Island of Crete

Day 1: Rethymno
Day 2: Round trip around Rethymno, including Arkadi Monastery and Margarites pottery village
Day 3: Anogeia - Perama,  35 mi. (56 km)
Day 4: Apostoli - Souda Beach, 26 mi. (42 km), Ascent 1.506 m/Descent 1.451 m
Day 5: Late Minoan Cemetary of Armeni - Agouseliana - Kotsifou Gorge - Rodakino - Frangokastello, 27 mi. (44 km), Ascent 540 m/Descent 900 m
Day 6: Myriokefala - Kournas Lake - Georgioupolis - Rethymno, 27 mi. (43 km)
Day 7: Rethymno
Day 8: Departure/end of the tour

All distances are approximate

Day 1: Arrival and overnight in Rethymno 
Rethymno will delight with its stunning beaches and mountain views. The Venetians founded this city and as you wander within the old town, you will soak up the atmosphere of its noble past. No visit is complete without a walk around “Fortezza”, the Venetian Era citadel! The small shops, bars, and taverns lining the winding alleyways add to the magic. We say, "When in Greece, taste the Raki"... and of course savor the Dakos as well, Crete's version of the bruschetta, topped with fresh tomatoes and mizithra cheese.

Overnight in Rethymno or nearby.

Day 2: Rethymno - Arkadi monastery - Ancient Eleftherna - Margarites pottery village - Viran Episkopi, 27 mi. (43 km)
Today you'll be transferred to the village of Charkia where the bike tour begins. From here, cycle to the Arkadi Monastery, approximately 23 km from Rethymno. Built at an altitude of 500 meters, this historic site sits on a fertile plateau surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, pine, cypress, and oak trees. It is believed that the monastery was founded in the 12th century. The history is rich and fascinating, reaching far back, but also more recently. The site now stands as a sacred symbol of the Struggle of the Cretans for Freedom in that it was the stage for the tragic battle of 1866, opening the way for the liberation of the island in 1898. UNESCO has designated Arkadi as a European Freedom Monument. From the Arkadi monastery, you will cycle through ancient Eleftherna and then up and down the hills along the Northern slopes of Mount Ida to the pottery village of Margarites. Discover the famous master of traditional pottery, Eleni Kavgalaki, and view some of her art. The village, which has some extraordinary architecture and lovely narrow winding streets, is well worth exploring. The cycling ends in Viran Episkopi where you'll be picked up and transferred back to your hotel. 

Overnight in Rethymno.

Day 3: Anogeia - Axos Village - Livada - Agridia - Agia - Melidoni - Perama, 35 mi. (56 km).  Ascent 490 m/Descent 1690 m
In the morning, you'll be transferred by bus or car to the village of Anogeia, perched on the slopes of Psiloritis at an altitude of 700 m. Music, folk art, and tradition are the lifeblood of this village. The famous Cretan weavings are showcased everywhere in the small shops in the central alleys, and streets of the village. This is a perfect place to sit awhile in one of the cafes, listen to the locals, and sip some raki. From Anogeia, you'll cycle to Mitata and then down to Axos village and through the villages of Livada, Agridia, Agia, Melidoni and finally, the cycling finishes at Perama. From here, you'll be transferred to your hotel. 

Overnight in Rethymno.

Day 4: Apostoli - Souda Beach, 26 mi. (42 km), Ascent 1.506 m/Descent 1.451 m
During the transfer to the start of the cycling, you will pass Phragma dam, the water reservoir for Rethymno and thea newly built social center at Anasouvari amidst the hills dotted with old chapels before reaching the starting point at Apostoli. Slightly ascending the hills, you will want to stop at the scenic overlook of the lovely Amari Valle. Via Gerakari, the cherry center of Crete, the next stopover is the orchids of Ious Kampos, spread over a wide flat meadow. In the center of the village square of Spili,  with the two huge plane trees, is the spring of Kefalovrisi. This is a series of 25 fountains with the form of a lion head from the mouths of which 330 cubic meters of water flow every hour, rich in iron and having a constant temperature at 13 °C. From Spili you head westward, entering the gorge of Kourtaliotiko, and passing through it until the view opens up to the Libyan Sea. Finally, the wide sandy beach of Plakias and the hidden resort of Souda will invite you to test the crystal clear waters of the Libyan Sea.

Overnight in Plakias.

Day 5: Late Minoan Cemetary of Armeni - Agouseliana - Kotsifou Gorge - Rodakino - Frangokastello, 27 mi. (44 km), Ascent 540 m/Descent 900 m
The late Minoan cemetery of Armeni with its 120 tombs built into the soft sandstone is the starting point with the bikes. Leaving the main road after a few hundred meters, you encounter a hilly but delightful landscape. The affiliation of Greece with the EU reflects in broad newly constructed roads that are rarely used by traffic. As you pedal down to the narrow gorge of Kotsifou, the view widens to include the Libyan Sea. You might even spot the southernmost inhabited point of Europe, the island of Gavdos. From here you will cycle on moderate hills to reach the southern shores at the remote village of Korakas. You cycle the coast, up and down a bit, and will enjoy a plunge into the sea in front of the fortress of Frangokastello, a former fortification against the pirates coming from Africa during the 16th century. 

Overnight in Plakias.

Day 6: Myriokefala - Kournas Lake - Georgioupolis, 27 mi. (43 km). Ascent 270 m/Descent 830 m
Argyroupolis (ancient name “Lappa”) was a city-state some 2,000 years ago and it's worth your while taking a stroll around the Akropolis before descending to the idyllic waterfalls just below the village. Biking along a romantic little valley with a small creek you head north to the village of Kournas that gave its name to the freshwater lake. It takes us up in the hills again. 800m wide and approx. 30-40m deep is the only natural lake on Crete, we stop and enjoy the view and shoot some pics before continuing finally to the north coast at Georgioupolis. If someone wants a refreshing swim..why not! Relaxation and refreshments before we ride back eastwards via Episkopi through hilly and remote landscape towards Atsipopoulo which is near Rethymno.

Overnight in Rethymno.

Day 7: Rethymno
Free day.  You will have use of the rental bikes and can explore the town and surroundings on your own. We can provide route suggestions but there are other options as well off the bike.

Possible activities:

• Hike Myli or Imbros Gorge
• Winery visit
• Visit the famous Palace of Knossos In Heraklion
• Visit Gramvousa and Balos

Just ask us for details.

Overnight in Rethymno.

Day 8: Departure

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All accommodations are family-run hotels and guest houses unique to the area.

Bicycles

Standard bike

The bikes offered are high-quality Trek, Ideal, or Giant standard bikes equipped with a pannier bag, helmet, repair kit, and lock.

The bikes pictured are examples of what is offered. Rental bikes are based on availability.