Islandhopping Cycling Tours Pearls of Southern Crete – Hotel & Bike + Hiking | Guided bike & hotel tour in Greece
Route from Paleochora / to Paleochora Duration 7 days /6 nights Distance 80 km by bike & 27 km on foot Level 3 Level 1 Easy cycling tours suitable for islandhoppers who are confident on their bikes but prefer riding on flatter terrain (15-30km and 200 elevation meters per day). Level 1 - 2 Easy to moderate cycling tours through hilly terrain suitable for islandhoppers who have a good basic level of fitness (20-35km and up to 200-400 elevation meters per day). Level 2 Moderate cycling tours through hilly terrain suitable for islandhoppers who cycle regularly and feel comfortable with longer climbs (25-40km and 300-500 elevation meters per day). Level 2 -3 Moderate to demanding cycling tours through hilly to mountainous terrain suitable for islandhoppers who like a challenge (30-50km and 400-700 elevation meters per day). Level 3 Demanding cycling tours through hilly and mountainous terrain suitable for islandhoppers who can take on steeper climbs (30-60km and 400-800 elevation meter per day). Share via ... E-Mail Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Copy Link
Discover Southern Crete by boat, bike, and on foot The south coast of Crete is a place of exceptional beauty and varied landscapes. Untouched nature, archaeological highlights, crystal clear blue sea and sandy beaches wait to be explored. Experience the mountainous world of the Island of Minos by bike or e-bike, hike through the world-famous Samaria Gorge and enjoy a boat trip to the Elafonisi National Park. A further unforgettable cruise takes us from Sougia to Paleochora. Here we have great bathing spots and vibrant sunsets to look forward to. And what would Greece be without its delicious, local cuisine accompanied by traditional drinks, music, and Greek dance? After all, Crete is the birthplace of the well-known Syrtaki! TO NOTE: This trip is already updated for the 2023 season. Itinerary, prices and services may vary compared to 2022. Book Now Highlights Culture: A traditional Greek evening with local cousin and traditional dance Nature: The natural paradise, Elafonisi, a protected habitat for Caretta Caretta turtles Activity: A hike through the spectacular Samaria Canyon Culinary: Local Cretan dishes, such as squid with fennel and olives Souvenir: Olives, olive oil, and honey
Itinerary Accommodation Rental Bikes Dates & Prices Journey Extended Stay Things to note Itinerary image/svg+xml Paleochora Anidri Lissos Sougia Agia Roumeli Voytas Azogyres Prodromi Platanes Papadiana Moni Gavdos Elafonisi Chania Gavdos Samaria Rethymno Paleochora Samaria Canyon MEDITERRANEAN Kreta Samaria Gorge MEDITERRANEAN Chania Airport Crete Biketour Hike Airport Boatshuttle 1st Day Paleochora (Arrival) (D) Arrival at Chania whether by plane or car is to be organized individually. However, a transfer from Chania airport or the ferry port to Paleochora can be arranged on request (for a fee). Check in at the Relax Hotel is possible from 3pm onwards. Should you arrive in the afternoon take the opportunity to enjoy a walk through Paleochora, have a swim or simply sunbath at the nearby beach. In the evening there will be a lavish dinner where everyone has the opportunity to get to know each other. Afterwards, the tour guides give an overview of the week to come and all the planned activities. 2nd Day Anydroi Schlucht (aprx. 11 mi./18 km by bike & 4 mi./6.5 km on foot) (B, L) After breakfast transfer to the village of Azogyres, from where we will make a nice round trip by bike. After the ride we visit the 99 Holy Fathers Monastery and hear the story of St. John the hermit and the Holy Fathers. Later on our hike of approximately one hour begins. Along the way there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy beautiful panoramic views. When we reach the village of Anydroi we enjoy delicious Cretan dishes for lunch. Afterwards we continue our hike through the Anydroi Gorge until we reach a secluded sandy beach. Here the blue seas lure us in for a swim before we head back to the hotel by transfer bus. In the evening, our tour guide invites us to join a guided tour through Paleochora. Here you can end an eventful day with an individual dinner in town. 3rd Day Ancient Lissos (aprx. 17 mi./28 km by bike & 2.8 mi/4.5 km on foot) (B, L) Today’s tour is a wonderful combination of biking, hiking and boating. An incredible nature experience awaits us on this cycling tour through the mountains of Paleochora. We start today’s tour again from Paleochora and cycle up to the mountain villages of Prodromi and Temenia. Here, we take a well-deserved break for lunch at a great mountain tavern, which serves traditional Cretan cuisine including a very tasty specialty: a homemade chestnut stew. A relaxed descent is then followed to the starting point known E-4 track to the ancient city of Lissos, where the incredibly well-preserved sanctuary of the god of healing, Asklepios and a newly excavated amphitheater. Following our visit to this archaeological site, we board a charter boat sail to a cave. Here we will have the opportunity to take a dip in the shimmering waters before returning to the port of Paleochora, where dinner is on an individual base. 4th Day Samaria Gorge (aprx. 10 mi./16 km on foot) (B, L) A trip to Crete without visiting the famous Samaria Gorge is unimaginable. A walk through this gorge allows for an unbelievable nature experience and also gives us a physical challenge. There are approximately 1,200 meters of elevation along the hike and the walk itself lasts around 6.5 hours. In the morning, we take a transfer bus to the starting point of the hike at the top end of the Samaria Gorge. On the way we enjoy a picnic in the canyon to restore our energy levels. The village of Agia Roumeli lies at the lower end of the Samaria Gorge where we enjoy a late lunch in a traditional tavern. There is also time for a swim before we board the exclusive charter boat which takes us back Paleochora, where you later may go for an individual dinner. 