Walking in Crete
Walking in Crete
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Walking in Crete
8 Days Starting and ending in Crete, Greece
Visiting: Crete, Chania, Old Venetian Harbour, Chania, Old Town, Chania, Municipal Market, Chania, Sirikari Gorge, Polirinia, White Mountains, Omalos Plateau, Samariá Gorge, Gonia Monastery, Agia Lake, Anoskeli, Monumental Olive Tree of Vouves, Aptera, Argyroupoli, Church of the Five Holy Virgins, Rethymno, Fortezza Fortress, Kournas Lake, Lake Kournas
Tour operator:
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
15 - 27
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Crete with our "Walking in Crete" tour. Discover the enchanting city of Chania, with its blend of Venetian, Turkish, and Ottoman architecture, and explore the serene Sirikari Gorge and ancient Polirinia. Wander through the lush Botanical Gardens and the majestic White Mountains, and delve into the rich history of Aptera and Lappa. Enjoy a delightful lunch in the charming village of Argyroupoli and stroll through the romantic streets of Rethymno, ending your day at the stunning Kournas Lake. With a dedicated Just You holiday director and guaranteed single rooms, this tour offers a perfect blend of guided exploration and leisure, ensuring a memorable Cretan adventure. Enjoy 7 nights in a 4-star hotel, 16 meals, and the company of fellow travelers as you uncover the beauty and history of this captivating Greek island.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 Crete
Location: Crete
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Santa Marina Beach Resort
Meals Included: Dinner
Make your own way to the hotel where your Holiday Director will meet you this evening.
Day 2 Chania
Location: Chania, Old Venetian Harbour, Chania, Old Town, Chania, Municipal Market, Chania
Accommodation Name: Santa Marina Beach Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Walk 4km/2.5 miles - 1.5 hours
Postcard-pretty Chania owes much of its visual charm to a combination of Venetian, Turkish and Ottoman architecture. Today, we'll explore Crete's second-largest city and discover narrow streets filled with tavernas, cafés and shops. The Old Venetian Harbour is an enchanting highlight, with a unique lighthouse that's one of the world's oldest.
After our guided walking tour, you'll have plenty of free time to wander through the atmospheric streets of the Old Town and stimulate your senses at the cross-shaped Municipal Market. A multitude of leather stores and quirky boutiques can keep you shopping all afternoon, if you choose. Alternatively, you can simply sip on traditional Cretan wine while relaxing along the magnificent waterfront.
Day 3 Sirikari Gorge - Polirinia
Location: Sirikari Gorge, Polirinia
Accommodation Name: Santa Marina Beach Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Walk 9km/5.5 miles - 3 hours
Green valleys, glistening streams and an abundance of wildflowers greet us on our guided walk of Sirikari Gorge. This unspoilt region of western Crete is remote and peaceful, where Griffon vultures circle overhead. You'll need your sturdy walking shoes today, as we hike the gorge and take in breathtaking views when we reach the archaeological site of Polirinia. A powerful city across ancient Greek and Roman times, picturesque ruins are preserved along steep cliffs and surrounded by panoramic vistas. We'll see a Roman aqueduct, Venetian arches and traditional houses, before having a stop to get lunch. If you're still feeling quite active, take an uphill climb to the remnants of the city's medieval fort.
Day 4 White Mountains
Location: Crete, White Mountains, Omalos Plateau, Samariá Gorge
Accommodation Name: Santa Marina Beach Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We'll take a scenic drive in the orange-growing region to Crete's magical Botanical Park, before our trip into the White Mountains today. The park is thriving with almost 20 hectares of fruit trees, herbs, medicinal plants, vineyards and wildlife. Topped with snow during winter, the majestic White Mountains retain their glow even in summer, as the sun reflects off limestone peaks. Nothing goes better with food than spectacular views, so lunch today takes place at the historic plateau of Omalos. It's the gateway to the Samariá Gorge, and we'll visit here after a delicious lunch.
Day 5 Chania - at leisure
Location: Chania, Gonia Monastery, Agia Lake, Anoskeli, Monumental Olive Tree of Vouves
Accommodation Name: Santa Marina Beach Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today is yours to do as you please, whether that's relaxing by the pool at the hotel or exploring at your own pace. Alternatively, join us for an optional tour that starts with a walk through the interesting history at the Gonia Monastery. Important religious relics are preserved in the on-site museum, including antique books and icons.
Bird lovers are in for a treat with a stop at Agia Lake, a protected wetland habitat for both resident and migratory birds. Next, get ready for a taste of Crete's 'liquid gold’ at the award-winning Anoskeli oil mill. The olive-based fun doesn't stop there though, as we'll have a delicious lunch next to the Monumental Olive Tree of Vouves, which is one of the oldest in the world.
Day 6 Aptera and Argyroupoli
Location: Aptera, Argyroupoli, Church of the Five Holy Virgins
Accommodation Name: Santa Marina Beach Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Walk 5km/3 miles -2.5 hours
Spread over the hills above sparkling Souda Bay, the ancient city of Aptera was the most powerful city of Western Crete during the Minoan era. We'll see magnificent ruins of Roman cisterns, a Turkish fortress and a unique amphitheatre on our visit today. After this, we'll drive to the traditional village of Argyroupoli. It rests on the site of Ancient Lappa which was destroyed by earthquakes and invasion.
Charming stone houses line the cobblestone streets here. Whilst we explore, you'll also see Byzantine churches, Venetian mansions and natural springs. Then we'll stop for lunch at an authentic Taverna, before learning about local traditions at the Church of the Five Holy Virgins, which is both an ancient cemetery and a shrine.
