Land of Zorba

Introduction
Crete Greece

Bicycling Magazine called our "bicycle tour of Crete “one of the 50 best rides on the planet.” For 21 years our partners have been refining our tour of this island paradise, with 3 optional hikes. Majestic mountains sweep down to emerald-blue seas. Lyrical sheep bells and the aromas of wild oregano and thyme add to the Mediterranean magic. Delight in Feta cheese, thick homemade yogurt, honey-soaked walnuts, and grilled seafood.
We explore Venetian ruins of Heraklion and visit the Archeological Museum with its fabulous Minoan pottery and jewelry. A guided tour of ancient Knossos brings to light the reign of King Minos. Relive stories of the bull jumpers and Theseus’ daring descent into the labyrinth to slay the Minotaur.

Highlights include the Lassithi Plateau where donkeys and old windmills echo a bygone era. Mountain vistas surround the village of Spili, noted for spring water. The famous Samarian Gorge (the most natural wonder of Western Europe) provides a spectacular hike - essentially downhill! Six nights of lodging are on or near the beach!

Crete’s magic also lies in its vestiges of the past. Guide Dale Hart unfolds rich layers of history for you. His stories bring to life the real Crete, where Zeus was born and Europa was loved.

Tour Highlights:
Ancient Knossos - Lassithi Plateau - Folklore Museum - Minoan site of Karphi - Potami River Valley - Libyan Sea - Plain of Messara - Amari Valley - Palm Beach - Preveli Monastery - Souda Bay - Omolos Plateau - Samarian Gorge - Harbor at Chania

Accomodation

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

Itinerary

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.

Rates and Dates for Land of Zorba

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Heraklion
Airport: Heraklion
Transfer: Heraklion

Climate: