Hike & E-Bike Southern Crete

Overview

You will be forgiven for thinking you have landed in paradise on this multi-adventure tour. Hike, bike, and boat your way around idyllic southern Crete. A shimmering jewel in the Mediterranean Sea, this small Greek Island is brimming with natural beauty, authentic Greek culture, and island hospitality.

Discover a different corner of Crete each day. Your guide will show you the best spots and reveal the stories behind the island and its people.

Find yourself exploring the mountains of Paleochora, dotted with secluded mountain villages, tiny churches, and ancient sites. Dance to the rhythm of traditional Greek music, satisfying your appetite on many homemade Cretan dishes served in the local taverns. Boat the aquamarine waters in search of the rare Caretta Turtle before plunging into the sea for a swim.

The many bays and coves dotted around the island are perfect for sunbathing and relaxing after a day of hiking and biking.

Highlights

Swimming in the Mediterranean Sea
Cretan cuisine
Traditional Greek dancing
Samaria Gorge hiking
Elafonisi National Park
13-century church frescos
Mountains of the Island of Minos
Heraklion, the capital of Crete

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Itinerary

Day 1: Heraklion/Ano Chersonissos
Day 2: Heraklion - Knossos - Rethymnon - Paleochora
Day 3: Anydroi Gorge, 11 mi. (18 km) by e-bike | 4 mi. (6.5 km) hike
Day 4: Ancient Lissos, 17 mi. (28 km) by e-bike | 2.8 mi. (4.5 km) hike
Day 5: Samaria Gorge, 10 mi. (16 km) by foot
Day 6: Sklavopoula - Paleochora - boat trip to Elafonisi, 10.5 mi. (17 km) by e-bike
Day 7: Sougia, 9 mi. (15 km) by e-bike & boat excursion
Day 8: Paleochora - Chania
Day 9 Chania - Heraklion

* All distances are approximate. Due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday.

Day 1: Heraklion/Ano Chersonissos
Arrival Heraklion, the capital of Crete, and then a transfer to Hotel Village Heights in the countryside. Check-in begins at 3 pm. After check-in, you can enjoy the grounds of the Village Heights Resort, relax, or swim in the resort pool. In the evening, you'll enjoy a lavish dinner at the hotel tavern with your guides and fellow tour participants. After dinner, the guides will give a tour presentation.
Dinner included

Day 2: Heraklion - Knossos - Rethymnon - Paleochora
This morning you'll visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion where you can observe unique collections of Minoan art from the Neolithic Period (7000 BC). You'll also visit the Palace of Knossos, located just outside the city. This important archeological site was once the center of ancient Minoan civilization. Also on the agenda today is a visit to the port of Rethymnon where you'll have a late lunch and time to explore before a transfer to Paleochora. Dinner and overnight stay.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner included

Day 3: Anydroi Gorge, 11 mi. (18 km) by e-bike | 4 mi. (6.5 km) hike
After breakfast, your first bike ride takes you to visit the 99 Holy Fathers Monastery and hear the story of St. John the hermit and the Holy Fathers. A one-hour hike will follow. On the way, there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy beautiful panoramic views. When you reach the village of Anydroi, you can try delicious Cretan dishes for lunch. After lunch is a hike through the Anydroi Gorge until you reach a secluded sandy beach. Here, the blue seas lure you in for a swim before you head back to the hotel via transfer bus. In the evening, your tour guide will invite you to join a guided tour through Paleochora. Dinner is on your own this evening.
Breakfast & lunch included

Day 4: Ancient Lissos, 17 mi. (28 km) by e-bike | 2.8 mi. (4.5 km) hike
Today’s tour combines biking, hiking, and boating. You'll experience unforgettable nature throughout this tour. The tour begins in the charming mountain village of Azogyres. Along the way, you'll stop to visit a 13th-century Byzantine church and for a delicious lunch at a great mountain tavern. Here, you can enjoy traditional Cretan cuisine, including a homemade chestnut stew. You'll leave here, and then be transferred to the starting point of today's hike through beautiful landscapes along the E-4 track through the ancient city of Lissos to Aklepios—the ancient sanctuary of the god of healing. Next, you will take a chartered boat to a cave, where you have the chance to swim in the glistening waters before your return to Paleochora.
Breakfast & lunch included

