Discover West Crete (10 days):

Discover Western Crete (10 days):

Overview

**Day 0: Welcome to Chania!! **

Arrive at Chania International Airport or Chania Port. Check-in to your accommodation, preferably in Chania Town.

**Day 1: Welcome – Chania City Walking Tour **

The tour starts with a visit to the Old Town of Chania, known for its narrow streets, Venetian and Ottoman architecture, and charming atmosphere. You’ll have the opportunity to stroll through the picturesque streets, visit the historic Venetian Harbor, and explore landmarks such as the Venetian lighthouse and the Mosque of the Janissaries.

Chania is home to various historical landmarks that showcase its diverse cultural heritage. The tour might include visits to the Venetian-era Firkas Fortress, the 17th-century Agios Nikolaos Church, and the Municipal Market of Chania, a vibrant market where you can experience local flavors and products.

Furthermore, the tour could include visits to the Maritime Museum of Crete, and the Folklore Museum of Chania, where you can learn about the local traditions and customs.

Chania is famous for its delicious Cretan cuisine. The first tour might include lunch / dinner stop at a traditional taverna, allowing you to savor authentic and traditional Cretan dishes and specialties. Then you will have free time to walk around the town.

**Day 2: Beach Day – Elafonisi Beach – Kedrodasos **

Today you will start at 8.00 and we will visit Elafonisi beach, one of the most popular beach destinations located on the southwest coast of the Greek island of Crete. Elafonisi is known for its stunning beach and shallow lagoon. The trip is almost 1 hour and half.

You will explore the unique landscapes and enjoy the crystal-clear waters and pink sand.

Your trip might include visit at Kedrodasos. At a distance of about two kilometers east from the beach and the islet of Elafonisi (via the hiking path E4), is the amazing Kedrodasos beach, also known as the Cedar Forest.

You will start our return at 15.30. On our way back we will stop at the Manousakis winery (about 17.00) to taste local wines and learn about the specific techniques and traditions followed by the winery.

Early evening, you will return to Chania Town and you will have free time to explore more of its charming streets and shops.

**Day 3: Explore Chania’s History **

The tour starts with a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Chania to learn about the island’s rich history.

After museum, you will visit the Venizelos Tombs, also known as the Venizelion Monument, which are located on the hill of Prophet Elias, overlooking the city of Chania in Crete, Greece.

The trip also includes a visit to the Agia Triada Monastery, also known as the Holy Trinity Monastery which is located approximately 15 kilometers east of Chania in Akrotiri Peninsula. Founded in the 17th century, Agia Triada Monastery is a significant monastic complex known for its architectural beauty and historical importance.

Furthermore, you will explore the ruins of Ancient Aptera, an ancient city with breathtaking views. Aptera dates back to the Minoan era, with evidence of human habitation in the area as early as the 14th century BC. The city flourished during the Hellenistic and Roman periods and continued to be inhabited until the 7th century AD when it was eventually abandoned due to Arab invasions.

The tour might include lunch stop at a local taverna in the nearby village of Aptera.

In the afternoon, you will return to Chania Town.

**Day 4: Beach Day – Balos Beach & Gramvousa **

Today you will have the chance to explore Balos and Gramvousa. Two of the most beautiful destinations located in the region of Chania.

One of the most popular ways to visit Balos and Gramvousa is by taking a boat excursion from nearby Kissamos. These excursions typically include a scenic boat ride along the coast, with stops at both Balos Beach and Gramvousa Island. Visitors have the opportunity to swim in the crystal-clear waters and explore the natural beauty of the area.

Early evening, you will return to Chania Town.

**Day 5: Day Trip to Rethymno **

Today you will take a day trip to the nearby town of Rethymno, known for its well-preserved Venetian architecture and charming old town.

You will explore the Venetian Fortress, Rethymno’s Old Harbor, and the Archaeological Museum.

You will enjoy a seaside lunch at a waterfront restaurant.

If time allows, you will visit the Arkadi Monastery, a symbol of Cretan resistance during the Ottoman rule.

Return to Chania for the night.

**Day 6: Samaria Gorge ** OR *** FREE DAY

Today you will take a day trip to the famous Samaria Gorge, one of the longest gorges in Europe.

