Trip schedule:
First day 07/23/22: Larnaca - Heraklion - Aquarium - Lake Kournas - Chania
We will depart from Larnaca at 06:30 in the morning to Heraklion. We will board a bus and our adventure begins somewhere there. We will make our first visit to the aquarium in Gouves, close to the airport. From the aquarium, we will board again to the city of Heraklion for a short walk and coffee. From Heraklion, we will get on the bus again and our next stop is Lake Kournas. There we will take the lake bikes for a ride in the lake enjoying the enchanting landscape. There will be time for food by the lake. Late in the afternoon, we will arrive at our 4-star hotel Kydon Hotel in the centre of Chania for accommodation and rest.
Second day 24/07/22: Cruise to Balos and Gramvousa
We will enjoy our breakfast at the hotel and we will leave by bus for the port of Kissamos from there we will take a boat and we will enjoy a magical route with caves and ancient yards and if we are lucky we will see dolphins and turtles. Our ship will sail to Gramvousa where you can tour and swim. There are no shops or cafes there, but you can get anything you need from our boat. Late in the afternoon, we will return to the port of Kissamos from where we will board the bus to return to our base in Chania.
Third day: 25/07/22: Hiking in the gorge of Samaria
We will have breakfast early and board the bus. In about an hour we will reach Xyloskalo where the entrance of the path is. We will travel about 16 kilometres and it will take about 6-7 hours. The whole route follows the ancient river, Tara. During the hike, we will admire the impressive caves which were natural shelters for the Cretans in times of war. Now, of course, there we meet the Kri-Kri, the wild goats of Crete. In the middle of the route, we will cross the village of Agia Maria, which is now abandoned. Just before the exit (three kilometres), we will reach the iron doors (Sideroportes), the most impressive part of the route. We will spend some time in the small fishing village of Agia Roumeli before our departure by boat for Sougies. There the bus will be waiting for us to board and return to our hotel.
Hiking in the gorge of Samaria is not recommended for children under ten and people with a poor physical condition. For the people who can not or do not want to follow, it is possible from Sougia to take the ferry to Agia Roumeli from there they can reach the gorge more easily and see both the Iron Gates which are also a hallmark and enjoy their day there with dives, relaxation and food in the taverns.
Fourth day: 07/26/22: Free day in Chania - Visit the Tombs of Venizelos and coffee in the "Owl"
This day after the intense program of the previous one will be dedicated to relaxation, acquaintance and walks in the picturesque city of Chania. We will have our breakfast relaxed and board the bus to the tombs of Venizelos, which are located on a hill around the city in paradise and well-kept gardens that overlook the whole town. After our walk in those magnificent gardens and taking a couple of pictures, we will go to the cafe/restaurant “The Owl”. We unreservedly suggest you try the store's speciality, the juicy, yet fluffy cake dipped in rich, hot, chocolate syrup garnished with whipped cream, in addition to coffee.
Thursday: 07/27/22: Trip to Elafonissi and visit the monastery Chrysoskalitissa
Another day of exploration begins. We will have our breakfast at the hotel and board the bus to Elafonissi one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It is known for its off-white sand and turquoise waters. There are sunbeds and umbrellas there is an organised place where we can enjoy our bath. Shortly before we reach Elafonissi, however, we will visit the monastery of Chrysoskalitissa, which is built on the top of a hill and offers endless sea views. The monastery has admirable architecture and is one of the most famous attractions in the area. Late in the afternoon, we will board the bus to return to Chania.
Sixth day: 28/07/22: Chania - Arkadi Monastery - Rethymno - Heraklion Airport - Larnaca Airport
Last breakfast at the hotel. We will have already packed our personal belongings in our suitcases because today is the last day of our trip. It may be the last day, but it does not mean that the tour and exploration are over. We will board the bus with all our luggage and just before we reach Rethymno we will visit the monastery of Arkadi or which is an integral part of the History of Crete. The Monastery of Arkadi became known in different periods of its life for different events each time. It was a centre for education and the copying of manuscripts. The gold embroidery workshops during the 17th and 18th centuries dazzled the world. At the end of our visit, we will have time for walks in the picturesque Rethymnon. Late at night at 20:35, we will depart by air for Larnaca airport.
Participation cost (per person):
815 euros for accommodation in a triple room
890 euros for accommodation in a double room
1090 euros for accommodation in a single room
CAUTION!!! The amount is paid in the following bank accounts. The amount can be paid in two instalments, 30% for reservation within 4 days after your reservation and the remaining 70% until June 20. Otherwise, the reservation is cancelled.
• BANK OF CYPRUS: CY95 0020 0195 0000 3570 3249 2261 or through the quick pay bank of Cyprus service at 99251074 (Payee: Andreas Tsangaris)
• HELLENIC BANK LTD: CY44 0050 0347 0003 4710 F293 4801 (Payee: Andreas Tsangaris)
The price includes:
1) Organization and escort from our office
2) Airline and airport taxes - 1 8 kg suitcase in the cabin, 23 kg Check-in Bag & personal shoulder bag
3) All transfers with a 22 seat bus with all amenities (from airport to hotel-hotel to airport but also all transfers during our trip)
4) 5-night stay at Kydon the heart city Hotel https://kydontheheartcityhotel.com-hotel.com/ with breakfast
5) Experienced tour leader from Crete for the entire duration of our trip
6) Organization of hiking and escort in the gorge of Samaria
7) One-day cruise in Gramvousa and Balos
8) Ride on Lake Kournas with lake bikes
9) Entrance to the Aquarium in Gouves
The price does not include:
1. The food in the taverns. Each participant will pay separately.
2. The entrance to the gorge of Samaria is 5 euros
3. The route with the ferry Agia Roumeli - Sougies 10 euros
4. The Sougies Agia Roumeli crossing with a return of 20 euros (for those who will not hike the gorge of Samaria)
5. Insurance for covid-19 20 euros (optional)
Note 1. When you click to make a reservation, state the type of room (single, double, triple) you want.
Note 2. For the best operation of the event and for safety reasons, participants must comply with the instructions of the escort
Note 3. The first instalment must be paid 4 days after the registration to confirm the reservation. The second instalment must be paid by June 15. In case of cancellation of the reservation until June 09, the amount will be refunded. From June 10 to June 17, 30% is refunded. From June 18 onwards the amount is non-refundable.
Note 4. Photographic material is shared on our page and on social media after each event. By participating in a Salonica View event, you also agree to the sharing of photos. Otherwise, please let us know.
Note 5. The program will be followed normally and all participants are requested to follow it to make our trip more comfortable and enjoyable. The escort leader has the right to vary the schedule in cases where the weather conditions are not ideal or in cases of emergency. Our office is not responsible in case people do not show up at departure points at predetermined times. In addition, our office is not responsible for cases of delays due to external factors, such as road traffic, accidents or change of hours and days by the airlines.
