CROSS CRETE
Minoans, the first civilization on European soil
DRIVE & BIKE EAST TO WEST
HERAKLEION TO HANIA
The East-West route starts in Herakleion in the east and ends in Hania in the west. Choose this route if after the bike tour you want to take one-day hikes in the Samaria Gorge or Imbros Gorge or a multi-day hiking tour along the car-free Libyan Sea coast. Hania is the most convenient departure point for these hikes with a local guide or self-guided.
DRIVE & BIKE WEST TO EAST
HANIA TO HERAKLEION
The West-East route starts in Hania in the west and ends in Herakleion in the east. Choose this route if you want to go to Santorini after the bike tour because only Herakleion has boats to Santorini. In high season there is also air service. Although the West-East rides cover the same terrain as the East-West rides, the ascents are a bit harder when biking eastward.
Crete. Greece’s largest island. Greece’s most southern island. Greece’s most strategically located island in the middle of the eastern Mediterranean Sea.
Let us count a few ways visitors to Crete are rewarded when they devote a week or so traveling across the long island.
- Healthy Cretan cuisine derived from local produce, like fresh goat’s cheese and barley based “paximadi“
- The palace cities of the Minoan Empire:: Knossos, Malia, Zakros, Phaestos
- A dynamic wine industry with vineyards in the same sites as millennia ago
- Monumental olive trees, so big they take several people to embrace one
- Cretans have enormous hearts that fuel their famed hospitality
- Spectacular scenery: green, green mountains set to a blue, blue sea
- Uniquely Cretan songs, musical instruments and dances
When you see Crete by bike you absorb it all in slow motion. And when you combine the trip with a vehicle, then you can reach even more precious places and even criss-cross Crete.
Before or after your Crete self-guided tour, while still in Athens, check out the daily bike rides available at Athens Day Tours
If you select the East-West itinerary that ends in Hania, you can take a post-tour Libyan Sea Coast Hiking tour with local guide. The hike hugs a trail along the Libyan Sea Coast path to several villages that are only accessible by foot or sea.
Details
| Dates | choose your dates |
| Duration | 9 nights, 10 days for standard route. Possible to add or subtract days; minimum 5 nights |
| Add-ons |
yes, Libyan Sea Coast Hiking tour, Athens Day Tours – see Add-On tab |
| Arrival City | Athens or Herakleion or Hania |
| Arrival transfer | Vehicle is waiting at your Crete arrival point. For Athens, see Extras tab |
| Tour Start Point | Athens or Herakleion or Hania |
| Tour End Point | Athens or Herakleion or Hania |
| Minimum Age |
18 |
| Total Mileage | 383 km, 238 miles for 10 day standard route. Mileage depends on optional routes sought and itinerary destinations. |
| Highest Elevation |
890 meters, 2920 feet (Tzermiado) |
| Rating | Advanced. See Rating System |
Itinerary East to West
Below is our standard East-West itinerary, but it can be adjusted to add or subtract days or substitute overnight destinations, as these examples indicate: Opt for an 8 day tour by starting in Arhanes instead of Tzermiado. Split in half the long 94 km, 58 mile route from Rethymno to Hania on Day 10 by staying in the lovely traditional town of Vamos. Consider overnight in Axos with engaging agro-tourism activities at Enagron. Lots of possibilities!
If you travel to Crete by sea via an overnight ferry from Piraeus (Athens’ port), you will travel with the bikes and bike rack and receive the vehicle in Crete. If you travel to Crete by air or by sea from a port other than Piraeus, the bikes and vehicle we will be waiting for you in Crete. On your arrival, you will be met by a CycleGreece agent.
