Islandhopping Cycling Tours Pearls of Southern Crete – Hotel & Ebike + Hiking | Guided ebike & hotel tour in Greece
Route from Heraklion / to Heraklion Duration 9 days /8 nights Distance 80 km& 27 km on foot Level 2 / 5 Level 1 / 5 Cycling tours through predominantly flat terrain, mostly on paved bike paths or well-maintained roads. Suitable for cyclists who can handle several-hour-long bike tours. Level 2 / 5 Cycling tours through gently rolling terrain with ascents of up to approximately 150 meters. Mostly on paved bike paths and low-traffic roads. Suitable for cyclists who enjoy multi-hour tours and can confidently handle descents. Level 3 / 5 Cycling tours through hilly terrain with longer ascents of up to approximately 250 meters. Mostly on paved roads, occasionally on unpaved gravel paths. Suitable for cyclists who ride regularly and can confidently navigate varying surface conditions. Level 4 / 5 Cycling tours through hilly to mountainous terrain with some steeper ascents of up to approximately 400 meters. Requires confident riding on winding descents, uneven asphalt, and occasionally gravel paths. All tours can be mastered more easily with electronic assistance Level 5 / 5 Cycling tours through mountainous terrain with demanding ascents exceeding 500 meters. Requires excellent bike handling, even on descents with steep hairpin turns and unpaved paths. All tours can be mastered more easily with electronic assistance. Share via ... E-Mail Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Copy Link
Discover Southern Crete by ebike and on foot 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 e-bike, visit the ancient city of Knossos, explore the picturesque port of Rethymnon, 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. Last but not least, a stay in Chania, the most beautiful town in Crete, is the perfect way to end our trip. 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 Heraklion (Arrival) Arrival at Heraklion, the capital of Crete, whether by plane or car and transfer the Hotel Village Heights in the countryside. Check in is possible from 3pm onwards. Enjoy the beautiful nature in the surroundings of the Village Heights Resort or have a refreshing swim in the pool. In the evening a lavish dinner awaits us in the tavern of our hotel, 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 planned activities. (Catering: Dinner) 2nd Day Heraklion Archaeological Museum – Knossos – Rethymnon – Paleochora A day filled with culture and history begins with a guided tour in the remarkable Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, which houses unique collections from the Neolithic period (7000 BC) to Roman times (3rd cent. AD). A highlight are certainly the masterpieces of the Minoan culture, the oldest civilisation in Europe! Our next guided tour takes place at the Palace of Knossos. The island’s most important archaeological site is a must-see in Crete and will take your breath away. Then, we visit the picturesque old harbour town of Rethymnon for a late lunch and an afternoon walk. Finally, transfer to Paleochora, where we have dinner together and check in at our hotel. (Catering: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) 3rd Day Anydroi Gorge (aprx. 11 mi./18 km by e-bike & 4 mi./6.5 km on foot) After breakfast, we start our first e-bike ride that leads us to the 99 Holy Fathers Monastery and we 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. (Catering: Breakfast, Lunch) 4th Day Ancient Lissos (aprx. 17 mi./28 km by e-bike & 2.8 mi/4.5 km on foot) 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. (Catering: Breakfast, Lunch) 5th Day Samaria Gorge (aprx. 10 mi./16 km on foot) 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. (Catering: Breakfast, Lunch) 6th Day Sklavopoula – Paleochora – boat trip to Elafonisi (aprx. 10.5 mi./17 km by e-bike) 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. (Catering: Breakfast, Lunch) 7th Day Sougia (aprx. 9 mi./15 km by e-bike & boat excursion) 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. (Catering: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) 8th Day Paleochora – Chania Once we have our breakfast and even a swim by the sea, a transfer takes us to a small village in the mountains where following its exploration, we enjoy a traditional lunch in a local tavern (one of a kind experience). Afterwards, we head to Chania, the most beautiful and fascinating city in Crete. After checking into your hotel, you will take a guided tour of the fascinating old town of Chania with its world-famous Venetian harbour. During a last dinner together, you can look back on eventful days that have taken you from one highlight to the next on legendary Crete. The night is spent in Chania. (Catering: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) 9th Day Chania – Heraklion (Departure) Goodbye Crete! After breakfast, check out of the hotel and return home or extend your holiday on Crete individually. If you are already