Day 5: Samaria Gorge, 10 mi. (16 km) by foot
A visit to Samaria Gorge is a must while traveling in Crete. Today, you'll take a challenging hike through this Gorge while taking in views of the mesmerizing landscape. There is about 1,200 meters of elevation along this hike, and it will take close to 6.5 hours. The day begins with a transfer bus to the starting point at the Samaria Gorge's top end. You'll have a replenishing picnic in the canyon, and the destination is the pleasant village of Agia Roumeli, lying at the lower end of the Samaria Gorge. Here, you will enjoy a late lunch in a tavern. You may also swim here before the charter boat takes you back to Paleochora. Dinner is to be arranged individually today.
Breakfast & lunch included

Day 6: Sklavopoula - Paleochora - boat trip to Elafonisi, 10.5 mi. (17 km) by e-bike
Today is also filled with adventure and memorable scenery. After a late breakfast, a transfer shuttle will take you to Sklavopoula. Here, you will visit a small, well-preserved church from the 13th century, containing frescos picturing the torments of hell. Next, you'll bike through tranquil landscapes with a midday break before you head back to Paleochora. Here, you'll take a chartered boat to visit Elafonisi—a picturesque island with stunning, white beaches and turquoise waters. Elafonisi is the Carribean, with dunes, junipers, and water lilies decorating the beaches. Enjoy a swim, relax on the beach, or try some cold drinks or coffee. You may even see endangered Caretta Turtles! Dinner is to be arranged individually today.
Breakfast & lunch included

Day 7: Sougia, 9 mi. (15 km) by e-bike & boat excursion
Today is more relaxed, with a transfer bringing you to the mountaintop village of Prodromi. From there, you'll begin your bike ride downhill to Sougia. In Sougia, a charter boat will bring you to a bay. Next, you'll enjoy a barbeque lunch in a hidden forest utopia. You can relax or swim for a while before the boat brings you back to Paleochora. Tonight, you'll appreciate an authentic Greek evening, including live music and traditional Cretea dishes. Remember: Syrtaki was first danced on Crete!
Breakfast, lunch & dinner included

Day 8: Paleochora - Chania
This morning, you'll enjoy breakfast and have the opportunity to swim before a transfer brings you to a rural village in the mountains. Here, you'll delight in a traditional lunch in a local tavern before you head towards the spectacular city of Chania. After check-in at the hotel, you'll have the chance to go on a guided tour of the city to explore the celebrated Venetian harbor and the old town.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner included

Day 9 Chania - Heraklion
After breakfast, you'll check out of the hotel. You have the choice to do a collective transfer to Heraklion Airport, but if you take advantage of this transfer, do not book flights before 1:00 pm.
Breakfast included

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Extensions

THREE-DAY PRE OR POST-TOUR EXTENSION IN ATHENS

The 2004 Olympics changed the face of the bustling metropolis of Athens. Large parts of the city center have been converted into pedestrian areas and a generous archaeological park has been created, which extends from the Acropolis to the ancient Agora and Kerameikos, the old pottery and cemetery district. Unforgettable is a walk through the many winding streets of the Plaka, the charming old quarter, where you can buy not only souvenirs of all kinds but should also make yourself comfortable in one of the countless cafes.