Day 1: Tzermiado
The Lassithi Plateau, one of the highest farming areas in Greece, once had 20,000 windmills which only a generation or so ago were still in use, which gives you an idea of how traditional this region is. Today’s warm-up ride is a plateau loop introducing you to a few of the sixteen villages there. Be sure to stop at Lassinthos Eco Village and at Diktion Cave to marvel at the gigantic stalactites and stalagmites. 25 km, 15 miles Drive Herakleion to Tzermiado 54 km, 33 miles
Day 2: Tzermiado
Bike to the Minoan palace city of Malia lying on the coast which is said to have been ruled by King Minos’ brother Sarpedon. The ride is a thrilling 3,000 foot descent, then a siga siga ascent (that’s Greek for slow slow). Stop for lunch in Krasi, known for fresh drinking water springs. 54 km, 32 miles
Day 3: Arhanes
Arhanes, population 4000, is said to be inhabited since Minoan times. It lies in the heart of one of Crete’s finest winery regions. Admire the traditional architecture of the “arhontiko,” the preserved old villas Bike the Arhanes Loop, there’s a short version 24.50 km, 15 miles and a long version that includes a 4 km detour to the Nikos Katzantzakis Museum, home of the author of Zorba the Greek. 46 km, 29 miles See the Extras tab for a cooking class and wine tasting. Drive Tzermiado to Arhanes 60 km, 37 miles
Day 4: Arhanes
Bike a back road to reach Knossos, the capital of the peaceful Minoan Empire. Admire King Minos’ throne; a replica was made for the chief judge at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. 25 km 15 miles (roundtrip) To avoid Herakleion’s urban traffic, we recommend taking at taxi or bus from Knossos to Herakleion Archaeology Museum with its famed Minoan frescos and the enigmatic Phaestos disc.
Day 5: Zaros
Today’s ride starts at Gortyna, the Roman capital of Crete. The loop bike ride includes the Minoan palace city of Phaestos and the caves at Matala on the sea. If there is enough time, you can take an afternoon hike in the Rouvas gorge after driving to Zaros. Zaros is located in the Psiloritis Mountains at 1394 feet 425 meters and is known for its bottled mineral water, fresh trout and the E4 (European) hiking path. 52 km, 30 miles Drive Arhanes to Gortyna, 40 km, 25 miles. Drive Gortyna to Zaros 20 km, 34. 12 miles
Day 6: Rethymno
From Zaros, drive to the mountain village of Spili, famous for its Venetian-era fountain with water spewing from the mouths of nineteen lions. Spili also sells lots of products like herbal lotions, weavings, soaps, local honey and raki, the national spirit that tastes like grappa. The Spili bike loop is 39.80 km, 24.70 miles with the highest elevation 2600 feet, 792 meters. An alternative easier route is the Armeni Loop that starts in Rethymno and visits the mysterious Armeni Minoan cemetery. 28 km, 17 miles Driving Zaros to Spili 60 km, 37 miles and Spili to Rethymno 27 km, 16 miles or Zaros to Rethymno 87 km, 54 miles
Day 7: Rethymno
A bike ride into the low portions of the Psiloritis Mountains. Visit Melidoni Cave and learn its poignant history. Tour a family run olive oil farm with olive oil tastings. Lunch on the seacoast at Panormos. Rethymno is a romantic Venetian era city with an Ottoman overlay. Stroll Rethymno’s car-free alley-like streets or along its fourteen kilometer sandy beach. 67.70 km, 42 miles
Day 8: Hania
From Hania, ascend from sea level to 1860 feet through the enchanting Therissos Gorge road. On the way back stop at a family winery for lunch, or visit a delightful botanical park created by two brothers when their cherished olive fields burned down. Stroll Hania’s beautiful harbor with Venetian architecture. Take time for shopping in Hania – handmade knives or gold jewelry. 51 km, 31.60 miles Drive Rethymno to Hania 63 km, 39 miles
Alternative Itinerary. On Day 8, consider an overnight in the lovely traditional village of Vamos where you stay in a traditional restored villa and have the opportunity for a Cretan cooking class. Bike routes on this option include visits to Ancient Aptera and Koules Fortress and riding through a constellation of adorable little villages even smaller than Vamos. Drive Rethymno to Vamos 33 km, 20 miles and Vamos to Hania 31 km, 19 miles
Day 9: Hania
Drive west of Hania to start the bike ride from Kissamos, and make a loop to that brings you to the sea and the Roman ruins of Falasarna. 32.50 km, 19 miles. From Kissamos drive east to Kamasiana to bike the Vouves Loop which takes you to the oldest olive tree in the world. There is also an olive tree museum in Vouves. 12 km, 7.5 miles Drive Hania to Kissamos 41 km, 25 miles, Kissamos to Kamasiana 23 km, 14 miles, Kamasiana to Hania 23 km, 14 miles
Day 10: Departure
There are daily flights from Hania to Athens Airport, including ones that leave early enough to enable you to make a connecting flight home. Overnight ferries to Piraeus depart at 9:00 pm. Leave the bike, bike gear and rack at the hotel. Drive the vehicle to the airport or port, whichever is your means of departure for drop-off.
