GuidedGuided HikingHiking inin WestWest CreteCrete 8-DAY HIKE IN WEST CRETE Introduction Crete, the largest and most mountainous of the Greek islands, is the cradle of Europe’s earliest civilization and the land where ancient myth and modern reality blend seamlessly against a backdrop of outstanding natural beauty. Our 8-day trip, explores the southwest coast of Crete, with its spectacular White Mountains, the deep gorges and coastal trails that lead us to charming fishing villages and quite beaches, accessible only by boat. Starting from Chania with its picturesque Venetian port you will depart for the village of Agia Irini to hike through its quite gorge before emerging at the crystal clear waters of Mediterranean Sea. Follow ancient paths to reach the second Roman city in Crete, visiting the temple of God Asklipios and exploring the ruins from Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine period. Ascending well-maintained trails you will reach the summit of Mountain Gingilos (2080m), for stunning views to Omalos plateau, the White Mountains and the Samaria gorge - Europe’s largest gorge that offers one of the most rewarding walks through a spectacular botanic garden, the home of the wild goats (Kri-kri) and griffon vultures. Our superb coastal walk passes by the picturesque St Paul’s chapel and the azure blue waters of Marmara beach to end up at the white- blue washed houses of the charming village of Loutro. Relax in Loutro or hike to Anopolis -one of the most "authentic" Cretan villages, cross the Aradena gorge with its pink oleanders and drink fresh water from the "Sweet water beach". TRIP NAME: Guided Hiking in West Crete TRIP CODE: CH1 DURATION: 8 Days PERIOD: May to October 2014 GROUP SIZE: 4-16 participants ACTIVITY Easy/Moderate 1 2 3 4 5 LEVEL: Program DAY 1 Arrive in Chania Summary DAY 2 Walk through Agia Irini to the coastal village of Sougia (4 hours walk) DAY 3 Walk to the ancient town of Lissos (3 hours walk) DAY 4 Ascend Mt. Gigilos at 2080m. (6 hours walk) DAY 5 Walk through Samaria gorge, the longest of Europe, to the coastal village of Agia Roumeli (6 hours walk) DAY 6 Walk the coastal path to the village of Loutro (6 hours walk) DAY 7 Walk to the village of Anopolis and cross Aradena gorge (6 hours walk) DAY 8 Walk the coastal path to Chora Sfakion and return to Chania. (2 hours walk) End of services. Program DAY 1 Arrive in Chania Detailed Arrive in Chania. Transfer to the hotel in Chania city. In the evening we will have a brief presentation of the whole trip and will continue with a dinner at a traditional tavern. Welcome to the gastronomic reality of the authentic Cretan cuisine! Overnight in Chania DAY 2 Walk through Agia Irini gorge After breakfast, you will be transferred to the entrance of Agia Irini gorge, for your first hike. Ag.Irini gorge provides a nice and quiet path next to a stream, full of pines and chestnut trees. Sougia is a beautiful village on the southern coast of Crete where you will have the opportunity to enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters of Mediterranean Sea. (4 hours walk) Overnight in Sougia Program DAY 3 Walk to the ancient town of Lissos Detailed Cultural walk through the beautiful gorge of Selinou, thick with brilliant pink oleanders and carob trees, to the ancient city of Lissos. Lissos was an important center of hydrotherapy in ancient years, which flourished in the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine era. Here you will visit a well-preserved temple with mosaic floor dedicated to the God of medicine Asklipios and you will have much to admire by making a small loop around the city. Refresh yourselves in the cove and return to Sougia. (3 hours walk) Overnight in Sougia DAY 4 Ascend Mt. Gigilos at 2080m. Our mini-bus brings us to the plateau of Omalos from where we climb mountain Gingilos (2080 m). This is where the wild goats of Crete (Kri-kri) live as well as some of the most rare and highly threatened with extinction wild birds of Europe, such as the griffon vulture and the lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus). Towards the peak there are some points that we may use our hands to climb (easy scramble, nothing technical). The summit provides spectacular views in all directions. We descend by the same route and we spend the night at a family owned hotel in Omalos plateau. (6 hours walk) Overnight in Omalos DAY 5 Walk through Samaria gorge A short minibus drive takes us to Xiloscalo, the entrance of Samaria gorge, which is the largest gorge in Europe and one of the most beautiful that nature can provide. We walk on a good path in