Crete and Santorini Islands

A superb sequence of events:  the famous path of Crete's southern coast, Santorini and it's post card landscapes, coastal pathways, shaded gorges, seaside villages, small harbors, chapel summits, archeological traces, welcoming taverns....a pleasant Mediterranean cocktail!

Day 1/  Arrival in Athens
Day 2/  Flight to Chania (Crete Island), Paleochora
Day 3/  Crete Island : Paléochora - Lisos (site and bay) - Soughia
Day 4/  Crete Island : Soughia - Gorge d'Agia Irini - Omalos
Day 5/  Crete Island : Omalos - Gorge de Samaria - Agia Roumelli
Day 6/  Crete Island : Agia Roumelli - Agios Pavlov - Marmara - Loutro
Day 7/  Crete Island : Loutro - Sfakia - Iraklio
Day 8/  Santorini Island : speed boat, Firostefáni and Imerovígli
Day 9/  Santorini Island : The volcano and Thirasiá
Day 10/  Santorini Island: Emborio - High summit of Profítis Ilías - Théra - Períssa
Day 11/  Santorini Island - Akrotiri - Fast boat to Athens
Day 12/  Depart from Athens.

Fulfill Icarus's  dream..... Reach the heart of the Mediterranean, fly over the Aegean Sea and land at the foot of the White Mountains.  Lay by the Libyan Sea, across the scrublands, creeks and canyons while stopping over at the small luminous ports of southern Crete! And then continue the Odyssey while embarking for the Cyclades Islands.  Our trip begins with a week in Crete, the largest Greek island with its' myth-like mountains, its' profound gorges and a history that goes back to the Minoan civilization, more than 4000 years old.
We then take a boat for Santorini Island situated 75 miles from Heraklion.  This ancient volcano, the most active in the Aegean arc, possesses the largest crater in the entire world and was the origin of the Atlantide myth.  We run  parellel to Oia, one of the most pretty villages on the island.  The view on the crater and the sunsets are spectacular.
After three days of hiking and excursions into the four corners of the island, we embark for the small island of Sikinos, situated in the north, three hours on the sea.
A varied and colorful stay with magnificent landscapes, a nice greek mediterrean ambiance and an omnipresent sea in the backdrop.

Day 1/  Arrival in Athens
Meeting/assisting at Athens airport.
Overnight in airport area 5 star hotel.

Day 2/  Athens- Chania (Crete Island) - Paleochora
Domestic flight, with Olympic Airways, the Greek national airline, for Chania, second biggest city on the Island. Taxi transfer to the center of town and short visit of the city: Venetian port, marketplace, museum...
Transfer to Paleochora on the southern coast (37 miles, 1 h 30 each way) a traditional tourist spot.
Settle in at hotel, short walk in the neighborhood with the possibility of swimming.

Day 3/  Crete Island: Paleochora - Lisos (site and bay) - Soughia
We depart towards the east while following the sea. Initially by a small road which transforms into a narrow path in the scrublands. Further on, we climb up gradually to a small pass, cross a small plateau and go down again into the bay of Lisos, which contains scattered archaeological vestiges. We then have to go up on the opposite side of the bay to cross another small plateau and to descend into a splendid ochre and populated canyon to the colorful large Aleppo pines. We emerge at the small harbor of Soughia close to the village. Night in hotel.
About 6 H walk. Altitude gain: 1,640 feet.

Day 4/  Crete Island: Soughia - Agia Irini Canyon - Omalos
Morning minibus for the door downstream of the Agria Irini Canyon (altitude 656 feet). By an equipped path, easy descent of this canyon, rich in a beautiful variety of trees. Pauses nearby two very ancient chapels, then continue by an old restored salt road through vegetation of scrubland and cypress in direction of the Tourli Pass (alt. 3,281 feet). Meet up with the minibus to cross the Omalos basin and to avoid walking on the road. Settle in at the hotel.
About 5 H walk. Altitude gain: 2,953 feet.

Day 5/  Crete Island: Omalos - Samaria Canyon - Agia Roumelli
Short transfer in the minibus, to access the upstream door of the Samaria Canyon. An astonishing spectacle. One would believe they were in the Alps due to the landscape, the climate and the seasonal activity!  On a nice, well marked path, descend into the famous Samaria Canyon. The upstream section is an alpine valley deeply covered in forest where one will notice 100 year old cypress trees. After the village of Samaria, restored partly by the park administration, the valley tightens into a canyon where subsoil water spouts out. Shortly before arriving at the seaside village of Agia Roumelli, we follow a track bordered by many pink Bay Trees.
Approximately 6 H walk.  Altitude gain: 3,937 feet (descent), distance of approximately 11 miles.