Itinerary West to East
Below is our standard West-East itinerary, but it can be adjusted to add or subtract days or substitute overnight destinations, as these examples indicate: Opt for an 8 day tour by ending in Arhanes instead of Tzermiado. Split in half the long 94 km, 58 mile route from Hania to Rethymno on Day 3 by staying in the lovely traditional town of Vamos. Consider overnight in Axos with engaging agro-tourism activities at Enagron. Lots of possibilities!
If you travel to Crete by sea via an overnight ferry from Piraeus (Athens’ port), you will travel with the bikes and bike rack and receive the vehicle in Crete. If you travel to Crete by air or by sea from a port other than Piraeus, the bikes, bike rack and vehicle we will be waiting for you in Crete. On your arrival, you will be met by a CycleGreece agent.
Day 1: Hania
Drive west of Hania to start the bike ride from Kissamos, and make a loop to that brings you to the sea and the Roman ruins of Falasarna. 32.50 km, 19 miles. From Kissamos drive east to Kamasiana to bike the Vouves Loop which takes you to the oldest olive tree in the world. There is also an olive tree museum in Vouves. 12 km, 7.5 miles Drive Hania to Kissamos 41 km, 25 miles, Kissamos to Kamasiana 23 km, 14 miles, Kamasiana to Hania 23 km, 14 miles
Day 2: Hania
From Hania, ascend from sea level to 1860 feet through the enchanting Therissos Gorge road. On the way back stop at a family winery for lunch, or visit a delightful botanical park created by two brothers when their cherished olive fields burned down. Stroll Hania’s beautiful harbor with Venetian architecture. Take time for shopping in Hania – handmade knives or gold jewelry. 51 km, 31.60 miles
Day 3: Rethymno
A bike ride into the low portions of the Psiloritis Mountains. Visit Melidoni Cave and learn its poignant history. Tour a family run olive oil farm with olive oil tastings. Lunch on the seacoast at Panormos. Rethymno is a romantic Venetian era city with an Ottoman overlay. Stroll Rethymno’s car-free alley-like streets or along its fourteen kilometer sandy beach. 67.70 km, 42 miles Drive Hania to Rethymno 63 km, 39 miles
Alternative Itinerary. On Day 3, consider an overnight in the lovely traditional village of Vamos where you stay in a traditional restored villa and have the opportunity for a Cretan cooking class. Bike routes on this option include visits to Ancient Aptera and Koules Fortress and riding through a constellation of adorable little villages even smaller than Vamos. Drive Hania to Vamos 31 km, 19 miles and Vamos to Rethymno 33 km, 20 miles
Day 4: Rethymno
Drive to the mountain village of Spili, famous for its Venetian-era fountain with water spewing from the mouths of nineteen lions. Spili also sells lots of products like herbal lotions, weavings, soaps, local honey and raki, the national spirit that tastes like grappa. The Spili bike loop is 39.80 km, 24.70 miles with the highest elevation 2600 feet, 792 meters. An alternative easier route is the Armeni Loop that starts in Rethymno and visits the mysterious Armeni Minoan cemetery. 28 km, 17 miles Drive Rethymno to Spili 54 km, 32 miles, roundtrip
Day 5: Zaros
Today’s ride starts at Gortyna, the Roman capital of Crete. The loop bike ride includes the Minoan palace city of Phaestos and the caves at Matala on the sea. If there is enough time, you can take an afternoon hike in the Rouvas gorge after driving to Zaros. Zaros is located in the Psiloritis Mountains at 1394 feet 425 meters and is known for its bottled mineral water, fresh trout and the E4 (European) hiking path. 52 km, 30 miles Drive Rethymno to Zaros 87 km, 54 miles.