on your way home today, our collective transfer will take you back to Heraklion airport. If possible, please book a flight that departs after 1 pm to have a stress-free journey home. (Catering: Breakfast) Accommodation Ano Hersonissos: Village Heights Resort Space, comfort, freedom and a breathtaking mountain world awaiting you in your first accommodation in Crete. Enjoy a wonderful stay at the Village Heights Resort located in the countryside, 30km east of Heraklion. A beautiful landscape surrounds the resort creating a vibe of tranquility and relaxation. All rooms have a fully equipped kitchenette, tea and coffee making facilities, TV, pool and bathroom towels. Please note: Hotel booking is subject to availability. If the prefered Hotel is not available, we will provide an equivalent substitute.… Read More Paleochora: 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 Chania: Hotel Porto Veneziano In Chania, you will stay at the Porto Veneziano Hotel. A private balcony overlooking the old Venetian harbour of Chania and the hotel's eco-friendly equipment (Coco-Mat) are just some of the things that make this hotel special. The delicious breakfast made from Cretan recipes will also give you a great taste experience. Free Wi-Fi is available. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the hotel. Please note: Hotel booking is subject to availability. If the prefered Hotel is not available, we will provide an equivalent substitute.… Read More Village Heights Resort Hotel Relax Hotel Porto Veneziano Rental Bikes 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 Booking Request Basic tour price: from 2490 euro This exclusive hotel trip is available only for groups from 8 to a maximum of 12 people. Please note that the final travel price depends on various factors, including group size, room selection, available hotels, and any additional services booked. If you are interested, please use the linked contact form to send us your proposed dates. We look forward to providing you with a non-binding offer. Contact Form for groups Included services 9-day hotel, e- bike and hiking tour 1 night in a double room at the Village Heights Resort in Ano Chersonissos 6 nights in a double room at the Relax Hotel in Paleochora 1 night in a double room at the Porto Veneziano Hotel in Chania 8 x breakfast, 7 x lunch, 4 x dinner (as in description) Bottled mineral water and soft drinks during activities described Guided tour of the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion and of Knossos Guided city tours in Rethymnon and Chania Guided e-bikeours and hikes as in program Escort vehicle on all e-bike tours All minibus transfers during the trip (as in description) Private boat charter on 4 days Greek evening with dinner and live music Entrance for group visits to museums and archaeological sites English and German 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 SGR Insolvency protection (5€ per person) ⇒ SGR Insolvency protection (mandatory consumer contribution SGR insolvency protection guarantee scheme: € 5 per person - will be specified separately on the booking confirmation) Prices for Additional Optional Services Single room surcharge 600 euro per week Rental bike E-bike (subject to availability): 180 euro/week Insurance against theft and damage of the rental bike(Not insured: grossly negligent damages) E-bike: 20 euro/week Exclusive transfers Price on request Additional nights on Crete Price on request Discounts Children up to age 16 receive a discount of 25 % on the basic tour price (not combinable with any other discount). With three persons sharing a cabin, we allow a 50 % discount on the basic tour price for the third person, regardless of age (not combinable with other discounts). When booking an above deck cabin, the above deck surcharge will not be charged for the third occupant. If this is your third or more Islandhopping tour booked directly with us, you will receive our SEA-YOU-AGAIN discount for your next tour in 2025. Arrival - How to get there Arrival by plane This tour starts and ends in Heraklion on Crete. Arrival by plane is the fastest, cheapest and most comfortable way to travel. The nearest airport is Heraklion Airport (HER). When booking your flights, please choose a return flight that leaves no earlier than midday, if possible, to ensure a stress-free journey home. Arrival by ferry Of course, it is also possible to take a ferry to Crete. Ferries to/from Crete run from/to Athens, from/to the island of Kythira in the south of the Peloponnese and from/to numerous islands of the Cyclades. The nearest ferry port is the port of Heraklion. For information about all domestic ferry connections please visit www.greekferries.gr Transfer Options To get from the airport or ferry terminal to your hotel, you can book individual transfers with us (prices and availability will be provided upon request). For all transfers, a reservation with our office team is required, including your exact flight details