Chania short break walking holiday

"The best of Chania in 4 days with your own private local guide!"

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Itinerary

DAY 1: WALK AROUND CHANIA AND EXPERIENCE A LIVELY, OPEN-AIR MUSEUM!
Meeting at your hotel at the Old town and orientation. On your first day you will explore the Old Town of Chania, most of which was built by the Venetians in a bid to recreate a “Venice of the east”! Thousands of years of history and diverse civilizations, from the Minoans, Myceneans and Dorians to Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Venetians and Ottomans, have blended together forming this beautiful town which today feels like a lively, open-air museum. You’ll walk along the waterfront and the famous picturesque Venetian harbour, through the alleys of the three major neighbourhoods where once Christians, Muslims and Jews used to coexist… you’ll explore the ancient ruins, the Byzantine wall, the Venetian fortifications and buildings and Ottoman mosques and dwellings, myths and legends about invasions, occupations, resistances and independence will come alive and fascinate you.

You’ll also be introduced to the local culture and communal life; you’ll visit the Municipal Market for local products, you’ll meet and discuss with local people, you’ll sample local products and drinks. The tour will end with supper at one of our favourite local taverns where you can listen to live traditional music!
DAY 2: HIKE AN IMPRESSIVE GORGE AND DISCOVER THE UNIQUE NATURAL WORLD OF CRETE
The wider area of Chania is known for the impressive gorges crossing the White Mountains. Since ancient times the locals used these gorges as shortcuts connecting ancient cities. Later on, they served as refuges in times of war, and today they are important natural reservoirs of the local flora and fauna and part of the European E4 trail network.

Agia Irini is a gorge of exceptional beauty but less known and frequented than the gorge of Samaria, allowing the visitors to enjoy the calmness and natural sounds. Starting from the village of Agia Irini we’ll hike 7,5km mainly downhill, through tall, century-old cypresses, pine and kermes oak trees, oleander and chaste tree shrubs, as well as slopes full of sage and other herbs and colourful endemic flowers, especially during spring.

Our guide will introduce you to the most common species of flowers and herbs, such as marjoram, savoury, sage and thyme and to the wide variety of birds which inhabit the gorge, such as quails, woodcock, hoopoes, thrushes and swallows, owls, hawks and ravens. Griffon vultures are common passers-by up in the sky. Upon exiting the gorge we’ll continue south to visit the beautiful sandy beach of Sougia where you can enjoy a swim at its crystal-clear waters as well as a well-deserved lunch overlooking the Libyan Sea.
DAY 3: VILLAGE HOPPING THROUGH A NATURAL PARADISE HIDDEN IN THE HEART OF CRETAN MAINLAND
Today we will visit the countryside of Chania and the region of Apokoronas, extending from the foothills of the White Mountains north to the coast of the Chania. This is one of the most fertile areas of Chania, due to the abundance of water coming from the mountains, with beautiful villages scattered around which have preserved their cultural traditions until today.

Starting from Douliana village you will walk on a 7km “dreamy” trail towards a ravine, in dense vegetation and rare plants. You’ll continue towards the old village of Tsivaras enjoying scenic landscapes of olive groves, vineyards and seasonal crops till you reach the traditional village of Gavalochori, where you will enjoy a drink at the local cafenio.

A visit to the local cheese-maker or the Agricultural Cooperative of Women’s shop to learn about traditional customs and practices and admire traditionally made textiles and local products is well worth it. At the Cretan villages you always find the most delicious local dishes prepared with seasonal products… and this how another lovely day walking will end!
DAY 4: FREE DAY
We have allowed for a free day for you to relax and explore the sandy beaches and coves of the northern district of Chania. The options are endless and we will be happy to recommend excursions or activities for your last day. Contact us at info@nofootprint.gr

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