DAY ONE: 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.

Welcome meeting with your guide followed by a free day.

5.5 MILES – 100M ASCENT/420M 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 lunch. Krasi is a pretty place with a huge plane tree and Venetian springs.  The walk is 5.5 miles with ascent/descents 100m/420m.

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

4.5 MILES – 100M ASCENT/420M 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

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

5.5 MILES – 70MM ASCENT240M /DESCENT

Travel via the national road and through the spectacular ravine of Saint George to Saint Nicholas. You will visit Bio Aroma a vertically integrated area of herbs, with its own organic crops, a distillery for the production of essential oils, workshop for 100% handmade herbal cosmetics, a museum and botanical garden. You will then go on a beautiful drive along the blue shades of the Gulf of Mirabello, which will lead you to Elounda, a quiet fishing village.

In Elounda you start your walk, along the sea to the peninsula Kolokytha you walk to the church of Agios Fokas. A lovely route, with beautiful views on the mountains and the sea. Near the church a small boat takes us to the island of Spinalonga, its Venetian fortress was also used as a leprosy colony. In a walking tour of approximately 1-hour you will gain insight of the struggling history. Spinalonga inspired the author Victoria Hislop to write the bestseller ‘The island’. Our last stop is at the picturesque harbour town Saint Nicholas. Its small lake “Voulismeni” in the centre is the landmark of the city. Walk around and take delight in the panoramic views and take a stroll in the narrow streets, with many shops and stores offering a large assortment of typical goods and fine jewellery. Today’s walk is 5.5 miles with ascent/descents 70m/ 240m.

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