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:

Just You

Specialist Group:

Singles Solo

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

15 - 27

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

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

  • Walking tour of Chania

  • Walking tour at the Sirikari Gorge & Polirinia

  • Walking in the Botanical Gardens & White Mountains

  • Tour the ancient ruins of Aptera & Lappa

  • Enjoy a lunch of delicious local produce in the quaint village of Argyroupoli

  • Walk in the city of Rethymno & visit Kournas Lake

Places You'll See

Botanical Park & Gardens Of Crete.

Botanical Park & Gardens Of Crete.

Chania

Chania

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 Crete

The Palace of Knossos
Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete
Elafonissi Beach
Getting to know your fellow travellers
Soúda, Crete
Soúda, Crete
Crete
Heraklion, Crete
Heraklion, Crete
The Palace of Knossos
Botanical Park & Gardens Of Crete.
Elafonissi Beach
Elafonissi Beach
Crete
The Palace of Knossos
The Palace of Knossos
Soúda, Crete
Crete
Botanical Park & Gardens Of Crete.
The Palace of Knossos
Botanical Park & Gardens Of Crete.
Heraklion, Crete
Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete
Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete
Elafonissi Beach
Elafonissi Beach

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

Walking
Chania
Chania
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

Anogia village

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

Soúda, Crete
The Palace of Knossos
The Palace of Knossos
Soúda, Crete
Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete
Crete
Heraklion, Crete
Crete
Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete
Soúda, Crete
Spinalonga Island
Heraklion, Crete
The Palace of Knossos
Elafonissi Beach
Heraklion (Iraklion), Crete
Elafonissi Beach
Elafonissi Beach
Botanical Park & Gardens Of Crete.
Crete
Botanical Park & Gardens Of Crete.
Elafonissi Beach
Heraklion, Crete
Elafonissi Beach
The Palace of Knossos
Botanical Park & Gardens Of Crete.
The Palace of Knossos

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

Chania
Chania
Chania
Matala

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

Knossos

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

Lassithi Plateau windmills

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

Cretan Bee Orchid

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

  • 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.

  • Transportation excluding overseas transfers to and from the airport

    Transportation is provided during the tour, excluding overseas transfers to and from the airport.

  • Porterage

    Porterage services are included during the tour.

show more

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Just You has been operating solo holidays for more than 15 years.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Jenny Elliott  

Fabulous Holiday with Just You

28-Oct-2021

Fabulous holiday with Just You - well organised, excellent accommodation and our tour leader absolutely made the trip! Would highly recommend.

Featured on Trustpilot
Russell Kerfoot  

Travels 2013 -2019

21/06/2021

Have taken about 15 tours with JY, mainly long haul, and found the experience exhilarating. Apart from the company's professionalism and extensive and varied tour options, I have made so many friends for life. Looking forward to resuming my travels in 2022.

Featured on Trustpilot
jean thornton (Google Reviewer)  

My short trip to Versailles...

08-Sep-2024

My short trip to Versailles & Monet’s garden with ‘just you’ was excellent. Tessa our guide gave 101%. Beautiful hotel and surroundings. A very friendly bunch of people and a mix of all ages. Will definitely be going with them again.

Tyler Kerr (Google Reviewer)  

Apologies in advance to the...

09-Jun-2024

Apologies in advance to the business as my holiday was the Eastern Wonders tour in Canada in June 2023 but some things happened shortly after which I had to focus on and then I kept forgetting to write a review. This was hands down the best holiday I’ve ever had. My coeliac disease was no issue whatsoever and the tour guide ‘Johanna’ is an absolute credit to Just You. She along with all of the other tour guides in the city stops were knowledgeable and great fun. The only day I felt wasn’t necessary for that time of year was Mont-Tremblant and the Holiday Inn there wasn’t the best but every other hotel was wonderful. Everyday was well-balanced with little tours to see the gorgeous sights in each location whilst still leaving us with plenty of time for our own exploration. The coach driver ‘Dave’ was also a really lovely chap. We always felt very safe with him behind the wheel and, should Just You offer this tour again someday, I would definitely recommend it. I will be using this company again and I can’t wait. I’d also like to thank the team at Just You over the phone and the representative at Heathrow who helped me as I’m on the autism spectrum and can get overwhelmed. Lovely company and very well priced in my opinion. With everything we did it would have cost around double if you’d made this trip independently.

Alistair Chattaway (Google Reviewer)  

A shame that there are...

