Premium Nature Tour in Cretan Mountains, Traditions, Flavours and Golden Beaches 7 Days (CHQ30)

Go beyond the ordinary tours and you will be left astonished by the idyllic ambiance of the uncharted West Crete picture square gems. Enjoy your 7 days road trip with maximum comfort in a premium chauffeured off-road vehicle at your full-day disposal for daily uncharted escapes in Crete, visiting Rethymnon - Cave of Zeus – Chania – Balos – Elafonissi.

Soak up the beauty of the beaten tracks in the Cretan mountains, swim in unique crystal clear waters on the golden beaches of Chania, and unearth the authentic local lifestyle of Western Crete. Beautiful nature sights without the hype and mass of tourists, uncharted routes through traditional ancient villages of Chania and Rethymnon, exquisite archaeological spots (like the glorious Cave of Zeus) and Venetian Ports, easily accessible wild gorges with unspoiled natural beauty, Byzantine monasteries, private skippered boat tours to secluded bays and the crystal clear waters of Balos Lagoon and Elafonissi coral beach combined with unique local tastings and flavors are only some of our experiences you will receive in your premium road trip.

Your private local escort will customize for you uncharted itineraries from the mountainous region to the gleaming seas of Chania and Rethymnon, where you will visit authentic Cretan villages, connect with locals, and engage with the stunning nature of West Crete.

Last but not least, you will have the chance for unique home-made cooking lessons, and wine and olive oil tastings! Prepare for a multi-day tour package beyond the ordinary and excite all your senses!!!

Technical Information

• Distance: 900 km
• Altitude Dif: 1250m

Itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrival at Chania or Heraklion airport and transfer to hotel in Axos

Driving Distance: 50 -180 Km, Driving Duration: 1 -2 h

Our adventure road trip set off from Chania or Heraklion airport traveling in a premium seven-seated off-road vehicle and heading towards the Mylopotamos area and Axos Village. Mylopotamos is one of the most well-known areas of Crete and with the highest mountain Peak of Crete, Psiloritis. Hotel check-in and free time.

• Day 2: Visit the Glorious Cave of Zeus and Mylopotamos Villages, and involve yourself in live cheese making process and cooking class.

Driving Distance: 70 Km, Driving Duration: 2h, Tour Duration: 7 - 8 Hrs

Exploring the Mylopotamos region, you’ll discover the glorious cave of Zeus, drive through the famous traditional villages of Zoniana and Anogeia with long-kept Cretan secrets, and also the birthplace of the famous Cretan singer Xilouris. You will experience a visit to an original Shepherd’s hut for a unique milking and cheese-making process. We will be ending our day with a unique Cretan cooking lesson and traditional Cretan flavors which you can taste for our lunch.

• Day 3: Axos – Apokoronas Villages – Chania

Driving Distance: 150Km, Driving Duration: 3h 30m, Tour Duration: 7-8Hrs

After breakfast, we check out and depart from Axos following the national road to Chania. Just before the city of Chania, our route passes through the traditional villages of the Apokoronas region. Apokoronas region is a densely forested area, with uncharted routes, Byzantine churches with panoramic views, and amazing picturesque villages. On our way to Chania city, we will stop in a traditional tavern in an idyllic spot to enjoy a good meal. As we reach Chania we will check in at our hotel.

Day 4: Chania road-trip to Elafonissi and Falasarna

Driving Distance: 190Km, Driving Duration: 4h, Tour Duration: 9-10 Hrs

Our day starts from Chania going to Elafonissi through a unique mountain route. On the way to the South Coast, we cross many historic Cretan villages like Topolia, Vlatos, Elos, and gorges that views are breathtaking with many photo-stop opportunities. Arriving at the famous Elafonissi coral beach enough time will be provided for swimming in the crystal clear waters and area exploration. After our dive in the famous Elafonissi beach we are heading west next to the gleaming sea and cross Cretan villages on the West Coast like Chrisoskalitisa, Amygdalokefali, Sfinari we reach Falasarna sandy beach for swimming and 2 hours of free time to relax and enjoy the crystal clear waters. On the way back to Chania we visit a famous traditional tavern where we will get a tasty Cretan meal. 

Day 5: Private Boat Charter to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island

Driving Distance: 80Miles, Travelling Duration: 3hrs, Tour Duration: 7-8Hr

Balos is definitely one of the most beautiful places in Greece with a unique beach full of many different sea shells, where you can have a fantastic swim. We start our cruise from Kolymbari port heading parallel to the Rodopou peninsula close to the Rocky Mountains where the views are breathtaking. Enjoying the ride while gazing at the secluded bays and learning some important historic information about the area from our skipper you begin to free your mind. After about an hour we reach the small port of Gramvousa with the famous castle built in 1579 by the Venetians, located at the highest point of the island, on top of a steep, 137-meter-high rock. Its majestic beauty combined with the panoramic view of Balos Lagoon and the legend of hidden pirate treasure linked to it is a good reason to put on the sneakers and take the 20-minute walk that will get you up there. Apart from your visit to the castle, you can swim to the small beach with crystal clear waters and also enjoy your lunch packages.

Our second dive takes place in Balos Lagoon before the big ferries arrive full of people. Leaving Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon we follow the same route back close to the Rocky Mountains, small secluded bays like Menies Beach are ideal for quick dives. The beauty of the scenery, the privacy, and the panoramic vistas will help you relax far away from crowded beaches.

Day 6: Chania City and Winery Tour

Driving Distance: 70Km, Driving Duration: 2 hrs, Tour Duration: 6-7 Hrs

After breakfast, we follow a guided tour of Chania Venetian Old Harbour and a city tour. Followed by an exclusive winery and vineyard tour with tasting and lunch our day is fulfilled. Relaxing time and evening walk in the city with dinner.

Free time for shopping and walks on your own before returning to the hotel.

Day 7: Departure from Chania or Heraklion Airport

Driving Distance: 30 - 150 Km, Driving Duration: 1-2 h

Highlights

• Visit Rethymnon, Cave of Zeus, Chania, Elafonissi, Falasarna, Balos Lagoon
• Imposing mountains, traditional villages, cheesemaking, cooking lesson
• Uncharted off-road routes with unique panoramic views
• Private tour in premium off-road vehicles with driver-escorts
• Certified Guides in Archeological sites and mountain activities.

Adventure Tips

• The trip is ideal for everyone who´s looking for an experience beyond the ordinary, youth groups, single or couple participants, families with older children, and companies.
• Wine consumption is not allowed for minors under the age of 18 years old. The trip has guided stops every 30-40 minutes, for everyone´s convenience.
• When meals are included, we can arrange vegetarian alternatives, but the information is required upon reservation. This also counts for any kind of food allergies, in order to find suitable alternatives if possible.

Important Information

• The trip is not recommended for people suffering from car sickness, having mobility or kinetic or back problems, pregnant women or children younger than 7 years old as we don't provide baby seats, or people taller than 195 cm or heavier than 130 kg.
• Alcohol consumption is not allowed for minors under the age of 18 years old.
• Our company reserves the right to make minor changes in the program when considered necessary, for example, in case of unfavorable weather conditions. This can be done without any prior notice. 
• The cruise takes place all year round except for Christmas and Easter