Cycling the Coast of Eastern Crete

Cycling the Coast of Eastern Crete
Cycling the Coast of Eastern Crete
Cycling the Coast of Eastern Crete
Cycling the Coast of Eastern Crete
Cycling the Coast of Eastern Crete

From:

CAD $2,330

8 Days

Best Rate: Guarantee

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Cycle the tranquil coastline and historical sites of Eastern Crete.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 05 Apr 2025

Experience Overview

Crete is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful destinations in Greece - and rightly so! Eastern Crete in particular has retained its genuine character and style and holds its place as the 'quieter' side of the island. With plenty to see and many local tavernas to enjoy, don't forget to sample the national drink Raki alongside your delicious Greek meze. This trip offers a unique experience to explore Crete in the best way, on two wheels! You'll cycle the islands spectacular coastline, passing through the intriguing villages of Agios Nikolaos, Ierapetra and Rethimno. With important archaeological sites to visit and tranquil golden beaches to relax on, there's heaps to admire in between your rides. The accommodations on this trip are mostly family-run and traditionally Cretan. While Crete is typically home to more simple accommodations, these have all been chosen for their great location, services, and comfort.
Profile
— Management by your local Headwater appointed agent — Headwater Navigation App — Countries visited: Greece
At a Glance
— Management by your local Headwater appointed agent — Headwater Navigation App — Countries visited: Greece

Highlights

— Cycle through the diverse history, culture, mountains, and beaches of Eastern Crete — Relax on golden beaches and sample the delicious local cuisine — Visit the important archaeological sites of Knossos and Phaestos

Trip Details

Product CodeProduct Code: 22722

Tour TypeTour Type: Small Group

AccommodationAccommodation: Moderate

TransportTransport:

Guide LanguageGuide Language: English

Tour OperatorTour Operator: Exodus Travel

Supplier CodeSupplier Code: C07CT

StartStarts: Heraklion, Greece

FinishFinishes: Heraklion, Greece

DurationDuration: 8 days

DeparturesDepartures: Not Guaranteed

Physical RatingPhysical Rating: Average

Includes

— 7 nights accommodation in mostly family-run, traditional accommodations — All breakfasts — Bike hire — Luggage transfers between hotels — Car transfers as per the itinerary

Accommodation

Atrion Hotel, Heraklion
This lovely hotel is just a short walk from Heraklion’s vibrant centre and seafront promenade. Relax in the hotel's inner courtyard, TV room, lobby bar, or elegant restaurant serving Mediterranean and traditional Cretan dishes.

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,330 ($291 /day)

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Arrive in Heraklion

Arrive in Heraklion and transfer to your first hotel. Take some time to explore Crete's biggest city with over 3,000 years of history. Visit the famous 'Koule' (castle) which dominates the port or the intriguing archaeological museum of Heraklion. Overnight Atrion Hotel, Heraklion.

2
Day 2: Heraklion to Koutouloufari via Knossos

Soon after leaving Heraklion, you’ll reach Knossos. Known as the biggest and the most important Cretan archaeological site, Knossos is widely regarded as Europe’s oldest city. Here you can visit the Minoan Palace and surrounding remains before continuing to the traditional village of Koutouloufari. Overnight Ariadni Palace, Koutouloufari.

3
Day 3: Koutouloufari to Agios Nikolaos

Ride through spectacular mountain scenery, passing traditional villages like Vrahasi where it appears time has stood still. Visit the Vassilakis Estate in Neapoli to taste the locally produced olive oil before continuing into the picturesque capital of Agios Nikalaos, Lasithi. If you'd like to enjoy an extra day cycling, we recommend adding an extra night in Agios Nikolaos to explore Elounda & Spinalonga (one of the most famous locations on Crete - 32km ride). Overnight Mantraki Hotel, Agios Nikolaos.

4
Day 4: Agios Nikolaos to Ierapetra

Begin your cycle following the coastline before winding through the olive groves to reach the waterfront town of Ierapetra. Enjoy a swim in one of the golden beaches you’ll pass on todays ride. If time allows, you could also take a boat trip to the unique island of Gaidouronissi (book locally). Overnight Astron Hotel, Ierapetra.

5
Day 5: Ierapetra to Tsoutsouros

Today is a long but beautiful route following the coast and passing through the intriguing villages of Myrtos, Tertsa, and Keratokambos. Enjoy a well deserved rest on the beach in the tranquil town of Tsoutsouros. Overnight Apollon Apartments, Tsoutsouros.

6
Day 6: Tsoutsouros to Agia Galini

You’ll be transferred to the start of today’s ride in Mesohori. Cycle among the olive trees and through small villages before reaching the highlight of today – The Palace of Phaistos; this is a Bronze Age archaeological site of major importance on Crete. Continue to the small seaside town of Agia Galini. Overnight Petra Hotel, Agia Galini.

7
Day 7: Agia Galini to Rethimno

Begin with a transfer to Spili village where you’ll begin your ride. Pass through the mountain villages of Rethimno Province before reaching “Limni ton Potamon”, this is the “Lake of the Rivers”. Cross the dam for beautiful scenery and to sample the local tavernas. Continue your ride to Rethimno, a historical city founded by the Venetians with its “Fortezza” – the Venetian Era Citadel. Overnight Ideon Hotel, Rethimno.

8
Day 8: Depart Rethimno

Return to Heraklion airport.

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travel

It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.

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