Wild Crete

8 Days Starting in Paleochora, Greece and ending in Chania, Greece

Visiting: Paleohora, Paleochora, Omalos Plateau, Samaria Gorge, Loutro, Crete, Chania

Tour operator:

Ramble Worldwide

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Activities:

Sightseeing, Swimming

From: $1376 $1333 (USD) Tourhub's Discount: -$43

NB: Prices correct on 21-Jan-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the "Wild Crete" tour, exploring the rugged beauty of Greece's largest island. This walking and hiking journey takes you from the charming town of Paleochora to the vibrant city of Chania, with stops at iconic sites like the classical ruins at Lissos and the breathtaking Samaria Gorge. Traverse the E4 European Walking Route along Crete's stunning coastline, visit the Kallergi Hut for panoramic views, and experience the wild terrain of the Aradhena Gorge. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and savor local cuisine with included breakfasts and dinners. With a mix of walking, ferry rides, and a final coach transfer, this tour offers an immersive experience of Crete's diverse landscapes, from serene beaches to dramatic mountain vistas. Conclude your journey with a relaxing evening at Chania's Venetian harbor, making memories that will last a lifetime.

Highlights

  • Walk between Sougia and Paleohora with a visit to the classical site at Lissos.

  • Ascend to the summit of Koukoule and visit the iconic Kallergi Hut with views of Gingilos, Volakias, and the Samaria Gorge.

  • Descend into the Samaria Gorge National Park and walk to Agia Roumeli, with a chance for a swim.

  • Follow the E4 European Walking Route along the coastal path to Loutro, stopping at the shrine at Agios Pavlos.

  • Experience the wild terrain of Crete by ascending the Aradhena Gorge, ending at a beach for a swim.

  • Explore the Venetian harbour in Chania and enjoy a waterside drink.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Paleohora

Location: Paleohora

Accommodation Name: Hotel Aghas

Meals Included: Dinner

You arrive at Chania airport, on Crete's north-west coast and transfer by road to Paleohora (approx. 2 hours) where we stay for 2 nights' accommodation. Depending on your arrival time, you may have time for an orientation walk of Paleohora before dinner at a local taverna

Day 2 : Paleohora

Location: Paleochora

Accommodation Name: Hotel Aghas

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


Walks

Distance: 10.6 miles


Time: 5 hours


Ascent: 400


Descent: 400


Taking the ferry one way, you walk between Sougia and Paleohora with time to visit the classical site at Lissos. miles

Day 3 : Omalos

Location: Omalos Plateau

Accommodation Name: Hotel Exari

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


Walks

Distance: 8.9 miles


Time: 5 hours


Ascent: 605


Descent: 605


Today you ascent to the summit of Koukoule which include a short, easy scramble. You visit the iconic Kallergi Hut with wonderful views of Gingilos, Volakias and into the Samaria Gorge. You return with a gentler walk across the Omalos Plateau. miles

Day 4 : Agia Roumeli

Location: Samaria Gorge

Accommodation Name: Pension Samaria

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


Walks

Distance: 10 miles


Time: 5.5 hours


Ascent: 90


Descent: 1300


The Samaria Gorge beckons today and you'll descend into the National Park today as you walk to Agia Roumeli for one night’s stay. The walk starts amidst almost alpine scenery with fir covered slopes before heading down into the rocky and dramatic gorge. There is a nice spot close to your hotel for a rewarding swim this afternoon. miles

Day 5 : Loutro

Location: Loutro

Accommodation Name: Hotel Madares

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


Walks

Distance: 9 miles


Time: 5 hours


Ascent: 410


Descent: 410


Today you follow the E4 (European Walking Route)  as you walk the coastal path to Loutro for 2 nights' accommodation. En route stop to visit the shrine at Agios Pavlos and have a drink at the adjacent café. miles

Day 6 : Loutro

Location: Crete

Accommodation Name: Hotel Madares

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


Walks

Distance: 8.25 miles


Time: 5 hours


Ascent: 755


Descent: 755


Today's walk is a beautiful ascending the Aradhena Gorge, which encompasses terrain and scenery that epitomises "wild Crete". You will end at a beach with time for a swim before returning to Loutro. miles

