Transfer Option:

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. In the evening we shall return back to Heraklion (Overnight at Heraklion)
DAY 8: This is the end of the trip. We transfer you at the airport at convenient time. 



Transport: We travel by our own rented air-conditioned mini-bus or taxis, which leaves us to walk and continues, with our baggage, to the next place where we will stay for the night.

Activity Level: 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.

Note on Itineraries: Please bear in mind that the itinerary can be altered for numerous reasons beyond our control (e.g. harsh weather, trail conditions) to ensure the safety and the well being of the group. The final hiking selection is left up to the trip leader.

Daypack (approx.25-35lt), trekking shoes, mountain clothing (waterproof wind jacket, polar fleece sweater etc.) water bottle, hat, sun cream, sun glasses, swimming suit, casual clothing.

Accommodation and Meals: Full Board. Hotels in the main cities, local inns and village pensions, throughout the trip (all with private facilities). The trip prices are based on double occupancy.

Food: Every morning we have breakfast in the hotels, picnic en route for lunch and a nutritious dinner at local taverns with dishes of personal choice or traditional Greek and Cretan cuisine. (Vegetarians are welcome on the trips)

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.