Includes:

2 nights in a 3-star or 4-star hotel in the center of Athens
Daily breakfast
Taxi transfers: airport - hotel/hotel to ship or ship to hotel/hotel to the airport
Entrance to the Acropolis Archaeological Park (incl. Acropolis)
1 dinner in the Tavern TO KAFENEION (without drinks) in the old town of Plaka
1 guided city tour of your choice: Either ATHENS BY E-BIKE, ATHENS FOODIES TOUR, or MTHOLOGICAL WALK in Athens. Activities are +-3-4 hours. Offered in the morning with an English-speaking guide. If you prefer to include more than one activity the the extra charge will be €70 per person per activity.
All state taxes

Excludes:

Travel to and from Athens
Meals not mentioned
Entrance fees to sights & attractions
Activities other than those mentioned under included services

Hotels used for this extension package are either the 3-star Hotel Pan (or similar) or the 4-star Hera, Elia Ermou (or similar) all located in Athens.

FOUR-DAY PRE OR POST-TOUR EXTENSION IN SANTORINI OR MYKONOS

SANTORINI: Enjoy the dreamy Aegean Sea island of Santorini with this four-day extension program. This offers you the ability to enjoy organized activities such as a kayaking tour through the caldera or a wine tour at sunset, as well as individual leisure activities. The selected hotels are directly connected to the island's public transportation system, so you can easily reach all the island's major attractions

MYKONOS: This four-day extension program in Mykonos is a great extension to your tour. Take time to explore Mykonos further with additional activities to choose from.

Includes:

3 nights' accommodation in Santorini or Mykonos (similar hotels will be booked depending on availability)
Daily breakfast
Taxi transfers between Santorini Airport/Santorini ferry port & your hotel (SANTORINI)
Taxi transfers between Mykonos Airport/Mykonos Ferry port & your hotel (MYKONOS)
Santorini: Guided kayak tour, sunset wine tour, or culinary Caldera walk. (One is included in tour price, you decide!). If you prefer to include more than one activity the the extra charge will be €150 per person per activity.
Mykonos: Kaiki cruise to Rhenia & Delos, Jeep Safari in Mykonos, or a cooking class in a traditional Mykonian house. (One is included in tour price, you decide!). If you prefer to include more than one activity the the extra charge will be €110 per person per activity.
Information booklet with details about leisure activities in Santorini
All land taxes

Excludes:

Journey to/from Santorini/Mykonos
Beverages
Lunch & dinner
Entrance fees to sights & attractions
Activities other than those mentioned under included services

Map

Accommodation

Ano Chersonissos: Village Heights Resort Space, comfort, freedom and a breathtaking mountain world awaiting you in your first accommodation in Crete. Enjoy a wonderful stay at the Village Heights Resort located in the countryside, 30 km east of Heraklion. A beautiful landscape surrounds the resort creating a vibe of tranquility and relaxation. All rooms have a fully equipped kitchenette, tea and coffee making facilities, TV, pool and bathroom towels, Cretan welcome amenities.

Paleochora: Hotel Relax Just 50 meters from Pachia Ammos Beach in Paleochora and 100 m from the center, Hotel Relax awaits you with an outdoor pool, a spacious sun terrace and a rooftop garden with sea views. Relax offers nice apartments with free Wi-Fi and a furnished balcony and air conditioning, as well as a bathroom with shower and hairdryer. A flat-screen TV is also available.

Chania: Hotel Porto Veneziano In Chania, you will stay at the Porto Veneziano Hotel. A private balcony overlooking the old Venetian harbour of Chania and the hotel’s eco-friendly equipment (Coco-Mat) are just some of the things that make this hotel special. The delicious breakfast made from Cretan recipes will also give you a great taste experience. Free Wi-Fi is available. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the hotel.

