15-DAY MULTIPLE ACTIVITY ITINERARY IN CRETE & SANTORINI

Highlights include: Samaria gorge (longest in Europe ), the spectacular island of Santorini with its volcano, the ancient city Lissos (Ruins from Hellenistic, Roman Byzantine period), the Minoan palace of Knossos , crystal-clear beaches to swim, picturesque fishing villages and the Kourtaliotis river with its palm forest.

A unique itinerary, with several outdoors and entertaining activities. •  Trekking, •  Rock climbing, •  Sea - canoeing •  Rappelling, •  River-trek •  Archery •  Snorkeling •  Night firebrand hiking

DAY-BY-DAY PROGRAM:

DAY 1 : Meet at the airport of Hania and transfer to our hotel.

In the evening we will have a brief presentation of the whole trip and will continue with a dinner at a traditional tavern in the picturesque Venetian port of Hania . (Overnight in Hania)

DAY 2 (3 hrs walk): After breakfast we depart for the village of Agia Irini in Hania area and we hike through Agia Irini gorge to Sougia. This gorge provides a nice and quiet path next to a stream. A picnic lunch will be offered while in the gorge. 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 . (Overnight in Sougia)

DAY 3 (3 hrs walk): Starting from the small port of Sougia, we will cross the beautiful gorge of Selinou and following the European path E4 we reach the ancient city of Lissos, an important center of hydrotherapy in ancient years which flourished in the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine era. Here we 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.

We refresh ourselves in the cove and we explore the crystal clear waters and the bottom of the sea by snorkeling . (Overnight in Sougia)

DAY 4 (5-6hrs walk): Our mini-bus brings us to the plateau of Omalos, the entrance of Samaria gorge. Samaria gorge is the largest gorge in Europe and one of the most beautiful that nature can provide. This is where the wild goats of Crete (Kri-kri) live as well as some of the most rare and highly threatened with extinction wild birds of Europe, such as the griffon vulture and the lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus). We walk on a good path in shady pine forest and beside a melodic stream. We reach the small village of Agia Roumeli , where we can relax and enjoy a swim. (Overnight in Agia Roumeli)

DAY 5 Today we will walk eastwards on the coastal path, to reach the 1000 years old St Paul's chapel, which was built on the sand next to the sea. We will enjoy a swim in the Mediterranean Sea and we return back to Agia Roumeli, to participate in our most exhilarating activity - rock-climbing . Using helmets, harnesses and ropes we will learn the safety techniques of this fun activity, which builds group spirit and self-confidence.

After our dinner, when the night will fall, we will "conquer" an old castle , above the village of Agia Roumeli , by using firebrands . (Overnight in Agia Roumeli)

DAY 6. Boat-ride to the picturesque village of Loutro , from where we will walk on the coastal path to Marmara beach. The sea caves and the green waters will offer us an enjoyable swim before we return to Loutro to "hit the target" like the Robin Wood in the archery activity. (Overnight in Loutro)

DAY 7 . Depending from the wind we may divide in two teams, a sea-canoe team and a hiking team. The sea-canoe team will paddle from Loutro around Mouros cape and passing from the areas of Phoenix and Likos will reach Marmara beach.

The hiking team will ascend the ancient path until Anopolis village, a historic area from where the revolution against the Turks began in 1866. Here we see "authentic" Cretans with their traditional costumes that "take us back in time, to other centuries". From Anopolis we will cross Aradena gorge , to meet the sea-canoe teem at Marmara beach.

