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Crete – Next Steppers

From £1449/ per person

Exclusive group walking and non-walking holiday to Crete for Next Steppers

Crete is recognised as the largest island of Greece with 650 miles of coastline, including beautiful sandy beaches, scenic countryside and a wealth of history offering myths and legends. Crete’s timeline goes back over 4000 years and the island is said to be credited of being the birthplace of modern civilisation. Evidence of this can be found at the Palace of Knossos, the Minoans who lived here were some of the first in the world to have fashions, parties and women’s rights.

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Holiday Highlights
  • Seven nights half board at the Astir Beach Hotel in Kato Gouves
  • No single supplement
  • Included Welcome lunch at a Traditional Tavern
  • Drinks with Dinner
  • Three guided walk
  • One optional walk
  • Tours for non walkers
  • Local knowledgeable guides

HOLIDAY ITINERARY

Day One Arrival Day

Flight to Heraklion, Short transfer to your hotel for seven nights half board accommodation in the resort of Kato Gouves.

Please note, the tourist tax total for 7 nights is £63.65 – amount based on 1.10 exchange rate Euro to GBP. Please note that the tax and exchange rate is subject to change before guests arrive.

Day Two Free day

Welcome meeting with your guide followed by a free day.

Day Three Walk 1 & Included Excursion

5.5 MILES – 200M ASCENT/500M DESCENT

After breakfast meet your local walking guide in the reception of the hotel for a tour introducing you to Crete and its beautiful countryside. You will take the scenic route up  Mount Dicti to the plain of Lassithi, once filled with hundreds of windmills to pump up water for irrigating the fields. On the plain of Lassithi you will start the walk near the village Lagou to the village Krasi, walking up the Minoan path, lined with shrubs and flowers. You will be able to smell the herbs and enjoy the views on the plain. Afterwards your guide will lead you down to the settlement Kera, where you will be able to marvel in the views of the Aegean Sea. Visit the Byzantine monastery Kardiotissa before going on a lush dirt road to the village Krasi where you will stop at a traditional tavern for an included lunch. Krasi is a pretty place with a huge plane tree and Venetian springs.  The walk is 5.5 miles with ascent/descents 200m/500m.

Non Walkers – Drive through scenic Lassithi with an optional stop at the Dicti Cave (entrance €17 per person, paid on-site). Meet the walking group in Krasi, a lovely village with a huge ancient tree and old Venetian springs. Enjoy an included welcome lunch at a traditional tavern.

 

Day Four Free day

Free day or  join an optional walking tour: Kroustas – Pirgos area & beach

Non Walkers  – Free day or join an optional tour to Kritsa village

 

Day Five Walk 2 & Included Excursion

4.5 MILES – 440M ASCENT/80M DESCENT

Departure by coach to the east slope of Mount Juchtas, the starting point of the walk. Your guide will take you on a scenic path slowly upwards to the top of Mount Juchtas. In early springtime you will be able to see rare flowers, such as orchids and on the way, enjoy the amazing views! At the peak is a breath-taking view of Mount Ida, Heraklion town and the always blue Aegean Sea. Your guide will then lead you down with stunning views of the vineyards until you reach the main road where the coach is waiting to transfer you to Vathypetro, to visit the ancient Minoan farmhouse with a replica of the oldest wine press. Afterwards, you will visit a typical Cretan village, Archanes with its lovely square, enjoy here free time to experience local life. Today’s walk is 4.5 miles with ascent/descents 440m/ 80m

Non Walkers – Free Time in the Village of Archanes
Spend your free time exploring the charming village of Archanes. Visit the local Archaeological Museum to delve deeper into its past, and stop by a traditional weaving workshop where artisans craft beautiful rugs and bags by hand. Soak in the authentic atmosphere of village life as you relax in the inviting cafés and tavernas lining the picturesque main square.

 

Day Six Free day

Free day or join an optional walking tour Arkadi – Pikri & Rethymnon

Non Walkers – Free day or join an optional Tour – You’ll have the chance to visit the historic Arkadi Monastery (entrance fee €5 per person, paid on site), followed by free time in the small village of Pikri, where you’ll meet up with the walkers. Later, enjoy more free time to explore the picturesque town of Rethymnon at your own pace.

Day Seven Walk 3 & Included Excursion

3.5 MILES – 73M ASCENT/65M DESCENT

Travel along the national road through the stunning Saint George ravine to Agios Nikolaos. We’ll visit BioAroma, a special place with organic herb fields, a distillery for essential oils, handmade herbal cosmetics, a museum, and a botanical garden. Next, enjoy a beautiful drive along the blue Gulf of Mirabello to the quiet fishing village of Elounda. From there, we’ll walk along the sea to the Kolokytha Peninsula and visit the church of Agios Fokas, with great views of the mountains and sea. A small boat will take us to Spinalonga Island, known for its Venetian fortress and history as a leper colony. A one-hour walk here reveals the island’s fascinating past, which inspired the book The Island by Victoria Hislop. Our last stop is the charming harbor town of Agios Nikolaos, famous for its small lake, Voulismeni. Wander the narrow streets filled with shops and enjoy the lovely views to finish the day

 

Non walkers – will follow the same programme. 

Day Eight Departure Day

Free time until departure for the airport and your flight home.

Accommodation

  • Crete – Hotel Astir Beach

    Satellite TV Free Wi-Fi Air conditioning Hairdryer Safe Mini bar Balcony or Terrace Private bathroom Two freshwater swimming pools Spa centre Lounge bar Pool bar Snack bar Mini Market

    Availability: 25 Single Room | 25 Single Room with Side Seaview | 20 Twin/Double

  • Peoples
  • Bedrooms
  • Bathrooms

This stunning hotel is situated on the beach in Kato Gouves on the north coast with magnificient views of the unspoilt rugged coastline. Located only 10 miles from Heraklion Airport and close to the centre of Gouves, the hotel is within easy access of lively bars and restaurants.  Knossos Minoan Palace and Heraklion Archaeological Museum are also only a 30 minutes driving distance away from the hotel. Recently refurbished in 2018 the hotel is modern in style.

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