Family holiday Crete | Adventure week for both young and old

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Family Adventure Holiday on Crete

Experience the island of Minos to the fullest

Would you like to go to Greece with the whole family? Are you searching for a holiday where both action-packed days and total relaxation are possible? Do you want to stay close to the Mediterranean Sea so that you can swim to your heart’s content?

Are you looking for a holiday destination where there is plenty to see and do? And above all, would you like to enjoy a family holiday where you don’t have to worry about making numerous plans to ensure the trip is as variety-packed as possible?

Our answer to all these questions: Take a Family Adventure Holiday on the island of Crete! Greece’s largest island is a true all-rounder. The island of Minos is rich in nature and history and offers countless outdoor sports such as sailing, kayaking, climbing, hiking, and swimming.

We combine this variety into an exciting 7-day programme that leaves nothing to be desired and is sure to keep both young and old happy. The varied pre-organised activities take place in different regions of Crete so that you get a great impression of this uniquely beautiful island. There are also two days set aside for individual leisure activities, for which we will have plenty of great tips and recommendations for you on-site.


Highlights

  • Free as the wind: Enjoy the sea breeze on your day of sailing
  • Endless blue: A kayak tour through azure waters makes everyone happy
  • Imposing structures: Discover the Venetian fortress of Spinalonga
  • Time travel: Hike to the birthplace of Zeus and explore Crete’s Minoan treasures


8 days/7 nights
Apr – Oct
Easy
Heraklion
Heraklion
Persons: 4+
Age: 8+

Included Activities

  • Sailing tour to the uninhabited island of Dia
  • Kayak tour through Mirabello Gulf with a visit to Spinalonga Castle
  • Climbing & swimming in Agiofarango Gorge
  • Hiking in the Lasithi Plateau

Dates

This tour is available from April to October and can start on any date (subject to hotel availability).


DAY 1
Arrival in Heraklion: You and your family make your way to Crete. Your guide meets you at Heraklion Airport and takes you and your loved ones to a charming hotel in the midst of Crete’s enchanting nature near the village of Avdou.

The family-run Hotel Velani will be your accommodation for the duration of the trip, so you can settle in and make yourselves at home.

Your guide gives you a briefing about the itinerary for the following days. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

DAY 2
Hiking on the Lasithi Plateau with a visit to Psychro Cave: After breakfast, we begin our exciting day with a short transfer to the Lasithi Plateau. Our subsequent hike starts from the village of Tzermiado and leads us through the beautiful Nissimos Valley to the summit of the sacred mountain Karfi. Here we take a break and enjoy spectacular views of the northern coast of Crete and a Minoan settlement.

On our way back to Tzermiado, we make a detour to the Psychro Cave (Diktaion Andron), where, according to Greek mythology, the father of the gods Zeus was born. A perfect place for some exciting stories about the world of the ancient Greek gods! Afterwards, return to the hotel and free time.

DAY 3
Kayak tour and visit to the island of Spinalonga: Today we head for the coast! After a transfer to Elounda Bay in north-eastern Crete, we are given a safety briefing and taught the correct paddling technique. And off we go out to sea in two-person kayaks! Enjoy the feeling of silently gliding through the water and watching the world float by. Our day’s destination is the island of Spinalonga.

As soon as we have reached the island’s beach, there is time to enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea. We then explore the massive Venetian castle complex on foot, which was once a leper colony.

Afterwards, we return to Elounda and spend some time in the bay. Feel free to enjoy the time as you please: Swimming or sunbathing, building a sandcastle, or trying out some water sports activities (at an extra charge) such as windsurfing, water skiing, or the banana boat. The next few hours will fly by. In the late afternoon, we return to the hotel.

DAY 4
Climbing and Swimming in Agiofarango: A new day, a new adventure! Today the south coast is on the agenda. Our destination is the impressively beautiful Agiofarango Gorge, which translated means “Gorge of the Saints”. It was once a retreat for the monks living in the nearby monasteries. Today this natural wonder enchants every visitor with its high limestone cliffs, the river that flows through it, and the dream-like beach that is the well-deserved reward at the end of our hike through the gorge.

Here there are climbing routes for all levels, so everyone who wants to go climbing can find something that suits them. Your guide is on hand to give useful tips and advice. If you don’t want to climb, simply walk to the bay and enjoy the sound of the waves and take a dip in the crystal-clear sea! We return to the hotel in the afternoon.

DAY 5
Today is yours to do with as you please: After so much action, we have planned a day for individual leisure activities. Your guide is happy to give you recommendations.