Samaria Gorge is situated in the southwestern part of Crete, within the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) National Park. It starts at an altitude of around 1,250 meters at the Omalos Plateau and stretches all the way to the village of Agia Roumeli on the southern coast of Crete.

Samaria Gorge is approximately 16 kilometers long. The trail is well-marked and takes hikers through various terrains, including rocky paths, wooden bridges, and narrow passages.

You will hike through the stunning natural scenery, and you will enjoy a lunch at Agia Roumeli village.

Return to Chania in the evening and rest after the challenging hike.

**Day 7: Beach and Village Exploration **

The tour starts with a visit to the “pyramids” of Crete, also known as the Pyrgos-Pyramid, refer to a geological formation located in the region of Chania, Crete. It is a formation of towering rocks that create a striking visual resemblance to pyramids, hence the name.

After “pyramids”, you will spend the morning relaxing at another beautiful beach near Chania, the Falasarna Beach.

The beach of Falasarna is divided into several smaller coves and sections. Each area has its own unique character and amenities. Some parts of the beach offer organized facilities with sunbeds, umbrellas, and beach bars, while other areas are more secluded and natural.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Olive tree of Vouves which is an olive tree in the village of Ano Vouves in the municipal unit of Kolymvari in Chania regional unit. Probably one of the oldest olive trees in the world, it still produces olives today.

You will have dinner at a village taverna and you will immerse yourself in local culture.

Return to Chania for the night.

**Day 8: Discover the Countryside **

Today you will take a day trip to explore traditional Cretan villages like Vamos and Gavalochori, known for their preserved architecture and local crafts.

You will have lunch at a village taverna to savor authentic Cretan cuisine.

Later, you will visit the nearby Lake Kournas, the only freshwater lake in Crete. Kournas Lake is home to a variety of plant and animal species. The surrounding area is rich in vegetation, including reeds, trees, and shrubs. The lake serves as a habitat for different bird species, such as herons and ducks, making it a popular spot for birdwatching. Visitors to Kournas Lake can engage in various activities. One of the popular activities is renting pedal boats to explore the lake. You can leisurely paddle around the calm waters, enjoying the scenery and the peaceful atmosphere. Swimming is also allowed in designated areas of the lake.

Return to Chania for the evening.

**Day 9: Wine Tasting and Olive Oil Tour **

Today you will take a day trip to local wineries and olive oil producers.

Winery tours in Chania offer a unique opportunity to explore the local wine culture, learn about winemaking techniques, and sample a variety of wines. Winery tours typically include a guided visit to the vineyards, production facilities, and cellars. Knowledgeable guides provide insights into the winemaking process, from grape cultivation and harvest to fermentation, aging, and bottling. You can learn about the specific techniques and traditions followed by the winery.

One of the highlights of winery tours is the opportunity to taste a variety of wines. After the tour, visitors are usually guided through a tasting session where they can sample different wines produced by the winery. Tasting notes are provided, allowing participants to appreciate the flavors, aromas, and characteristics of the wines.

Your trip includes a visit to an olive mill or olive press facility. Here, you can observe the olive oil production process, from the initial pressing of the olives to the extraction of the precious oil. Guides will explain the techniques used and discuss the qualities and characteristics of high-quality olive oil.

Depending on the season, you can join local farmers in picking olives from the trees and experience the traditional methods used. This hands-on experience allows you to engage with the local culture and gain a deeper appreciation for the hard work involved in olive production.

Return to Chania for the evening.

**Day 10: South Coast Adventure **

Today you will take a day trip to Sfakia, also known as Chora Sfakion, one of the most beautiful villages of the south coast.

You will explore FragkoKastelo, one of most famous beaches of West Crete, due to the historical Venetian castle and the legend of Drosoulites ghosts.

You will take a boat ride to some secluded beaches like Loutro and Glyka Nera.

Loutro is a small seaside village situated approximately 71 km south of Chania city, at the end of Cape Mouri. Loutro is accessible only by boat or by hiking trails, as there are no roads leading directly to the village. Loutro is known for its peaceful and unspoiled atmosphere.

Glyka Nera (meaning “sweet water”) is one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete, with deep blue water color and nice pebbles. In 2003, the beach was ranked among the best 20 in Europe by London Times. This is located 75km south of Chania. This is called like this because of the fresh water that gushes from the pebbles.

Early evening, you will return to Chania Town to enjoy a farewell dinner.