Private 8-Days hiking in Southwest Crete from Heraklion
Private 8-Days hiking in Southwest Crete from Heraklion
Private 8-Days hiking in Southwest Crete from Heraklion
8 Days Starting and ending in Heraklion, Greece
Visiting: Heraklion, Chania, Palaiochora, Omalos, Sougia, Samaria Gorge, Agia Roumeli, Loutro, Aradena Gorge, Hora Sfakion
Tour operator:
Tour code:
740871
Group Type:
Private
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 2
Age range:
21-55
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
We invite all lovers of canyoning, trekking and just walking routes to an exciting tour dedicated to the unique Cretan canyons and gorges. Together with a professional instructor, you will explore the most interesting and picturesque gorges, visit picturesque cities and villages, and enjoy a relaxing beach holiday.We are all used to the fact that the island of Crete means impeccable beaches, gentle sea and delicious Greek cuisine… However, this fabulous island also boasts incredibly beautiful nature, which deserves special attention.The main natural attraction of the island are the mountain ranges that stretch along the entire island.The Cretan Gorges are a very popular canyoning destination. In total, the island has about thirty gorges available for tourists, some are quite simple to pass, others require special training and physical endurance, but absolutely all of them have incredibly beautiful reliefs!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Heraklion
Location: Heraklion
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight at hotel 3* in Heraklion City
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrival in Heraklion HER – overnight in Heraklion townThis day is spent in the coastal town of Heraklion.
Upon arrival, we will meet you at the airport (HER) and then transfer you to your hotel.
In your free time, you can walk around the city of Heraklion on your own or visit the Palace of Knossos and/or the archaeological museum of Heraklion.
Evening meal with your tour leader and the rest of the group, overnight in Heraklion.
Note:
Transfer time: 20min In local restaurants.Overnight at hotel 3* in Heraklion City.
Day 2 : Heraklion – Chania – Paleochora
Location: Chania, Palaiochora
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight in Paleochora
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Heraklion – Chania – Paleochora.In the morning, we take our private transfer along the north coast to the old town of Chania. Here, we have free time to explore the old harbour, the market (Agora) and various quiet neighbourhoods with Venetian and Turkish architecture. After lunch, private transfer south to the small coastal town of Paleochora, on the deep blue Libyan Sea. En route, we visit a local winery where we have a tour and a wine tasting. Evening meal and overnight in Paleochora.
Transfer time: 2hrsIn local restaurants, in Chania town.In local restaurants in Paleochora.Overnight at hotel 3*, in Paleochora.
Day 3 : Paleochora – Lissos – Sougia – Omalos
Location: Omalos, Sougia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight at Omalos, in the small, family-run hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Paleochora – Lissos – Sougia – Omalos.Our first hike of the week!
All along the way this coastal walk offers magnificent views of the high White Mountains, down to the clear blue sea. On a clearly-marked path, we follow the coastline and pass the temple of Asklipios in ancient Lissos before arriving at the small village of Sougia for a well-deserved swim!From here, transfer to Omalos mountain plain, evening meal, and overnight in Omalos.
Transfer time: 1hr – Hiking time (approx.): 5hrs 30´ (15km) – Elevation difference (m): 0-270-20-150-0.lunches: picnics.In local restaurant.Overnight at Omalos, in the small, family-run hotel.
Day 4 : Samaria Gorge – Agia Roumeli
Location: Samaria Gorge, Agia Roumeli
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight in Agia Roumeli, at the mouth of the majestic Samaria Gorge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Samaria Gorge – Agia Roumeli.Samaria is just one of the many gorges on Crete, but it is definitely the best-known. This natural treasure lies in the heart of the Samaria National Park (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site) which is home to numerous endemic species of plants and animals. Its breathtaking scale and impressive topography attract visitors from all over the world and the magnificent scenery will not leave the hiker untouched.
We start our hike from Omalos in the cool, early morning air, and after an approx. 6-7 hr hike, we reach the small, coastal village of Agia Roumeli (no road access), where we are rewarded with a refreshing swim!
Evening meal and overnight in Agia Roumeli.
Transfer time: 15mins – Hiking time (approx.): 6hrs (13+3km) – Elevation difference (m): 1250-0
Please note: if Samaria Gorge National Park is closed for any reason on this day, an alternative schedule is followed. Any transfer costs are included. Overnight remains in Agia Roumeli. lunches: picnics.In local restaurants.Overnight in Agia Roumeli, at the mouth of the majestic Samaria Gorge.
Day 5 : Agia Roumeli – Marmara – Loutro
Location: Loutro
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight in Loutro, in the small, family-run hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Agia Roumeli – Marmara – Loutro.We follow the coastal path to Agios Pavlos beach with its picturesque, tiny, Byzantine chapel on the shore.
From there, our path takes us gradually upwards through a pine forest then follows the coastline towards Marmara marble beach where a refreshing swim awaits us!The last part of our path leads along the scenic coast to the small village of Loutro with no road access!
Evening meal and overnight in Loutro.
Transfer time: 0 – Hiking time (approx.): 6hrs (14,5km) – Elevation difference (m): 0-110-150-0-70-0lunches: picnics.In local restaurants.Overnight in Loutro, in the small, family-run hotel.
