Exploring Crete
Perfect for walking, this mountainous isle takes you from the ancient port of Chania at sea level, up to 1975 metres, where you can gaze across the rugged landscape of this famous Greek island. Much of this trip takes you along the famous Samaria Gorge, surrounded by limestone mountains, orchards and beautiful cypress forests.
The trek starts in Chania, the elegant and animated former Venetian capital of Crete. From the restaurants and cafes along the edge of the old port you can admire the Venetian lighthouse on the end of the harbour wall. On the morning of Day 2 you aretransferred with your luggage via a long winding mountain road, past groves of oranges and olives, and then through cypress woodland to the beautiful plateau of Omalos, a fertile, almost circular plain surrounded by wild and rocky limestone mountains.
While at Omalos you have an opportunity to walk up the rock peak of Gingilos (1975m), with views right across the island. On subsequent days you walk the length of the famous Samaria gorge and follow the coastal footpath eastwards to the picturesque port of Loutro. On one morning it is necessary to depart at first light in order to ascend the formidable Selloudha escarpment (620m/2000 feet) before the sun hits the slope. Near Anopolis is the beautifully situated chapel of St Catherine, on a hilltop 2500 feet above the sea. On the last full day there is an opportunity to walk the length of another, less visited gorge, that of Imbros.
This tour is available throughout the summer season, but you should be aware that in high summer it can be uncomfortably hot for walking in the afternoon. The effect of the sun can be alleviated by making early starts, and all our hoteliers are ready to provide early breakfasts.
On rare occasions the Samaria Gorge may be closed to walkers at short notice for a day or more on account of flood water. In this case we make alternative arrangements for Day 4; normally this will involve a taxi ride to Sougia and ferry the next morning to Agia Roumeli. We cover the cost of these arrangements if they are necessary.
TRAIL MARKERS: The trails are well used and defined but only occasionally signposted ormarked. The maps at 1:80,000 scale with 50m contour interval are poor by comparison with western European maps and trails are not accurately shown. Close attention to the route notes is therefore required.
ACCOMMODATION & MEALS: 6 nights in modern hotels and pensions with fully en suite facilities; 1 night in a traditional mountain taverna with basic facilities (shower and WC separate from bedroom and may be shared). Bed and breakfast on 7 nights. Evening meal with local country wine is included on the 3 nights when you are not staying on the coast (ie at Omalos and at Anopolis).
Self Guided Inn to Inn 8 days
TOURCODE: SEC
GRADE:
* This tour is also available as an ESCORTED DEPARTURE
CODE: SECE
P I P E S T O N E...T R A V E L
1-800-766-4318
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