)

Day 4 (6-7hrs walk)
We will start early in the morning and we hike to another interesting plateau, “Katharo”. Crossing this plateau we meet the shepherds of the area and admire some of the most “authentic” pictures of Crete. After a pure (simple and very tasty) Cretan lunch, will continue our hike and descend to the village of Kritsa. (Overnight at Kritsa.)

Day 5 (3 hrs walk)
For those interested in Cretan and Greek history, today’s walk is a rewarding one as we will visit the triple-aisled church of Panagia Kera with the most outstanding Byzantine frescoes of Crete, and the ancient city of Lato, which was founded in the 700 BC by the Dorians. We will continue to the village of Tappes for lunch and return back to Kritsa. (Overnight at Kritsa.)

Day 6 (4hrs walk)
Starting from Mirabello’s countryside, we will follow the costal path to Plaka village. The view to the bays of Elounda and Spinalonga Island is extraordinary. At the end of the hike, we will enjoy a swim and will visit by boat the island of Spinalonga. We will explore, “the island of tears”, that was a massive fortress for the Venetians and became later a leper colony. (Overnight at Mochlos.)

Day 7
This is a relax day, spending it at the blue sea of Kritiko Pelagos. The strong swimmers can visit the little island of Agios Nikolaos that is opposite Mochlos. We will also have the chance for small interesting hikes around the village and finish our day by tasting fresh fish-soup and many delicious dishes of Cretan cuisine. (Overnight at Mochlos.)

Day 8
We travel back to Heraklion by our mini-bus and transfer to the airport.

Price / Person: € 895

Price Includes:
Services of the tour leader – guide, all accommodation (7 nights in double rooms), all meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on the last day, all picnic lunches, group transfers to and from Heraklion airport, all transport throughout the trip, and baggage transport.

Not Included:
Transport to and from Crete, personal and travel insurance, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, personal expenses, entrance fees in Museums, and other sites of interest that are not included in the program.

Period: From April to October 2005.

Available Dates:

Transport
We travel by our own rented air-conditioned mini-bus, which leaves us to walk and continues, with our baggage, to the next place where we will stay for the night.

Accommodation and Meals
Full Board. Hotels in the main cities, local inns and village pensions, throughout the trip (all with private facilities). The trip prices are based on double occupancy.

Food
Every morning we have breakfast in the hotels, picnic en route for lunch and a nutritious dinner at local taverns with dishes of personal choice or traditional Greek and Cretan cuisine. (Vegetarians are welcome on the trips.)

Group Size
4-16 participants.

Activity Level
The hikes offer a moderate trek with a maximum of 6 hours walk. Only for Mt. Dicti participants need to be in good physical condition with a little of experience, as we walk for approx. 6-7 hours on a rocky path.

Equipment
Daypack (approx. 25-35l), trekking shoes, mountain clothing (waterproof wind jacket, polar fleece sweater etc.) water bottle, hat, sun cream, sun glasses, swimming suit, casual clothing.

Note on Itineraries
Please bear in mind that the itinerary can be altered for numerous reasons beyond our control (e.g. harsh weather, trail conditions) to ensure the safety and the well being of the group. The final hiking selection is left up to the trip leader.

Our Other Trips
We offer a variety of trekking, rock climbing, canyoning, caving, horse riding and mountain biking trips throughout Crete. Please visit our website atCretan Adventures in order to find out more about a fascinating way to get to know the landscape, culture and the people of Crete! Contact us for more information.