July and August: Upon request.
Discover two of the most famous Mediterranean Islands: Crete & Santorini, a wonderful combination and a unique hiking experience, in this 10-day trip! This 10-day trip starts from Crete, Greece’s largest island with mythical mountains, deep gorges and a unique history dating back to the 4000 year old Minoan civilization, to continue to the jewel of Cyclades islands, the spectacular Santorini, with its whitewashed cubist-shaped houses, the dramatic volcano and the breathtaking views of what once originated the legend of Atlantis.
Starting from Chania with its picturesque Venetian port, you will explore the southwest coast of Crete.
Depart for the village of Agia Irini and enjoy a picnic lunch in its quite gorge before emerging at the crystal clear waters of Mediterranean Sea. Follow ancient paths to reach the second Roman city in Crete, visiting the temple of Asklipios and exploring the ruins from Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine period.
Europe’s longest gorge, the awesome Samaria gorge, offers one of the most rewarding walks through a spectacular botanic garden with plants, birds and animals that only exist here.
Relax in the charming village of Loutro by refreshing yourselves in the azure blue waters of Marmara beach before return back to “civilization” in Crete’s capital – Heraklion, to visit the magnificent archaeological area of Knossos with its famous Minoan city and palace dating from 1450 BC.
The “grand finale” of this unforgettable holiday is the spectacular island of Santorini.
Walk through small-whitewashed houses on the narrow winding alleys, to discover the Fira, Imerovigli and the famous for its sunset village of Ia.
Trek on the comfortable path on the edge of Caldera’s ochre cliff, enjoy the spectacular view of the islands Nea Kameni, Palea Kameni and Thirasia, swim in the hot springs and explore the still active volcano of Nea Κameni!
Itinerary
Arrive in Chania
Explore the old “Venetian stile” city of Chania with its picturesque harbor. In the evening we will have a brief presentation of the whole trip and will continue with a dinner at a tavern in the Venetian port.
Overnight in Chania
Walk through Agia Irini gorge
After breakfast, we will go to the entrance of Agia Irini gorge, for our first hike. AgiaIrini gorge provides a nice and quiet path next to a stream, full of pines and chestnut trees. Sougia is a beautiful village on the southern coast of Crete where we will have the opportunity to enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters of Mediterranean Sea. (4 hours walk)
Overnight in Sougia
Walk to the ancient town of Lissos
Cultural walk through the beautiful gorge of Selinou, thick with brilliant pink oleanders and carob trees, to the ancient city of Lissos. Lissos was an important center of hydrotherapy in ancient years, which flourished in the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine era. Here we will visit a well-preserved temple with mosaic floor dedicated to the God of medicine Asklipios and we will have much to admire by making a small loop around the city. Refresh ourselves in the cove and return to Sougia.
(3 hours walk) Overnight in Sougia
Walk through Samaria gorge
We will be transferred to Omalos plateau, the starting point of Samaria gorge. Samaria is the largest gorge in Europe and one of the most beautiful that nature can provide. The walk is on a good path in shady pine forest and next to a melodic stream. Finally we reach the small village of Agia Roumeli, where we can relax and enjoy a swim before taking the ferry to the charming village of Loutro.
(6 hours walk) Overnight in Loutro
Relaxing day – Optional hikes
Relaxing day to spend it either in Loutro or in the crystal waters of “Marmara” beach. For the people that wish to walk, an optional guided walk is available. Either they follow the ancient path until Anopolis village, a historic area from where the revolution against the Turks began in 1866, and return back to Loutro (2½ hrs walk) or they can extend the hike to cross Aradena gorge (very beautiful and slightly more difficult than the previous gorges). In the way back to Loutro they can swim in the crystal waters of “Marmara” beach.
Overnight in Loutro
Transfer to Heraklion – Visit Knossos Palace and the Archaeological Museum
15 minutes boat-ride will take us from Loutro to Hora Sfakion from where we will be transferred to Heraklion. In the afternoon we will visit Knossos, the magnificent archaeological area holding remains of a Minoan city that thrived 3500 years ago and the famous palace dated 1700-1450 B.C.
Overnight in Heraklion
Boat to Santorini
Today we will ride the ferry all the way to Santorini island. Santorini, the most beautiful of the Greek islands, with its stark, white, cubist-shaped houses perch atop ochre cliffs, with endless stretches of beach with sand or shingle and its dramatic volcano surrounded by the Aegean Sea, compose the jewel of Cyclades. In the afternoon we will have the chance to participate in an optional hike to ancient Thira and to the monastery of Profitis Ilias, the highest point of the island.
Overnight in Santorini
Walk from Fira to Ia
Starting from Fira, the capital of the island, will initially walk through the small-whitewashed houses on the narrow winding alleys, to Imerovigli. We will continue on a path till Ia, having on our left-hand side, the breathtaking view of the islands of Nea Kameni (with the volcano in the middle) the island of Palea Kameni and the island of Thirasia. (3-4 hrs walk)
Overnight in Santorini
Explore the volcano and the hot springs
Today we will embark on a sailing boat to go to the island of Nea Kameni. Explore the volcano of Nea Kameni and enjoy the breathtaking views of what once originated the legend of Atlantis. Our boat trip will continue to Palea Kameni, where we will swim at the hot springs and visit the island of Thirasia. (20 min walk)
Overnight in Santorini
End of Services
This is the end of our trip. You may explore further the city of Fira.
Chania
Participation fee (4-16 participants):
- Low Season (May to June & October): Full Program: 1530€ – Single Supplement: 210€, HB Supplement 180€
- High Season (September): Full Program: 1630€ – Single Supplement: 250€, HB Supplement 180€
Services of the tour leader – guide, All accommodation with breakfast (9 nights in double rooms), Boat ticket to Loutro, Boat ticket to Santorini, Group transfers from Chania airport and to Santorini airport, Land transport throughout the trip, Baggage transfers, All entrance fees in the Museums, archaeological sites and Monasteries that are included in the itinerary, Third party insurance, VAT.
Air tickets to Crete and from Santorini, Dinners, Picnic lunches during the walks, Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, Personal expenses, Entrance fees in Museums, and other sites of interest that are not included in the itinerary (i.e. monasteries, caves, etc), Overnight stay tax, Everything that is not listed above.
Fulfillment of participation document, prepayment of participation fee, physical and mental health.
Please note that this itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of the tour leader, according to local and weather conditions.
What participants should have with them:
Daypack (25-35 l.), Sturdy, worn in trekking shoes, Sport shoes, Walking sticks, Water Bottle, Sweatshirts or T-shirts for walking, at least one with long sleeves and collar (against sun-burn), Hat Sunglasses, Sun cream, Swimming suit, Casual clothing.
Suitable for ages: 8-80 years
Difficulty level:
3rd degree. The hikes offer easy treks with a maximum of 6 hours walk (Samaria gorge). No previous experience is needed.
Accommodation:
Hotels in the main cities, local inns in Sougia and Loutro and in Santorini hotel with swimming pool. The trip prices are based on double occupancy.