shady pine forest and beside a melodic stream. We reach the small village of Agia Roumeli, where we can relax and enjoy a swim. (6 hours walk) Overnight in Agia Roumeli Program DAY 6 Walk the coastal path to the village of Loutro Detailed We continue our walk close to the Mediterranean Sea (coastal path). Todays walk alternates on sand and shingles next to the sea and about 50m above the sea level in pine forest and bushy areas. On the way to Loutro you pass from the picturesque St Paul's chapel, which was built on the sand next to the sea. After a needed-refreshing break at "Marmara" beach, you arrive at the small port of Loutro with its magnificent village decorated with the blue and white houses. (6 hours walk) Overnight in Loutro DAY 7 Walk to the village of Anopolis Ascend the ancient path until Anopolis village, a historic area from where the revolution against the Turks began in 1866. Here we see "authentic" Cretans with their traditional costumes that “take us back in time, to other centuries”. From Agia Ekaterini’s church, just over Anopolis, you have the chance to enjoy the wonderful view to the Libyan Sea and the south coast of Crete. Visit Anopoli’s square, relax at the coffee shop with the locals and return the same way back. For the strong hikers we propose to continue and cross Arathena’s gorge that ends at “Marmara” beach and return back to Loutro by following the E4 path. This big loop may give an unforgettable picture that alternates between mountain trail, spectacular gorge and coastal path. (6 hours walk) Overnight in Loutro DAY 8 Walk the coastal path to Chora Sfakion For the last day there are two optional ways to reach the village of Hora Sfakion, from where you return back to Chania. Either 2 hours hike by taking the coastal path that crosses "Sweet water beach" (there are many fresh water springs, coming out of the pebble beach), or a 15 minutes boat-ride from Loutro to Sfakia. Our trip ends in Chania and depending on the departure time we are free to shop and relax. End of Services Trip Rates Price/person: Low Season 4-7 pax €930 May-June (Single Supplement: €90) September-October High Season 4-7 pax €995 July - August (Single Supplement: €120) Price o All accommodation with breakfast 7 dinners includes o o Services of the tour leader - guide o Group transfers from Chania Airport, from Chania to Agia Irini, from Sougia to Omalos and from Sfakia to Chania airport o Baggage transfers o Entrance fees in Samaria National Park, o Entrance fees in Agia Irini gorge, o Personal accident insurance o VAT Not Included o Transport to and from Crete, o Pic nic lunches during the walks, o Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks o Entrance fees in Museums and other sites of interest (i.e. monasteries, caves, etc) o Personal expenses and drinks o Everything that is not listed above. Available o May 3-10 May 24 – 31 dates: o o June 21 – 28 o July 19 - 26 o August 30 - September 6 o September 13 – 20 o October 4 – 11 Or any date upon request from April to October 2014. Insurance Everyone participating in any of Cretan Adventures events/activities is covered by personal insurance through AIG Europe Limited. In case a participant is already covered by their insurance under better conditions for the chosen activities and is unwilling to be covered by AIG Europe Limited, they must notify in paper the above to Cretan Adventures one day before the event (excluding weekends or holidays), the latest. Cretan Adventures is not responsible for any accidents or mishaps directly or indirectly related to the tour. Transport We travel by our own rented air-conditioned mini-bus, which leaves us to walk and continues, with our baggage, to the next place where we will stay for the night. Accommodation Half Board. Hotels in the main cities, local inns and village pensions throughout the trip (all with private facilities). The trip prices are based on double occupancy. Activity Level The hikes offer a moderate trek with a maximum of 6 hours walk on rocky footpaths. Sometimes you cross-streams in the gorges and on the coast you walk on sand and shingles for short distances. Participants should be in good physical condition with a little of experience. Food Every morning we have breakfast in the hotels and a nutritious dinner at local taverns with dishes of personal choice or traditional Greek and Cretan cuisine. (Vegetarians are welcomed on the trips) Equipment o Daypack (approx.25-35l) o Trekking shoes o Mountain clothing (waterproof wind jacket, polar fleece sweater etc.), Water bottle o Hat o Sun cream o Sun glasses o Swimming suit o Casual clothing.