Tour Details

Duration 6 – 7 hours approximately 

We depart from Agios Nikolaos heading east with the Gulf of Mirabello on our left side. We go through Istron and the stunning beaches of Karavostasi, Agios Panteleimonas and Golden beach Voulisma and we arrive at the village of Kavousi.

We continue uphill to the Minoan settlement of Azoria where the oldest olive tree in the world is located‼

We descend to the mouth of the mindboggling Richtis Gorge. We follow an amazing trail within the gorge and we reach the falls of Richtis. Wonderful images that they worth the effort of walking along the trail, which leads to a pebbled beach. The hike is very easy even for young children.

On our way back, we stop at Voulisma Beach. It’s the Blue flag awarded beach and one of the most beautiful beaches on the island!

FOOD INCLUDED

Tour Details

Duration 6 – 7 hours approximately 

Our first stop is at the village of Kritsa, famous for its long history since the era of the ancient city of LATO until the Ottoman times. The village features the important religious monument of Panagia KERA, which dates back to the 12th century.

We continue towards Katharo Plateau (altitude 1200m) through the cypress forest where we see goats, sheep and if we get lucky, we may even witness Cretan vultures in the wild. It is an excellent occasion to take photos of the MIRA A BELO Gulf, a name given by the Venetians and means “beautiful view”.

We then move southwards to Selakano forest, which is famous for the unique, high quality honey that is produced there.

We will cool off at Sarakina Gorge, a gorge of easy access for all. Photos of this breathtaking landscape will impress your friends.

We continue towards the southernmost point in Europe, that is, the fishing village of Myrtos. It is time for a swim, shopping or a cup of tea by the Libyan Sea.

Be sure to bring your sneakers, a towel and sunscreen with you and of course to fully charge your cameras.

FOOD INCLUDED

Tour Details

Duration 6 – 7 hours approximately 

The experience starts from the cosmopolitan city of Agios Nikolaos and heads West to the traditional village of Kritsa, a historic village rich in legends, gorges, archeological and religious monuments and monuments. We continue uphill through the pine forest and reach the Lower Plateau (altitude 1250m), a plateau famous for the Cretan dwarf hippopotamus fossils found in the area. The plateau has a wonderful landscape surrounded by many legends and stories dating back to the Ottoman era.

Our next destination is the impressive Lassithi Plateau (altitude 1150m). More than 10,000 traditional windmills operated in the area until a few decades ago. In the 1950s and 1960s, the Plateau was actually one of the first wind farms in Europe. The Diktaio Cave, that is, the birthplace of Zeus, is located in the village of Psychro (altitude 840m).

As we descend, we make a short stop in the village of Krasi and photograph the favorite plane of the famous Cretan writer Nikos Kazantzakis. The perimeter of the plane tree is about 24 meters and is estimated to be 2400 years old. It is also said that each measure of its perimeter corresponds to the age of 100 years.

Tour Details

Duration 6 – 7 hours approximately 

The experience starts from Agios Nikolaos and we follow a 100km-route where our guests have the chance to admire temples, holy monasteries, museums and abandoned or traditional hamlets, to hang out with shepherds and kind-hearted beekeepers and the people who live in the mountain villages.

In the traditional village of Kritsa, you may stroll around the picturesque alleys and admire the handmade artefacts or pay a visit to Kritsa Agricultural Cooperative that produces an award-winning extra virgin olive oil.

Not to be missed: A visit to Panagia Kera. A point of reference for thousands of visitors.

Ancient LATO

We continue towards Katharo Plateau (altitude 1200m) through the cypress forest where we see goats, sheep and if we get lucky, we may even witness Cretan vultures in the wild. It is an excellent occasion to take photos of the MIRA A BELO Gulf, a name given by the Venetians and means “beautiful view”.

We leave Katharo Plateau and we head to Lassithi Plateau, an area that once had more than 10,000 windmills. The Diktaean Cave, that is, the birthplace of Zeus, the king of the Gods of Mount Olympus, is located at Psychro. The Diktaean Cave is also the place where goat Amaltheia nurtured Zeus as an infant.

Optional visit to the cave (15-min hiking or donkeyback).

We descend through the village of Potamoi, a village of lush vegetation, where we drink fresh spring water and rest under the shade of the plane trees.

Our next stop is the Monastery of Kremasta and then we continue to the village of Houmeriako and visit Romana Portela (Venetian mansion) as well as the house of the Ottoman Pasha. We cross the plain of Limnes with its vineyards, olive groves and orchards. We make a stop at the village of Limnes to walk and meet its kind-hearted people. We then return to Agios Nikolaos.

Optional: Panagia Kera 2€, Ancient Lato 3€, Cave of Zeus 6€

Tour Details

Duration 5 – 7 hours approximately 

We will be heading south to Matala. In the 1960’s, hippies from all over the world flocked to the area and lived in the caves as part of their beliefs and way of life. Along the road, we come across many vineyards and olive groves of the fertile plain of Messara.

We stop at the Monastery of Panagia Kalyviani, a monastery that is famous for its charitable work. The compound of the monastery that was gradually formed around the 14th-century single-nave church became very famous in the 19th century because of the presence of a miraculous icon.

We then visit the Palace of Phaistos, where the famous Phaistos Disc was unearthed and whose script was only recently deciphered.

Our next stop is the famous Matala beach where you will visit the caves where the hippies used to live (Roman tombs) and cool off with a swim in the crystal waters of the Libyan Sea.

Tour Details

Duration 5 hours approximately

Our first stop is the diverse village in greenery, Potamies. Guided tour of a traditional animal ranch and monitoring of daily activities of the locals.

Wandering among the gardens of the village with the fresh fruits and vegetables of the season and the aromas we will reach the dam of Aposelemis, the largest water supply project in Crete. The village of Sfendili is submerged in the waters of the dam with its impressive old houses fading on the surface of the water. We continue, for perhaps the most representative village of Crete, Avdou.
Characteristic of the settlement, all the buildings preserved and with signs with all the information about how the village was shaped then.

We continue uphill on dirt roads to the gorge of Embassa. Impressive mountains and wildlife nature with unique views. Opportunity to collect some local herbs. Time for the sunset! Beautiful images as if taken from another setting accompanied by cool Prosecco and fresh seasonal fruits. Dinner follows with local delicacies in the best tavern in the area.

Mentally and physically full of amazing locations and good food, we take you back to your hotel.

Schedule:

Shepherd’s stop (Off Road)

• Treat Traditional shepherd’s products
• Feeding animals
• Presentation of traditional activities (shepherd’s house, hand mill, loom, etc.

Dam of Aposelemis stop

• Sunken village of Sfentili
• Photos

Embassa gorge stop (Off Road)

• Herbs collection
• Photos in the imposing gorge

The sunset view point ( Minoan archaeological site of Karfi)

• Enjoy the breathtaking sunset on top of the mountain with Prosecco & fruits
• Photos

Food in the restaurant

Stop in the village of Krasi

• Longest living plane tree of Crete (over 2000 years old)
• Stone aqueduct with stone arched fountains
• Photos

Included:

Not Included:

❌ Anything that is not specified as included