Walking in Crete

Walking in Crete

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8 Days From

$3150

Walking in Crete

8 Days Starting and ending in Chania

Visiting: Chania, Palaiochora, Anidri, Lissos gorge, Sougia, Samaria Gorge, Agia Roumeli, Loutro, Hora Sfakion, Preveli beach, Kourtaliotiko Gorge, Preveli, Eleftherna, Margarites, Aptera

Tour operator:

Exodus

Tour code:

TFD

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 16

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Vegans, Vegetarians

Tour operated in:
English
Trip Styles:

Active, Adventure Tours

Interests:

Cultural, History

Activities:

Hiking, Walking

From:
$3150 (USD)

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

Tour Overview

Twinkling Mediterranean waters, a rugged interior and millennia-old civilisations make Crete a must for any hike-loving adventurer. See it for yourself on this highlight-heavy walking getaway, which includes a never-forgotten journey down the dramatic chasm of Samaria Gorge and a stop at the peaceful sugarcube village of Loutro. We also dig deep into the local history and culture, admiring ancient ruins of long-gone empires, discovering ancient pottery traditions and sampling the popular local wine at a vineyard. Of course, tracking plenty of coastal trails means we have time for refreshing dips in that inviting sparkly sea.

Highlights

  • Walk the Unesco-listed Samaria Gorge

  • Stay overnight in the all-white coastal village of Loutro

  • End a gorgeous hike with sea swims at the palm-backed Preveli Beach

  • Soak up the history of the once-powerful ancient Greek city of Eleftherna

  • Tour one of the most popular wineries in Crete and taste their produce

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start Chania; Optional Orientation Tour; Welcome Briefing And Optional Dinner

Location: Chania

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Three-star hotel in Chania

Meals Included: No Meals

The adventure begins in Chania, a historic port city with a 14th-century Venetian harbour and atmospheric old town. If there’s time, we can enjoy an orientation tour, visiting the old harbour to see the Venetian lighthouse; the renovated Grand Arsenal, an ancient shipyard in honey-coloured stone; the Splanzia ruins; and Kum Kapi beach.



There’s a welcome briefing this evening followed by an optional dinner together, a great chance to great to know each other a little better.



Accommodation: Three-star hotel in Chania

Day 2 : Transfer To Paleochora; Coastal Walk To Sougia

Location: Palaiochora, Anidri, Lissos gorge, Sougia

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Neos Omalos Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: breakfastlunchdinner

We transfer (1hr 30min) to the coastal town of Paleochora, where we begin our first hike. Our adventure takes us east along a seaside route – part of the European E4 trail – to the village of Sougia, initially tracking a paved path before taking us to Anydri beach after a few minutes.



We ease into things with a gentle first half of the hike; after around 5mi (8km), we begin an ascent to the ancient city of Lissos, once a hydrotherapy hub that bloomed in the Hellenic, Roman and Byzantine eras. Here we visit a well-preserved temple with a floor mosaic dedicated to Asclepius, the ancient Greek god of medicine, and take a small loop around the city.



We enjoy a refreshing dip in the sea and lunch, before our final ascent to Sougia beach. We then catch a transfer to our hotel for the night, where we have dinner and put our feet up.



Ascent: 1,640ft (500m); descent: 1,640ft (500m)



Accommodation: Neos Omalos Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 : Hike The Unesco-Listed Samaria Gorge

Location: Samaria Gorge

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Calypso Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: breakfastlunchdinner

Today we tackle the Unesco-listed Samaria Gorge, a 10mi (16km) long chasm running through the White Mountains to the Libyan Sea. We begin with a 10-minute transfer to the starting point, before setting out on what has to be one of the most spectacular walks in Greece.



Along the way, we navigate pine, cypress and holly forests, pass 22 freshwater springs, and cut through abandoned villages and churches. The sheer gorge walls expand and contract as we go, stretching to 490ft (150m) at their widest but squeezing to just 10ft (3m) in the tightest sections.



Our route is downhill and we cross a river several times (over wooden bridges or rock hopping) but it is not a technical or difficult hike. Our goal is Agia Roumeli beach, where we stay the night – our luggage is transferred to the hotel for us. Upon arrival and after check-in, we have time to relax and enjoy a sea swim before a group dinner.



Ascent: 4,920ft (1,500m); descent: 8,860ft (2,700m)



Accommodation: Calypso Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 : Hike To The White-Washed Village Of Loutro

Location: Agia Roumeli, Loutro

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Loutro

Meals Included: breakfastlunchdinner

Post breakfast, we check out and begin today’s walk from Agia Roumeli beach, which takes us along the southern coastline. Our goal is the tiny seaside village of Loutro, an all-white bundle of buildings backed by rocky mountains and a contender for the most beautiful settlement in Crete.



Our route takes us along the coast, through the beach, past the 10th-century Byzantine chapel of Agios Pavlos and to Marmara beach. It’s then a 2mi (3.5km) hike to Loutro, though you can hop in a private boat taxi (additional cost) if you’d prefer.



