Contrasts of Crete Walking

Contrasts of Crete Walking

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8 Days From

$2300

$2237

Contrasts of Crete Walking

8 Days Starting and ending in Chania

Visiting: Chania, Agia Eirini, Sougia, Lissos gorge, Agia Roumeli, Samaria Gorge, Loutro, Aradena, Hora Sfakion

Tour operator:

Exodus

Tour code:

W07GI

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 16

Physical rating:

Low, Leisurely / Moderate

Age range:

18-99

Tour operated in:
English
From:
$2300
$2237 (USD) The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$63
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Tour Overview

This self-guided walking holiday explores the most remote south-west corner of Crete. there are often no roads within miles and most of the local commuting is done by boat! You'll follow ancient paths and shepherd trails through gorges and along stoney coastal paths that meander above hidden coves, along virgin beaches and across pebbly promontories, often within metres of the appetisingly clear waters of the Mediterranean.

Starting in Chania, the most charming city of Crete we head towards the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) which take their name from the shining bleached limestone in summer. Explore the lush Samaria and Agia Irini gorges blanketed with colourful Cretan rock lettuce and Aubretia. Follow the southern coastline from Sougia to Ancient Lissos, known for its famous Temple of Asklepios (Aesculapium), where people came from all over Crete to be cured by the local waters. The temple was destroyed in a great earthquake, but its mosaic floor depicting animals and geometrical patterns is preserved. Continue along the coast to Loutro, passing the chapel of St Pavlos, said to mark the place where St Paul landed on Crete. There are plenty of swimming opportunities along the way and your final walk takes you to Freshwater Beach before returning to Chania.You'll be treated to historical sites, fabulous swimming spots and a spectacular variety of birds. The White Mountains have golden eagles and lammergeyers and at lower altitudes you will find bee-eaters, hoopoes, blue rock thrush and golden oreols.

Highlights

  • Enjoy the tour to the fullest.

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrive In Chania

Location: Chania

Meals Included: Breakfast

Arrive in the charming city of Chania. Its perfect setting with the White

Mountains as a background, lively harbour, historical remains and busy market

make it the ideal starting point. You'll be met in the afternoon by our local

representative for your briefing.

Day 2 : Chania To Agia Irini And Sougia Bay

Location: Chania, Agia Eirini

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today starts with a transfer to the White Mountains. The walk takes you

through the narrow gorge of Agia Irini where areas of humidity and shade

sustain a variety of plants, and gigantic plane trees grace a large clearing

half way up. Ending at Agia Irini village a short transfer takes you to

Sougia bay on the Lybian coast.

Day 3 : Sougia Bay To Ancient Lissos

Location: Sougia, Lissos gorge, Sougia

Meals Included: Breakfast

From Sougia walk along a path towards the ancient city of Lissos waterfront,

the walk follows a beautiful small canyon with narrow yet high walls, after

which the Temple of Asclepius appears in front of you. You walk amongst the

scattered ruins of the ancient city discovering tombs, the Roman theatre and

the church of Saint Kirikos. Return to Sougia the same way and time

permitting relax at the beach before taking a boat transfer to the fishing

village of Agia Roumeli where you spend the next two nights.

Day 4 : Samaria Gorge

Location: Agia Roumeli, Samaria Gorge, Agia Roumeli

Meals Included: Breakfast

Walk from Agia Roumeli up part of the Samaria gorge, Europe's longest gorge.

Watch out for lammergeyers as you go over trickling streams and through

forests of scented pines tp the 'Iron Gates' the narrowest point of the gorge

where the rocks on either side are 600m high. Head back down the gorge to

return to Agia Roumeli.

Day 5 : Agia Roumeli To Loutro

Location: Agia Roumeli, Loutro

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a wonderful coastal walk today to the picturesque 13th century chapel

of St Pavlos,where the apostle supposedly first arrived in Crete, stop for a

swim before heading on to Marmara where you can enjoy lunch in a taverna and

stop for another swim, continue on along the coastal path to Loutro or take a

water taxi from Marmara (payable locally).A shorter walking option is also

available.

Day 6 : Optional Walk To Aradena

Location: Aradena

Meals Included: Breakfast

Spend the day relaxing in Loutro or take a leisurely hike via Foinikas to

Marmara beach to the entrance of Aradena gorge. Return the same way or take a

water taxi back to Loutro (payable locally).

Day 7 : Loutro To Hora Sfakion (Chania)

Location: Hora Sfakion

Meals Included: Breakfast

Follow the coastal path to Freshwater beach, so-called because of the fresh

spring water that bubbles just under the surface. Enjoy a swim and a picnic

before continuing on to Hora Sfakion where a transfer takes you back to

Chania for your last night.

Day 8 : Leave Chania

Location: Chania

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leave Chania

What's Included

  • Meals
    8 breakfasts, 0 lunches, 0 dinners.

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

  • Any Solo traveller supplements (where only one person is travelling on a departure date)

  • Visas or vaccinations

Food

Simple buffet style Greek breakfast consists of bread/toast, butter, jam,
fresh juice, milk, local yoghurt, eggs and honey, and coffee/tea. For lunch
we recommend taking a picnic on most days although there may be options on
some days to eat at a taverna.   For dinner, in each place you stay there
will be a range of different local tavernas and restaurants to choose from
where you can sample some typical Greek meze dishes, olives, fresh fish,
vegetables and much more.

Accommodation

The hotels you'll be staying in are small, family-run properties some of which are close to the sea shore.

Check out our Q&As

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    British and other EU passport holders do not need a visa to visit Greece.

  • Are vaccinations required for this tour?

    There are no specific health risks.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Luggage transfers between hotels

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews of this Operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
John Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I went cycling in Albania...

19-Aug-2023

I went cycling in Albania with exodus as my first holiday with them. Such a well organised and wonderful experience where I met multiple fellow travellers who have been advocates of them for many years. You can't argue with happy repeat customers and I'm planning my next adventure with them soon

Rob Burridge (Google Reviewer)  

I'v just come back from...

17-Jul-2022

I'v just come back from an amazing Wildlife & Wilderness trip in Botswana and I highly recommend Exodus Travels. Our guide Brian, was extremely knowledgeable on both the wildlife and history of Botswana and neighbouring countries. The other three staff, Abbis, Chief & Mr T, who accompanied us through out our 2 week trip, put in the hard work and made sure our camp was always prepared and that we we're well fed and looked after. The tour took us to some beautiful places and we saw some amazing wildlife, and on several occasions this was due to Brian's knowledge of the area and wildlife behaviour. Exodus have been very quick to respond to any queries I had, and the whole experience ran smoothly. I was also pleased to hear that during lockdown they provided staff with food packages 👍. I'd normally go on self organised trips, however, with this trip, the tour and guide Brian took us to places not possible otherwise and showed us things that we would'v missed out on. All of which were the highlights of the tour.

Daphne Partridge (Google Reviewer)  

After 14 roup adventure holidays...

26-Nov-2023

After 14 roup adventure holidays with Exofus we would not hesitate to recommend them as an excitingholiday company. They take you off the beaten track but offer great support and expertise :)

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

Dates & Availability

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Saturday - Saturday

May 11, 2024 - May 18, 2024
$2300 $2237 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$63 (USD)

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Saturday - Saturday

May 18, 2024 - May 25, 2024
$2300 $2237 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$63 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 01, 2024 - Jun 08, 2024
$2300 $2237 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$63 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 07, 2024 - Sep 14, 2024
$2300 $2237 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$63 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 14, 2024 - Sep 21, 2024
$2300 $2237 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$63 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 28, 2024 - Oct 05, 2024
$2300 $2237 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$63 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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