Discover two of the most famous Mediterranean Islands
 Our 15-days walking 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. We continue our hiking trip to the jewel of the Greek Cyclades islands, the spectacular Santorini, with its whitewashed cubist-shaped houses, the dramatic Santorini volcano and the breathtaking views of what once originated the legend of Atlantis.
Starting from the east side of Crete will visit the island's largest mountain plateau (Lassithi plateau) with the 10000 windmills and Zeus birthplace and we continue to explore the southwest coast of Crete.
From Chania with its picturesque Venetian port, will 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 God Asklipios and exploring the ruins from Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine period.
Europe's largest gorge, the awesome Samaria gorge, offer one of the most rewarding walks through a spectacular botanic garden with plants, birds and animals that exist only here.
Relax in the charming village of Loutro by refreshing ourselves 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.
Our "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 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 kameni!
Walking Crete & Santorini, 15-day walking tour on two of the most beautiful islands
 Highlights include: Spectacular mountain plateaus, Lassithi plateau (Zeus
birthplace), Samaria gorge (longest in Europe), the ancient city Lissos (Ruins from Hellenistic, Roman Byzantine period), ascent to Mountain Karfi
(1148m) with spectacular view, crystal-clear beaches to swim, coastal
walks, picturesque fishing villages and the spectacular island of Santorini,
the jewel of Cyclades, with its volcano and the small- whitewashed houses.
DAY 1: Meet at Heraklion airport and transfer to our hotel.
In the evening we will have a brief presentation of the whole trip and will
continue with dinner at a traditional tavern. Welcome to the gastronomic
reality of the authentic Cretan cuisine! (Overnight in Heraklion)
DAY 2 (3 hrs walk): 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 Lassithi)
DAY 3 (3 hrs walk): Our goal today is the Limnakaros plateau from where
will admire the spectacular view of Lassithi plateau and the highest summit
of mountain Dikti (2148m). If you wish (and depending on the group) we can
extend our hike to reach the summit of Dikti (total walking hours 8). (Overnight in Lassithi)
DAY 4 (4 hrs walk): Today we travel from Lassithi plateau to Elounda area
at Mirabello to end up at Heraklion.
Starting from Mirabello's rough countryside we shall hike around
"Aforesmenos" cape to Plaka village. Walking on dirt roads and coastal paths
will pass from an abandoned lighthouse and crystal clear beaches to end up
at Plaka village. Passing from Agios Ioannis chapel we shall admire the
spectacular view to the bays of Elounda and Spinalonga island (a massive
fortress for the Venetians that later became a leper colony). At Plaka
village we shall have the chance to enjoy a refreshing swim. (Overnight in Heraklion)
DAY 5: After breakfast we shall be transferred to Chania. We shall have time
to explore the old city of Chania that has been built around a crescent
shaped harbor lined with delightfully lively bars, cafes and open-air shops. (Overnight in Chania)
DAY 6 (4-5hrs walk): After breakfast we depart for the village of Agia Irini
in Chania area and we walk 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 7 (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 return to Sougia. (Overnight
in Sougia)
 DAY 8 (6 hrs walk): 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. 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 before take the ferry to the
charming village of Loutro . (Overnight in Loutro)
DAY 9: Relaxing day to spending 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 will 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)
DAY 10: 15 minutes boat-ride will take you from Loutro to Hora Sfakion from
where will be transferred to Heraklion. In the afternoon 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)
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 participate in an optional hike to ancient Thira and to the
monastery of Profitis Ilias, the highest point of the island. (Overnight in
Santorini)
DAY 12: (3-4 hrs walk): 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. (Overnight in Santorini)
DAY 13 (20 min walk): 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 and the rest of the
day is free to explore the city. (Overnight in Heraklion)
DAY 15: This is the end of our trip. We transfer you to Heraklion airport
at a convenient time.
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