DAY 1: Arrive in Chania and transfer to the hotel in Chania 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 Chania)

DAY 2: After breakfast we shall be transferred to the heart of the White Mountains at Omalos plateau for our first cross running route.

(17km, 1100m D-): Omalos plateau – Agia Irini Gorge – Sougia

Starting from the altitude of 1100m at Omalos plateau we shall warm up by following the main road and then we shall follow the old rocky build Roman path that will lead us at Agia Irini gorge. Ag.Irini gorge provides a nice and quiet path next to a stream, full of pines and chestnut trees.  This beautiful gorge is 7,5 km long and exits at the road to Koustogerako. The last part of our run is on the road to end up at Sougia - a fishing village on the southern coast of Crete where we shall have the opportunity to enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters of Mediterranean Sea.

From Sougia we shall be transferred back to Omalos to spend the night at a family-owned hotel

(Overnight in Omalos)

 DAY 3: Hike Samaria gorge.

A short minibus drive takes us to Xiloscalo, the entrance of Samaria gorge, which is the largest gorge in Europe and one of the most beautiful that nature can provide. We walk 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. (6 hours walk) (Overnight in Agia Roumeli)

 DAY 4: (14km, 800m D+): Agia Roumeli – Agios Pavlos – Agios Ioannis village.

Our trail run route today is on the E4 coastal path until Agios Pavlos chapel, which was built on the sand next to the sea. From there we shall ascend the zik-zak path to reach the natural veranda of Selouda with its spectacular view towards the south coast and Gavdos island. Continuing through the pine forest we shall reach the village of Agios Ioannis at the foot of the White Mountains. (Overnight in Agios Ioannis)

DAY 5: Today’s cross running route follows the old paths that connected the villages of Agios Ioannis – Aradena –Anopolis and Loutro. (14km, 250m D+, 1000m D-).

Through the pine forest of Agios Ioannis we shall reach the village of Aradena with its impressive bridge above Aradena gorge and the church of Michael Archangelos with its unusual dome. From Aradena we shall run on the rocky build path that will lead us into the riverbed of Aradena gorge and back up again on the other side of the gorge. The next village is Anopolis with the statue of Daskalogiannis – a local hero that reminds us the revolution against the Turks back in 1770. From Anopolis square we shall continue to the top of the hill at Agia Ekaterini’s church, to enjoy the wonderful view to the Libyan Sea and the south coast of Crete. From there we shall follow the rocky zig-zak path to end up at the small port of Loutro with its magnificent village decorated with the blue and white houses (Overnight in Loutro)

DAY 6: A 15-minutes boat ride will bring us from Loutro to Sfakia from where we shall be transferred at the bottom of Asfendou gorge for our last trail running route. (20km, 1150m D+)

Starting from the village of Agios Nektarios we shall run up the gorge of Asfendou to reach the homonym settlement, from there we shall continue to descend back to Patsianos village by the parallel gorge of Kallikratis and end up at the village of Agios Nektarios completing a remarkable loop.    

Time to swim and relax at the sandy beach of Frangokastelo. This Venetian castle has an interesting story about the ghosts of the Greek soldiers fighting against the Turks.

We continue our drive further east to the fishing village of Plakias, where we spend the night. (Overnight in Plakias)

DAY 7: Today we hike through Kourtaliotis gorge – that exits at the unique "Preveli" Palm Beach.

Our walk starts from the Venetian arched stone bridge from the 19^th century.  From there we will follow the path along the Kourtaliotis River that will lead us to the amazing beach of Finikas (which means palm tree: The Cretan Date Palm - Phoenix Theophrasti - is native to the east Mediterranean region). The exit of the gorge offers an unforgettable picture, as the river comes out in the sea through the forest of palm trees. We could swim, either in the river or in the sea, before we continue to visit the Piso Preveli Monastery. (Overnight in Plakias)

 DAY 8: This is the end of our trip. We will transfer you to Chania airport at a convenient time

Included

• Services of the tour leader – guide
• All accommodation (7 nights in double rooms)
• 7 dinners
• All transport throughout the trip
• Baggage transport
• Entrance fees at: Samaria gorge, Agia Irini gorge, Preveli Monastery
• Boat ticket from Loutro to Sfakia
• VAT
• Third party insurance

• 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.
• Cretan Adventures is not responsible for any accidents or mishaps directly or indirectly related to the tour.

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

• Trail running shoes
• Trail running shorts and T-shirts
• Hut and sun glasses
• Trail running backpack (10-12L)
• Trail running poles (optional)

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.