Private Crete Far West Adventure: Hiking, History & Beaches

1. Municipal Market of Chania
   10m
   Leaving behind us Chania and its Venetian port, we’ll drive you deep into the southern part of the island, the Sfakia region with its memorable scenic routes and the endless wild landscapes.
2. Sfakia
   15m
   Sfakia is the land of the massive Lefka Ori, also known as the White Mountains, famous for Pachnes, its highest peak as well, the numerous gorges, and the endless views to the Libyan Sea. Aside from this astonishing beauty, the land of Sfakia has a million tales to tell you, such as stories about the turbulent but heroic past of brave rebel Sfakians, who fought for freedom.
   
   The first stop of your day tour will be at a family-owned cheese & yogurt small-scale factory, where you’ll take a local breakfast. Learn all about the traditional way of local dairy production by the expert cheesemonger and sample the best local-favorite yogurt on the island!
3. Askifou
   10m
   After this light breakfast, you’ll head to Askifou Plateau at an altitude of 730 metres, a natural picture-pretty valley surrounded by the White Mountains. From here, you’ll start your hike into the Imbros Gorge, an outstanding 8-kilometer gorge.
4. Imbros Gorge
   2h 30m · Admission ticket included
   During the 2,5 hours approximately easy hike, you’ll have the opportunity to admire amazing geological formations of very narrow passages, capture your best photos with your family and learn about the fauna and flora that you’ll encounter along the way.
   
   Especially for Australian, New Zealander, British, or WWII story lovers, walking through the gorge is almost a pilgrimage, as this gorge was the only escape route in May 1941 by fleeing ANZACs who fought with the allied troops in Crete, and finally, they succeeded in sailing to Egypt. Your guide will have many breathtaking stories to share with you.
5. White Mountains (Lefka Ori)
   3h 30m
   Next, you’ll visit the off-the-beaten-track Kallikratis village, a mountainous village of semi-abandoned settlements located among gorges, ravines, and plateaus, and with a fascinating story to tell. Hear stories about this land that never lived under permanent foreign rule due to its brave residents.
   
   Then, you’ll experience local gastronomy and culture by participating in a hands-on cooking class. Learn about the secrets of Cretan cuisine as you join a Cretan lunch of traditional dishes and local wine from farm to table.
   
   After lunch, learn about the Cretan herbs’ therapeutic qualities, well-known since ancient times, in a ‘herbal sanctuary”. In a little café, meet the owners who distill Cretan herbs and make natural products in a traditional way, giving advice and secrets on how to use Cretan herbs (over 1,800 plant species) while cooking so you give their special taste to your dishes. And yes, you’re going to try some of their concoctions in their shop!
6. 1h
   Moving onto our last stop now, you’ll discover a unique local cellar in one of the best wineries on Crete.

Pickup details

Traveler pickup is offered. The pick-up time is adjustable upon your request. We will meet you at your hotel lobby, Airbnb or the cruise port. Our guide will be holding a sign with your name.
Please call us the previous day to confirm the exact pick-up time and location.

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Alcoholic beverages are allowed to participants age 18 or older because of the national alcohol restrictions. Participants under the age 18 are provided non-alcoholic beverages.
• Please wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen, and a bottle of water.
• How you help the local community by joining this tour: - You visit villages far from mass tourism and collaborate with the locals, supporting these small communities financially. - By sampling products that originate from the Cretan countryside, you promote 100% local, family-owned businesses such as a local cheese monger and a local botanist. - You visit a local family in their home where you learn about local products and traditional cooking techniques as you participate in a hands-on cooking class.
• If you are happy with the services provided by your local guides a tip – though not compulsory – is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry. Please consider this when budgeting for your extra expenses on this tour.
• Lunch is not included, but you will have enough time to enjoy a local restaurant. We will give you personalized tips for the area's best eateries.