Bicycling Magazine called this “one of the 50 best rides on the planet.” For 21 years we have been refining our cycling tour of this island paradise, with optional hikes on 3 days. Majestic mountains sweep down to emerald-blue seas. Lyrical bells of grazing sheep and the pungent aromas of wild oregano and thyme add to the Mediterranean magic. Be delighted by the taste of Feta cheese, thick homemade yogurt, honey-soaked walnuts, and grilled seafood. With its unique history, friendly people, and natural beauty, Crete is indeed a land of legends, including Zorba, Daidalos, and Ikaros.
We explore the old city of Heraklion with its Venetian remains and also tour the Heraklion Archeological Museum to see fabulous Minoan pottery and jewelry. A tour of the ancient Minoan site of Knossos brings to light the reign of King Minos. Relive stories of the bull jumpers and Theseus’ daring descent into the labyrinth to slay the Minotaur. Tour highlights include the Lassithi Plateau where donkeys and old windmills echo a bygone era. Wonderful mountain vistas surround the village of Spili, noted for its spring water. The famous Samarian Gorge (the most natural wonder of Western Europe), provides a spectacular hike - essentially downhill! Six nights of lodging are on or near the beach!
Crete’s magic also lies in its vestiges of the past. Guide Dale Hart, who has led trips there bi-annually since 1973, brings passion and excitement to unfolding rich layers of history for you. His stories of adventure and intrigue bring to life the real Crete, where Zeus was born and Europa was loved.

Itinerary
Day One
Arrival in Heraklion, Crete, at Atlantis Hotel (A class). Orientation, tour overview, and reception.
Day Two
Stroll through the old city; guided tour of ancient Knossos and archeological museum. Afternoon transfer to the windmill-covered Lassithi Plateau, where a simpler lifestyle dates back several generations. Bike fitting. Afternoon walk.
Day Three
Morning ride on the plateau. You'll see men and women on donkeys. You may be slowed bye small herds of goats or sheep. Visit the cave where mythological Zeus was born. Enjoy folklore museum, followed by plateau walk through small farming plots. Optional hike to Minoan site of Karphi. (14 miles + hike)
Day Four
Downhill ride through Potami River Valley. Swim the Libyan Sea - just in front of our hotel in Ierapetra. (29 or 46 miles)
Day Five
Travel inland through the Plain of Messara and the best farmland in Crete to beach village of Matala. (24 or 54 miles)
Day Six
Circular tour of the archeological sites of Phaistos, Aghia Triada, and Gortys; relax on the beach or hike in the area. (30 miles)
Day Seven
If you missed Phaistos yesterday, stop there on our way to Spili, located in the center of the island. Lunch at the quaint fishing and beach village of Aghia Galini. Choose a breathtakingly beautiful upper road overlooking the Amari Valley and Libyan Sea, or a lower route to Spili. (17, 33, or 36 miles)
Day Eight
Hike to Palm Beach, called Crete's most beautiful beach. Visit Preveli Monastery, an important site of resistance during World War II. (30 miles) Option to visit Rethymnon on the northern coast.
Day Nine
Ride through old villages to Kalives, a delightful village on the beach, overlooking Souda Bay. (30 or 40 miles)
Day Ten
Early bus ride for the Omolos Plateau to hike the famous Samarian Gorge, acclaimed the most natural wonder in Europe. You could get a glimpse of the wild mountain goats (Kri-kri).
Day Eleven
Morning visit to tour old Venetian quarter and renowned harbor at Chania. Option to enjoy the splendid beachfront along Crete's northern shore or ride in the area. (15 or 20 miles)
Day Twelve
Trip ends in Almirida after breakfast. Fly back to Athens or take an evening ferryboat.

 

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