Family Holidays in Crete: enjoy our multi - adventure tour!

Family Experiences in Crete, the biggest Greek Island! A unique itinerary situated for families that aim to come closer to Cretan nature and history through several outdoors and entertaining activities.

8 1 Difficulty Trekking Sailing Canyoning 960,00 € / per Person

Holiday Overview

A unique itinerary suitable for families that aim to come closer to Crete, its nature and history, through several outdoor and entertaining activities, including sailing, sea kayaking, hiking, rock climbing and swimming.

Using a charming small hotel "hidden" in Cretan nature as our base - the country hotel Velani - we depart everyday for a different “adventure” to discover the real Crete.

Highlights of this adventure tour include: Sailing to the uninhabited Dia Island, Sea Kayaking to Mirabello Gulf and visit the island of Spinalonga (Venetian fortress), Hiking on the sacred Mountain Karfi with spectacular views to Lassithi plateau and Rock Climbing plus Swimming at the beautiful beach of Agiofarago.

Optionally, in your “free days” you can visit the magnificent Minoan Palace of Knossos, the Archaeological museum or other sites of interest and even participate in other outdoor activities such as Canyoning, River Trekking and Mountain Biking.

Holiday Outline

DAY 1 Arrive in Heraklion and transfer to your hotel.

DAY 2 Hiking & Caving on Mt. Karfi & Dicteon Cave

DAY 3 Sea Kayaking and Visit Spinalonga island

DAY 4 Rock Climbing & swimming in Agiofarago

DAY 5 Free day

DAY 6 Sailing to Dia island

DAY 7 Free Day

DAY 8 Departure day

Read the full itinerary

Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrive in Heraklion and transfer to your hotel.

We will meet at Heraklion airport and transfer to the charming small hotel in Cretan nature - the country hotel Velani. The hotel is situated in the rural country side close to the Cretan village of Avdou.

Overnight in Country Hotel Velani

DAY 2

Hiking & Caving on Mt. Karfi & Dicteon Cave

After breakfast we will drive towards the largest plateau of Crete - Lassithi plateau.

Starting from the village of Tzermiado we shall pass through the small and beautiful “Nissimos” valley to reach the sacred summit of Karfi, which offers spectacular view to the north coast and a Minoan settlement. From the summit we shall descend back to Tzermiado where we have the chance to experience a small journey through mythology by visiting Dictaion Andro, the cave where Zeus was born.

Overnight in Country Hotel Velani

DAY 3

Sea Kayaking and Visit Spinalonga island

Our sea adventure day starts from our water sports base at Elounda bay. At the base, we shall be informed about the right technique to paddle the two-seated sea-kayaks and we shall embark to our kayaks to stroke with a gentle slow row to the island of Spinalonga. After a swim break at Spinalonga’s beach we shall explore the historic island that was a massive fortress for the Venetians and became later a leper colony. We shall paddle back to our water sports base where will have free time to rest and swim or even to participate in other water sports and fun activities such as windsurfing, water skiing, pedaloes, banana boats etc (with extra charges).

Overnight in Country Hotel Velani

DAY 4

Rock Climbing & swimming in Agiofarago

Hike through the historic gorge of Agiofarago before emerging at the crystal clear waters of Mediterranean Sea in the unique beach of Agiofarago and discover your spirit of adventure by participating in our Rock Climbing activity!!

"Agiofarago" means "Gorge of Saints". This gorge used to be the shelter of the monks of the near-by Monasteries. On the sea cliffs there are climbing routes that are bolt - protected as well as routes that require natural protection (on nuts etc), for all abilities.

Our experience and enthusiasm for rock climbing, gave some spectacular climbing routes on the cliffs and the rocks of the area.

We invite you to participate in this unique fun activity – Rock Climbing, which builds group spirit and self-confidence.

Just dare to do it and you will be amazed of what you can achieve!

Overnight in Country Hotel Velani

DAY 5

Free day

This is a free day to spend it at your leisure. We would be happy to make our suggestions for day trips depending on your requirements.

Overnight in Country Hotel Velani

DAY 6

Sailing to Dia island

Starting from Heraklion port, we will have a short briefing where participants will be informed about the sailing safety equipment and procedures of the yacht. After the briefing the trip will begin. Our destination is the uninhabited island of Dia, approximately 10 miles from Heraklion.

During the trip passengers may participate in the handling of the yacht under crew instructions.

By the time we reach the small island of Dia we shall have free time to enjoy swimming, snorkeling or fishing in the crystal waters. Our trip continues with a relaxed sailing back to Heraklion. A wonderful trip that combines a really exquisite sport and a new way of having fun!

Overnight in Country Hotel Velani

DAY 7

Free Day

This is a free day to spend it at your leisure.

Overnight in Country Hotel Velani

DAY 8

Departure day

This is the end of our trip we transfer you to Heraklion airport at a convenient time.

End of Services

Holiday Information

Participation fee: 960 € / person (4-16 pax)

Minimum number of participants: 4 persons (family)

Meeting point and time: Meet your guide in Heraklion airport or port for a memorable drive to your hotel

Implementation period: April to October

Accommodation: Bed and breakfast in a small hotel in Cretan nature that is situated in the rural country side, close to the Cretan village of Avdou. (The trip prices are based on family room occupancy)

Difficulty level: 1st degree (we adjust all our activities according to kids’ abilities. Our guides encourage the kids to have fun and enjoy their time by participating in the outdoor activities). No previous experience is needed to enjoy our activities

Participation terms: Fulfillment of participation document, prepayment of participation fee, physical and mental health.

Suitable for ages: 8-80 years

Services included: All accommodation with breakfast, Services of the tour leader – guide, Group transfers from/to Heraklion Airport, all transports throughout the trip as mentioned in the itinerary, all outdoor activities as mentioned in the program, Third party insurance, VAT

Not Included: Transport to and from Crete, All meals, Entrance fees in Museums and other sites of interest (i.e. monasteries, caves, etc), Overnight stay tax, Personal expenses and drinks, Everything that is not listed above.

What participants should have with them: Vallid passport - Airline tickets, Daypack ( approx. 25-35 lt.), Trekking shoes, Mountain clothing ( waterproof wind jacket, polae fleece sweater etc. ), Water Bottle, Hat, Underwear and swimsuit, Sun Hat, Sunscreen and lip protection, Sunglasses and reainer strap, Casual Clothing

Extra services:

During free days we can organize other outdoor activities suitable for the kids such as:

· Mountain biking at Lassithi plateau on flat

· River Trekking to Preveli Palm Beach

· Canyoning at Tsoutsouros gorge

· Via Ferrata at Asteroussia Mountains

Or Cultural visits such as:

· Minoan Knossos Palace and Heraklion’s Archaeological museum,

· Natural history museum

· Cretan Aquarium

· Pottery village of Margarites, ancient Eleftherna, Arkadi Monastery and many other sites or interest.

Clients can also keep the car after the activities and during free days with extra cost.
Please contact us for more details

NOTES:
Please bear in mind that the itinerary can be altered for numerous reasons beyond our control (e.g. harsh weather, trail conditions) to ensure the safety and the well being of all the participants. The final selection of activities is left up to your Local Tour leader/ guide.