Day 7 : Chania

Location: Chania

Accommodation Name: Hotel Kriti

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner


Walks

Distance: 4.5 miles


Time: 2.5 hours


Ascent: 220


Descent: 220


Leaving Loutro, the final walk takes you along the coast to Hora Sfakion, where you have time for lunch before taking the coach to Chania for the final night of the tour. . After your hotel check in, there will be time to explore the lovely Venetian harbour and enjoy a waterside drink. Dinner will be at a local restaurant. miles

Day 8 : Final Day

Location: Chania

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast you transfer to Chania airport for check-in and return flight to the UK.

What's Included

  • Meals

    The tour includes breakfast and dinner for most days, with breakfast only on the final day.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Hotel Aghas, Hotel Exari, Pension Samaria, Hotel Madares, and Hotel Kriti.

  • Guided Walks

    Guided walks are included, covering various distances and terrains such as the Samaria Gorge and Aradhena Gorge.

  • Ferry Transport

    Ferry transport is included for the walk between Sougia and Paleohora.

  • Transport

    The tour includes a mix of walking and ferry rides, with a coach transfer to Chania on the final day.

What's Not Included

  • Lunch

    Lunch is not included in the tour package.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as drinks, souvenirs, and other personal items are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be arranged separately.

  • Flights

    Flights to and from the starting location are not included in the tour package.

Mode of Transport

The tour includes a mix of walking and ferry rides, with a coach transfer to Chania on the final day. This combination allows for an immersive experience of Crete's diverse landscapes, from coastal paths to mountainous terrains.

Accommodation

Enjoy comfortable stays at Hotel Aghas, Hotel Exari, Pension Samaria, and Hotel Madares, with the final night at Hotel Kriti. Each offers a welcoming atmosphere and convenient access to the stunning landscapes of Crete, ensuring a restful retreat after a day of exploration.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes breakfast and dinner for most days, with breakfast only on the final day. Lunch is not included in the tour package.

  • Are guided walks part of the tour package?

    Yes, guided walks are included in the tour package, covering various distances and terrains such as the Samaria Gorge and Aradhena Gorge.

  • What kind of transport is used during the tour?

    The tour includes a mix of walking and ferry rides, with a coach transfer to Chania on the final day. This combination allows for an immersive experience of Crete's diverse landscapes.

  • Is accommodation provided during the tour?

    Yes, accommodation is provided at various hotels including Hotel Aghas, Hotel Exari, Pension Samaria, Hotel Madares, and Hotel Kriti.

  • Will there be opportunities to swim during the tour?

    Yes, there are opportunities to swim, such as after descending into the Samaria Gorge to Agia Roumeli and at the end of the walk through the Aradhena Gorge.

  • Is travel insurance included in the tour package?

    No, travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be arranged separately.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Once you have paid your deposit, and all of the elements of your holiday are confirmed, we will provide a Confirmation of Booking and Invoice Pack. The confirmation of booking confirms your holiday arrangements, any special requests, and the balance due date. Please take the time to check this document carefully and please let us know immediately if there are any inaccuracies. As part of this pack, you’ll also receive a Holiday Information Sheet with more detail about your holiday. We will send reminder(s) for any missing details, which are important for your booking, so please update us as soon as you can. A MONTH BEFORE DEPARTURE Now’s the time to really start looking forward to your holiday, and 3-4 weeks before departure we’ll send out any updated information relating to your trip, including any local information. If you have any questions regarding your holiday arrangements, please get in touch with us. THREE WEEKS BEFORE DEPARTURE We aim to send out your Travel Documents and joining instructions 3 weeks before departure, please take the time to read through these documents and note your up-to-date flight schedules (if/where relevant), check-in times, and luggage allowance.

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

    You may be able to change your dates. Please refer to Section 5 of our Booking Conditions for more details or message us for assistance. Note that charges and limitations may apply.

  • Do I need to have travel insurance?