Day 6/  Crete Island : Agia Roumelli - Agios Pavlov - Marmara - Loutro
Splendid coastal stage today. Initially on the edge of the water on a pebble beach and gray sand, and then under the cover of a pleasant pine forest and into the scrubland at the foot of high cliffs. We then arrive in Marmara, a small rocky creek which is the outlet of the spectacular Aradena Canyon. Picnic and swim. Continue after midday to Finiki and, finally, Loutro, a small tourist seaport where we spend the night in a hotel.
Approximately 5 H walk. Altitude gain: 984 feet. Possible alternative route through the Aradena Canyon (2h).

Day 7/  Crete Island : Loutro - Sfakia - Iraklio
By way of a coastal balcony path above the Sea of Libya, we initially reach the great beach of Glyconera. The path then threads through a cascade of rocks before going up to a road, which we take for 1 mile before reaching Sfakia, the end of our coastal tour.
Approximately 3 H walk. Altitude gain: 656 feet.
Private minibus for Iraklio. 3 h one way. Visit of the Knossos Minoan site before we settle in at our hotel in the city of Iraklio, close to the Venetian Harbor.           

Day 8/  Santorini Island
Morning fast boat for the island of Santorini
Settle in for three nights in a nice hotel in Oia, situated in the north where the panorama on the crater is the most spectacular. In the afternoon, we walk from Fira to Oia, passing through the villages of Firostefáni and Imerovígli. This path is really magnificent and probably one of the best hikes on the island offering so many changing views of the volcano, the sea and the crater. We will try to reach Oia just before the sunset.
About 3 H walk. Altitude gain: 820 feet.

Day 9/  Santorini Island: The volcano and Thirasiá
Today, is not a hike, but rather a day trip- which might be a little touristy -, but still, it is a must. The trip brings us to the volcano, the hot springs and the island of Thirasiá. From the small harbor of Armenis, via a nice stairway, we climb up to Oia. Approximately 30 minutes walk.

Day 10/  Santorini Island: Emborio - High summit of Profítis Ilías - Théra - Períssa
We begin at Emborio, on the south side, and we cross the mountain on old footpaths. At the top (1,860 feet), it is possible to visit the Profítis Ilías Monastery. The descent from Profítis Ilías to Períssa is magnificent through a grand and mountainous landscape. Along the way, we stop at the ancient Théra archaeological site and we finish on the beach of Perissa.
Approximately 3 H walk. Altitude gain: 1,312 feet.

Day 11/  Santorini Island - Akrotiri - Crete - Athens
Morning transfer to Akrotiri. Visit of the famous Minoan Site. Coastal hiking to Mavro Vouno (black hill) Cape with the possibility of swimming along the way. Return to the hotel. In the afternoon, transfer to the harbor. Fast boat for Piraeus. Overnight in the 

center of Athens. **** hotel.        

Day 12/  Depart from Athens
Transfer to the airport to check in for your return flight home.
According to schedules, there are several possibilities:  archaeological museum visit, Market Street, Venetian port, "shopping".

"Mediterranean" rhythm: long lunch breaks:  picnic, siesta, swimming, back to our walking in the late afternoon...
In case of fatigue, we have the option of using the regular coastal boat transportation system on days 2, 3 and 6.
Technically: generally easy and well drawn, but sometimes rocky paths. Varied grounds: pebble and rocky coasts, trails, pine forests and canyons.
Physically: must be in shape, as we walk about 4-6 hours a day. Moderate altitude gain: 656 feet to 1,640 feet per day, except Day 4: 3,937 feet.
- The walking time schedules are given only as an estimate.
- For different reasons involving trip organization, daily schedules and planned altitude gains (ascent or descent) may be modified without any prior notice.

Each participant walks with a light back pack, carrying only the personal items necessary for the day or half day (water bottle, camera, protective clothing, etc).

The guide
- an experienced Western Mountain World Travel English speaking professional guide.
Logistics are coordinated by a Mountain World Travel Consultant, also Mountain Guide, fine connoisseur of the destination and creator of all circuits. Someone who knows how to set up a team of passionate Mountain World Travel Guides who will all accompany you on the paths of Greece and Crete.

Domestic flights with a local airline company (Olympic Airways)
Day 2 Private minibus or taxi from Hania to Paléochora
Day 7 Private minibus or taxi from Sfakia to Iraklio
Boats and private cars for the luggage routing in Crete.
Fast boat (catamaran) on day 9 between Crete and Santorin and day 11 between Santorini and Athens
Taxi and private minibus on Santorini Islands.

