If you like the feel of being transported to another world, you'll feel right at home on this hiking tour of the rocky landscapes of Crete. Get your trekking fill in the Samaria Gorge, the White Mountains, and parts of the southern coast before exploring local towns only accessible by foot or boat. Topped off with a delicious meal prepared by a local family, this Greek adventure will taste, look, and feel out of this world.
Day 1: ChaniaArrive at any time. Meet your CEO, an experienced local hiking guide, at tonight's welcome meeting. Head out for an optional dinner with the group.
Day 2: Chania/OmalósTravel inland to the White Mountains, known to Cretans as Lefka Ori. Hike through the narrow Agia Irini Gorge, lush with ancient trees and a wide variety of plants. Transfer to the Omalos plateau, elevated over 1000m above the plains. Tonight, sit back and enjoy the evening breeze — the quiet broken, occasionally, by a goat's bell.
Day 3: Omalós/Agia RoumeliSet off to hike the famous and spectacular Samariá Gorge, the longest in Europe and a highlight of any visit to Crete. Continue to the south coast and the town of Agia Roumeli, with its fine pebble beach and clear turquoise waters.
Day 4: Agia Roumeli/LoutroHead out on a beautiful coastal walk framed by the landscape of southern Crete. In the village of Marmara, opt to have lunch at a taverna overlooking the sea.
Day 5: LoutroEnjoy a free day in the tiny fishing village of Loutro, accessible only from the sea or through hiking trails. Opt to spend the day in town, or head back towards Marmara to hike the Aradena Gorge. Tonight, sit down for a farewell dinner with Cretan food and a local house wine drink. Afterwards, enjoy some Greek dancing!
Day 6: Loutro/ChaniaFollow a coastal path towards Sfakia, where the mountains meet the sea. Stop for a swim at Glyka Nera, also known as Sweetwater Beach. This afternoon, transfer back to Chania.
Day 7: ChaniaDepart at any time.
