West Crete Family Multi-activity holiday

"Experience unique fun activities and adventure while exploring West Crete…"

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Itinerary

Day 1. WELCOME & EXPLORATION OF THE OLD TOWN OF CHANIA
Υοu will be met on arrival at Chania airport and transferred to your hotel. Relax by the beach during the day. In the evening you’ll enjoy a guided tour around the Old Town of Chania followed by a lovely meal.

The Old Town of Chania 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, Ottoman mosques and dwellings… myths and legends about invasions, occupations, resistances and independence will come alive and fascinate your family!

You’ll also:

– meet the Knifemakers and discover the art and history of this old profession,

– visit the “Agora”, the Municipal Market of Chania, to taste the gastronomic Cretan cheeses and other local delicacies,

– taste the traditional “bougatsa” at the one of the oldest bakeries of Chania,

– End the walking tour at our favourite local tavern by the beach, where you’ll be introduced to the famous Cretan cuisine!
Day 2. NATURE WALK ALONG THE GRIFFON VULTURE GORGE
The day will start with a short drive west through one of the most vegetated areas of Chania, passing small villages with colorful gardens and the oldest olive tree in the area, dating more that 1,000 years according to the locals! Today you’ll explore the beautiful gorge of Deliana known as the “Griffon vulture gorge” as the surrounding cliffs and natural caves provide the ideal habitat for the local colony of Griffon vultures. Time for spotting these impressive birds of prey which have an average wing span of 2.5 meters and often fly above the gorge alerting each other to the presence of visitors.

You’ll walk along the seasonal stream giving life to beautiful old plane trees and goats, small Cretan lizards. The aromas of the local herbs will accompany you. Our naturalist guide will make the walk more enjoyable by spotting wild flowers and herbs and of course other birds which inhabit the gorge, such as quails, woodcock, hoopoes, thrushes and swallows, owls, hawks and ravens!

The excursion will end with swimming and snorkeling at the pebble beach of Afrata in Rodopou Peninsula and a delicious lunch at the local tavern, known for their homemade recipes with fresh local products. Free evening.
DAY 3: TEST YOUR BALANCE ON THE PADDLEBOARD AND SNORKEL WITHIN CAVE!
The day is dedicated to fun waters sports! Transfer to Marathi bay whose crystal clear and calm waters create the perfect environment for you to stand on your paddleboard! After a short introduction on paddling techniques for first timers you are ready to go! Balance on your SUP and head out into the bay and paddle towards a small islet and cave. Put on our snorkeling equipment and explore the magnificent colours and “micro” organisms of the underwater world! If you feel more adventurous you can join our optional cliff jumping session!
DAY 4: FREE DAY
DAY 5: SEA KAYAK TO REMOTE BEACHES & COASTAL VILLAGE OF LOUTRO
Transfer to Sfakia region, in the south of Crete, known for its magnificent nature, contrasting high mountains with the wild scenic blue of the Libyan sea. Your guide will be waiting for you at Illigas beach to introduce you to the magical world of sea kayaking! As you paddle away along the south coast towards remote bays and the picturesque village of Loutro you’ll appreciate why Crete is famous for its crystal clear waters and sandy beaches.

On the way you’ll have plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkeling and exploring sea caves. Enjoy a lunch stop at Loutro and return to the base in the evening. This full day adventure is customized based on the group.
DAY 6: CYCLE THROUGH A NATURAL PARADISE HIDDEN IN THE HEART OF CRETAN MAINLAND
Starting from Nea Roumata, a small picturesque village at the foothills of the White Mountains, named after the numerous mineral springs in the area, you’ll cycle through picturesque villages amidst olive, vine, avocado, chestnut and orange groves. At the rustic village of Deres you’ll have a break at the local kafenio for a cold drink and a chance to mingle with locals and get a taste of the daily rhythm of village life.

After a short ride you’ll discover a forgotten Castello and myths and legends of Byzantine aristocracts, Venetian conquerors and Turkish harems will come alive. Continue cycling downhill, through small farms with chickens, turkeys, sheep, goats, pigs, mules and donkeys, until you reach the north coast. Celebrate the end of the tour with a refreshing swim!
DAY 7: FAREWELL WALK ON “DREAMY" TRAIL & COOKING COURSE
Relax during the day. Before you leave you have to spend some time at the beautiful 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’ll 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 folklore museum housed at a historic building and a stop at the pre-industrial stone olive mill will introduce you to the traditional way of life.

The tour culminates at the village of Vamos with a fun-filled cooking class followed by a delicious farewell meal, where you can enjoy the delights of your own hard work!
DAY 8: BREAKFAST AND TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT

Map

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