CLASSICAL CRETE

A new cycling destination with captivating scenery and a warm welcome is emerging on the Greek island of Crete. The amazing sight of the snow-capped Lefka Ori mountains as you ride beside the sparkling Mediterranean Sea will accompany you as you explore the western side of the island. The roads are good with little traffic and a pleasure to ride in typical mild, Mediterranean weather. On top of this, delight in delicious, authentic Cretan food, great hospitality and high quality accommodation. Be one of the first to discover this cycling paradise and write your own Greek legend!

This is also a great tour for non-riding partners and family. Besides the glorious beaches, there are a myriad things to do such as visiting Greek ruins and monasteries, hiking, olive oil tasting, shopping and more.

FULL ITINERARY

DAY ONE SUN 18 MAR | WELCOME TO CRETE

Recommend arrival by 10:30am in time to join the sailing adventure around the old harbour of Chania and meet the long tour group. Seeing the island from the sea is wonderfully scenic introduction. Lunch is included in the cruise. Bike set up and check in the afternoon followed by Welcome dinner and Tour Introduction.

DAY TWO MON 19 MAR | CHANIA TO LAKKOI

What a ride! The wild scenery is captivating, and the road provides a challenge. A solid course which includes a wonderful combination of mountains, gorges and natural springs along the way. Transfer to Kissamos in the afternoon.
DISTANCE | 75KM | 47MI
ELEVATION | 1200M | 3900FT

DAY THREE TUE 20 MAR | KISSAMOS TO SFINARI

An adventurous day's ride on the borders of Western Crete. An undulating route through quaint villages and diverse scenery provides much to enjoy!
DISTANCE | 68KM | 43MI
ELEVATION | 1200M | 3900FT

DAY FOUR WED 21 MAR | KISSAMOS LOOP TO AFRATA

A delightful day to enjoy the Cretan countryside as we ride a short but challenging course. We'll break for lunch in an enchanting village where the views and delicious local dishes will make you forget your legs!
DISTANCE | 62KM | 38MI
ELEVATION | 900M | 2950FT

DAY FIVE THU 22 MAR | KISSMOS TO PALAIOCHORA

Today we ride past the village of Vouves where we'll see the most ancient, thousand year old olive tree of Crete. We traverse the Chania prefecture from the North to the South. Let's hope for a tail wind!
DISTANCE | 67KM | 42MI
ELEVATION | 1200M | 3900FT

DAY SIX FRI 23 MAR | PALAIOCHORO LOOP TO SASALOS

We continue our Greek odyssey with a testing ride. Again it's a shorter but quite demanding course, but achievable by everyone. Only a total of 1000m to climb! This is a route where you can again really enjoy the Cretan countryside. We'll replenish ourselves with a lunch stop in the old school in Anydrus village, followed by spectacular views of a magnificent gorge.
DISTANCE | 79KM | 49MI
ELEVATION | 1500M | 4900FT

DAY SEVEN SAT 24 MAR | PALAIOCHORA LOOP TO PLEMENIANA

A terrific day's ride once more exploring a little more of the border of Western Crete. Our last ride has its challenges as we discover lovely villages, each with their own character, before finishing in plenty of time for our final feast on this wonderful island!
DISTANCE | 67KM | 42MI
ELEVATION | 1300M | 4250FT

DAY EIGHT SUN 25 MAR | GOODBYE

Time to say farewell, until next time!

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

FLIGHTS | INSURANCES | BIKE HIRE | LUNCHES | ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES | PERSONAL HOTEL EXPENSES | GUIDE GRATUITIES | PRE- OR POST-TOUR ACCOMMODATION