Introduction
Discover two of the most famous Mediterranean Islands
This 10-day trip starts from Crete, Greece's largest island with mythical mountains, deep gorges and a unique history dating back to the 4000-year-old Minoan civilization, to continue to the jewel of Cyclades islands, the spectacular Santorini, with its whitewashed cubist-shaped houses, the dramatic volcano and the breathtaking views of what once originated the legend of Atlantis.
Starting from Chania with its picturesque Venetian port, you will explore the southwest coast of Crete.
Depart for the village of Agia Irini and enjoy a picnic lunch in its quite gorge before emerging at the crystal-clear waters of Mediterranean Sea. Follow ancient paths to reach the second Roman city in Crete, visiting the temple of God Asklipios and exploring the ruins from Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine period.
Europe's longest gorge, the awesome Samaria gorge, offers one of the most rewarding walks through a spectacular botanic garden with plants, birds and animals that exist only here.
Relax in the charming village of Loutro by refreshing yourselves in the azure blue waters of Marmara beach before return to Crete's capital - Heraklion, to visit the magnificent archaeological area of Knossos with its famous Minoan city and palace dating from 1450 BC.
The "grand finale" of this unforgettable holiday is the spectacular island of Santorini.
Walk through small-whitewashed houses on the narrow winding alleys, to discover the Fira, Imerovigli and the famous for its sunset village of Ia.
Trek on the comfortable path on the edge of Caldera's ochre cliff, enjoy the spectacular view of the islands Nea Kameni, Palea Kameni and Thirasia, swim in the hot springs and explore the still active volcano of Nea kameni!
Arrive in Chania. Transfer to the hotel in city center. 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 in Chania
After breakfast, we will be transferred to the entrance of Agia Irini gorge, for our first hike. Ag.Irini gorge leads to the village of Sougia and provides a nice and quiet path next to a stream, full of pines and chestnut trees. Sougia is a beautiful village on the southern coast of Crete where we will have the opportunity to enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters of Mediterranean Sea.
Driving: 50klm. / 1 hour
Hiking: 12 klm. / 4 hours
Overnight in Sougia
Cultural walk through the beautiful gorge of Selinou, thick with brilliant pink oleanders and carob trees, to the ancient city of Lissos. Lissos was an important center of hydrotherapy in ancient years, which flourished in the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine era. Here we will visit a well-preserved temple with mosaic floor dedicated to the God of medicine Asklipios and will have much to admire by making a small loop around the city. Refresh ourselves in the cove and return to Sougia.
Hiking: 7 klm. / 3 hours
Overnight in Sougia
Today we will be transferred to Omalos plateau, the starting point of the hike to Samaria gorge. Samaria is the largest gorge in Europe and one of the most beautiful that nature can provide. The walk is on a good path in shady pine forest and beside a melodic stream. We reach the small village of Agia Roumeli, where we can relax and enjoy a swim before taking the ferry to the charming village of Loutro.
Driving: 38 klm. - 50 minutes
Walking: 16 klm. – 6 hours
Overnight in Loutro
Relaxing day to spend it either in Loutro or in the crystal waters of "Marmara" beach. For the people that wish to walk, an optional walk is available. We can either follow the ancient path to Anopolis village, a historic area from where the revolution against the Turks began in 1866, and return back to Loutro (2½ hrs walk) or we can extend the hike to cross Aradena gorge (very beautiful and slightly more difficult than the previous gorges). On the way back to Loutro we can swim in the crystal waters of "Marmara" beach.
Overnight in Loutro
A 15 minutes boat-ride will take us from Loutro to Hora Sfakion from where we will be transferred to the city of Heraklion. In Heraklion we will have free time to visit Knossos, the magnificent archaeological area holding remains of a Minoan city that thrived 3500 years ago, the famous palace dated 1700-1450 B.C. and the archaeological museum.
Overnight in Heraklion
Today we will ride the ferry all the way to Santorini island. Santorini, the most beautiful of the Greek islands, with its stark, white, cubist-shaped houses perch atop ochre cliffs, with endless stretches of beach and its dramatic volcano surrounded by the Aegean Sea, compose the jewel of Cyclades. In the afternoon we can visit the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri which was destroyed in the Theran eruption about 1627 BCE and buried in volcanic ash, which preserved the remains of fine Frescoes and many objects and artworks. The settlement has been suggested as a possible inspiration for Plato's story of Atlantis.
Overnight in Santorini
Starting from Fira, the capital of the island will initially walk through the small-whitewashed houses on the narrow winding alleys, to Imerovigli. We will continue on a path till Ia having on your left-hand side the breathtaking view of the islands of Nea Kameni (with the volcano in the middle) the island of Palea Kameni and the island of Thirasia.
Walking: 10 klm. – 3.30 hours
Overnight in Santorini
Today we will embark on a sailing boat to visit the island of Nea Kameni. Explore the volcano of Nea Kameni and enjoy the breathtaking views of what once originated the legend of Atlantis. Our boat trip will continue to Palea Kameni, where we will have the chance to swim at the hot springs before heading to the little island of Thirasia and back to Santorini.
Overnight in Santorini
This is the last day of your trip, you will have free time in Santorini before we transfer you to Santorini airport.
END OF SERVICES
Everyone participating in any of Cretan Adventures events/activities is covered by third party insurance through Ethniki Asfalistiki.
Participants need to be covered by their own personal insurance (Health/accident insurance) for the chosen activities.
If clients wish to be covered for personal insurance (Health/accident insurance) by A.I.G Europe Limited s/he must notify in paper the above to Cretan Adventures and pay the additional cost.
Cretan Adventures is not responsible for any accidents or mishaps directly or indirectly related to the tour.
You travel either by taxi or by our own rented air-conditioned mini-bus, which leaves you to walk and continues, with your baggage, to the next place where you will stay for the night.
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.
Every morning we have breakfast in the hotels or at a nearby coffee place.
Grade A/B. The hikes offer easy treks with a maximum of 6 hours walk (Samaria gorge). No previous experience is needed.
Please bear in mind that: - Price changes from high and low season: Low Season: May, June, October. Price per Person: €1530 High Season: September. Price per Person: €1630 - The above rates are for minimum 4 participants. For less participants please contact us. - 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 Cretan Adventures.
