Trip 3.
 Hiking Hidden Crete
     
Walking Holidays in Greece - Crete
Discover the mountain plateaus and the history of East Crete .


Once the home of Europe 's earliest civilization - Minoan civilization, the island of Crete is the land of legends - Zeus, Minotaur, Daidalos and Ikaros, Zorba and the land of the most spectacular scenery in Europe .
 
Highlights include:
Highlights include: Spectacular mountain plateaus, Lassithi plateau ( Zeus birthplace ) the ancient city Lato (Ruins from Hellenistic period), ascent of Mt. Dicti with spectacular view, the " island of tears ", massive fortress in Venetians times, crystal-clear beaches to swim, and picturesque fishing villages. 

Steering clear of the main tourist areas, this 8-day trip explores the east area of Crete . Highlights include: the highest summit of Dikti mountain range, the largest plateau of Crete, Lassithi plateau - where Zeus was born and once the lilting rhythm of the 10000 windmills irrigated the fields - the timeless mountain plateaus of Limnakaros, Katharo, Niato, Byzantine frescoes, coastal walk, "the island of tears", the Venetian island and massive fortress of Spinalonga.

Starting from Heraklion we will depart for Lassithi plateau to reach the Minoan settlement at the summit of Karfi and continue to pay homage to Zeus birthplace before climb the highest summit of Dikti (2148m) accompanied by a pair of eagles. Crossing Katharo plateau we will descend to Kritsa village with its beautiful gorge and the triple-aisled church of Panagia Kera with the most outstanding Byzantine frescoes of Crete, to continue to the Dorian city of Lato founded in 700 BC.

Follow the coastal path around Aforesmenos cape passing the abandoned lighthouse and Agios Ioannis chapel with its spectacular views to the bays of Elounda and Spinalonga Island before embark to a fishing boat to explore "the island of tears" -the Venetian massive fortress and later a leper colony-

Relax in the small fishing village of Mochlos and enjoy the swim in the crystal waters of Cretan Sea.

 
 

ZZ-GRC-Hike03
8 days/ 7 nights $ 1,375
-- based on € 965

  • Price includes:
    Services of the tour leader - guide, all accommodation (7 nights in double rooms), all meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on the last day, all picnic lunches, group transfers to and from Heraklion airport, all transport throughout the trip, baggage transport.

  • 2008 Dates
    May 17-24
    September 6 - 13

  • Supplements:
    - Single supplement :
    +$135 (Euro 95)

  • Starting point:
    Heraklion airport

  • End:
    On day 8, after breakfast.

  • How to get there:
    Best by plane or ferry

  • Accomodation:
    Full Board. Hotels in the main cities, local inns and village pensions throughout the trip (all with private facilities).

  • Meals:
    all meals ... vegetarians are welcome

  • Number of participants:
    4 to 16

  • Level of difficulty:
    Grade B ... moderate
    The hikes offer a moderate trek with a maximum of 6 hours walk. Only for Mt. Dicti participants need to be in good physical condition with a little of experience, as we walk for approx. 6-7 hours on a rocky path.
    Carrying    :
    Daypack - just your belongings for the day, the rest of your luggage is transferred by vehicle.
    Price does not include:
    Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, personal expenses, entrance fees in Museums, and other sites of interest that are not included in the program.

 

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 at Heraklion)

DAY 2 : (6 hrs walk). After breakfast we will drive towards the largest plateau of Crete - Lassithi plateau.

Starting from "Ambelos" with the old windmills, we will hike to the summit of Karfi, which offers spectacular view to the north coast and a Minoan settlement. Passing from the small and beautiful "Nissimos" valley we descend to Lassithi plateau, where we have the chance to experience a small journey through mythology by visiting Dictaion Andro, the cave where Zeus was born. (Overnight at Lassithi)

DAY 3 : (6-7 hrs walk). Our goal today is the highest summit of mountain Dikti. (2148m). During our ascent we will have the opportunity to see some pairs of Eagles flying over the cliffs of the impressive west face of the mountain. The summit offers us an unbelievable view of Lassithi plateau and the east area of Crete . (Overnight at Lassithi)

DAY 4: (6-7hrs walk): We will start early in the morning and we hike to another interesting plateau, "Katharo". Crossing this plateau we meet the shepherds of the area and admire some of the most "authentic" pictures of Crete . After a pure (simple and very tasty) Cretan lunch, will continue our hike and descend to the village of Kritsa . (Overnight at Kritsa)

DAY 5 : (3 hrs walk) : For those interested in Cretan and Greek history, today's walk is a rewarding one as we will visit the triple-aisled church of Panagia Kera with the most outstanding Byzantine frescoes of Crete, and the ancient city of Lato, which was founded in the 700 BC by the Dorians. We will continue to the village of Tappes for lunch and return back to Kritsa . (Overnight at Kritsa)

DAY 6 : (4hrs walk): Starting from Mirabello's countryside, we will follow the costal path to Plaka village. The view to the bays of Elounda and Spinalonga island is extraordinary. At the end of the hike, we will enjoy a swim and will visit by boat the island of Spinalonga . We will explore, "the island of tears", that was a massive fortress for the Venetians and became later a leper colony. (Overnight at Mochlos)

DAY 7 : This is a relax day, spending it at the blue sea of Kritiko Pelagos . The strong swimmers can visit the little island of Agios Nikolaos that is opposite Mochlos. We will also have the chance for small interesting hikes around the village and finish our day by tasting fresh fish-soup and many delicious dishes of the Cretan cuisine. (Overnight at Mochlos)

DAY 8 : We travel back to Heraklion by our mini-bus and transfer to the airport.