Great Hikes and Cuisine of Crete

11 days
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Group Tour
The ruggedly beautiful island of Crete, renowned for its wild mountain trails, strong traditional culture, and ancient civilizations, is also celebrated for its cuisine. Unique local ingredients, from mountain herbs to farm cheeses, give the food of Crete an unforgettable flavor, and its wines carry the distinctive island terroir. On this southernmost of Gree...
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Discover Crete on hikes throughout the island’s beautiful coastal and mountain trails
    • Enjoy rustic inns in traditional villages on the coast and mountains, meet local chefs, farmers, and winemakers
    • Visit the famed Minoan palace of Knossos, walk through the vast Roman ruins at Gortyn
    • Hike to Crete's highest peak, Mt. Psiloritis (8,056’), with its Zeus cave

What's this trip about?

    The ruggedly beautiful island of Crete, renowned for its wild mountain trails, strong traditional culture, and ancient civilizations, is also celebrated for its cuisine. Unique local ingredients, from mountain herbs to farm cheeses, give the food of Crete an unforgettable flavor, and its wines carry the distinctive island terroir. On this southernmost of Greek isles, we’ll get an insider’s perspective with expert Trip Leader Kostas Vasileiou, an accomplished cook and winemaker himself. Daily hikes will bring us above the gleaming blue sea on the south coast and into the soaring Lefka Ori (White Mountains) of the interior. Kostas will introduce us to friends all along the way—shepherds, farmers, taverna owners, and the people who create the island’s signature dishes. Between hikes, we’ll enjoy cooking lessons and demonstrations, wine tasting, and an understanding of the landscape as each local dish teaches us about the physical terrain and microclimate of this island realm. Crete is the legendary birthplace of Zeus and home of Europe’s earliest civilization, so we’ll also take in splendid antiquities, including the labyrinthine Minoan palace of Knossos and the Roman city-state of Gortyn, with its impressive theatre. This is the perfect adventure for hikers, foodies, and anyone who is intrigued by the proud, unique culture of a sun-flecked island on the southern edge of the Aegean.

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Details

Itinerary focusActive and Outdoor Sports
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityHeraklion, Crete
End CityChania, Crete

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Culinary & Wine
  • Hiking & Walking
  • Education / Learning
  • High Adventure

Destinations

Activities

  • Adventure & Adrenaline
  • Cooking
  • Culture
  • Hiking
  • Historic Sightseeing
  • Wine Tasting

Trip includes

    • Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
    • Accommodations as noted
    • All meals included except 1 dinner
    • A glass of wine or beer with dinner
    • Entrance fees to sites
    • Ground transportation as noted in the Detailed Itinerary

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Days 1-2: Heraklion / Farm Lunch / Wine Tasting / Knossos

Accommodation: Lato Boutique Hotel

Explore the Archaeology Museum and Knossos and the great palace of mythical King Minos, with its legends of the Minotaur. Our first taste of traditional cuisine comes at our home-cooked farm lunch outside Heraklion, followed by wine tasting at Lyrarakis.

Dasy 3-6: Kapetaniana / Mt. Kofinas / Koudoumas / Gortyn

Accommodation: Thalori Retreat

We hike up Mt. Kofinas and into the remote Salamias Gorge, and explore the Roman-era site at Gortyn, with its grand theater. One hike brings us to seaside Koudoumas Monastery for lunch with the monks and an atmospheric roasted lamb dinner inside Anthony’s Cave, a Minoan sanctuary. At our village inn, we’ll help prepare the filo (pastry) pies for our delicious dinner.

Dasy 7-8: Anogia / Mt. Psiloritis / Shepherd Lunch

Accommodation: Delina Mountain Resort

Moving to the wild interior mountains and the hill village of Anogia, our hikes bring us up Mt. Psiloritis (8,056’), home to a sanctuary linked to Zeus, and to a typical mitato (stone-built shepherds’ hut) for lunch with a ...

Dasy 9-11: Arkadi / Kallergi Mountain Refuge / Chania

Accommodation: Porto Veneziano Hotel

We visit the beautiful Arkadi Monastery en route to lovely Chania, known for its 14th century Venetian harbor and waterfront restaurants. Our last view of the mountains is at our lunch in the Kallergi Mountain Refuge in the White Mountains and we depart on Day 11.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,595
Price per day$509
Last Updated: 3/4/2019

Prices are for 2019

  • $5595 (9-16 members)
  • $5995 (3-8 members)
  • Single supplement: $300
  • Forced single supplement: $150

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Wilderness Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • International airfare, airfare from Athens to Heraklion and from Chania to Athens, hotel transfers to/from airports other than the designated group flights
    • Airport departure taxes, optional tipping or gratuities to leaders or staff
    • Pre-trip expense of medical immunizations (if any), travel insurance or passports
    • Other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)

Accommodation

Lato Boutique Hotel: Days 1 to 2 (2 nights), Heraklion, Greece

Set near the brilliant turquoise waters of Heraklion overlooking the marvelous Venetian landmark of Koules Fortress, Lato Boutique Hotel offers lovely rooms and sweeping panoramas of the sea or ancient city sights. Enjoy a cocktail at the hotel bar, take in the breathtaking views from their rooftop restaurant, and stroll through the colorful central market during your free time.

Thalori Retreat: Days 3 to 6 (4 nights), Kapetaniana, Greece

Nestled in the Asterousia hills, the Thalori Retreat has a traditional village setting. Each rustic-style guest house has masonry work of locally sourced stone, wood, and marble showing Cretan craftsmanship. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, and there is an open courtyard overlooking the sea. Remember to pack a swimsuit so you can take a refreshing dip in the pool. At the right angle, it appears as if the pool’s edge connects with the sea!

Delina Mountain Resort: Days 7 to 8 (2 nights), Anogia, Greece

The delightful Delina Mountain Resort is set on 28 acres in a tranquil spot near the village of Anogia. The hotel’s 13 cozy guest rooms are comfortable, modern, and spacious, with verandas and fireplaces. This is a place to relax, enjoy a stroll on the grounds, and savor the mountain and sea views.  The staff is friendly and helpful.

Porto Veneziano Hotel: Days 9 to 10 (2 nights), Chania, Greece

With a seaside location, the Porto Veneziano Hotel weaves together nautical themes to create a welcoming stay along the water’s edge. Guest rooms have comfortable beds, views of the harbor, and spacious bathrooms. The hotel is within walking distance to the bustling port (yet far enough from the port’s noise). Enjoy a glass of wine and watch the sunset over the harbor from the comfort of your room.

Cancellation policy
  • Up to 91 days prior to departure: No charge!
  • 61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost
  • 46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
  • 45 days or less: 100% of trip cost
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included

All meals included

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
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Trip ID
wilder2-hikincwil

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