CRETE
• The 5th largest island in the Mediterranean
• Surface area of 8,700 sq km
• 250km long
• 56km in width in the west to to only 12km in the east
• 100km from the European mainland (Peloponnese) 300km from the North African coast
• About 200km from the coast of Asia Minor.
With such vital statistics, Crete is more than an island it is nothing less than a little continent. 
Discover mysterious caves and traces of the ancient Minoans whose civilization was the earliest of its kind in the eastern Mediterranean. Wander through stately Roman remains amidst olive groves. Pause in the shade of little, frescoed Byzantine churches hidden among swathes of wild flowers, including spectacular orchids of which a number are very rare and endemic to the island. From Samaria Gorge National Park with its unique and amazing geology, to historic coastal cities where the architectural monuments recall Venetian and Turkish conquerors, - Crete has it all!
By day - action and adventure along hiking routes through this stunning landscape.
When the sun goes down, relax by the sea whose color ranges from turquoise to ‘wine-dark’ as described by Homer. Explore the mosaic of music and dance that has been a part of Cretan tradition since time out of mind!
Sample delicious dishes that make up the phenomenal Cretan Diet, hailed by scientists as a possible key to longevity.
Crete is a land of colors and contrasts, always different, always changing. Every day brings new experiences and lasting impressions.

Day 1: Chania

Arrival at Chania airport; the group is met by their guide. Transfer to the hotel.

Day 2: Chania - Paleochora 

Lunch in the old harbor. Later in the afternoon, we take the minibus to Paleochora on the south-west coast of Crete. Our hotel is close to a sandy beach, and there is plenty of time for our first swim in the Libyan Sea.

Day 3: Paleochora - Sougia 

We leave Paleochora and walk along the coast to Sougia. The path ascends and descends, until we reach the ancient site of Lissos where we can spend some time looking at the ruins. It will take us one more hour to reach Souyia where, as before, we will end our day by the sea. (5-6 hours)

Day 4: Sougia – Agia Irini - Omalos 

We leave Sougia and the sea and walk up through the Agia Irini Gorge along a well-made path. The scenery is beautiful and quite different from that of the previous days. At the top of the gorge (600 m) we will stop for lunch, and afterwards take the minibus to Omalos, in the White Mountains. (4 hours)

Day 5: Samaria Gorge

Samaria Gorge: We begin at Xyloskalo (1200m) like the day before.Today we take a downward path. The first part of the walk is the steepest, but the trail well maintained and soon (after 1 hour) we reach the bottom of the gorge and begin to follow the river-bed. We can have our packed lunch by the river if we like. After a 6 hour walk, we arrive at the village of Agia Roumeli, our destination for the night. There is plenty of time for swimming or resting on the beach. (5-6 hours)

Day 6:Loutro - loop

Our route today both begins and ends at Loutro. At first, we walk through old terraced fields to the hamlet of Livaniana, at about 320 metres above sea-level; the view is fantastic. Then we begin the descent into theAradena Gorge, and after reaching its bottom follow a dry river-bed. We will stop for lunch at Marmara beach; we can spend more time there, because afterwards it is only a 1-hour walk to Loutro. (3 hours)

Day 7: Loutro - Sfakia

Today we take the impressive-looking path that climbs aboveLoutro to Sfakia; it is actually not as steep as it looks. We will stop at the Sweet Water beach to swim and then walk to Sfakia, an old village against the backdrop of the tall peaks of the White Mountains. From there, the minibus will bring us to Chania. (3 hours)

Day 8:

Transfer to the airport for the flight home.  

TRIP DETAILS

Price Includes:

All accommodations, all meals from dinner on day 1 through breakfast on day 8, all picnic lunches, group transfers from and to the airport, all transportations throughout the trip, luggage transportations, services of the tour leader - guide, entrance fees in the National Park (Samaria gorge) and Agia Irini gorge, all taxes and VAT.

Not Included:

Air fare to and from Crete, personal travel-health insurance, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, personal expenses, entrance fees in Museums, and other sites of interest that are not included in the program.

Insurance:

Participants should be covered by their own personal travel-health insurance and prior to the trip. The personal insurance must at least cover medical expenses as well as air rescue and the cost of repatriation.

M&P Travel is not responsible for any accidents or mishaps directly or indirectly related to the tour.

Period:

From April to October 2011. 

Transportation:

All transfers during the trip are included.

Accommodation:

Hotels in the cities, village pensions throughout the trip (all with private facilities).
The trip prices are based on double occupancy.

Food:

Every morning we have breakfast in the hotels, picnic lunch en route and a dinner at local tavern. (Vegetarians are welcome on the trips)

Group Size: