
Eastern Crete Coastal Cycling
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Set off in Heraklion and wrap up there too on this 8 day cycling escape – a brilliant blend of ancient wonders, coastlines and Cretan flavours. You’ll explore Knossos and the Palace of Phaistos, roll through olive groves with an olive oil tasting at a local estate, and visit characterful towns including Agios Nikolaos, Ierapetra and Rethimno with its Venetian Fortezza. Expect sea views, quiet mountain villages, golden beaches for a swim and friendly tavernas for long lunches. Optional extras include a jaunt to Gaidouronissi or an added day to reach Elounda and Spinalonga – the pace is relaxed and the scenery is memorable.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
8 daysHotel Rating
Accommodation as per the InclusionsStarts
HeraklionEnds
HeraklionMinimum Age
16 years oldMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Greece that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
NoDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
NoCountry
GreeceMeals Included
Breakfast: 7Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max Self-Guided Tour
Min 2 / Max Self-Guided Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Travel Style
Worldwide Touring
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
Self-guided
On this tour, all arrangements such as accommodation and transportation are pre-arranged for you. You may enjoy included activities and guided sightseeing, but you will need to navigate your way through the tour by yourself. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical rating
Demands a higher level of physical effort, including extended walking, hiking, or more challenging terrain. You must be able to walk around 5 kilometres per day and on overland trips, you must be able to manage steps up into overland trucks.
These ratings are a general guide and may vary from tour to tour.
Tour Guide
NoGroup Size
Min 2 / Max Self-Guided TourRange
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
On this tour, all arrangements such as accommodation and transportation are pre-arranged for you. You may enjoy included activities and guided sightseeing, but you will need to navigate your way through the tour by yourself. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
Demands a higher level of physical effort, including extended walking, hiking, or more challenging terrain. You must be able to walk around 5 kilometres per day and on overland trips, you must be able to manage steps up into overland trucks.
Trip Type
Private ToursPassengers
$4,180.00
$2,090.00
Free eSIM included
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Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Heraklion
We arrive in Heraklion and transfer to our hotel. You have time to wander Crete’s largest city – more than 3,000 years of history – perhaps strolling to the imposing Koule that guards the harbour or the excellent Archaeological Museum. Overnight at Atrion Hotel, Heraklion.
Day 2 - Heraklion - Koutouloufari
We head out of Heraklion to Knossos, the island’s foremost archaeological site – widely regarded as Europe’s oldest city – where we explore the Minoan Palace and surrounding remains, then continue to the traditional village of Koutouloufari. Overnight at Ariadni Palace, Koutouloufari.
Day 3 - Koutouloufari - Vrahasi - Neapoli - Agios Nikolaos
We ride through dramatic mountain scenery, passing timeless villages such as Vrahasi, then call at the Vassilakis Estate in Neapoli to sample locally produced olive oil before rolling into Agios Nikolaos, the picturesque capital of Lasithi. If you’d like more cycling, you can add an extra night here to explore Elounda and Spinalonga – a celebrated highlight of Crete on a 32km ride. Overnight at Mantraki Hotel, Agios Nikolaos.
Day 4 - Agios Nikolaos - Ierapetra
We follow the coastline then wind through olive groves to reach the waterfront town of Ierapetra. You can pause for a swim at a golden beach along the way, and, time permitting, you could book a boat trip to the unique island of Gaidouronissi. Overnight at Astron Hotel, Ierapetra.
Day 5 - Ierapetra - Myrtos - Tertsa - Keratokambos - Tsoutsouros
We tackle a long yet beautiful coastal route, passing the characterful villages of Myrtos, Tertsa and Keratokambos, before reaching the tranquil town of Tsoutsouros where you can enjoy a well deserved rest on the beach. Overnight at Apollon Apartments, Tsoutsouros.
Day 6 - Tsoutsouros - Mesohori - Agia Galini
We transfer to Mesohori to begin today’s ride, cycling among olive groves and through small villages before reaching the day’s highlight – the Palace of Phaistos, a major Bronze Age archaeological site – then continue to the small seaside town of Agia Galini. Overnight at Petra Hotel, Agia Galini.
Day 7 - Agia Galini - Spili - Rethimno
We transfer to Spili to start the ride, passing mountain villages of Rethimno Province before reaching Limni ton Potamon – the Lake of the Rivers. You can cross the dam for fine views and to sample local tavernas, then we continue to Rethimno, a historic city founded by the Venetians, crowned by the Fortezza – the Venetian era citadel. Overnight at Ideon Hotel, Rethimno.
Day 8 - Rethimno - Heraklion
We return to Heraklion Airport for departure.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Prices & Dates
”Double/Twin" prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. "Single" prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. "Shared" prices are for solo travellers who are happy to share with another solo traveller of the same sex in a twin room - a single room will be provided at no additional cost if there are no suitable travellers to share with.
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