Hike Along The Libyan Sea in Crete, Greece
September 18 - October 2, 2022
Group size - 14
Co-Trip Leaders - Ed & Helen Maurer
A few years ago, we fell in love with Crete. The heart of this program is its wild south coast where steep cliffs rise above lonely beaches with crystal clear water, where whitewashed churches and small villages dot the arid hillsides, and where the scent of pungent plants perfume the air. This trip offers a chance to visit the Minoan Palace in Heraklion where the Minotaur once roamed, spend time in historic Chania, and, best of all, hike part of the E4 long distance trail along Europe’s southernmost coast facing the Libyan Sea.
The heart of this 2-week trip is hiking days 6 – 11 along the western and southern coasts of Crete. We walk in an austere, rocky, and dry land rising steeply out of the azure Libyan Sea. Small coastal communities of whitewashed houses with blue doors and shutters, some of which can only be reached on foot or by sea, dot the dramatic coastline. And we’ll explore impressive, narrow gorges full of plant life and offering a striking contrast to the open horizons of the coast. Although our average hiking day measures 6.2 mi., each mile has to be earned as we walk on rocky trails with lots of ups and downs, some steep, and little shade.
But before we start hiking, we will be introduced to the Minoan culture that marks the beginning of what we used to call Western Civilization. Here are the roots of our alphabet; here is art that is as accessible now as it was then; here, 3,700 years ago, myths and gods emerged that later shaped the Greco-Roman world and its successors.
While the hiking is not for the faint of heart as some of the hikes are on exposed, steep trails, and are strenuous, this Fall version trip can accommodate self sufficient non-hikers. At this time of year, the summer sun has warmed the Libyan Sea making the water very pleasantly warm and adding to the attraction of the delightful beaches. Exploring the various beaches and ports along the coast is easily achieved by taking the regular ferry boats and to meet up with the rest of the group for dinner at the end of the day
What’s Included?
Accommodation in 2 – 4-star hotels (double-occupancy with private bath)
All on-trip land transportation
All luggage transfers
All breakfasts and 8 dinners
All entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary
All hikes
Gratuities for local service providers
4 pre-trip bulletins prior to departure with more detailed and specific information to help you prepare for your adventure including a day-by-day itinerary in booklet form with detailed maps
What's Not Included:
International airfare and in-country travel, pre- and post- trip
All lunches and 6 dinners
Other expenses including Covid-19 tests, quarantine and medical evacuations.
We recommend purchasing travel insurance.
Trip Dates: September 18 - October 2, 2022 | 15 days
Group size - 14
Trip Price and Deposit: $3,200 | Deposit: $800 | Single supplement $500
Remainder to be paid by June 17, 2022
Price is based on twin occupancy of rooms. Same gender roommate will be assigned to participants traveling solo. Single supplements are limited, please email us at contact@bigroundworld.com if you are interested in securing a room for sole occupancy. Your non-refundable deposit will hold your reservation. Either pay on line (credit/ debit cards accepted) using our secure PayPal payment system or write a check, payable to “Big Round World”, and mail it to: PO Box 1337, Lyons, CO 80540.
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