Inclusions

What’s Included

Accommodations for 8 nights (1 night in a double room at the Village Heights Resort), 6 nights in a double room at the Relax Hotel in Paleochora, 1 night in a double room at the Porto Veneziano Hotel in Chania)
8 breakfasts, 7 lunches & 4 dinners
Transfer from Heraklion Airport to your hotel
Bottled mineral water & soft drinks during activities described
Electric bike rental
English-speaking tour guide
Guided tour of the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion & Knossos
Guided city tours of Rethymnon and Chania
Guided cycling tours & hikes as per program
Maps with an overview of bike tours
Escort vehicle on all bike tours
All minibus transfers during the trip
Private boat charter on 4 days
Traditional Greek evening with dinner and live music
Entrance for group visits to museums & archaeological sites
Free hotel wifi

What’s Not Included

Travel to Crete
Meals not mentioned
Alcoholic beverages
Beach towel - please bring your own
Entrance for individually visited sights
Entrance fee for sights not included
Tips for tour guides & staff
Bike Protection
Travel Insurance

Dates & Pricing

Questions about dates or pricing? We’re here to help! Call 800-951-4384 to talk to a Tour Specialist now.

Exclusively for group requests from 8 to a maximum of 12 people.

Tour Package 2025 Daily Apr 1–Nov 30 from € 2595

2025 departures: Daily Apr 1–Nov 30

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Tour Package
8 - 10 participants
Double Occupancy	€ 2695
Single Occupancy	€ 3295
11 - 12 participants
Double Occupancy	€ 2595
Single Occupancy	€ 3195

Bike Rental	Price
Electric bike	Included

Extra Options
Extra Nights
Additional nights on Crete On request
Transfer Price
Individual transfers on other dates than arrival & departure day or other routes. On request

Extra Nights
Additional nights on Crete	On request

Transfer	Price
Individual transfers on other dates than arrival & departure day or other routes.	On request

Please Note

Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
Information to read before you book
We recommend purchasing trip insurance
† Currency exchange rate set 90 days before travel
Please see our FAQ

Extra Info

Skill Level — Moderate

On this electric bike tour the difficulty level of the bike routes will totally depend on you! with an electric bike, you decide the amount of assistance you want or need. The routes have a length of 10-20 mi. (17-33 km) through hilly or mountainous areas. There are however no time constraints. The bike route entails an elevation of 1,000-2,300 feet (300-700 m) and though there are some longer climbs, on an electric bike, they will not be a problem. Most of the roads you will traverse are asphalted and very quiet.

The hiking tours require a high level of fitness from participants. The routes have a length of 3-10 miles (4.5-16 km) and lead through mountainous areas. However, there are no time constraints. The hikes will mostly lead through gorges or along well-developed trails. Your tour guide will tell you each day what the requirements are for the planned tours.

Airport Info

Fly to Heraklion or Chania International Airports.

Local Travel

Transfers to/from Heraklion airport are available for a supplement. We highly recommend booking a transfer since travel to and from the airport can be complicated with public transportation.

Climate

The weather in Crete is characterized by mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. The climate of Crete is a temperate Mediterranean climate. This is a perfect year-round destination. Do check local conditions before your arrival. A good website to visit to research regional weather conditions including average high/low temperatures, average rainfall, and other weather-related facts is weatherbase.com.

Day of Rest

You can take a half or full day off any time to swim or explore on your own.

We strongly recommend that you bring good hiking boots. Flip-flops or similar shoes are not suitable for the hikes offered. It is obligatory to wear a safety helmet on all cycling tours and we recommend that you bring your own (well-fitting) helmet. A very limited number of rental helmets are available (on request). It is also recommended you bring a small backpack for hiking tours and a beach towel.

Remarks

Lunch is included on all days with activities and is served either in traditional Cretan restaurants with local dishes or as a barbeque en route. Two dinners are also included in your tour price. For those evenings when dinner is not included you can visit one of the beautiful taverns in Paleochora where traditional cuisine can be tasted and enjoyed. Your tour guide will be happy to recommend restaurants for these days if requested.

Important to know

Travel Documents:

Before you travel, please check the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have proper identification. The U.S. Passports & International Travel website is a good source of information for US citizens. The Country Information tab provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc. It is essential to research before you travel, as airlines will not permit boarding if you do not have the required valid documents.

We recommend you make copies of your important documents and papers (insurance cards, etc.). Leave a copy at home and have a copy with you. In the unfortunate situation that you lose your original documents, having copies facilitates the replacement process.

*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.