Would you like some culture? How about a visit to the famous palace of Knossos or the fantastic archaeological museum in Heraklion? Maybe you’d like to visit the Cretan marine aquarium? A mountain bike tour or river hike, a horse-riding trip or cooking class or even a beginner’s canyoning tour in the Tsoutsouros Gorge are all possibilities (optional, extra charge).

DAY 6
Sailing trip to the island of Dia: Pirate flair is on the agenda today! A short transfer brings us to the port of Heraklion, where we board our sailing yacht. After an introduction to the safety equipment and the procedures on the yacht, the sails are hoisted and off we go.

Our destination is the uninhabited island of Dia, about 10 nautical miles from Heraklion. Would you like to become sailors yourselves? The crew are always happy to show you the most important sailing techniques and you are welcome to help sail the ship! Once on Dia, there is plenty of time for swimming, snorkelling, and fishing.

Afterwards, we sail back to Heraklion and return to our hotel.

DAY 7
Another day for you: Today is also scheduled as a free day and you can decide for yourself how you would like to spend it. Would you like to simply relax and enjoy the tranquillity of your accommodation? Or choose from the options described under Day 5? It’s up to you!

DAY 8
Departure: Unfortunately, your adventure holiday on Crete comes to an end today. We transfer you back to Heraklion Airport in time for your return flight. Individual journey home or extension of your Greek holiday.

Family-run Hotel Velani in Avdou

The charming Hotel Velani in Avdou is a truly exceptional place to stay during your trip. The family-run hotel with its 18 spacious and cosily designed rooms is situated in a quiet location surrounded by beautiful nature.

The hotel has ample space and a stunning panoramic view. All rooms have their own balcony. The Langada Valley with the Aposelemis river is situated below the hotel, while the majestic peaks of the Dikti mountains rise above it.

The property is surrounded by oak forests and olive groves and has its own beautifully landscaped garden with a large pool. A jacuzzi and sauna also provide the perfect wellness feeling. You can enjoy delicious Cretan food at the in-house restaurant.

The absolute highlight, especially for children, is the hotel’s professionally run horse farm.

From what age is the tour suitable?
This tour is suitable for adults and children 8 years and older.

What language is this tour conducted in?
This tour is exclusively available in English.

Are changes to the tour itinerary possible?
We reserve the right to make changes to the published itinerary should weather conditions warrant such action.

How difficult is this tour and is the programme flexible?
All included activities are designed in such a way that they can be easily mastered by every participant, even without special previous knowledge. Our local guides are very flexible and can change the programme if you would prefer a different activity on a particular day.

If you already know that you would like to make some changes in advance, please let us know and inform us what you would prefer to do instead. We strive to ensure that your holiday is an unforgettable experience for all members of the family.

What should I bring on this tour?
Below you will find a small guideline for what you should bring with you, which you can of course modify according to your own preferences.

For the activities:

  • 25L daypack to carry camera, water bottle, snacks etc.
  • Personal reusable water bottle

Clothing:

  • Casual leisure wear (multi-functional shirt if necessary)
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Possibly rain trousers / poncho
  • Warm jumper for the evening
  • Sturdy shoes
  • Headwear for sun protection
  • Sun cream & sunglasses

Basic Tour Price

  • 1,135 € per person 

This tour price is for a minimum of 3 participants. The tour is also possible with fewer participants accommodated in double rooms. Please contact us so that we can make you a concrete offer.

INCLUDED SERVICES

  • 7 nights bed and breakfast at Hotel Velani in Avdou
  • Transfers between Heraklion Airport and Hotel Velani
  • Other transfers during the trip as per itinerary
  • Guided outdoor activities as per itinerary
  • English speaking tour guide
  • Third party insurance
  • VAT

NOT INCLUDED

  • Journey to Heraklion
  • Lunch, dinner & drinks
  • Entrance fees to sights and museums
  • Hotel tax (0,50 €/room/payable on site)
  • Additional activities (bookable & payable on site)
  • Personal expenses
  • Tip for guide

ADDITIONAL BOOKABLE SERVICES

During free days if you are interested we can organize other outdoor activities suitable for the kids such as:

  • Mountain biking at Lassithi plateau 
  • Minoan Knossos Palace and Heraklion’s Archaeological museum
  • Natural history museum
  • Cretan Aquarium
  • Pottery village of Margarites, ancient Eleftherna, Arkadi Monastery and many other sites or interest
  • River Trekking to Preveli Palm Beach
  • Canyoning at Tsoutsouros gorge
  • Via Ferrata at Asteroussia Mountains

*Guided tours with certified guides, which can be booked additionally and paid on site for the days without pre-organised activities. Additional information on all three excursions is available on request.

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