(Sun) Heraklion Archaeological Museum – Knossos – Rethymnon – Paleochora (B, L, D) | A day filled with culture and history begins with a guided tour in the remarkable Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, which houses unique collections from the Neolithic period (7000 BC) to Roman times (3^rd cent. AD). A highlight are certainly the masterpieces of the Minoan culture, the oldest civilisation in Europe!

Our next guided tour takes place at the Palace of Knossos. The island’s most important archaeological site is a must-see in Crete and will take your breath away. Then, we visit the picturesque old harbour town of Rethymnon for a late lunch and an afternoon walk. Finally, transfer to Paleochora, where we have dinner together and check in at our hotel.

(Mon) Anydroi Gorge (aprx. 11 mi./18 km by e-bike & 4 mi./6.5 km on foot) (B, L) | After breakfast, we start our first e-bike ride that leads us to the 99 Holy Fathers Monastery and we hear the story of St. John the hermit and the Holy Fathers.

Later on, our hike of approximately one hour begins. Along the way there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy beautiful panoramic views. When we reach the village of Anydroi, we enjoy delicious Cretan dishes for lunch. Afterwards we continue our hike through the Anydroi Gorge until we reach a secluded sandy beach.

Here the blue seas lure us in for a swim before we head back to the hotel by transfer bus. In the evening, our tour guide invites us to join a guided tour through Paleochora. Here you can end an eventful day with an individual dinner in town.

(Tue) Ancient Lissos (aprx. 20 mi./33 km by e-bike & 2.8 mi/4.5 km on foot) (B, L) | Today’s tour is a wonderful combination of biking, hiking and boating. An incredible nature experience awaits us on this cycling tour through the mountains of Paleochora.

We start today’s tour again from Paleochora and cycle up to the mountain villages of Prodromi and Temenia. Here, we take a well-deserved break for lunch at a great mountain tavern, which serves traditional Cretan cuisine including a very tasty specialty: a homemade chestnut stew.

A relaxed descent is then followed to the starting point known E-4 track to the ancient city of Lissos, where the incredibly well-preserved sanctuary of the god of healing, Asklepios and a newly excavated amphitheater.

Following our visit to this archaeological site, we board a charter boat sail to a cave. Here we will have the opportunity to take a dip in the shimmering waters before returning to the port of Paleochora, where dinner is on an individual base.

(Wed) Samaria Gorge (aprx. 10 mi./16 km on foot) (B,L) | A trip to Crete without visiting the famous Samaria Gorge is unimaginable. A walk through this gorge allows for an unbelievable nature experience and also gives us a physical challenge.

There are approximately 1,200 meters of elevation along the hike and the walk itself lasts around 6.5 hours. In the morning, we take a transfer bus to the starting point of the hike at the top end of the Samaria Gorge. On the way we enjoy a picnic in the canyon to restore our energy levels.

The village of Agia Roumeli lies at the lower end of the Samaria Gorge where we enjoy a late lunch in a traditional tavern. There is also time for a swim before we board the exclusive charter boat which takes us back Paleochora, where you later may go for an individual dinner.

(Thu) Sklavopoula – Paleochora – boat trip to Elafonisi (aprx. 10.5 mi./17 km by bike) (B, L) | Another day full of adventure! After a late breakfast, a transfer shuttle takes us to Sklavopoula where we visit a small church from the 13th century. This church is incredibly well preserved and even the frescos, picturing the torments of hell, are still visible.

From there we cycle on through picturesque landscapes with a relaxed midday break before heading back towards Paleochora. After lunch we take a privately chartered boat to visit the natural paradise of Elafonisi, a dreamy place in the middle of the Mediterranean.

The exotic, white sand beaches and the turquoise waters found on both sides of the peninsular are reminiscent of the Caribbean. The island is strewn with dunes, water lilies and junipers. Various rare species, such as the endangered Caretta Caretta turtles are able to live here, their nests under official protection. These are more than enough good reasons to spend some time in Elafonisi to swim and enjoy a coffee or a cool drink. Dinner is to be arranged individually.

(Fri) Sougia (aprx. 9 mi./15 km by e-bike & boat excursion) (B, L, D) | Today we can look forward to a very relaxed program after the efforts of the previous day. The program includes a transfer to the mountain top village of Prodromi, followed by a downhill bike tour to Sougia.

Here our charter boat is waiting and will take us to a wonderful bay. On land we will enjoy a BBQ for lunch at a hidden spot in the forest.

Afterwards we will have plenty of opportunity to swim before the boat takes us back to Paleochora. Here we can relax for a while before experiencing a true Greek evening with Cretan delicacies and live music.

(Sat) Paleochora – Chania (B, L, D) | Once we have our breakfast and even a swim by the sea, a transfer takes us to a small village in the mountains where following its exploration, we enjoy a traditional lunch in a local tavern (one of a kind experience).

Afterwards, we head to Chania, the most beautiful and fascinating city in Crete. After checking into your hotel, you will take a guided tour of the fascinating old town of Chania with its world-famous Venetian harbour. During a last dinner together, you can look back on eventful days that have taken you from one highlight to the next on legendary Crete. The night is spent in Chania.

(Sun) Chania – Heraklion (Departure) (B) | Goodbye Crete! After breakfast, check out of the hotel and return home or extend your holiday on Crete individually. If you are already on your way home today, our collective transfer will take you back to Heraklion airport. If possible, please book a flight that departs after 1 pm to have a stress-free journey home.