14-Aug-2024

A shame that there are a lot of negative reviews regarding Just You as I recently went on their tour of Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast... it was a fantastic trip and I was part of a lovely group of people. The tour guide (Michela) was fantastic and the staff members in the hotel in Pompeii were really friendly and accommodating. As I have certain dietary requirements, the staff in the hotel went to every length to accommodate these needs... and whereas no hotel is ever perfect, I had a quiet and comfortable room and it was more than adequate for my needs. The additional tours were fantastic and the tours of the Pompeii ruins, Herculaneum, Capri, Ravello and Amalfi Coast were well planned. The tour guides were really knowledgeable about the area and it really took my breath away. I didn't like Naples very much but the museum and its exhibitions were really worth the short visit there. Four of the guest flew in on earlier flights from different parts of the UK and rather than keep us waiting at the airport, a separate transfer was organised to get us to the hotel in good time for some rest. The other guests on the tour were really friendly and no one felt left out at any point... and the group size (17 people) was perfect. A lot of the guests had already been on previous holidays with Just You and had really good things to say... so, having been skeptical due to the negative reviews I read before I went on the holiday, I wanted to write a positive review as I had a lovely time on this holiday... to the point that I will definitely book another holiday with Just You in the future.

aled blackshaw (Google Reviewer)  

Been on 5 holidays with...

13-Oct-2023

Been on 5 holidays with this company they have generally been good but the prices have risen considerably and i feel do not provide true value for money. In my opinion all the excursions and meals should be included in the total cost as they not worth the extra cost. Also they are very dismissive of any complaints once you have paid for the holiday they are not interested. I think i will try another company next time

Sue Sweeney (Google Reviewer)  

Great holidays for singles. I've been...

28-Jun-2023

Great holidays for singles. I've been on 4 holidays with them. Only issue is the hotel rooms. They generally use 3* hotels and I've booked at the same time and price as my friends but the difference in rooms is unbelievable. I've been lucky, but I've heard horror stories from friends of rooms like a dungeon with one small high window whilst I've had a fabulous sea view.

COLIN BROAD (Google Reviewer)  

I went on a spirit...

08-Apr-2024

I went on a spirit of an India trip with Amritsar add on. It looks good in the brochure, but things aren’t always as they seem. If like me you like a toilet break every two hours (discussed with the company in depth in advance) or have a hidden disability. then this holiday is not for you - use a different holiday company! Their planned toilet stops are every 3.5 hours, so ladies bring your pads and gents be prepared for “natural stops” while all the passengers watch you out the window or bring a bottle and a blanket as a screen. The Taj Mahal in Agra was good, along with the two trips to the Ganges river and the Golden Temple at Amritsar too. Rarely are you in the same spot for more than one night and a 6 hour daily coach or train journey became the norm. It was a shame that there was not an opportunity to enjoy the hotels that we’d obviously paid a lot of money for. If you’re looking for tigers in the game park, don’t get your hopes up. 99% unlikely. It is also a disappointment that there is little opportunity to explore the areas in the major cities that we’d traveled too If you are lucky enough to find some companionship from the opposite sex and wish to be bring them “home” this is frowned upon by the company - even if you have paid extra due double occupancy as required by the hotel I received a letter on holiday basically saying that the two hourly toilet stops required (and discussed in advance) due to diabetes was a disruption to the schedule. That photos sent to me by a girlfriend were “illicit”. Photo uploaded - make your own mind up” Also that managing to get lucky a couple of times and bringing them back to the hotel was an issue - very strange due a so called singles holiday

Maureen May (Google Reviewer)  

Just returned from St Lucia....

29-Feb-2024

Just returned from St Lucia. Hotel dreadfully shabby. Breakfasts very limited with very little fresh fruit. Our hotel was a 20 minute walk in 29C or a free bus on the hour to the beach and sister hotel. Location good for nearby local shopping and restaurants. The sunset cruise was brilliant as was the whale watching, but surf and safari trip was a disaster. We travelled in two open topped trucks with a two and a half hour drive to the surfing destination. During the trip smoke started from the gear box and we had to abandon the vehicle until the situation was rectified, which, to their credit, was sorted very quickly. Unfortunately the sea was too rough for the boat so we had to return back in the trucks. Extremely uncomfortable on side bench seats, hanging on in the rain. So, all in all we don’t over 6 hours on the trucks - not good. The tour guide left before the 5 day extension period without a handover to the local tour operators. No Information was given except by the hotel. I had already booked to go the Athens with Just You in May, now I wish I hadn’t.

Sunlight59 (Google Reviewer)  

Booked the French & Italian...

12-May-2024

Booked the French & Italian Riviera. Too much travelling on the coach. Most journeys to places were around 2 hours or more. No toilet facilities unless you go into a cafe to buy something. The group were lovely but mostly retired and older. Didn’t have much in common. The hotel was comfortable and clean. Vegetarians had mainly different types of cooked eggs for dinner. But plenty of food. However the hotel Toscana in Alessio does cater for families with children so noisy at night for the last few days of the holiday. Paid a lot of money for this holiday. Did not meet my expectations as per brochure.

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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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