Greek Walking Adventure

The adventure begins in Santorini, an island of mythic landscapes. Traditional white houses cling to  dark, sheer volcanic cliffs, and with each stunning sunset the waters of its vast caldera turn gold. Your home for three nights is a family run hotel that has been beautifully restored from ancient cave houses, with awesome sea views from each room. From here you hike to little-visited medieval villages,  take a boat to Thirasia Island to explore ancient Greek ruins, swim from a black sand beach, and sample wine at a renowned local vineyard.

Next you take the fast ferry to Crete. Here, people still live close to the land, and are immensely passionate and proud of their culture, their food and their history. The island boasts rugged mountains cut through by stunning gorges, one of which you follow to a stunning beach. Ancient Minoan and Roman roads lead you past spectacular ruins, to picturesque villages where traditional crafts are still practiced. You hike to vantage points with stunning across meadows, ancient olive groves and vineyards.

The mysterious Minoan culture dates back 5000 years, and you visit its  impressive palaces and cities, as well as Classic Greek and Roman ruins, Crusaders’ castles, grandiose public buildings from the Italian era, and hilltop villages where time stands still.

This carefully crafted itinerary includes daily walks of varying lengths and on a variety of terrains. Each morning your guide will share detailed information about the day’s walks. If on any day you decide not to walk, there will be other options that you will enjoy. For most of the walks, it is possible to ‘exit’ partway through and meet our vehicle.

Day 1 Arrive in Santorini  

At the airport transfer to a family-run heritage hotel, which has stunning views of Santorini’s Caldera.

Day 2 Santorini’s Hidden Villages

Step out of our hotel and onto the scenic Caldera Path, following it through whitewashed villages to the town of Fira. Here there is free time to wander or visit the Archaeological Museum of Thera.

After a short drive inland, explore three medieval villages on foot.  Have lunch in the first, then follow a track to a ‘hidden gem’, largely untouched by tourism.

In the final beautiful village, stroll past its charming old mansions and stop for a coffee or an apéritif in one of its tavernas. Transfer back to our hotel and get ready to go out for dinner on a patio with a stunning sunset view over the caldera.

Day 3 Oia & Thirasia

Walk the Caldera Path in the opposite direction, to join a track along a wild stretch of the volcanic cliffs. Arriving in the famous village of Oia, explore at your own pace before hiking down to the small port of Ammoudi, for a boat to the ‘little sister’ of Santorini, Thirasia Island.

Explore Thirasia on foot, from its abandoned village with traditional cave houses, to its peak, where there are amazing visas, and down to a beach for a swim, stopping for late morning snacks along the way.

Finally, visit a small winery, for a tasting of quality wines reflecting the unique volcanic ‘terroir, and for a delicious late lunch.

Day 4 Eastern Santorini & ferry to Crete

After a leisurely breakfast, explore the archeological site of ancient Thera, on the ridge of the Mesa Vouno Mountain. Dating back to the 8^th Century BC, Thera was considered the religious and commercial centre of Santorini, and its high, windy ruins are atmospheric. From the imposing rock where ancient Thera stands, hike down to a black sand beach, where you have time for a swim before lunch at a local tavern.

In the afternoon transfer to the port and take a high-speed ferry to Crete.

Arriving in Heraklion, Crete’s largest city, check into our five-star hotel and enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, with ingredients from its own farm.

Day 5 Knossos and the Minoans 

Today you journey through the world of the ancient Minoans. As you follow a trail to the top of their sacred mountain, your expert local guide shares stories of this mysterious Bronze Age culture.

After lunch in a small town nestled below the sacred peaks, visit Knossos, the most important Minoan palace. This was the centre of a commercial empire extending throughout the Aegean until a massive earthquake led to its demise.

In late afternoon transfer to a hilltop village with some beautifully restored houses on the southern edge of the Heraklion region – your home for the next two days. Meet our genial hosts and enjoy an authentic Cretan dinner.

Day 6: Farm Visit & Coastal Hike

After breakfast on a patio with endless sea views, walk to the farm run by our hosts. Meet – and maybe help feed – their sheep, goats and horses, learn about their traditional farming, and have an olive oil tasting session.

After lunch on the farm, set off in 4×4 vehicles for a scenic (and somewhat bumpy) ride down to the coast, and the start point of your hike. Follow a rugged cliff top path to a remote 14^th Century monastery surrounded by caves once inhabited by hermits.

On the way back, there’s the option of a bracing swim before driving up the mountain for another delicious dinner.

Day 7 Ancient paths & Traditional Ceramics

Transfer to a small hidden valley in an area of Crete that is almost untouched by tourism. Walk from the ruins of an ancient city dating back 3000 years, along a path past massive cisterns cut into the rock. Arrive at a village with a centuries-old ceramic-making tradition.

In the afternoon, visit a workshop for an impressive demonstration from a skilled and artful potter who uses technologies and designs of the Minoans.

By the evening, reach the Venetian harbourside town of Rethymno and settle into a charming boutique hotel in the picturesque old center.

Day 8 Rethymno and Hike

This relaxed day starts with a walking tour of the ancient Venetian town of Rethymno and it’s fortress, followed by lunch in one of the scenic squares.

In the afternoon, take a gentle hike in the countryside not far from the city, through an area renowned for its old water mills.

The rest of the day is free to explore this lovely part of town.

Day 9 Aradena Gorge Hike

Transfer to the southern side of the island for the stunning Aradena Gorge hike. The gorge leads to lovely Marmara beach, where you can have a refreshing swim before lunch at a local tavern.

From Marmara beach, take a water taxi to Loutro – a fishing village with no road access or as another option, hike to Loutro along a challenging coastal path.

Finally we relax in Loutro, enjoying the vibe of this remote settlement and having dinner in a harbourside restaurant.

Day 10 Coastal Walk & Chania

Walk takes us along a cliffside path from Loutro to the next coastal village for lunch. In the afternoon transfer to Chania, the final stop of this journey.

After settling into a historic, harbour-front hotel, there is free time to roam around the enchanting old town of Chania, which features Byzantian, Venetian, and Ancient Greek architecture.

Celebrate the end of your fabulous Greek adventure in a harbourside restaurant.

Day 11 Departure from Chania

Transfer to Chania airport to start your journey home, or to our next destination.

PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary serves as an example of trip highlights and can be changed according to your preferences.

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