Crete, a dramatic island, combining wild landscapes, endless mountains, deep blue sea, hills covered with olive groves, historic villages, towns and so much more; an island where the Minoan civilization existed over 4,000+ years ago.

Come and join the 8 day tour where by walking through all those villages and towns, you will be introduced to the culture and history of Crete. On the way stopping for a swim on beautiful beaches, stay overnight in comfortable hotels or family pensions; watch beautiful sunsets, taste the local specialties and more.

Day 1: Arrival in Chania
Upon arrival at Chania Port or Airport and after the greetings, you will be transferred to the beautiful city of Chania, where you will spend some time in the old town near the Venetian Harbour built in 1252. Some time later after lunch, drive to the hotel in Omalos village, 40 km from Chania. Omalos is at an altitude of 1,050 m and is a small village built on an irregular shaped plateau surrounded by steep mountains.

Day 2: Climb Mt.Gigilos
Gigilos is a fearsome rock of 2,080m height where the goddess Gaea hid her son Zeus from his father Cronos (he used to eat his newborn male children). Today walking the last 900m of Mt Gigilos located at the beginning of the Samaria Gorge. For the last 300m of the climb it will necessary to use both of the hands and feet. Also if the wind is too strong the climb will stop at 1,780m. Total walking time 4+ hours.

Day 3: Cross Samaria Gorge
If there was only one place to walk when in Crete, that would be the Samaria Gorge. The longest and one of the most beautiful gorges in Europe, a place of untold beauty that will exceed your expectations. A strenuous 17 km walk that will take you from an altitude of 1,250m all the way down to the costal town of Agia Roumeli (ancient Tara) for a swim in the Libyan sea. Total walking time 6 hours.

Day 4: South coast walk
Imagine walking on a path next to the Libyan Sea that people, goats too, have walked for the last 4,000 years. Making a stop in Agios Pavlos where Nikiforos Fokas, a Byzantine emperor, built a chapel 1,100 years ago. Swimming in Marmara beach with its crystal clear waters and spend the night in the postcard village named Loutro. Total walking time 6 hours.

Day 5: Aradena Gorge
After breakfast leaving Loutro and walking to the village of Livaniana at an altitude of 350m. From there descending into the middle of the Aradena Gorge, a beautiful and wild ravine with towering walls filled with oleander returning to Marmara for a swim and a good lunch. From there either walk back to Loutro or you can take a small boat back (€3). Total walking time 2.30/3 hours.

Day 6: Imbros Gorge
Taking the boat from Loutro to the town of Sfakia, about 20 minutes, from there transferring to the exit of the Imbros Gorge. The trail once an old supply route, to Imbros village, at an altitude of 780m, for lunch. Total walking time 2.30 hours, from there transfer to the hotel in Stavros on the Acrotiri peninsula, 13 km from Chania. If you think paradise is too far think again, because that is the name of the hotel in Stavros. A complex of 7 beautiful air-conditioned apartments with a swimming pool. Each apartment has two twin bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen, refrigerator and veranda. The refrigerator will be full of seasonal fruits and wine, offered by your hosts Christina and Costas.

Day 7: Historical sites of Chania
Today discovering the history of Crete. Firstly, visiting the monastery of Agia Triada, 5 km from Stavros, built by the monks the Tzagarolo brothers in 1635. Secondly, driving to the fortress like monastery of Gouverneto, built just before Agia Triada. From Gouverneto enjoy a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains and the Cretan archipelagos. After viewing the monastery, 140 steps down to Catholikon, probably the oldest monastery on Crete where Saint John the hermit lived and died. Returning to Gouverneto for transfer to Marathi beach 15 km for swimming and lunch. Later drive back to the hotel in preparation of a wonderful farewell dinner.

Day 8
Transfer to the Airport or Port of Chania.