5th Day Voytas – Paleochora – boat trip to Elafonisi (aprx. 10.5 mi./17 km by bike) (B, L) Another day full of adventure! After a late breakfast, a transfer shuttle takes us to Sklavopoula where we visit a small church from the 13th century. This church is incredibly well preserved and even the frescos, picturing the torments of hell, are still visible. From there we cycle on through picturesque landscapes with a relaxed midday break before heading back towards Paleochora. After lunch we take a privately chartered boat to visit the natural paradise of Elafonisi, a dreamy place in the middle of the Mediterranean. The exotic, white sand beaches and the turquoise waters found on both sides of the peninsular are reminiscent of the Caribbean. The island is strewn with dunes, water lilies and junipers. Various rare species, such as the endangered Caretta Caretta turtles are able to live here, their nests under official protection. These are more than enough good reasons to spend some time in Elafonisi to swim and enjoy a coffee or a cool drink. Dinner is to be arranged individually. 6th Day Sougia (aprx. 9 mi./15 km by bike & boat excursion) (B, L, D) Today we can look forward to a very relaxed program after the efforts of the previous day. The program includes a transfer to the mountain top village of Prodromi, followed by a downhill bike tour to Sougia. Here our charter boat is waiting and will take us to a wonderful bay. On land we will enjoy a BBQ for lunch at a hidden spot in the forest. Afterwards we will have plenty of opportunity to swim before the boat takes us back to Paleochora. Here we can relax for a while before experiencing a true Greek evening with Cretan delicacies and live music. 7th Day Paleochora (Departure) (B) After breakfast, it is time to check out from the hotel and return home or extend the holiday on Crete. Transfers to Chania airport or ferry port can be arranged on request. Accommodation Hotel Relax Just 50 meters from Pachia Ammos Beach in Paleochora and 100 meters from the center, Hotel Relax awaits you with an outdoor pool, a spacious sun terrace and a rooftop garden with sea views. Relax offers nice apartments with free Wi-Fi and a furnished balcony and air conditioning, as well as a bathroom with shower and hairdryer. A flat-screen TV is also available. Please note: Hotel booking is subject to availability. If the prefered Hotel is not available, we will provide an equivalent substitute.… Read More Rental Bikes Our Hybrid Bikes For our hybrid bike tours, we use reliable, low maintenance hybrid bikes with aluminum frames in various sizes. Twenty years of experience in bike tourism has given us the knowledge and confidence to select the right components for the requirements of an Islandhopping tour. Our bikes ensure a carefree riding experience for our cycling enthusiasts.… Read More Our E-Bikes All our e-bikes are high quality pedelecs, most of which are fitted with Bosch motors with extra battery range. They are characterized by their relatively light weight and great components. Some of our fleet are equipped with other motor systems. With an Islandhopping e-bike, you will be able to climb almost any hill with ease. They are a true set of wings for anyone who needs a little ‘tail wind’ to make their ride that little bit more enjoyable. … Read More Our Hybrid Bikes Our E-Bikes Prices, Dates and Services Basic tour price: from 1690 euro Please consider that the final tour price may vary based on your room choice, and any additionally selected services. If your preferred departure date is not listed below, you can also book this trip as a group and send us a suggested date.(from 6 people and more) Contact Form for groups Included services 7-day hotel, bike, and hiking tour 6 nights in a double room with shower and toilet at the Relax Hotel in Paleochora 6 x breakfast, 5 x lunch, 2 x dinner (as in itinerary) Bottled mineral water and soft drinks during activities described Guided cycling tours and hikes as in program Maps with an overview of bike tours Escort vehicle on all bike tours All minibus transfers during the trip (as in itinerary) Private boat charter on 4 days Greek evening with dinner with live music Entrance for group visits to museums and archaeological sites English speaking tour guide Not included in the basic tour price Journey to Crete Meals other than those included in the itinerary All alcoholic beverages Entrance for individually visited sights Beach towel (if required) - please bring your own Tips for tour guides and staff Prices for Additional Optional Services 2023 Single room surcharge 300 euro/week Rental bike hybrid bike 60 euro/week E-bike (subject to availability): 150 euro/week Insurance against theft and damage of the rental bike (Not insured: grossly negligent damages) hybrid bike 10 euro/week E-bike 20 euro/week Collective transfers between Chania Airport or ferry port and Paleochora (only available on the day of official arrival or departure) Price on requestAdditional fees may apply for the transfer of private bicycles Exclusive transfers Price on request Additional nights on Crete Price on request Discounts Returning Islandhopper's are rewarded: as of the third tour booked directly via Islandhopping you will receive our 5% SEA-you-Again discount for bookings placed before the 31.12. (The SEA-YOU-Again discount applies to all tours in our program which are booked directly via Islandhopping given that the previous bookings actually took place). As this tour is operated by a third party partner, not all regular Islandhopping discount offers apply. Time Period Tour Country Accommodation Route Availability Price from The final price is dependent on the type of cabin, the number of guests staying in the cabin and any additional services booked. June 2023 03.06. The minimum number of participants is almost reached 03.06. – 09.06. Hotel & Bike Pearls of Southern Crete Greece Kreta Hotel & Rad Paleochora bis Paleochora available 1690,00 € To Booking September 2023 23.09. The minimum number of participants is almost reached 23.09. – 29.09. Hotel & Bike Pearls of Southern Crete Greece Kreta Hotel & Rad Paleochora bis Paleochora available 1890,00 € To Booking 30.09. The minimum number of participants is almost reached 30.09. – 06.10. Hotel & Bike Pearls of Southern Crete Greece Kreta Hotel & Rad Paleochora bis Paleochora available 1890,00 € To Booking
