ADULT
4 - 14 guests
Activity Level 4
Challenge Accepted
I'll let my trusty guides sweat the small things, so I can focus on my goal. Getting to the top, reaching the end, achieving my dreams! Sure, it'll be tough, but the views will be worth it.
Read more about the Active Range
Price
USD $7499/per adult
Next available departure
19 May - 29 May
Activity Level 1
What's The Rush?
I'm active and in decent shape and not looking to experience a place just through a bus window. I'm happy to slow down on the trail, soak it in and breathe in the fresh air.
Walking: 2-3 hours per day on gentle-gradient trails.
Other activities: On these trips, you'll be taking part in a range of other activities that focus less on building up a sweat and more on enjoying the finer things in life.
Activity Level 2
On the Move
Sure, I own some hiking boots, they're even worn in, but they don't go on long trips. I like my creature comforts and I like to give a range of activities a go.
Walking: 2-4 hours per day on gentle to moderate gradient trails. No multi-day hikes.
Biking: 1-3 hours, cruisy rides achievable by anyone, even first-timers. Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. snorkeling): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 3
Step It Up
I love an active vacation. Engaging in a challenging activity with a difficult goal, such as reaching a summit, is exactly what I need to unwind in the evenings.
Hiking: Typically, 3-6 hours per day on well-formed backcountry trails. Expect some significant gradient inclines and declines.
Altitude: Your trip may include some moderate altitude areas, though these don't form the focus of the trip and are generally manageable.
Biking: 1-3 hours on well-formed paths or roads where you can expect some hills with moderate climbs and descents.
Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. caving): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 4
Challenge Accepted
I'll let my trusty guides sweat the small things, so I can focus on my goal. Getting to the top, reaching the end, achieving my dreams! Sure, it'll be tough, but the views will be worth it.
Hiking / Trekking: Typically, 4–6-hour hikes with options for more, sometimes with limited or no vehicle support and nearly always with ascents and descents.
Altitude: Some trips at this level will reach a significant altitude. We are here to help you manage that and make your experience one to cherish for a lifetime.
Biking & Kayaking: If one, or both, of these activities are 'your thing,' there are trip options in this range, allowing you to be on two wheels or with a paddle in your hand for most of the day.
Activity Level 5
The Upper Limit
I'm ready to put in the hard work to reap the rewards. I'm a seasoned adventurer, not afraid to get my boots wet.
Trekking & Altitude: This is classic trekking, at altitude. Some might even call it 'expedition-style.' We've had folks from all walks of life achieve their dreams on our grade 5 trips, so if you're in for a challenge get in touch to find out if this is for you.
Experience the very best iconic Greece has to offer on this 11-day hiking adventure. Starting in the rugged White Mountains of Crete, you will hike parts of the E4 (the European Trail) staying in the mountaintop village of Omalos, before making your way down to pristine beaches, stopping for lunch at charming Tavernas along the way. Skipping over to the beautiful island of Santorini with its breathtaking sunsets and whitewashed villages perched atop dramatic rock faces, you will hike coastal tracks, explore ruins from the Bronze Age, and swim and sea kayak the iconic turquoise waters. The journey doesn’t stop there! Next, it’s a flight up to the mainland to the city of Thessaloniki, a fascinating blend of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman influences. The adventure reaches its pinnacle (literally!) hiking amidst the home of the Greek Gods, the legendary Mount Olympus, to conquer Greece’s highest peaks.
Crete's White Mountains
Hiking
Mt Olympus
Hiking
Mt Skolio
Hiking
Coastal Tracks
Hiking
Samaria Gorge
Hiking
Santorini
Kayaking
Explore Chania
Plus ...
Explore Heraklion
Plus ...
Santorini
Plus ...
Beautiful beaches
Plus ...
Archaeological Museum of Thira
Plus ...
Wine tasting
Plus ...
Day 1
We’ll meet in the lobby of our hotel early in the evening in Chania, on the west part of the island of Crete. Our adventure begins with an orientation evening stroll around charming old Chania town before stopping for dinner at a traditional Cretan tavern.
Kydon Hotel, Chania (Dinner)
Day 2
Get ready to enter the White Mountains! We will get plenty of the fresh mountain air as we gear up for today’s high ascent of Mt Gingilos. This legendary 2080-meter (6824-foot) peak towers over Samaria and part of the E4 - the official European trail connecting the West to East. Its north face, a near vertical slope of solid rock may look daunting, but we will follow the path around the back, to reach the summit with only a little scrambling! Bearded vultures, the biggest birds in Europe, glide past this cliff top, often at midday on their foraging trips – it’s well worth keeping an eye out for them! We will reach the mountaintop village of Omalos, at an altitude just over 1000 meters (3281 feet), and enjoy the famous Cretan hospitality, meeting characterful locals in their rustic, family run, mountain hotel. After dinner, settle into a well-earned night’s rest in peace and quiet, with the occasional jingling of goats’ bells heard in the distance.
Hotel Gigilos Omalos or Neos Omalos, Omalos (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: Omalos to Mt Gingilos: 9km (5.6 miles), 6 hours; Elevation +1080 meters (3,543 feet)
Day 3
“Kalimera!” We awaken in the heart of the White Mountains, enjoy a traditional Cretan breakfast, and set off to hike the longest gorge in Europe, the Samaria Gorge. Hiking through forests of scented pines, we reach the narrowest point, the "Iron Gates", where the rocks on each side reach an altitude of 600 meters (1969 feet). After a 16km (9.9 miles) descent we’ll reach the welcoming seaside resort of Agia Roumeli on the South Coast, with its fine pebble beach and sparkling turquoise sea - perfect for a refreshing dip!
