Crete, majestic and secret

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Highlights by
Kélifos

  1. The visit of Chania and its extraordinary heritage
  2. Optional hike in the Samaria Gorge, the most famous on the island
  3. Some of the most beautiful beaches in Crete

Chania is -without a doubt- the most beautiful city in Crete. Capital of an equally attractive region which is divided between the high peaks of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) and marvelous coasts punctuated by dream beaches. It is the key to great sites such as the Samaria or Agia Irini gorges, but also to an unknown, more rural and secret Crete that you will discover at your leisure thanks to your rental vehicle.

Dates and prices

We are updating the next travel dates. Please dial +30 266 304 1476 or send us an email to info@kelifos.travel for any request.

Specify

At your convenience from 15/05 to 15/10/2022.

Dates

2 people in studio

3 people in studio

4 people in studio

From

To

15/05/2022

31/05/2022

595 €

460 €

380 €

01/06/2022

30/06/2022

680 €

560 €

470 €

01/07/2022

31/08/2022

820 €

675 €

580 €

01/09/2022

30/09/2022

680 €

560 €

470 €

01/10/2022

15/10/2022

595 €

460 €

380 €

The prices shown are only valid for certain categories of rental cars. They are therefore subject to change in the event that these categories are unavailable at the time of booking. 

 

Prices include

  • accommodation for 7 nights in a studio depending on the number of people
  • car rental
  • the breakfasts
  • the travel file (map, roadbook)

Prices do not include

  • flights
  • the drinks
  • lunches and dinners
  • any transfers by public bus or boat
  • the visits
  • personal expenses
  • tourist taxes to be paid on site at the hotel
  • the insurance
  • registration fees
  • all that is not indicated in "The price includes"

Options, extras and discounts

  • Studio Sea View / Partial supplement for one person (May and October): 305 €
  • Studio Sea View / Partial supplement for one person (June and September): 420 €
  • Studio Sea View / Partial supplement for one person (July and August): 520 €

Itinerary

D1

Chania

Arrival at Chania Airport where you collect your rental vehicle. Drive to Chania then check in at your hotel, located 5 minutes by car from the city center and 100 m from a beautiful sandy beach. 

Accommodation

Hotel / Studio

D2

Chania - Akrotiri Peninsula

In the morning:
Discovery of Chania, a city of Minoan foundation yet with oriental atmosphere. Stroll through the streets of the historic center, marked by the Venetian presence and the Ottoman occupation. Possible visit of the archaeological museum and the maritime museum. Several markets are worth a look:
The food and clothes market is held in the old town on Saturday mornings and Thursday mornings, behind the fortress, along the sea in the Nea Hora district. 
Unmissable visit to Chania, the covered market at the entrance to the old town, is open every day. If its architecture is famous, its stalls are no less so: fish, meats, prepared dishes, cheeses, aromatic herbs.
The afternoon
Direction the Akrotiri peninsula, where is located the monastery of Agia Triada, founded at the beginning of the 17th century, and that of Moni Gouverneto (Our Lady of the Angels) dating from the 16th century which shows a beautiful sculpted Venetian facade. A short hike takes you to places of worship hidden in caves.
Around 1 hour 15 minutes by car, 50 km.

Accommodation

Hotel / Srudio

Walking time

2h 15m

Elevation +

150 m

Elevation -

150 m

D3

Gramvoussa Peninsula

At the northwestern end of Crete, Gramvoussa Peninsula is a secluded and unspoiled location. The sea takes on turquoise hues and the white sand beaches give the site a scent of a tropical island. Easy hike to Cape Vouxa and Tigani to Balos lagoon. On the horizon stand out the Gramvoussa islands and their great Venetian fortress.
Around 2 hours 15 minutes by car, 110 km

Accommodation

Hotel / Studio

Walking time

2h 45m

Elevation +

200 m

Elevation -

200 m

D4

Loutro or Samaria Gorge

Two possibilities are available to you, depending on your walking level.
Easy hike to Loutro:
You reach the south coast of Crete bypassing the White Mountains to get to Hora Sfakion at the start of the hike. Hike by the sea, in a wild, rugged and imposing landscape, dominated by the White mountains (Lefka Ori in Greek) to Loutro, a small picturesque locality, served only by sea at the foot of the mountains. Bathing. Return to Hora Sfakion by boat ( approximately 20 minutes crossing, approximately 6 €) then return by car to Chania. 
Around 1 hour 30 minutes by car, 70 km. 