Day 6: Arhanes
Arhanes, population 4000, is said to be inhabited since Minoan times. It lies in the heart of one of Crete’s finest winery regions. Admire the traditional architecture of the “arhontiko,” the preserved old villas Bike the Arhanes Loop, there’s a short version 24.50 km, 15 miles and a long version that includes a 4 km detour to the Nikos Katzantzakis Museum, home of the author of Zorba the Greek. 46 km, 29 miles See the Extras tab for a cooking class and wine tasting. Drive Zaros to Arhanes 51 km, 31 miles
Day 7: Arhanes
Bike a back road to reach Knossos, the capital of the peaceful Minoan Empire. Admire King Minos’ throne; a replica was made for the chief judge at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. 25 km 15 miles (roundtrip) To avoid Herakleion’s urban traffic, we recommend taking at taxi or bus from Knossos to Herakleion Archaeology Museum with its famed Minoan frescos and the enigmatic Phaestos disc.
Day 8: Tzermiado
The Lassithi Plateau, one of the highest farming areas in Greece, once had 20,000 windmills which only a generation or so ago were still in use, which gives you an idea of how traditional this region is. A plateau loop ride introduces you to a few of the sixteen villages there. Be sure to stop at Lassinthos Eco Village and at Diktion Cave to marvel at the gigantic stalactites and stalagmites. 25 km, 15 miles Drive Arhanes to Tzermiado 60 km, 37 miles
Day 9: Tzermiado
Bike to the Minoan palace city of Malia lying on the coast which is said to have been ruled by King Minos’ brother Sarpedon. The ride is a thrilling 3,000 foot descent, then a siga siga ascent (that’s Greek for slow slow). Stop for lunch in Krasi, known for fresh drinking water springs. 54 km, 32 miles
Day 10: Departure
There are daily flights from Herakleion to Athens Airport, including ones that leave early enough to enable you to make a connecting flight home. Overnight ferries to Piraeus depart at 9:00 pm. Meet the CycleGreece agent at either the airport or port to turn over the bike, bike gear and rack. Drive Tzermiado to Herakleion 54 km, 33 miles
4 nights Libyan Sea Coast Hiking Add-On
Day 1 of the Libyan Sea Coast hiking tour is Day 8 of Cross Crete Drive & Bike tour.
Day 1: Samaria Gorge, Soughia
A steep wooden staircase takes us to the beginning of the astounding Samaria Gorge, said to be Europe’s longest gorge. A descent through this national park may well be the highlight of your trip. Wildlife unseen elsewhere, cold fresh water mountain springs, narrow cliff walls 3 meters (10 feet) wide in places and the abandoned Samaria village are a few of the marvels that make this ravine Crete’s most beloved hiking trail. At the end of the trail we take the ferry to Soughia. 18 km, 11 miles. 4-5 hours walking
Day 2: Agia Roumeli
There were over 200 Asclepion healing centers spread throughout Ancient Greece, and one is located at Lissos, the destination of today’s hike. The area also has a fresh spring and seemingly dozens of Roman tombs from 60 AD. Return back to Soughia for a boat to Agia Roumeli. We are deep in Sfakia territory, Crete’s most rebellious region against the Turks, the center of resistance during foreign domination, and the most culturally engrossing. 10 km, 6.2 miles. 5 hours
Day 3: Loutro
We hike from Agia Roumeli to Loutro, two towns accessible only by foot or boat. At Agia Pavlos we stop to swim, get a bite to eat, jump off the big boulder into the sea, and inspect St. Pauls’ pastel pink Byzantine church. As a car-free village on the sea, Loutro is very quiet and serene. 10 km, 6.2 miles, 5 hours.