The two teams will change roles and the hikers will become canoers and will return back to Loutro. (Overnight in Loutro)

DAY 8 (2 hrs walk): Today we will follow the coastal path and after pass from the "Sweet water beach" (there are many fresh water springs, coming out of the pebble beach), will arrive at the village of Hora Sfakion where our bus will wait to bring us to the Venetian castle "Frangokastelo" . This castle has an interesting story about the ghosts of the Greek soldiers fighting against the Turks and a nice sandy beach where we can swim. We continue our drive to the fishing village of Plakias , where we spend the night. (Overnight in Plakias)

DAY 9 (2 hrs walk): This is our river-trek day. We will cross another gorge by following "Kourtaliotis" river from its source to Preveli Palm beach. We will live the amazing experience of walking this gorge through the actual river. On the way will come across an abandoned olive oil mill, a Venetian bridge, and hippy huts. The exit of the gorge gives an unforgettable picture, as the river comes out in the sea through the forest of palm trees .

Our day will finish with a visit to Preveli monastery, the shelter for the British soldiers and other allies during the Second World War. (Overnight in Plakias)

DAY 10 We will depart to Heraklion, to visit the magnificent archaeological area of Knossos to enjoy the remains of the Minoan city that thrived 3500 years ago and the famous palace dated 170-1450 B.C. In the afternoon will explore the city of Heraklion and its Venetian's buildings. (Overnight in Heraklion)

DAY 11 : Today we will ride the ferry all the way to Santorini. 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 explore Santorini's capital, ramble through the lanes, meet the local craftsmen in their workshops. (Overnight in Santorini)

DAY 12 . Today we will hike to the ancient city of Thira , holding remains from the 9 th century B.C., will continue to reach the highest point of the island at the monastery of Profitis Ilias. and will descend to the village of Perissa to enjoy the unique fine black lava sand and the deep blue waters of Aegean sea . (Overnight in Santorini)

DAY 13 . Today 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 . (Overnight in Santorini)

DAY 14. . After our breakfast we sail back to Heraklion to continue our culture excursion by visiting the Natural History museum with exhibits from the flora, fauna, rock and minerals of Crete and Mediterranean . (Overnight in Heraklion)

DAY 15 This is the end of our trip. We transfer you to Heraklion airport at convenient time.

Price/Person:

4-7 participants 1765 Euro
8-16 participants 1670 Euro
17-30 participants 1560 Euro

Price Includes: All accommodations, all meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on the last day, all picnic lunches, group transfers to and from airport, all transport throughout the trip, baggage transport, services of the tour leader - guides, entrance fees in the National Park and archaeological sites indicated in the program, personal/travel insurance, all special gears for the outdoor activities, boat ticket Heraklion - Santorini with return, ticket to the boat excursion to the volcano.

Not Included: Transport to and from Crete, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, personal expenses, entrance fees in Museums, and other sites of interest that are not included in the program.

Insurance: Participants should be covered by their own personal insurance and optionally travel insurance prior to the trip. The personal insurance must at least cover medical expenses as well as air rescue and the cost of repatriation.

Cretan Adventures is not responsible for any accidents or mishaps directly or indirectly related to the tour.

Period : Summer 2005.

Available Dates :

July 17- July 31
August 14-28

And any other date upon request from April to October 2007.

Transport : We travel by our own rented air-conditioned bus, which leaves us to walk and continues, with our baggage, to the next place where we will stay for the night.

Accommodation : Full Board. Hotels in the main cities, local inns and village pensions throughout the trip (all with private facilities). The trip prices are based on double occupancy.

Food : Every morning we have breakfast in the hotels, picnic en route for lunch and a nutritious dinner at local taverns with dishes of personal choice or traditional Greek and Cretan cuisine. ( Vegetarians are welcomed on the trips )

Group Size : 4-30 participants.

Activity Level : The hikes offer a moderate trek with a maximum of 6 hours walk (Samaria gorge) on rocky footpaths. Sometimes we cross-streams in the gorges and on the coast we walk on sand and shingles for short distances.

No previous experience is needed to any of our activities.

Equipment : Daypack (approx.20-35 lit), trekking shoes, sport shoes, water bottle, hat, sun cream, sun glasses, swimming suit, casual clothing.

Note on Itineraries: 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 the group. The final decision for the day's activity is left up to the trip leader.

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