Trip Overview

Bicycling the Land of Zorba

Bicycling Magazine called Classic Adventures’ bicycle tour of Crete “one of the 50 best rides on the planet.” For more than 25 years we have been refining our tour of this island paradise, with 2 optional hikes. Majestic mountains sweep down to emerald-blue seas. Lyrical sheep bells and the aromas of wild oregano and thyme add to the Mediterranean magic. Delight in Feta cheese, thick homemade yogurt, honey-soaked walnuts, and grilled seafood.

We explore Venetian ruins of Heraklion and visit the Archeological Museum with its fabulous Minoan pottery and jewelry. A guided tour of ancient Knossos brings to light the reign of King Minos. Relive stories of the bull jumpers and Theseus’ daring descent into the labyrinth to slay the Minotaur.

Highlights include the Lassithi Plateau where donkeys and old windmills echo a bygone era. Mountain vistas surround the village of Spili, noted for spring water. The famous Samarian Gorge (the most natural wonder of Western Europe) provides a spectacular hike - essentially downhill! Six nights of lodging are on or near the beach!

Crete’s magic also lies in its vestiges of the past. Guide Dale Hart unfolds rich layers of history for you. His stories bring to life the real Crete, where Zeus was born and Europa was loved.

Couples with different riding levels may choose either Crete trip: Land of Zorba or Extreme Crete.

What's Included

• Use of a Classic Adventures bicycle (Trek hybrid or road bike)
• A non-regimented, “cycle at your own pace itinerary” with an average of 35-45 miles per day with the option of additional or fewer miles. (Coast to Coast averages 75 mi. per day)
• Lodging in select country inns & hotels/motels.
• Daily breakfast & most dinners
• Full van support.
• Detailed maps, route descriptions, and cultural information on a daily basis.
• Most commercial transportation within the country of most tours. (See daily itineraries for specific transfer information).
• Friendly and experienced multi-lingual guides.
• Expert bicycle mechanics.
• Guided tours of selected historical destinations visited.
• Pre-departure information packet includes: tour specific info., reading list, packing list, training suggestions, riding tips, etc.
• All bicycles come equipped with trunk bag; rear rack; water bottles; lock; pump; spare tube; odometer/computer.

Daily Itinerary

Greece: Island of Crete

Day 1. Arrival in Heraklion, Crete, at Atlantis Hotel (A class). Orientation followed by dinner.

Day 2. Explore Venetian ruins of Heraklion; guided tour of Knossos and Archeological Museum. Transfer to Lassithi Plateau.

Day 3. Circle the plateau accompanied by goats and sheep. Visit the cave where mythological Zeus was born. Visit folklore museum, or hike to Minoan site of Karphi. (15 mi. cycling + 3-4 hr. hike)

Day 4. Downhill ride through Potami River Valley. Swim the Libyan Sea in Ierapetra. (29 or 46 mi.)

Day 5. Visit small 4th century Byzantine church with unusual frescoes. Travel the Plain of Messara to beach village of Matala. (35, 52, or 72 mi.)

Day 6. Bike to Phaistos, Aghia Triada, and Gortys or beach walk. (30 mi. cycling or 3 hr. walk)

Day 7. Visit small 4th cent. church off the beaten path. Lunch at Aghia Galini. Spectacular upper road overlooking the Amari Valley and Libyan Sea, or lower route to Spili. (25 or 40 mi.)

Day 8. Bike Kourtaliotis Canyon. Option to visit Rethymnon for dinner. (30 mi. cycling)

Day 9. Coastal ride to sea village Hora Sfakion. (36 mi.)

Day 10. Cross island to Almyrida. View majestic White Mountains and Libyan Sea below. (35 mi.)

Day 11. Samarian Gorge Hike. (10 mi. downhill.) Swim the Libyan Sea. (5-6 hr. walk)

Day 12. Trip ends in Almirida after breakfast.

Dates & Prices 2012

Greece: Island of Crete

12 days / 11 nights

(Includes all breakfasts, 9 dinners–most with wine)

May 5 - 16	$4,189.00
September 29-October 10	$4,189.00

Tour Map

Greece: Island of Crete