Greece: Crete
Eight days. Challenging cycling on paved and gravel roads, with days of optional hikes. Friendly mountains and dramatic coasts, complemented with historically significant sites and an engaging and informed guide.
Crete, the central island in the eastern Mediterranean, boasts unique fauna, and "flowers of Crete" – a springtime miracle. Although it is the biggest Greek Island, it is very narrow. You can stand at heady heights and see the Mediterranean in both directions. From turquoise bays and beautiful beaches that enjoy 340 days of sunshine a year, you will ride deep into the land: Here, 1000 years before the classical Hellenistic tradition evolved, the famous Minoan culture built astonishing palaces, developed a commercial empire, and established the oldest known alphabet. They developed profound arts and skills, and now the Iraklion Museum of Archaeology is considered one of the most important in Europe. Conquerors of many ilks have since wanted to exploit the island’s key location for their purposes. Dorians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Venetians, Turks, and lately British and Germans have all fought for a stronghold here. Most have left their mark on the landscape, the dominant ones being architects from Venice. The proud people of Crete fought against them all, knowing they had little chance of victory, or even of survival. The remote villages in the mountains present music, legends, and traditions that are strongly related to heroic events from the past. Come to cycle through these enchanted villages, to challenge the gorges and the mountains, or to relax with an unbelievable view from a mountain to the sea. Come to taste typical Cretan cuisine, to smell the heady fragrance of endless carpets of flowers in the meadows, to explore the incredible wall paintings in palaces that did not lose their royal impression through the passing of 3600 years; to adore the Griffon soaring over your head - and yes – to swim in the deep, crystal clear water of the Mediterranean. This is a life-time experience – a phenomenal combination of vacation and adventure.
The Plan:
Day 1:
Pickup in Iraklion (a.k.a. Heraklio or Heraklion) early afternoon for transfer to Hania (a.k.a. Chania), or meet in Hania at 17:00.
The old city of Hania is spectacular by night; you will have time to explore before and after dinner. D. (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips. Self-guided trips include breakfast only)
Kalives Beach Hotel, Hania, www.users.otenet.gr
Day 2: 58km
Kalamy or Kalives (near Hania) to Hora Sfakion, crossing western Crete from the Aegean coast in the north to the Libyan Sea in the south. 58km, the first 15 relaxed flat and lightly rolling, followed by a steep 17km climb to 700 meters in Askifou. Cycle the level valley of Askifou for 10km, then climb slightly before enjoying 12km of uninterrupted descent all the way down to sea level. An early arrival at Hora Sfakion will allow time to explore the famous Aradena gorge and watch the sunset from the summit of Agia Ekaterini. Dinner options include tavernas and excellent seafood restaurants on the lovely waterfront of Hora Sfakion. BL
The Xenia Hotel, Chora Sfakion
Highlights:
1. The tremendous differences of style of living between coastal region and mountains, north and south, rural and urban settlements.
2. The mountainous valley of Askifou.
3. The Impros gorge (Cycling for an hour along the edge or hiking for 2 hours inside the ravine).
4. The view of the wild drop of the “Lefka Ori” mountains into the southern coast.
Day 3: 73km
Hora Sfakion to Moni Preveli, along the savage southern coast. Lunch is taken in the traditional village of Rodakino. BL
Anna Apartments and Studio, Mirithios, www.greekhotel.com
Highlights:
1. The unbelievable views of the sea from every hill, every bay, every cape.
2. The Venetian fortress of Frangokostelo.
3. The ancient chapels and churches along the way, especially at Vouvas, Nomikiana and Argules.
4. The bridge between Ano Rodakino and Kato Rodakino.
5. The cycling through the gorges of Koutzifou (uphill...) and Kourtaliotiko (downhill…).
6. The story of the Moni Preveli monastery.
7. The outlet of the Kissanos creek and the Megalopotamos at the palm beach.
Day 4: 42km
Transfer to begin cycling in Spili. An easy ride takes you from there to Sivas, and down to the Messara valley. Between Spili and Kissou-Kambos, pass through the village of Akoumia, then enjoy a great descent to the Akoumianos river valley and a shallow climb to the village of Nea Kria Vrisi. There follows an extraordinary 11km ride between two mountains - all the way down to the marina of Agia Galini. After lingering at the marina, climb to Agia Paraskevi, then descend to the coast at Timpaki, for a flat coastal ride to Kamillary and your inn in Sivas. BL
Shivas Village Hotel, Sivas, www.shivas.com
Day 5: Relaxing round Sivas
Shivas Hotel is located on a hill, 10 minutes ride from the sea, 15 minutes ride from Festoes (one of the most important Minoan Palaces in Crete and the site of the discovery of the “Festos Disk”), 20 minutes away from Gortyn Odeon where a full size detailed 2600-year-old codex of “Gortyn Laws” is presented, 20 minutes away from Vori (where a fantastic ethnographic museum is located) - and 25km north of the Lybian Sea resort of Kalai Limanes. A variety of self-guided options are available from here, and depending on your choice, we will supply the literature, maps, and transportation. BD
Same lodging
Suggested options:
1. Visit Festoes and Gortyn (an hour for each visit, plus two hours of cycling).
2. A visit to the museum of Vori (2-3 hours including the ride).
3. Checking Matala’s beach reputation as the best in Crete (10 minutes to all day long…).
4. Hiking along Agio Farango Canyon (90 Minutes each direction).
Day 6: 54km
Cross Crete to the north again, from Agii Deka to Archanes, starting with the Messara Valley, then a gradual 28km climb through Loures, Atsipdes, Ano Akria, Mades, and Metaxochory, to cross the continental divide. This ride becomes very challenging, and the peak at Choudessy is about 528m ASL. BL
Villa Archanes, Archanes, Heraklion, www.villas-greek-islands.com
Day 7: 56km
After enjoying the sunrise vista over the Yuchtas Mountains, an early breakfast followed by a 25 minute van transfer takes you to the coastal region, east of the city of Iraklion, where you’ll begin a steady 17km climb that will take you to the enchanted Lasithi Plateau – a valley at the elevation of 1000 meters (3200 feet). A ride through the beauty of the valley will be followed by a visit to the local villages and a quick lunch before a 5km climb to the pass will take you to the jewel of the crown: 30km of a continuous descent, all the way to the sea-level in the town of Agios Nikolaos. A drink in one of the picturesque cafes on the water front will end your 350km journey across and along the Island. You will then be transferred back to Archanes, for a farewell dinner. BD
Same lodging
2. The Dicteon cave.
3. The unique 30km descent to the coastal plain.
4. The Town of Agios Nikolaos.
Day 8: Relax in the Villa with optional excursions to the nearby historic sites
Your villa is in an excellent location: 5 minutes from Knossos, the most important and most impressive Minoan site ever found; exposed and reconstructed by the legendary scholar Arthur Evans. The sites of Iraklion: the capital of Crete; the Iraklion Museums, the colourful market, The Venetian Citadal, the lively town center with the Murossini Fountain, the Loggia, and many others, are also within 20 minutes drive. Shadowing Archanes from the west is the Yuchtas, with a Minoan sanctuary at the summit, calling the adventurer for a morning climb. At the days end, farewells and a transfer to your local hotel or to the airport will complete the adventure. B
The Details:
| Start: | Hania, 17:00 day one. |
| Finish: | Iraklion, 16:00 day eight. |
| Guided Cost: | $3595 (per person, includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, 4 picnic lunches, 3 dinners, guide and van support, maps/route notes, luggage transfers, applicable taxes) |
| Self-Guided: | $2995 (per person, includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, maps/route notes, luggage handling, taxes) |
| Single Occupancy: | $765 |
| Bicycle Rental: | Hybrid/mountain: $220 |
| 2010 Guided Dates: | Call 800-672-0775 for guaranteed departures, updates or to add a new departure. |
| 2011 Guided Dates: | Aug 6-13. Call 800-672-0775 for guaranteed departures, updates or to add a new departure. |
| Self Guided Dates: | You choose! Best times are spring and autumn. |
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