Lodging: exclusively in hotels and pensions, those have passed our "test" and which are sure to guarantee a warm welcome and provide a simple comfort.
1 night in Athens hotel *****, 1 night in Paléochora hotel ***, 1 night in Soughia pension**, 1 night in Omalos hotel**, 1 night in Agia Roumelli hotel **, 1 night in Loutro pension **, 1 night in Iraklio hotel ** 3 nights in Oia (Santorini Island) pension ** with swimming pool, 1 night in Athens hotel ****.
Rooms base on double occupancy.
Bed sheet, covers and hand towel are always provided in lodges. Possibility of washing some businesses there, without exaggeration, because water is an invaluable in many Greek islands.
Due to our goal of providing quality accommodations, we seek charming and reputable accommodations located in the middle of the most beautiful landscapes, on the most beautiful view-points or close to the departure point of our excursions.
We choose these hotels and pensions, not only for the excellent price/quality ratio, but also for their cordiality and hospitality.
The names of accommodations (hotels, pensions, etc...) when they are mentioned, are only indicative.
Depending on availability, accommodations (hotels, pensions, etc...) may be replaced by another accommodation of equivalent type.
It is possible that accommodations may change without prior notice due to a number of factors.

Lunch is enjoyed in the form of picnics, prepared with products purchased in the villages. Mineral water provided. Six restaurants are on our agenda, however, for Days 2, 3 and Days 7, 8, 9 and 11.
During our frequent stops, we enjoy snacks in the form of dry fruits, biscuits and energy bars (made available to you).
In the evenings, we will have dinner in the traditional "tavernas".  
Crete & Santorini offer a nice and varied cuisine with many typical dishes made with high quality products (fruits, vegetables, cheeses, goat and sheep meat....).

In Greece, the frequency and schedule of the Ferries is, sometimes, modified in the middle of the season without warning or explanation.  Therefore, since we plan our trips several months in advance, we base our scheduling around the frequency and hours of the preceding  season, as those for the upcoming season  are not published before April or May. Weather conditions can also temporarily disturb the planned Ferry schedules.  Your guide will go ahead and modify the program according to these possible changing circumstances.
Although we are an experienced adventure travel company doing our best to respect the itinerary schedule as presented on this detailed itinerary, there is always the possibility that we may need to modify it for different reasons beyond our control. Please read the Registrations Conditions: Terms and Booking conditions - Limitations of Liability.

• International flight in/out Athens
• All services mentioned in Services +/extensions /options
• Personal medical & Travel Insurance
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

• Drinks (except mineral water)
• Personal expenses
• Tips for guides and drivers
• All items not expressively mentioned in ‘What's included".

As airfare is NOT included in our adventures, please check if your trip is "a guaranteed departure" before confirming your own airline travel arrangements. You can check your trip status at the Mountain World Travel website or contact the Mountain World Travel office at 1-970-544-WALK (1-970-544-9255) or at 1 888-MWT-TREK (698-8735).

Our preferred airlines to fly to Athens:
- Olympic , the national airline, flies daily from New York to Athens
- Continental operates daily flights Atlanta-Athens and New York - Athens
- Delta operates a daily flight New York - Athens.

Formalities for US, Canada, UK, Australia, NZ passports travelers: a passport valid at least 6 months after the supposed return date of your journey; no visa needed for a stay up to 90 days.
For other nationalities, please contact the Greek embassy of your country.
Please check with:
US Department of State

Very good quality of air, good quality of water and food in regards to the dry climate. No specific precautions to take.
No vaccine is obligatory. We advise you, however, to be up to date with the traditional vaccinations: Diphtheria - Tetanus - Poliomyelitis, Typhoid fever. Vaccination against hepatitis A and B is recommended.
Dentist and doctor: a check up before departure is recommended.

LEVEL 2
2 months prior:  Hike 7 to 9 miles every weekend or on two consecutive days.

Basic equipment
- A cap or a hat to protect from the sun
- Sun glasses (minimum index 3 or 4 for high mountain)
- Thermal top and bottom, short and long underwear (fast drying).
- Fleece turtle neck top
- A warm fleece jacket (light weight/well insulated).
- A waterproof/breathable shell jacket (Gore-Tex).
- A rain poncho
- Hiking shorts
- Lightweight hiking long pants
- A Camelback or a water bottle
- A swimming suit.

Shoes and technical material
- Hiking socks
- Light ventilated hiking shoes with a good traction on different type of terrain, for people with fragile ankles: waterproof ankle hiking boots and a sole offering good traction.
- A pair of telescopic walking poles

Luggage
- A back pack equipped with broad straps, with an adjustable anatomical back reinforcement, and a capacity of 7 to 9 gallons, for your daily belongings
- A soft travel bag, which can hold between 18 to 23 gallons that will be transported by the porter team or by vehicle during the day.

Miscellaneous
- A change of clothes.
- A pair of replacement shoe laces
- A dop-kit and a bath towel.
- Toilet paper.
- A pocket knife (not in carry on luggage).
- Some plastic bags to protect your belongings.
- A bathing suit.
- A small pocket anti-theft protection device, to always keep on yourself, along with your identity papers, money, certificate of insurance.

Some advice
During your flight your back pack should contain fragile and useful items that you might need while on the plane (camera, memory cards, jacket, books, magazines, medication, dop-kit etc).