AEGEAN ADVENTURE
CRETE

Day 1 –  Agios Nikolaos, cycling 22mi/1394’
Airport (or hotel) pickup and transfer to Agios Nikolaos where we’ll set up and fit the bikes. A short boat ride takes us to Spinalonga, a world heritage island steeped in history and intrigue. Once a leper colony, its haunting ruins and fortified walls bear witness to centuries of human resilience and struggle. Explore its narrow streets, abandoned buildings with a guided tour and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding sea with a guided tour. Following is our pre–tour briefing and welcome dinner (L,D)

Day 2 – Agios Nikolaos-Kastelli, cycling 37mi/3120’
We pedal away from the coast, gradually ascending into the rugged interior of Crete. The landscape transforms from sandy beaches to rocky hillsides adorned with vibrant wildflowers and gnarled olive trees. Mountains rise in the distance as our route twists and turns, leading us through narrow gorges carved by ancient rivers feeding the fertile valleys dotted with vineyards. We reach the rural village of Kastelli whose narrow streets are lined with traditional stone houses adorned with colorful bougainvillea (B,D)

Day 3 –  Kasteli-Zaros, cycling 37mi/3058’
Cycle into rolling hills snaking through the countryside, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains including Crete’s highest peak, Mount Psiloritis. As we approach the unspoiled village of Zaros, the scenery softens, giving way to fertile valleys, tranquil lakes and lush forests carrying the scent of pine and cedar. Explore Zaro's byzantine monasteries nestled on the shore of emerald-green Lake Votomos (B,L,D)

Day 4 –  Zaros-Plakias, cycling 46mi/505’
Visit an olive farm for a formal tasting of its famous Cretan Olive oil. Then, leaving the mountains behind and cycling towards the south coast, our route crosses fertile plains alongside golden sandy beaches. Finally, we arrive in Plakias, a picturesque fishing village whose narrow streets are lined with outdoor terraces and tavernas set alongside fine sandy beaches (B,D)


Day 5 –  Plakias-Hora Sfakion, cycling 24mi/2956’ (alternate option: Kalikratis Pass 36mi/5400ft)
We cycle along the coast to Hora Sfakion, a peaceful harbor town overlooking the azure Libyan Sea. The port is filled with colorful fishing boats, seafood tavernas and the famed Bakery Ntourountous. Hardcore riders can opt to climb the epic, breathtaking Kallikratis Pass featuring 27 switchbacks. Sheer cliffs surround the road plunging into deep ravines whose rocky faces are adorned with vibrant wildflowers and ancient olive trees. At the summit enjoy the well deserved 360 views (B,D)

Day 6 –  Hora Sfakion-Chania, cycling 43mi/4088’
We ascend into the heart of the White Mountains, a rugged wilderness of towering peaks and deep gorges. Winding upward through narrow valleys you’ll crest the summit at Imbros Pass with panoramic views. Our descent through quaint villages and fertile farmland offers glimpses of traditional Cretan life. At the coast, we arrive for three nights at the medieval town of Chania, steeped in centuries of Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek influences (B,L,D)

Day 7 – Chania, no cycling
Rest your legs and explore beautiful Chania! In the morning you’ll have a guided tour Chania's historic old town, ancient lighthouse and Jewish and Turkish quarters. Explore nearby environs through optional day trips to the Samaras Gorge and Balos Beach which can be booked online. Back in town, shop for local handcrafted products and enjoy artisan demonstrations at the Verekinthos Arts and Crafts village. In the evening, feast at your choice of Chania’s renown restaurants (B)

Day 8 – Chania - Therissos Gorge and Traditional Farm and Taverna cycling 15mi/2567’
Cycling a short but hilly ride through the spectacular Therissos Gorge before finishing at Dounas Taverna and Farm. There, enjoy a cooking and farm workshop followed by a gourmet lunch in the taverna before being transferred back to Chania by bus. While still full from lunch, consider indulging in cocktails and tapas at Synagogi, the town’s oldest bar located in an old synagogue (B,L)

Day 9 –  Chania-Kournas Lake-Rethymno, cycling 45mi/2904’
We cycle through rolling hills and fertile plains to Lake Kournas, the only freshwater lake on Crete. Take a swim before lunch at the lakeside taverna. Our afternoon ride, through ancient villages and olive groves, takes us to the northern coastal town of Rethymno, whose Turkish influence is reflected in its restored mosques, churches and forts. You’ll stay here for 2 nights (B,D)

Day 10 –  Rethymno-Maragrites Loop, cycling 33mi/2953’
Our final loop ride is to the famed monastery of Arkadi for a guided tour. Afterwards, we’ll cycle to Margarites, a picturesque village known for its Minoan pottery tradition and well-preserved stone architecture. Here, you’ll enjoy a ceramics lesson from a skilled artisan at a local workshop (B,D)

Day 11 -   Departure, transfer by bus to Heraklion Airport (B)