Day 6 : Loutro – Anopolis – Aradena Gorge – Loutro
Location: Loutro, Aradena Gorge, Loutro
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight in Loutro, in the small, family-run hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Loutro – Anopolis – Aradena Gorge – Loutro.The first part of our hike is uphill from Loutro to the plain of Anopolis, from where we are treated to outstanding views of the Lefka Ori (White Mountains). The entrance to the lesser-known but equally impressive Aradena Gorge lies to the west of the plain.
The dramatic landscape and rough outlines guarantee a stunning experience. The gorge ends at the turquoise waters of Marmara marble beach. Here there is time for a swim before the last part of our hike along the coast to Loutro.
Evening meal and overnight in Loutro.
Note: a less demanding route is followed depending on the level of the group.
Transfer time: 0 – Hiking time (approx.): 7hrs 30′ (14km) – Elevation difference (m): 0-690-580-0lunches: picnics.In local restaurant.Overnight in Loutro, in the small, family-run hotel.
Day 7 : Loutro – Glyka Nera – Chora Sfakion – Heraklion
Location: Heraklion, Hora Sfakion
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Overnight at hotel 3* in Heraklion City
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Loutro – Glyka Nera – Chora Sfakion – Heraklion.The last hike of this tour takes us from Loutro to the beach of Glyka Nera (Sweet Water) along a well-marked, coastal path above the endless shades of blue in the sea below.
The fresh water springs, both on the beach and in the sea, keep the water significantly cooler than usual even during the summer months. The path then follows the side of the cliff and ends just above the village of Chora Sfakion (Sfakia). From here, private transfer to Heraklion.
Evening meal and last overnight in Heraklion.
Transfer time: 2hrs 30′ – Hiking time (approx.): 3hrs (4,5km) – Elevation difference (m): 0-150-0Transfer to Heraklion and check-in at the hotel. Free time.
Evening meal with your tour leader, overnight in Heraklion.
Note:
Transfer time: 2hr. 30minlunches: picnics.In local restaurants.Overnight at hotel 3* in Heraklion City.
Day 8 : Heraklion
Location: Heraklion
Meals Included: Breakfast
Heraklion HER - Departure.Heraklion - departure.
The last morning is spent in Heraklion, with free time in the town depending on your departure time. The tour leader’s duties end after breakfast.
Transfer time: 20min
What's Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Accommodation: 7 nights (double/twin room on a BB basis)
Gorge/national park entrance fees, daily luggage transfers, Hiking sticks.
All transfers on the route and airport transfers
Professional tour leader/guide
What's Not Included
Breakfast, lunch and dinner on Day1 and Day 8
Customary tips to your drivers, guides and escorts.
Drinks, personal expenses (museum fees etc).
Know Before You Go
- Passport Required
Please Note
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not stroller accessible
- Not suitable for pets
- No public transportation nearby
- Infants must not sit on laps
- Infant seats unavailable
- Not recommended for people with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for people with heart conditions
- Don’t forget your: Hiking boots, hiking poles (advisable), day backpack per person (25-35lt), sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, refillable water bottle, camera, swimwear/beachwear/beach shoes, wind/waterproof jacket, warmer layers of clothing for the evenings.
- Multi-day trips – Terms & conditions: If the weather becomes unsuitable during any multi-day trip, the tour-leader has the authority to make any alterations to the programme to best suit the needs of the group depending on the current weather conditions. The original programme is followed as closely as possible. On Day 1 of the multi-day trip, we ask each participant to sign a “Participant agreement, release and acknowledgement of risk” statement in order to participate in the multi-day trip.
- lunches: some picnics, some in local restaurants.
- Evening meals: in local restaurants.
- Each participant is advised to take out health/travel insurance before travelling to Crete.
- Health issues: If any participant suffers from any severe allergy (e.g. to bee stings, food allergies/intolerances) or has medical/health issues we need to be aware of, it is important to let us know in advance. This is clearly a safety measure, personal information is by no means violated and we exercise all discretion.
- Insurance: Moysidis Travel is covered by Professional Liability Insurance. Each participant is advised to take out health/travel insurance before travelling to Crete.
- Pick-up time is flexible and upon your final confirmation.
Accommodation
7 nights (double/twin room on a BB basis)
Mode of Transport
All transfers on the route and airport transfers. Don’t forget your: Hiking boots, hiking poles (advisable), day backpack per person (25-35lt), sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, refillable water bottle, camera, swimwear/beachwear/beach shoes, wind/waterproof jacket, warmer layers of clothing for the evenings. If the weather becomes unsuitable during any multi-day trip, the tour-leader has the authority to make any alterations to the programme to best suit the needs of the group depending on the current weather conditions. The original programme is followed as closely as possible. On Day 1 of the multi-day trip, we ask each participant to sign a “Participant agreement, release and acknowledgement of risk” statement in order to participate in the multi-day trip.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Health issues: If any participant suffers from any severe allergy (e.g. to bee stings, food allergies/intolerances) or has medical/health issues we need to be aware of, it is important to let us know in advance. This is clearly a safety measure, personal information is by no means violated and we exercise all discretion. This trip is not recommended for: people with back problems, pregnant travellers, people with heart conditions. This is not a wheelchair accessible trip.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can amend your booking, usually without charge or admin fee, as long as it is not subject to cancellation clauses at the time of the amendment.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, solo travellers requiring a single room will be subject to a supplement.
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What happens if I wish to cancel a confirmed booking?
To cancel a reservation, you must let us know in writing, i.e. via the message system provided on tourhub. We will advise receipt and confirm any applicable cancellation charges.
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Moysidis Travel requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of moysidis travel charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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