Pachnes B&B, Agia Roumeli (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: 16km (9.9 miles), 6.5 hours
Day 4
A wonderful coastal hike awaits us! After an early rise, we leave the peaceful village in the cool morning breeze, walking on sand and shingle up to the picturesque chapel of St Pavlos (Paul), said to mark the place Saint Paul landed on Crete. A freshwater spring flows out of the pebbles right next to the chapel! We will pause for a refreshing swim before hiking on to the mesmerizing Marmara Beach. Here we will take another dip in the clear blue water before enjoying a superb lunch at a local taverna overlooking the azure sea. After lunch we will travel by water taxi to the tiny and remote seaside settlement of Loutro.
Molos Apartments or Kyma Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: 11km (6.8 miles), 4-5 hours
Day 5
Today we will follow the coastal path to Chora Sfakion, stopping for a swim at quite possibly Crete’s best beach, Freshwater Beach. Also known as Sweetwater Beach, its water is impossibly deep blue due to the clear freshwater springs flowing through the small pebbles and into the sea. From Chora Sfakion we will drive to the port city of Heraklion, the capital of Crete. In the evening we’ll explore this historic city by foot before a dinner of delicious Greek cuisine.
Olive Green Hotel, Heraklion (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: 6.6km (4.1 miles), 3 hours
Day 6
It’s just a 2-hour ferry ride to arrive in Santorini. We will drop our luggage at the hotel and set off for a wander around the streets of Fira. After lunch our expert local guide will show us around the Archaeological Museum of Thira and the Bronze Age site of Akrotiri, where the Minoan empire flourished. Their frescos and architectural styles are astonishing even today. Now to view Santorini from a different perspective – by sea kayak! We’ll paddle past beautiful cave houses carved into the coastal rock and explore amazing sea caves. To the east we’ll kayak past the aptly named White Beach, with its dazzling white rock cliffs, before reaching the vivid russet rock formations of Red Beach (also aptly named!) We will take time out at Kampia Beach to snorkel and explore the marine life of the crystalline Aegean Sea. Our epic day will end with a delicious meal of traditional Greek fare in a local taverna.
El Greco Resort & Spa, Fira, Santorini (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Kayaking: 5 hours
Day 7
Wake up to a rest day in sensational Santorini! There is the option to hike the volcanic Caldera trail first thing in the morning to catch the sunrise. Alternatively, meander through the bougainvillea laden streets of lively Fira, and the blue-domed churches and white-washed sugarcube houses of the nearby village of Oia. Tonight, sip a chilled ouzo watching the sun set over the Aegean Sea, and enjoy a romantic dinner in Fira or the Oia.
El Greco Resort & Spa, Fira, Santorini (Breakfast)
Hiking: Optional Caldera Hike: 11km (6.8 miles), 5 hours
Day 8
Today, we leave the islands and fly to Thessaloniki on mainland Greece. From here, we will drive through picturesque vineyards, stopping for some wine tasting and to enjoy lunch among the vines. We’ll stop off at the beautiful Agia Kori waterfalls before arriving at Litochoro in the foothills of Mt Olympus. After checking into our guesthouse, we’ll take an orientation walk around quaint Litochoro and enjoy dinner at a local taverna.
Arhontiko Aphrodite Hotel or Villa Pantheon Hotel, Litochoro (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 9
This morning we’ll transfer to Prionia at an altitude of 1100 meters (3609 feet), from where we begin our hike up to the ‘Home of the Gods’. The route from Prionia to the Spilios Agapitos mountain hut is the most widely used hiking trail on Mount Olympus and part of the E4 European Path. For the most part we’ll be hiking through thick forests of pine, beech and fir trees. We continue to climb and make our way up to reach the mountain hut to overnight at Spilios Agapitos at an altitude of 2100 meters (6890 feet).
Refuge A, Spilios Agapitos (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: 5km (3.1 miles), 4 hours; elevation +1000 meters (3281 feet)
Day 10
After an early morning rise and breakfast, we follow the European path E4 until we reach Skala Peak at 2866 meters (9403 feet). We will then hike to reach Skolio at 2911 meters (9551 feet), the second highest peak in Greece (only 8 meters (26 feet) less than Mytikas). This is 4-5 hours hiking (and/or scramble!) on narrow paths with an altitude gain of 800 meters. After summitting we’ll head back, following the same path towards the Agapitos Mountain Hut, and transfer back to the village of Litochoro for our well-earned farewell feast.
Arhontiko Aphrodite Hotel or Villa Pantheon Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: Skolio: 11km (6.8 miles), 9 hours; elevation +/- 811 meters (2660 feet)
Day 11
After a mighty Mediterranean breakfast, and a “Greek” coffee, we’ll travel back to the center of the lively city of Thessaloniki to say goodbye “Adio”!
(Breakfast)
Get in touch with our specialized team to find out more and get personalized advice.
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By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable.
We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. Please note CFAR insurance can only be purchased within 14 days of booking. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.
T+Cs Apply.
You’ll be inspired and exhilarated, enjoying mind-blowing scenery on foot, in a sea kayak, or by bike - all at your own pace.
We're proud of our Kiwi roots and you’ll love our professional and warm style of hosting. We’re always here to help with planning... even hiking boot recommendations!
We've got everything covered – top-notch meals, comfortable transport, superb accommodation, amazing guides and INCREDIBLE service.
With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you'll get to know your fellow travelers and have the flexibility to go at your own pace.
All our carefully selected guides are highly experienced and have deep personal connections to nature and culture. You’ll enjoy an authentic local experience.
We could hang around all day telling you how wonderful our trips are... but the best people to hear it from are our guests themselves.