Ascent: 1,150ft (350m); descent: 1,150ft (350m)



Accommodation: Hotel in Loutro

Day 5 : Ferry To Chora Sfakion; Hike To The Palm-Backed Preveli Beach

Location: Hora Sfakion, Preveli beach, Kourtaliotiko Gorge

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Rethymno

Meals Included: breakfastlunch

We bid a fond farewell to Loutro this morning, hopping on an approximately 20-minute ferry to Chora Sfakion, where we jump into a transfer (1hr 30min) to our starting point for today’s hike: the 18th-century Preveli Bridge. From here, we walk through olive groves to the renovated ruins of Preveli Monastery, before following a trail towards Preveli Beach, enjoying views of the Megalopotamos river and the mighty cliffs of the Kourtaliotiko Gorge as we go.



After around 2.5mi (4km), we reach the palm-forested beach. The hike is a little hilly and includes 450 steps down to the shore, followed by a steep climb. We have time to recuperate after, perhaps with a swim in the Libyan Sea.



We return to Preveli Bridge taking a route on the other side of the gorge before a transfer to our hotel for the night.



Ascent: 985ft (300m); descent: 985ft (300m)



Accommodation: Hotel in Rethymno

Day 6 : Visit The Ancient Greek City Of Eleftherna; Pottery Village Of Margarites; Winery Tour And Tasting

Location: Preveli, Eleftherna, Margarites

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Rethymno

Meals Included: breakfast

Our hike today is a culture-soaked adventure. It starts in the once-powerful ancient Greek city of Eleftherna, now a small village, where we admire the Byzantine tower at the city entrance, the Roman reservoirs and tunnels, the acropolis, and the Hellenic bridge, before visiting the archaeological museum.



Then, after a countryside walk, we visit the pottery village of Margarites, where we can visit ceramic workshops and learn about a pottery tradition stretching to the Minoan period. We also enjoy a traditional taverna lunch here and visit the nearby Arkadi Monastery.



In the afternoon, we journey back to Rethymno, visiting one of the most popular wineries in Crete along the way for a tour and tasting.



Accommodation: Hotel in Rethymno

Day 7 : Circular Village Walk; Return To Chania; Farewell Dinner

Location: Aptera, Chania

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Arkadi Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: breakfastdinner

This morning, we continue our cultural immersion with a visit to the lesser-known archaeological site of Aptera, a city-state during the ancient Greek period and, with a spot between the two port cities of Minoa (now Marathi) and Kisamo (Kalives), a one-time commercial hub.



It’s then time for our final hike of the trip, a near 5.5mi (9km) loop that takes in the traditional villages of Stylos, Paidochori and Neo Chorio. We return to Chania in the afternoon with free time to relax, explore the city and pick up any last-minute souvenirs.



In the evening, we enjoy our farewell dinner, an excellent chance to swap numbers and toast our adventure.



Accommodation: Arkadi Hotel (or similar)

Day 8 : End In Chania

Location: Chania

Meals Included: breakfast

Our trip ends today after breakfast. Depending on when you wake up, you may have time for one last wander around the beautiful city of Chania before you begin your return journey home.

What's Included

  • Seven breakfasts, four boxed lunches, four dinners

  • All accommodation

  • Tour leader throughout

  • All transport and listed activities

  • Necessary luggage transfers and ferry tickets

  • Entrance fees to ancient Aptera, Eleftherna and Samaria Gorge

  • Licensed archaeological guide in Aptera

  • All taxes

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Visas or vaccinations

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

Food

All breakfasts, four picnic lunches and four dinners are included.



The buffet breakfasts include fresh bread, butter, jam, fresh juice, milk, local yoghurt, honey and wild cherry syrup, porridge, eggs, ham and cheese, cereal, muesli, cake and cookies, honey, coffee/tea, chocolate and lots of fresh seasonal fruit.



A dining experience in Greece isn’t the same without spending evenings in a taverna – a small, family-run Greek restaurant – and on this trip we visit many of them.



Dishes to try in the evenings include homemade filo pastry pies, moussaka, stuffed vegetables plus a variety of other vegetarian and vegan dishes, fresh salads, crunchy bread, cheeses and locally caught fish and seafood. Also try the local meat, such as lamb, pork, chicken and beef.

Accommodation

We stay at small two- and three-star family-run hotels where possible, choosing comfortable, traditional accommodations that highlight the local architecture of each destination. Most offer free wifi.

Single accommodation is available on this trip for a supplement; see dates and prices.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    International flights are not included with this tour.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes, our local guides are English speaking.

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.

  • Who is Exodus Travels?

    At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.

  • 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

Instant Booking Available

Sunday - Sunday

May 12, 2024 - May 19, 2024
$3150 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 22, 2024 - Sep 29, 2024
$3150 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Sunday - Sunday

Oct 06, 2024 - Oct 13, 2024
$3150 (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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