Self-guided Cycling Tour in Western Crete. Crete is considered one of the most beautiful destinations in Greece, this tour combines its history, culture, mountains, beaches, lakes, good food, raki, and Cretan music. It begins in Omalos, a plateau high in the mountains, then heads down to the sea passing the famous beach at Elafonissil, it then follows the west coast of Crete, passes through historical Chania and ends up in Rethymno. Tour Character: Level 3. Moderate difficulty, created for the recreational cyclist with a standard/good level of fitness. Daily distances are between 40 and 50km, with an average daily climb of around 700m. Optional longer/harder routes are provided on some days. Included in the Cycling Tour: Accommodation for 7 nights in 3* hotels, breakfasts, luggage transfer between hotels, transfer of bikes & bikers to Omalos on day 2, complete information about the area, mobile phone mount for the handlebar, access to GPS application with routes, and 24h emergency phone support. Not included in the Tour: Flight tickets, boat tickets on day 2 and 3, excursions on your free time, drinks, dinners and lunches, and entrance fees in archaeological sites and museums. Bike Rental per week: Trekking bike: 100 EUR, Road bike: 140 EUR, E-bike: 290 EUR, Tandem bike: 270 EUR. Helmet: 10 EUR. External GPS device: 80 EUR. Notes: Taxi transfer Chania airport to hotel 50€ (1-3 pax), Taxi transfer hotel to Chania airport 130€ (1-3 pax). If you don't wish to take the above transfer, there will be a 65 EUR bike delivery/ pick up fee. Departures every Saturday from April - May and September to October. This tour also operates as a 14 day tour. Day 1: Arrival-Chania. You arrive in Chania, for many, the most beautiful city on Crete with its picturesque harbour, old town and castle. Chania has a long history and had a huge impact on the region during Venetian times. It has a truly unique character. Day 2: Omalos-Cycling to Palaiochora 52Km, +800m | -1834m or Hiking the Samaria Gorge 14Km, 5-7hr walk. Transfer to Omalos. Option 1: Cycle through mountainous scenery to Palaiochora. Option 2: Hike the Samaria Gorge, the longest gorge in Europe. Transported by boat to Palaiochora. Samaria Gorge is open from May to October. Day 3: Palaiochora - Elafonissi-Inachoria 15Km | +560m or 34Km | +1000m. Option 1: Take the boat to Elafonissi beach (golden sand, crystal-clear waters). Then ride to Inachoria. Option 2: Ride directly to Inachoria, adding 19km and 1000m ascent. Inachoria is a picturesque group of mountain villages. Day 4: Inachoria - Kissamos 40Km | +675m or 49Km | +943. Routes along the west coast of Crete, passing through spectacular landscapes to Kissamos (Kastelli). Day 5: Kissamos-Chania. Cycle along the northern Cretan coast to Chania. Optional visit to Karavitakis winery or Agios Ioannis cave. Day 6: Chania - Georgioupoli 44Km | +780m. Continue east to Georgioupoli. Recommended visit to ancient Aptera (10km extra, 170m climb), an important archaeological site. Day 7: Kournas Lake - Rethymno 38Km | +516m. Cycle south to Kournas lake (freshwater lake). Continue to Rethymno, a provincial capital with Venetian architecture. Explore the old town and the Venetian citadel. Day 8: Departure. 'Εις το επανιδείν' (We hope to see you again).
Hotel
A dedicated guide for this region is not available yet.
