Day One
Arrival in Heraklion, Crete, at Atlantis Hotel (A class). Orientation, tour overview, and reception.
Day Two
Stroll through the old city; guided tour of ancient Knossos and archeological museum. Afternoon transfer to the windmill-covered Lassithi Plateau, where a simpler lifestyle dates back several generations. Bike fitting. Afternoon walk.
Day Three
Morning ride on the plateau. You'll see men and women on donkeys. You may be slowed bye small herds of goats or sheep. Visit the cave where mythological Zeus was born. Enjoy folklore museum, followed by plateau walk through small farming plots. Optional hike to Minoan site of Karphi.
(14 miles + hike)
Day Four
Downhill ride through Potami River Valley. Swim the Libyan Sea - just in front of our hotel in Ierapetra. (29 or 46 miles)
Day Five
Travel inland through the Plain of Messara and the best farmland in Crete to beach village of Matala. (24 or 54 miles)
Day Six
Circular tour of the archeological sites of Phaistos, Aghia Triada, and Gortys; relax on the beach or hike in the area. (30 miles)
Day Seven
If you missed Phaistos yesterday, stop there on our way to Spili, located in the center of the island. Lunch at the quaint fishing and beach village of Aghia Galini. Choose a breathtakingly beautiful upper road overlooking the Amari Valley and Libyan Sea, or a lower route to Spili. (17, 33, or 36 miles)
Day Eight
Hike to Palm Beach, called Crete's most beautiful beach. Visit Preveli Monastery, an important site of resistance during World War II. (30 miles) Option to visit Rethymnon on the northern coast.
Day Nine
Ride through old villages to Kalives, a delightful village on the beach, overlooking Souda Bay. (30 or 40 miles)
Day Ten
Early bus ride for the Omolos Plateau to hike the famous Samarian Gorge, acclaimed the most natural wonder in Europe. You could get a glimpse of the wild mountain goats (Kri-kri).
Day Eleven
Morning visit to tour old Venetian quarter and renowned harbor at Chania. Option to enjoy the splendid beachfront along Crete's northern shore or ride in the area. (15 or 20 miles)
Day Twelve
Trip ends in Almirida after breakfast. Fly back to Athens or take an evening ferryboat.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Passports
Passport required by all except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Passports must be valid for the following durations:
(a) British and EU (excluding Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic and Slovenia) passports must be valid for length of intended stay.
(b) Australian, Canadian, USA and excluded EU passports must be valid for at least three months beyond length of stay.
Note: EU and EEA nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.
Passport Note
Greece is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.

Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following durations:
(a) nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period;
(b) nationals of Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Romania and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
(a) 2. EU nationals staying more than 90 days or for employment (including establishing a business, trade, profession or commercial activity) have to apply in person to the consulate general of Greece for a national visa; (b) Greece refuses admission and transit to holders of travel documents issued by the area of Cyprus not controlled by the Government of Cyprus, and holders of UN laissez-passers; (c) Some nationals may have to register with the Aliens Department of the nearest police station within 48 hours of arrival. Contact the nearest embassy/consulate to determine whether this is necessary prior to travel.
Types of Visa and Cost
National visa: £30.
Working Days Required
Three to 14, dependent upon nationality.