Or sustained hike in the Samaria Gorge:
More difficult but oh so desirable, the descent of the Samaria Gorge is a must that you owe it to yourself if you have a good physical condition and a good practice of hiking. Early morning transfer by bus to Xyloskalo (around € 7 and 1 hour drive), departing from the famous Samaria Gorge that you will descend to the village of Agia Roumeli, on the south coast. Samaria Gorge represent an immense fault of 16 km; it is a site classified by Unesco. The gradual descent into the largest gorges in Europe is sumptuous. Swimming on arrival in the Libyan Sea.
Note: The gorge is open from May 1 to October 15 (depending also on weather conditions). Boat to Hora Sfakion and return to Chania. 
Ferry between Agia Roumeli and Hora Skafion, approx. 1 hour, € 12.50
Transfer time from Hora Sfakion to Chania by bus: approx. 1h40 journey, around € 8.50.

Itinerary
Accommodation

Hotel / Studio

Walking time

2h 30m

Elevation +

300 m

Elevation -

300 m

Length

18km

Walking time

6h

Elevation -

1250 m

D5

Apokoronas, a walk in rural Crete

South-east of Chania and at the foot of the White Mountains, a real water tower for the whole region, this is one of the greenest areas of Crete and presents some interesting views, such as Lake Kournas, the only lake in the region and fresh water reserve of the island, picturesque villages and small places to stay near the sea. Following a circuit that takes you from village to village, (Nipos, Vafes and Tsitsifes.), it is a Greece of the interior, rural and secret that you will discover between cultures, forests and meadows in an enchanting hilly setting.
Around 1 hour 15 minutes by car, 70 km.

Accommodation

Hotel / Studio

Walking time

3h 15m

Elevation +

100 m

Elevation -

100 m

D6

Zourva - source of Tomarissa

At the bottom of the Keriti valley the village of Zourva is perched at an altitude of nearly 600m on the foothills of the White Mountains. It is the starting point of this beautiful hike which goes up from the gorge to the source of Tomarissa, in a beautiful wooded environment of cypresses and Kermes oaks. Along the way, you enjoy some beautiful coastal getaways in the Chania region. Back in your vehicle, do not miss a stop at the Fournes botanical park which brings together an attractive collection of plant and animal species and allows you to discover the extraordinary wealth of endemic Cretan plants.
Car transfer 1 hour 15 minutes approximately 40 km.

Accommodation

Hotel / Studio

Walking time

4h 15m

Elevation +

450 m

Elevation -

450 m

D7

Arkadi Monastery and Rethymnon

Beautifully perched on the edge of a plateau southeast of Rethymnon, Arkadi Monastery is an important historical place for Cretans as well as a major religious site on the island. Once you have crossed the perimeter walls, you will discover the architectural beauty of the monastery, in particular the church and its splendid 16th century facade. You will also discover the importance of the monastery in the resistance of the Cretans to the Ottoman occupation. By car, you leave for Rethymno, the third largest city in Crete, of Venetian inspiration, built at the foot of an imposing fortress. You will discover the beautiful alleys of the city center, the Byzantine churches, the Venetian loggia, the fountain of the Rimondi square before a short tour of the Venetian port. Return by vehicle to Chania
Transfer by car about 2 h 45, 150 km.

Arkadi Monastery Arkadi Monastery

 

Accommodation

Hotel / Studio

Walking time

3h

D8

Chania - End of stay

You drop off your car at Chania Airport when your flight departs.

Technical description

Grade

Easy to medium. The descent of Samaria Gorge is the most demanding hike (level 2/5). We offer you an easier alternative if you don't feel able to do it.

Luggage transport

You only carry your day's things, with the picnic and the groceries. 

Transfers

You travel by rental car from J1 at the airport to J8 at the airport.
To hike the Samaria Gorge, you will take a bus to Xyloskalo (gorge departure) - around € 7 and 1 hour drive. At the bottom of the gorges, you will take the boat between Agia Roumeli and Hora Sfakion (around € 13) then take the bus to return to Chania (around € 8.50). If you hike from Hora Skafion to Loutro, the return boat trip costs around 6 euros.

Group

From 2 people.

Travel documents

We take care of booking hotels and rental cars. We provide you with a detailed map of the route and an explanatory "step by step".