and hotel address. Anreise mit dem Pkw Address for navigation system: Roussos Lakos, Ano Hersonissos, Crete 700 14, Greece Travelling to Crete by car can take an extremely long time and can be fairly costly. Therefore, we would suggest only driving to Crete if you are planning on spending a longer time either on Crete or in other Greek regions. Ferries to/from Crete run from/to Athens, from/to the island of Kythira in the south of the Peloponnese and from/to a number of the Cyclades islands. by plane by ferry Transfer Options Per Pkw If you would like to extend your trip Additional nights in Athens As many flights to Crete require connecting flights in Athens, a longer stopover in the Greek capital is also recommended. We would be happy to arrange additional nights with breakfast in Athens. The 2004 Olympic Games held in the Greek capital had an incredibly positive effect on the lively 5-million-strong metropolis. Large areas of the city centre were converted into pedestrian zones and a vast archaeological park was created around the Acropolis. A stroll through the many winding alleys of the Plaka, the charming old town quarter, is a wonderful way to spend a warm summers evening. Read More Extension program in Athens You can also extend your Crete Hotel & Bike Tour with our 3-day extension program in the Greek capital. With so much to see in Athens, this 3-day extension program allows for a true all-round experience in the city of seemingly countless possibilities. Transfers are included as well as two overnight stays in a hotel in the city centre, a guided bike tour through Athens, entrance to the Acropolis, and dinner at a typical Greek tavern. Read More Additional Nights Athens Extension Program Athens Important information Cycling Tour Requirements CYCLING LEVEL 3 / 5: The cycling routes require a good fitness level from the participants. The routes have a length of 10 - 18 mi./17 – 28 km through hilly or mountainous terrain. There are, however, no time constraints. The bike tours generally have a total of about 1,000 - 2,300 feet/300 – 700 m of elevation and there are some longer climbs too. Most of the roads we cycle along are asphalted and mostly traffic free. Your tour guide will inform you in detail about the requirements needed for the individual tours each day. Should you decided at any point that you do not want to take part in one of the tours, you are free to take a half or a full day off to swim or use the time as you wish. Hiking (Level 3): The hiking tours require a high level of fitness from participants. The routes have a length of 3 - 10 mi./4.5 – 16 km and lead through mountainous terrain. However, there are no time constraints. The hikes will mostly lead through gorges or along well-developed trails. Your tour guide will inform you of the requirements for the planned tour each day. We strongly recommend that you bring good hiking boots. Flip-flops or similar shoes are not suitable for the hikes offered. Should you prefer to skip the hike and spend a half or a full day swimming or enjoying another activity you are most welcome to do so. Spoken language Due to our international audience all our Crete tours are conducted bilingually, in English and German. Itinerary changes We reserve the right to make changes to the planned route due to changing wind and weather conditions, and where required by organizational necessities. Requirement to wear a helmet Helmets are mandatory on our ebike tours. It is advised to bring your own, well fitted, helmet with you as our rental helmet numbers are limited (reservation required). Bringing children We believe that only children in a good physical condition and with a minimum age of 10 and previous bicycle tour experience are able to master the cycle tours with their own strength. Please note that the minimum height for a rental bike is 1.50 m (5 ft.) for hybrid bikes. For the best tour experience with children, we recommend our Multi-Adventure Cruises in Croatia or Greece. We are convinced that these itineraries provide the best all-round experience for each individual family member. Catering on board Catering on this tour includes 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 4 dinners. An ample breakfast is served every morning in the hotel. Lunch is included on all days which have activities either in traditional Cretan restaurants serving local dishes or as a barbeque on route. During the week, four of the dinners are not pre-organized so that you can choose where you would like to eat. There are numerous beautiful taverns where traditional cuisine can be tasted and enjoyed. Your tour guide will be happy to give you recommendations for restaurants for these days if requested. Internet during your trip Round the clock internet is available in your hotel in Heraklion, Paleochora and Chania. Equipment – What you should bring with you Cycling clothing including a helmet Hiking boots Swimsuit and beach towel Sunscreen Hat Small backpack for hiking tours