Day 4: Loutro
Today’s hike is through the beautiful Aradena Gorge that comes to the abandoned village of Aradena where it is worth admiring the traditional Cretan architecture of days past. The path consists of an old stone track known as kalderimia with wide steps conducive to mule traffic. The ascent is 1968 feet, 600 meters and descend the same route. 15 km, 9.3 miles. 6 hours.
Day 12: Departure
Morning ferry to Hora Sfakia, then vehicle transfer to Hania, the tour’s departure point. If you are not staying overnight in Hania, plan for an evening ferry or flight. If your departure from Crete is from Herakleion, additional transfer fees apply.
Cost
1300 euros per person for 1-2 persons. 1200 euros for 3-4 persons. 250 euros single supplement
Inclusions
- 4 nights in local hotels, simple furnishings — a worthy exchange to be amidst an undeveloped coast and minimal tourism — ample hospitality
- All meals — breakfast, lunch, dinner with local wine
- Day 12 airport transfer to Hania (additional fees apply for transfer to Herakleion)
- Local bilingual hiking guide
- Daily luggage transfers
- All sea transfers
- Samaria Gorge entry fee
Exclusions
- Air or sea transfer from Crete to Athens
- Alcoholic beverages (other than house wine)
- Travel insurance – see Extras tab
8 Days – 2090 euros per person
| 1 or 2 riders |
10 Days – 2900 euros per person 8 Days – 2300 euros per person |
| 3 riders |
10 Days – 2780 euros per person 8 Days – 2180 euros per person |
| 4 riders |
10 Days – 2700 euros per person 8 Days – 2100 euros per person |
| 5 or more riders | contact us for cost |
| Single Supplement | 10 Days – 900 euros per person 8 Days – 750 euros per person |
The above costs are based on the two standard Itineraries (East-West, West-East). Cost may vary if Itinerary varies.
TOUR INCLUSIONS for 10 day itinerary
Accommodations: 9 nights in 3-4 star hotels ranging from upscale to family run guesthouses. Tasteful, clean, air-conditioned, private bath, abundant hospitality, comfort. All accommodations come with breakfast. Tour price is based on double occupancy. Single supplement costs apply for individual rooms. Triples may or may not be available depending on the hotel.
Vehicle: 4 door vehicle for 1-3 guests similar to a Nissan Note. Mini-van for 4 – 8 guests similar to a Nissan Prima Star. Includes standard vehicle insurance, GPS guidance, manual steering (automatic steering is an upgrade), road assistance. Does not include gas or parking fees.
Drop-off Fee: Pick up vehicle in one destination and drop it off in another destination.
Bikes: Specialized road bike or hybrid bike. Triple chain ring, 27 gears. Road bike has carbon fiber fork. Hybrids have front suspension. Electric bike or carbon Tarmac bike are available as an upgrade on request. E-bikes are 400 euros for 8 day tour, 500 euros for 10 day tour. Carbon bikes are 560 euros for 8 day tour, 700 euros for 10 day tour. Regular pedals or toe clips on request. You are welcome to bring your own clip-in pedals and shoes. See Our Bikes and Our Gear
Bike gear: rear bike rack for vehicle, 2 water bottles, helmet, handlebar pouch, odometer, lock, rear rack on request, helmet. For hygienic purposes we encourage you to bring your own helmet.
Bike tools and parts: hand pump, patch kit, tire irons, spare tube, multi-tool, helmet. One set per group.
Cue sheets: plus distance/elevation profiles
GPX tracks for those bringing their own Garmin device
GPS device: Oregon 450 with programmed routes, arrow indicating route and turns. Bike mount for GPS. One device/mount per group.
Maps: road maps in English and Greek
Trip packet: useful information, such as, recommended tavernas, points of interest, phone numbers for region’s bike shops
Mobile phone: one per couple with 10 euros phone card. One phone per group.