Conmfort

►Accommodation
You are staying at the Sea View & Appartments hotel 

For 2 people: Studio Sea View or Partial Sea View
27m², double bed, panoramic sea view, air conditioning, private bathroom, balcony.
For 3 people: Superior Studio Sea View or Partial Sea View
32m², 1 double bed, 1 single bed on a convertible sofa, air conditioning, panoramic sea view, private bathroom, balcony.
For 4 people: Superior Studio Sea View or Partial Sea View
27m², 1 double bed, 1 single bed, 1 single bed on a convertible sofa, air conditioning, partial sea view, private bathroom, balcony.

► Catering
Breakfast is included. Please let us know when registering any food allergy or special diet; we will do our best to adapt your breakfasts.

Start / End

► Start
Day 1 at Chania Airport
► End
J8 at Chania Airport

Car rental

During the entire stay, you drive a category A, B or C (or equivalent) rental vehicle depending on the number of people. 
Car pick up and return at Chania airport.
Note: the driver must be at least 18 years old and have held a driving license for at least 1 year.
Type of vehicle:
2 participants: Category B car (EDMR) Seat Ibiza or similar.
Number of doors: 4
Number of passengers: 5
Air conditioning
Transmission type: manual
Luggage capacity: 2
Driving force: Standard

Your car rental includes:
Unlimited mileage.
Collision and vehicle damage coverage (with excess)
Vehicle theft coverage (with excess)
Third party and liability insurance
Local taxes
Airport surcharge

Your rental does not include (supplements and options to be paid on site):
- Fuel
- Supplementary passenger insurance (PAI)
- Baby seat or booster seat
- GPS system - subject to availability
- Vehicle abandonment costs ( for example if you take the vehicle to Heraklion and return it to Chania (or vice versa) an additional abandonment fee will be paid on the spot)
- Everything that is not in "your car rental includes"

Application conditions and additional information:
- Driving license for more than one year. This is not a guarantee of delivery of the vehicle if the driver does not meet the qualification criteria in force.
- Valid international bank card (no Electron, Maestro or Kyriel card).
- Days not used are not refundable. In the event of an extension on site, the applicable rate will be higher than the prepaid rate.
- Supplements, options, taxes and miscellaneous costs (not included in the price) are given exclusive of taxes and for information purposes. They are offered, contractable and payable on site and subject to change without notice.
- VAT and / or local tax applicable on options and supplements: 24%.

Number of rental days in 24 hour increments. Any overtime may be billed on site for an additional day.

Before leaving
Check with your bank to ensure the compatibility of your international bank card to collect the vehicle. 
Check that the international option of your credit card is activated, and that the limit is sufficient to cover the amount of the deductible.

When collecting your vehicle
- Show the rental company credit card and driving license in the name of the main driver appearing on the reservation as well as the additional drivers' licenses so that they are insured (according to your quote)
- If you have taken supplements protection or optional services, they must be included in the contract, remember to check it.
And conversely, make sure that the options and reserved insurance do not appear in the supplements to be paid; do not forget that any signed contract engages your responsibility.
- Check the condition of the vehicle before setting off and have any damage noted in the contract.

In any case, we recommend that you read the contract carefully on site. If you put your initials and sign the contract with additional insurance, the lessor will charge your credit card accordingly and this amount will not give rise to any reimbursement from us. 

Access

► By plane
Flights are not included in the price.
There are direct flights from major cities all over Europe on the regular company Aegean (non-exhaustive list). For low-cost flights, you can consult the websites of the companies.
You can book return flights to Heraklion, in which case the transfer to Chania is at your expense (approx. 2 hours 30 minutes).

Swimming

A certain number of our trips are suitable for swimming, during a stage or at the end of the day. It would be a shame not to enjoy. We stress, however, that you are the sole judges of the advisability of a swim; these bathings are therefore done under your responsibility and at your own risk.

Photos

You take great photos! Do not hesitate to send us a CD, a USB key, a Dropbox or WeTransfer link of your best photos taken during your trip. The fact that you provide us with photos implies that you accept that your photos will be used free of charge on our various media (catalog, website, technical sheet, etc.).

Travel Blog

Do you want to share your best moments of the trip and share your experience with the hiking community? Send us your story and some photos illustrating your comments that we will publish for you on our blog .

Equipment

Luggage

The country

Formalities

Useful addresses

Phone

Jet lag

Weather

Language

Currencies

Bibliography

Various

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