    It’s a condition of booking that you obtain adequate travel insurance, from a reputable provider, to undertake the holiday, including UK trips chiefly due to the cancellation element of cover. The policy must cover the period from the date of booking to the last day of your trip and should include, as a minimum, cover for: medical expenses (including the consequences of a Covid positive test result), mountain rescue including helicopter rescue, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment and shall not have exclusion clauses limiting cover for the activities you will partake in on your trip, including altitudes reached in the holiday arrangement. It is your responsibility to check that your policy is adequate for the nature and destination of the holiday booked. Once you have obtained your travel insurance, please provide us with the name of your travel insurer, the policy number and the insurer’s 24 hour emergency assistance number. In the event that you fail to obtain suitable Travel Insurance we shall not be liable for any costs incurred or claims made against us due to your failure to comply with this term. If travelling outside the UK you must carry proof of insurance with you and produce it if reasonably requested to do so by Ramble Worldwide staff, tour leaders or suppliers. No refunds will be made should you be excluded from the walking programme through being uninsured or you being unable to demonstrate that you are insured.

Reviews of this operator

Avram Taylor (Google Reviewer)  

I went on the Dobbiaco...

25-Jul-2024

I went on the Dobbiaco and the Tre Cime holiday in July 2024. This was an excellent holiday overall. The walks are very well designed and the scenery is beautiful. There are frequent rest points during the walks and, where possible, people can choose to stop and wait or leave the walks. There is a good variety of walks (lakes, forests and mountains) and the walk leader was excellent. I would recommend this holiday for those who want to see some of the most stunning scenery in the Dolomites and also want to do some enjoyable walking without the demands of the higher grade walks in the region.

Helen Thomas (Google Reviewer)  

My first Winter Adventure, snowshoeing...

07-Feb-2023

My first Winter Adventure, snowshoeing in Bach , Austria and will not be my last! The holiday exceeded my expectations from day 1! Everything was well organised, walks and scenery fabulous, hotel comfortable with a homely feel. I honestly cannot fault anything. Our walk leader Tania was excellent and went above and beyond what was expected. I am already looking towards booking another snowshoe holiday maybe in another location so I have a comparison. Overall an excellent experience and good value. 👌

Diane W (Google Reviewer)  

Excellent hotel, food, walks, leader...

24-Sep-2023

Excellent hotel, food, walks, leader and fellow walkers. Could not find any fault at all and would thoroughly recommend this holiday in Catalonia.

Martin Plaut (Google Reviewer)  

The Oman walking holiday is...

05-Feb-2024

The Oman walking holiday is excellent! Wonderful scenery, great drivers and lovely people. We had a real welcome from everyone we met.

Judith Hible (Google Reviewer)  

Once you're safely in your...

27-Aug-2024

Once you're safely in your seat on the 'plane - you can relax. Ramble Worldwide will take care of everything else.

Elizabeth Smith (Google Reviewer)  

Lake Como trip (level 2)...

22-Jun-2024

Lake Como trip (level 2) was outstanding. Our leader Elaine was excellent and planned our days with lovely surprises along the way. The scenery was outstanding, stunning walks with variation in the views, lovely restaurants, delicious food, comfortable accommodation. The boat rides across the lake were amazing. The villas and their gardens stunning. The group was small, and we enjoyed each other's company. One fantastic trip.

Phil Chadwick (Google Reviewer)  

I had a fantastic week...

07-Jan-2024

I had a fantastic week on the High in the Alpujarras holiday over New Year. It was a really well-planned week with fantastic routes and a great leader. It far exceeded my expectations, which were already high. Probably helped by a nice group of people and great weather The New Year celebrations in the hotel were fantastic. Should have packed a dinner jacket :)

1 Select your preferred date

Tuesday - Tuesday

May 13, 2025 - May 20, 2025
$1376 $1333 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$43 (USD)

Tuesday - Tuesday

Oct 07, 2025 - Oct 14, 2025
$1499 $1452 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$47 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Ramble Worldwide requires a minimum deposit of 350 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

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

    Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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