Day 7 Rethymno - Kournas Lake
Location: Rethymno, Fortezza Fortress, Kournas Lake
Accommodation Name: Santa Marina Beach Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Romantic Rethymno is a fairytale combination of Venetian arches, majestic mansions and captivating cobbled pathways. We'll explore the 'Fortezza' fortress, an imposing structure that dominates the Old Town with giant bastions, and houses the Sultan Bin Ibrahim Mosque. Leisure time gives you the freedom to find the perfect Greek lunch in a range of tavernas, explore the long, sandy seaside or search for treasures in winding lanes.
Next , ever-changing shades of blue dazzle the eyes at Kournas Lake, Crete's only freshwater lake. Set within a valley among the hills, this beautiful landscape hosts an array of protected wildlife, including diamondback terrapins. Tonight, we'll celebrate our fabulous trip over a farewell dinner together.
Day 8 Departure
Location: Lake Kournas
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today it's time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers as your trip comes to an end
What's Included
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Just You Holiday Director as your host & Specialist Local Guide
A dedicated Just You Holiday Director and a Specialist Local Guide will accompany you throughout the trip.
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Transportation excluding overseas transfers to and from the airport
Transportation is provided during the tour, excluding overseas transfers to and from the airport.
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Porterage
Porterage services are included during the tour.
What's Not Included
Overseas transfers to and from the airport
Transfers to and from the airport are not included in the tour package.
Mode of Transport
Transportation is provided throughout the tour, excluding overseas transfers to and from the airport. Enjoy scenic drives and convenient travel between destinations, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Crete.Accommodation
Enjoy a comfortable stay at the Santa Marina Beach Resort, a 4-star hotel offering 7 nights of accommodation. Your own room is guaranteed with no single supplement, ensuring privacy and relaxation after a day of exploring Crete.Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights in a 4-star hotel, specifically at the Santa Marina Beach Resort.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 16 meals: 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 7 dinners, along with a welcome drink and a farewell get-together.
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Is there a tour guide available during the trip?
Yes, a Just You Holiday Director and a Specialist Local Guide will be your hosts throughout the trip.
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What is the walking distance covered on Day 2 in Chania?
On Day 2, the walking tour in Chania covers a distance of 4km or 2.5 miles, which takes approximately 1.5 hours.
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What can I expect to see during the walk in Sirikari Gorge?
During the walk in Sirikari Gorge, you will encounter green valleys, glistening streams, and an abundance of wildflowers. The area is remote and peaceful, with Griffon vultures often seen circling overhead.
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What activities are available on the leisure day in Chania?
On the leisure day in Chania, you can relax by the pool at the hotel, explore the area at your own pace, or join an optional tour that includes a visit to the Gonia Monastery, Agia Lake, and the Anoskeli oil mill.
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What historical sites are visited on Day 6 in Aptera and Argyroupoli?
On Day 6, you will visit the ancient city of Aptera, where you can see Roman cisterns, a Turkish fortress, and an amphitheatre. In Argyroupoli, you will explore Byzantine churches, Venetian mansions, and natural springs.
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What is unique about Kournas Lake visited on Day 7?
Kournas Lake is Crete's only freshwater lake, known for its ever-changing shades of blue and its beautiful landscape, which hosts an array of protected wildlife, including diamondback terrapins.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
All the people in your group will be solo travellers and will share your sense of adventure and passion for travel. There’s usually a good mix of ages too, so you’ll meet a variety of solo travellers who have more, or in some cases less, life experience. We find the overall mix of people really adds to the whole experience and there are certainly plenty of l
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
A few years ago we set up Just You Cares, a programme that gives back to some of the places we love. We have always believed in taking care of the communities we visit, and have taken the time to really get to know the local people and understand the challenges they face. Some of our holidays give our Customers the chance to see how the money from their trips has been spent.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Just You, we are committed to operating our business operations responsibly, with integrity and always act ethically in all our business dealings and relationships. We are committed to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure slavery and human trafficking does not take place in our own business or in any of our supply chains
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If we can accommodate a change in date - we will always do our best to help you. Just pick up the phone and ask one of our friendly advisors - just make sure you have your booking number to hand.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes, and all of our accommodation providers will be working to the very highest standards of hygiene – you already always enjoy a private room of your own on all of our trips, all of our partners will be guided by local government operational standards of hygiene and the new protocols we have issued to them.
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Will I eat alone?
We find there’s always a social element to dining, so you’ll never eat alone, unless you want to! Every holiday includes a welcome get-together, all breakfasts and many other meals. When a meal is not included we find travellers meet and dine together.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No, given the nature of our holidays, it is not possible to join the tour once it has departed.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Just You has been operating solo holidays for more than 15 years.
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Am I guaranteed a room of my own?
Of course, you’ll always have a twin or double room all to yourself. It’s great to have that space to relax and reflect at the end of the day. In some hotels you can also pay a little extra to upgrade for more space or a lovely sea view.
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What is the typical age range on a Just You holiday?
Typically, our customers are solo travellers in their 40s, 50s and 60s, but it’s quite possible you could meet 20-year-olds or 70-year-olds (or anyone in between)... After all, age is just a number!
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have received the World Travel and Tourism Councils (WTTC) Safe Travels stamp, which recognises businesses and destinations worldwide that have adopted a new set of global protocols to support the return of 'Safe Travel' around the world. The 'Safe Travels' stamp provides you, with assurance and peace of mind that we have implemented enhanced health and hygiene prprotocols on all holidays.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Once you book, you will receive a confirmation invoice within 7 days, prior to departure, we will send you further information to help prepare for your trip.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Just You is exclusively for solo travellers, every tour includes a twin or double room of your own, with no single supplement.
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Low Deposit
Just You requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 84 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of just you charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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