Botanical and archaeological excursion to 24/25 mars −−− 7/8 avril 2019 3e édition

Some of the participants of the 2017 excursion in front of a remarkable kermes oak (Quercus coccifera ) at the Katharos plateau near Kritsa, eastern Crete.

The Rouvas forest with kermes oak ( Quercus coccifera ), Mediterranean cypress (Cupresuss sempervirens ) and Cretan maple ( Acer sempervirens ) in the Psiloritis mountains north of Zaros

Vegetation, plants, landscape and archaeology Crete is considered a mythical island: it is full of archaeological remains of Minoan, Greek and Roman times and its history is also characterized by various occupations and influences. The island is also of special interest to botanists due to its remarkable biodiversity and a high amount of endemic and rare plants. Its amazing landscapes are extremely variable in altitude and characteristics (rocky and sandy coastal habitats, canyons, high mountains, pastures formed by grazing and transhumance, caves and arid mountain environments with the typical Cretean « phrygana », covering the mainly calcarous rocky soils. The endemic species of Crete, orchids, arums, campanulas and other are an extraordinary biological heritage. Spring time is the best period to visit Crete; the island is green and covered by spring flowers, especially orchids, wild tulips, irises and gladiolas, most species of the Cretan phrygana are already flowering. The aim of the excursion is to discover the island and its remarkable flora and archaeological remains by mountain hiking and excursions, to practice botanical determination of the Cretean flora in various habitats, especially orchids, caryophyllacees, liliacees and to become familiar with some of the more than 600 endemic species. More than 3000 years of human impact have shaped the island and its vegetation.

The Roman town of Gortys in th southern part of the island is of high archaeological interest but it shows also a remarkable vegetation in the ancient olives cultures which are hiding a huge part of the Roman ruines.

Additionally, some of the well-known and less well-known archaeological sites will be visited, for example the Minoan palaces of and Kato Zakros, the Roman town of Gortys and some of the sites near and in eastern Crete (Roussoulakkos).

The detailed excursion programme is due to changes according to meteorological conditions and special interests of the participants. Some of the following excursions and full-day hikes will be done:

Near :

The Gorge (canyon) of Agia Irini

The Gorge (canyon) of Diktamos

The archaeological site of Polyrrhinia near Kissamos and its rare vegetation

The half-island of Gramvoussa with an archaeological site and its rare vegetation

Near Zaros :

Forest and canyon of Rouvas, southern flanks of Psiloritis mountains

The Gorge (canyon) of Vorizia: an unknown canyon at the southern flanks of Mount Psiloritis The orchid hills near Spili and the bassin of Amari, the archaeological site of Foufouras

The Gorge (canyon) of Patsos

The Minoan palace of Phaistos and the archaeological site of Agia Triada ; orchid hills near Phaistos and Agia Triada

The Asteroussias mountains and its highest point Mount Kofinas with observation of vultures

The Ecoparc of Mount Youchtas near Archanes with ungrazed phrygana and rare orchids, the archaeological sites near Archanes

On the top of Mount Traostalos with a look to the eastern end of Crete

In eastern Crete: The Minoan palace of Kato Zakros The “Gorge of the Dead » near Kato Zakros The Gorge (canyon) of Perivolakia and the convent of Moni Kapsa The Gorges (canyons) of Adravasti and Hohlakies Coastal landscapes and vegetation between Kato Zakros and Xerokambos The Ziros plateau and the long-distance hike Ziros – Zakros, a part of the long-distance E4 hiking path The Mountain top of Traostalos and the Pelekita cave near Kato Zakros The Gorge (canyon) of Kritsa The Katharos plateau with its rare vegetation (wild tulips, Zelckova abelica )

Tulipa doerfleri near Spili, an endemic Ophrys cretica ssp. cretica species of Crete The technical details:

Organizer : Dr. Julian Wiethold (private excursion) Costs : 300 euro for students, 370 euro for employed people or people with long-term contracts. Possibility to strat on march 28 th : 250 euro pour les étudiants Transport : Small rented cars (Fiat Panda or similar) Our Accommodation : Hotel Anatoli Charming in Chania (25.-28.3.2019) Hôtel Keramos in Zaros (28.3.-3.4.2019), appartements à Kato Zakros (3.4.-6.4.2019), Chambres d'hôtes Argyros à Kritsa (6.4.2019-8.4.2019), Petit déjeuner inclus à Zaros et Kritsa. Chambres doubles à partager (éventuelles modifications si les quartiers ne confirment pas la réservation). Start : 24th of march at airport (due to arrival of flights) or the 25th of march in Chania (airport Chania), due to arrival of flights. Travelling : Arrival flights in most cases with change at Athens or Thessaloniki (Aegean & Olympic airways), or possibility to travel to Athens and to take the ferry to Heraklion the night 24/25 march. Direct return flights on Monday 8th of avril (or on Sunday 7 th of April on special request). Early reservation will guaranty in most cases the lowest prices. Do not hesitate to contact me for help finding cheap flights). Requirements: Good physical condition for coastal and mountain hikes up to 6-7 hours, good hiking boots obligatory (Crete is very rocky with spiky vegetation), hiking clothes (the spring temperatures can vary between 26° C and 0° due to altitude and meteo- rological conditions). Plant determination books, water bottle, rain protection, photo, sun protection, etc. To be covered individually by the participants : flights to and from Crete (Heraklion or Chania airport), lunch picnic, dinner at a taverna the evening (about 12 euro/person), entrance fee to archaeological sites and museums.

Wild Tulips (Tulipa saxatilis ) and crown anemones (Anemone coronaria ), Katharos plateau near Kritsa (on top) and Diktamos Gorge near Chania (lower images).

The Gorge (canyon) of Perivolakia (upper image) and the phrygana near the convent of Moni Kapsa with the Lybian Sea in the background (lower image).

The canyon of Sarakina (upper images), Orchis boryii and l’Ornithogalum umbellatum , near Spili, Gious Kambos (lower images).

Inscription to the excursion to Crete 24/25.3.-7/8.4.2019: (to be sent to Dr. Julian Wiethold, 27, Place de Chambre, F-57000 Metz, France or by e-mail [email protected]; the available places are limited to 6-8 people. The participation will require a confirmation by the main organisator and booked flights by the participant.

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I am offering help to find cheap flights and to organize travelling to Crete. Do not hesitate to contact me if there are any questions. An early reservation of flights will guaranty in most cases the cheapest prices (Aegean, Ryanair, Easyjet, Transavia, Eurowings and others…). The early arrival date will require to change flights at Athens or Thessaloniki.

Orchis boVue ryii Chania, view over the town fortifications with interesting ruderal vegetation dominated by corn marigold Glebionis segetum .