Day 1: Flight to Crete

Individual arrival to Heraklion Airport, collection from the airport and transfer to the hotel in Kavros (ca. 1 hour), we can also book a cheap flight for you upon request. In the evening you will be welcomed by our hiking guide Frauke, who is very familiar with the customs and the language of Greece, and who will present the programme to you.

Day 2: Konstantinos – circular hike

Past small villages on unpaved country paths, then a visit to the monastery of St. Elias in Roustika. On the way we get to know the most important Mediterranean plants. The fragrances of oregano and thyme accompany the group, with the possibility to pick and collect herbs, a unique and useful souvenir! (ca. 14 km, 4½ hours, 150 m ascent).

Day 3: Gonia – the green hinterland of Rethymno

Panoramic views of the landscape and the snow-covered White Mountains accompany the group on this circular tour. Lush rock roses, lavender and venerable oaks line the path.

On the way we will stop at a typical kafenio, well-run by Grandma Maria (small charge), before returning on a donkey path bordered with old, small walls (ca. 4 hours, 300 m ascent).

Day 4: Imbros Gorge, natural arch and rock flora

We hike through this impressive gorge on a centuries-old connecting path, at the narrowest point you can touch both walls of the gorge with your hands. At the half-way point we take a break at a cistern, and the path then goes through an impressive natural arch to the village of Komitades on the southern coast. After a refreshment stop in a rustic taverna with local specialities and glorious views of the Libyan Sea, we then visit St. George’s Chapel, with its Byzantine frescoes (ca. 8 km, 4 hours, 600 m downhill).

Day 5: Day at your free disposal

fFor example, an excursion to the nearby town of Rethymno
or a visit to the Minoan excavations in the Palace of Knossos near Heraklion, or a day on the beach. Hiking guide Frauke will provide information and make suitable suggestions.

Day 6: Myli – Valley of Water, Valley of Abundance

The lush vegetation is guaranteed by a stream that runs all years. Fern, vitex and wild jasmine sometimes make the valley look like a jungle. In the ruined village of Myli we can explore the typical elements of Cretan architecture. We cross the millstream several times on this tour. Once we arrive in the village of Chromonastiri we eat lunch in the home of a Cretan family – payable on location, ca. 10 € per person. (ca. 10 km, 4 hours, 250 m ascent)

Day 7: Argiroupoli – in the island’s interior

This enclosed mountain village is located on the site of the ancient Lappa. It contains numerous architectural fragments from antiquity. The hike follows donkey paths over hill and valley, past a Roman necropolis, through light oak forests and bushy laurels. A one-thousand year-old plane tree and a former bandit hole are special features along the way. (ca. 8 km, 4 hours, 100m m ascent)

Day 8: Return home

After breakfast, transfer to the airport at Heraklion or Chania, return home by own arrangement.