CycleGreece jersey: short sleeved, rear pockets, locally made
Gratuities, tips, 24% VAT tax
TOUR EXCLUSIONS
- Airfare to/from Greece
- Arrivals to or departures from Crete
- Transfer from Athens Airport to Athens hotel on arrival, or from hotel on departure to port or airport
- Private licensed guide at Knossos – see Extras tab
- Additional GPS device, 50 euros per device
- Meals except breakfast
- Travel Insurance – see Extras tab
TAKE NOTE
- Participants are required to sign our Waiver
- Participants are required to agree to the Booking Agreement
- Travel Insurance is required as a condition for participation in a CycleGreece tour
Electric Bike
- E-bikes for 8 day tour cost 400 euros, and for 10 day tour cost 500 euros. See Our Bikes and Our Gear for more info
Carbon Road Bike
- Upgrade to a Specialized Tarmac Sport, carbon fiber frame and fork. Cost is 560 euros for 8 day tour and 700 euros for an 10 day tour. See Our Bikes and Our Gear for more info
Travel Insurance
- For travel insurance for U.S citizens, we are official agents of Travel Guard. Contact us to receive a policy quote. Cost of coverage depends on various factors including your state of residence, your age, your days of travel. Travel insurance is not provided for flights booked using frequent flyer mileage. Some policies require booking within 15 days of paying your trip deposit, such as, cancel for any reason or coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.
Airport Transfer on Arrival to Athens
- Private transfer from Athens Airport to Athens hotel. You are met at the arrivals exit by one of our team holding a sign with your name on it. We wait for you regardless of how late your plane may arrive. No waiting in taxi or bus lines. 170 euros per transfer for up to 8 persons.
Athens Hotel
- If you stay in Athens pre or post tour, we can recommend a hotel and book your room. We patronize a range of Athenian hotels in different neighborhoods and different budgets.
Private Archaeology Guide
- Visiting famous ancient ruins without a professional guide is like watching a movie with the sound turned off! The guides we work with make the archaic stones and temples come alive. Three hour tour with licensed guide to Knossos and Herakleion Archaeology Museum. 190 euros per group, excluding 16 euros entry fee per person.
Traditional Cretan Cooking Class
- Learn to make such Cretan delicacies as lemonmint tzatziki, vine leaves stuffed with bulgar, or chicken with olives, raisins & onions in orzo. Participation in meal preparation and, of course, eating! 4 hours. From 80 euros per person to 150 euros per person depending on location and number of participants.
Wine Tasting
- Experience the passion and expertise of a family run winery serving organic wines. Choice of wine tasting alone, wine with cheese platter, light lunch, full lunch. All choices include tour of the winery. Costs range from 7 euros per person to 35 euros per person. Contact us for details.
Samaria Gorge Guided Day Hike
- Descend Greece’s most famous gorge that is a national park with a local guide who shows you its secrets and charms. Cost is 380 euros per couple. Inclusions: skilled guide, transfer from Hania hotel to park entry, Samaria entry fee, picnic lunch, sea transfer to Hora Sfakia, land transfer to Hania hotel, port or airport. Also ask about guided day hike to Imbros Gorge.
>Accommodations
An indicative hotel for Cross Crete is Casa Delfino located in the old city of Hania within steps of the harbor.
We select the accommodations for guided tours based on quality, comfort, cleanliness, hospitality, location and charm. Most of the hotels on this tour are family owned and operated.
Hotels are included in the tour cost based on double occupancy. A single room entails an additional cost. Standard double rooms are provided but upgrade options are available.
All hotels are dependent on availability. In the event of no occupancy, we patronize comparable accommodations in the same location.
Drive & Bike tours require a deposit of 400 euros per person with the balance due 90 days prior to departure.
To make payment, we must first set up your online account. Once your itinerary and cost are finalized, go to the Book Now link which takes you to the secure Aegea Booking page to input your credit card information via PayPal. You may pay with a major credit card or Visa or Mastercard debit card or a PayPal account if you have one. You have the option to pay in euros other currencies. We pay all bank service fees although your credit card company may charge you a foreign transaction fee.
Alternatively, if you are reluctant to pay online, we can take your credit card information by phone. Please contact us to arrange a mutually convenient date and time for us to call you. We can also give you our bank account details if you opt to pay by bank wire transfer which usually has lower fees than those charged by a credit card company .
See details in the Booking Agreement which you must agree as a condition to participation in a CycleGreece tour. Participants are also required to sign a Waiver & Release of Liability.
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