Spring unleashes a colourful carpet of wild flowers in western Crete. The air fills with the fragrances of wild herbs that grow profusely in the nooks and crannies of the cliffs, as well as the smell of orange and lemon blossoms in the village groves. Fertile valleys shimmer with the silver leaves of ancient olive trees, and shepherds can been seen herding their goats along the narrow paths.
From our base in Chania, Crete’s most soulful city, we will take a series of day hikes to explore the craggy beauty of the Cretan mountains, plains, and gorges—and the pristine charm of its seaside villages. Our mini-bus will transport us from our hotel in Chania for the start of our hikes, and be there at the end for our return. Along the way, we will keep a keen lookout for the elusive kri-kri, the Cretan wild goat that lives in secluded hollows on the mountainside. If we are fortunate, we might also spot the Cretan bearded vulture, Gypaetus Barbatus. One of the rarest raptors in Europe, this bird eats only bones, and acquires its characteristic orange colour by rubbing against rocks that contain iron oxides. With more than 1,500 different types of wild flowers appearing in the spring, including some 150 endemic species and many wild orchids, our treks will be visual feasts of the senses!
Of course, we will traverse the famous Samaria Gorge, visit the Minoan antiquities of Knossos and the Iraklion Archeological Museum, sample some raki at our village stops, taste local wines, and feast at restaurants specializing in the very best of regional cuisine. Expect the unexpected!
Plan now for this adventure tour April 10–20, 2007!
Price : $2,795 per person, double occupancy.
Single supplement $400 additional.
Includes all accommodation and breakfasts, all ground transportation including airport transfers, entries to all museums and archeological sites, winery visit, three special meals.
Airfare not included.
Air routes from Calgary through London or Frankfurt and Athens to Chania.
$500 deposit required by January 15, 2007 with balance by March 2, 2007.
book this journey
