Highlights include: 4 running routes on spectacular paths of the mountains of Dikti and Thrypti.
The rest days we shall be able to visit some of Crete’s highlights such as the bays of Elounda and Spinalonga Island to explore "the island of tears" -the Venetian massive fortress and later a leper colony- as well as to hike on the sacred mountain of Karfi and visit Dictaion Andro, the cave where Zeus was born.
Returning back to Heraklion you may visit the world-renowned Knossos, the magnificent archaeological area holding remains of a Minoan city that thrived 3500 years ago and the famous palace of the legendary King Minos.
DAY 1: Arrive in Heraklion and transfer to the hotel in Heraklion city.
In the evening we will have a brief presentation of the whole trip and will continue with dinner at a traditional tavern. Welcome to the gastronomic reality of the authentic Cretan cuisine! (Overnight in Heraklion)
DAY 2: After breakfast we shall be transferred to the south area of Dikti Mountain Range for our first cross running route.
(21km, 1500m D+): Amiras village – Omalos plateau – Simi – Amiras
This is one of the most scenic and spectacular routes for trail running in Crete as the athletes will mainly follow trails and paths in beautiful pine and cypress forests with breathtaking views and will pass by narrow streets of small villages and settlements.
When finish the run we shall be transferred further east to the sea-side village of Myrtos where we shall relax in the crystal clear Mediterranean Sea and shall enjoy the local fresh food in one of the coastal restaurants. (Overnight in Myrtos)
DAY 3: Just 5 kilometers from Myrtos is located the village of Mythi from where we start our second cross running route.
(26km, 1460m D+): Mythi village – Christos – Selakano forest – Mythi village.
Another spectacular route that leads us up into the heart of Selakano forest by following unique paths and isolated trails. The view towards the high summits to Dikti mountain range and all the east side of the island of Crete is wonderful.
We shall end up again at Mythi village and will return back to Myrtos to relax at the beach. (Overnight in Myrtos)
DAY 4: Our route today is on the mountain range of Thrypti. (21km, 1400m D+): Kavoussi village – Thrypti village – Thrypti forest – Kavoussi village.
Starting from the Kavoussi village we follow the old rocky build mule path next to Havgas gorge. We shall follow the dirt road until the path in the gorge of Messonas. This impressive gorge has very steep cliffs and is quite narrow. Continuing further up we pass through old settlements and the village of Thrypti at the foot of Afentis mountain. On the way back to Kavoussi we shall run mostly on the rocky build path with panoramic view towards Mirambelo Bay with wonderful smells of oregano and mountain tea.
In the afternoon we shall be transferred to the cosmopolitan Elounda village and shall enjoy swimming at Plaka village. From Plaka will visit by boat the island of Spinalonga to explore, “the island of tears”, that was a massive fortress for the Venetians and became later a leper colony. (Overnight in Avdou)
DAY 5: Today’s cross running route is on the west side of Lassithi Plateau. (20km, 1200m D+): Avdou village – E4 – Louloudaki summit – Ambelos – Avdou.
Starting from our hotel we shall follow the dirt road towards Kastamonitsa village from where we shall follow the old rocky build mule path E4 that will lead us to the commemorative stone label at location Tomb of Tsoulis (Tsouli Mnima) and a pile of stones. From there we shall continue uphill to reach the summit of Louloudaki with panoramic view towards Lassithi Plateau, the Dikti mountain range and the north coast. Time to descend, we shall first reach the saddle of Ambelos with old flour mills from where we shall follow another old path and later a dirt road that will brings us at the valley of the village of Gonies and from there at our hotel.
Time to relax at hotel’s swimming pool and enjoy the really good food. (Overnight in Avdou)
DAY 6: A short hike to relax our muscles and see some of Crete’s highlights.
After breakfast we drive to the largest plateau of Crete. Lassithi plateau had over than 10000 windmills some years ago, used for pumping out water for the locals to water their fields.
Starting from the village of Tzermiado we shall walk through the small and beautiful “Nissimos” valley to reach the sacred summit of Karfi, which offers a Minoan settlement and panoramic- breathtaking view to the north coast, and the mountains of Selena and Dikti. From the summit we shall descend back to Tzermiado from a different path by following the ridge and further down the old rocky-build mule path – Kalterimi. At Lassithi plateau, we shall have the chance to experience a small journey through mythology by visiting Zeus birthplace - the cave of Dictaion Andro. (Overnight in Avdou)
DAY 7: Today we drive back to Heraklion, and will visit Knossos, to enjoy the magnificent archaeological area holding remains of a Minoan city that thrived 3500 years ago and the famous palace dated 1700-1450 B.C., excavated by Sir Arthur Evans at the beginning of this century.
In the afternoon we are free to explore the city of Heraklion or to continue our culture excursion by visiting the very interesting archaeological museum, with exhibits from the Minoan period. (Overnight in Heraklion)
DAY 8: This is the end of our trip. We will transfer you to Heraklion airport at a convenient time.
Mini Vans
Half Board. Local inns and village pensions throughout the trip (all with private facilities).
The trip price is based on double occupancy.
Every morning we have breakfast in the hotels and a nutritious dinner at local taverns with dishes of personal choice or traditional Greek and Cretan cuisine. (Vegetarians are welcomed on the trip).
Demanding
Please bear in mind that the itinerary can be altered for numerous reasons beyond our control (e.g., harsh weather, road conditions) to ensure the safety and the well being of the group. The final touring selection is left up to the trip leader.
