Evening meal and overnight in Loutro.

The walk back to Loutro is along the coastline and offers breathtaking seaside views all along the way. Evening meal and overnight in Loutro. Transfer time: 0 – Hiking time (approx.): 1hrs30′ (3km) – Elevation difference (m): 0-70- 0

In the morning, our private taxi takes us to Marmara where we start our hike following part of the E4 trail west along the coastline. The scenery changes along the way leading into the beautiful pine forest behind the beach of Agios Pavlos. The picturesque, tiny, Byzantine chapel of St. Paul right on the beach itself takes us back in time to a very distant age. The last part of our hike is along the path at the back of the beach which ends in the little village of Agia Roumeli, again with no road access! Evening meal and overnight in Agia Roumeli, at the mouth of the majestic Samaria Gorge. Transfer time: 15mins – Hiking time (approx.): 5hrs (11,5km) – Elevation difference (m): 0-150-110-0

Samaria is just one of the many gorges on Crete, but it is definitely the best-known. This natural treasure lies in the heart of the Samaria National Park (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site) which is home to numerous endemic species of plants and animals. Its breathtaking scale and impressive topography attract visitors from all over the world and the magnificent scenery will not leave the hiker untouched. Hiking in the opposite direction to most, we have fewer people around us for much of the time. As we reach the top of the gorge, the sound of sheep bells welcomes us to the tranquility of the plain of Omalos, high up in the mountains. Evening meal and overnight at Omalos. Transfer time: 10mins – Hiking time (approx.): 6hrs30´ (3+13km) – Elevation difference (m): 0-1250. Please note: if Samaria Gorge National Park is closed for any reason on this day, an alternative schedule is followed. Overnight remains in Omalos.

Today’s hike includes a forgotten stone-built path (“Voidodema“) with ancient cypress trees and panoramic views. This path used to be the only connection between the mountain villages before roads were built. After about 5 hours of hiking, we arrive at the plain of Omalos and visit a local herb farm where we find out about other herbs that flourish in the area and their use. We can taste and even pick them in the farm grounds! Evening meal and overnight in Omalos. Transfer time: 15mins + 15mins – Hiking time (approx.): 5hrs (7km) – Elevation difference (m): 800-650-900

The well-marked path leads gently down to Anidri village, offering panoramic views across the olive groves down to the coast. The old school building in Anidri, now renovated and used as the local kafeneion, welcomes us for our lunch stop on its shady garden patio. From here, transfer back to Chania town, where we have some free time during the afternoon. Evening meal and last overnight in Chania. Transfer time: 1hr20’

The last morning is spent in Chania, with free time in the town depending on your departure time. The tour leader’s duties end after breakfast. Private transfer to the airport and departure. Transfer time: 20mins