At a Glance
Immerse into a memorable and thrilling Mediterranean island escape as you explore the Greek isles of Crete and Santorini. From heart-stopping panoramas and iconic landmarks, to mouth-watering cuisines and exquisite wine tasting, enjoy the sweet bliss of ocean paradise on this 6-day active hike and bike adventure.
Your adventure starts from in Iraklion (Heraklion), Crete. Ignite your imagination and satisfy your soul with a history laced in mythical tales and told through ancient sun-bleached ruins. Escape to island life swooning at the majestic beauty of Crete where days melt from one to the next, filled with miles of pristine coastlines of Santorini. You begin your journey in Heraklion with a shuttle to the small village of Limnes. Immerse into village life as you bike amongst small villages and olive orchards. Tap ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- All meals as specified in itinerary
- All luggage, shuttle and hotel transfers
- Brief orientation in front of the GDM Megaron Hotel, Heraklion on Day 1
- 5 nights accommodation in 5 star hotels on a twin share basis
- Professional guiding: two support vans, 6:1 guest to leader ratio on average
- Hiking and biking as stated in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees
- Comprehensive travel planner with pre-trip information
- Fully equipped Backroads titanium bike including helmet and accessories
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Itinerary
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TWO BIKING OPTIONS: Rendezvous with your tour leaders at 11 am in front of the GDM Megaron Hotel in Heraklion, Crete. Please, ensure you arrive dressed in your biking clothes (you can bring them along if you aren’t ready to put them on) and bring your luggage and a daypack containing your rain gear and anything else you may want for the day’s ride. After our meeting in front of the Megaron Hotel Heraklion, we shuttle to the tiny village of Limnes on Eastern Crete. We indulge in the region’s delightful, tasty cuisine at a local Greek taverna. Following that, your tour leaders adjust your bike and educate you briefly on biking techniques and safety before we head out on our debut ride. Our route reveals the rolling landscape of Crete’s countryside and small villages. Go through a secluded path decorated with olive trees and descend to the picturesque seaside town of Plaka and our cosy and welcoming hotel. |
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Get comfortable in the exquisite Blue Palace Resort & Spa, our home for the next three nights. A 5-star 143 acre bohemian style luxe hotel offering breathtaking views of the sea. Unwind by your room’s private infinity pool as you take in heart-stopping views of the bay, or be pampered at the hotel’s state-of-the-art spa for a relaxing afternoon. (Spa treatments are at own expense). Later in the day, we gather to learn a traditional Crete dance. We make a toast to mark the beginning of an extraordinary week ahead of us on Greece’s Mediterranean isles before making our way to dinner at the hotel’s famed restaurant, the Blue Tavern. |
Blue Palace Resort & Spa, Plaka (5*)
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before a scenic shuttle to Lato, a prehistoric Doric site, accompanied by our local guide. Begin your hike here and move towards Kritsa Gorge, first among olive orchards. Moving further and tracing a riverbed lined with flourishing vegetation, we navigate narrow paths through sheer rock walls. If you feel the need for rope assistance, your tour leaders are there to help. The hike ends at Krista Women’s Cooperative. There are several exploration choices for you this afternoon. You could join us for a short boat ride to the island of Spinalonga for a non-guided walking tour and a cruise around the island. You also have the option of the beach; you could relax for hours soaking in the rays and playing with the water, or you could join a private yoga class or visit the hotel’s Elounda Spa. In the evening, we gather for dinner and wine tasting in one of our favourite restaurants in the town towering over the lagoon. |
Blue Palace Resort & Spa, Plaka (5*)Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
THREE BIKING OPTIONS: Enjoy a nice breakfast coupled with the stunning view of the sea, after which we shuttle to Kato Loumas, a small mountain village. Get your bike up and ready to go as we embark on a refreshing ride, taking in the raw beauty of Crete. Cycle over rolling hills, through picturesque villages, and past dense coverings of silvery olive trees. Challenge yourself and bike along the wild Cretan coastline before climbing back up to the mountains. We stop at the Areti Monastery right outside the Karydi village. The stone complex which is still inhabited by monks was once a very important site in the region and dates back to the 15th century. Take in the serene atmosphere of the monastery before heading back to our lunch spot by the seaside of Elounda. Re-energized, we continue our ride back, toward beachfront Plaka and then on to our hotel. |
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You are opportune to decide what to do with your afternoon and evening. Indulge in the hotel’s numerous premium amenities. Unwind in its outdoor spaces offering picturesque views of the ocean or take a refreshing dip in its pool. For those in pursue of an active adventure, take a splash at a stand-up paddleboard session (at own expense).
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Blue Palace Resort & Spa, Plaka (5*)Breakfast, Lunch |
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: Say goodbye to Crete this morning as we make our way to the ferry terminal for our boat to the heart-stopping island of Santorini. As we journey across the jewel-toned Sea of Crete, we begin to get doses of Santorini’s allure; the aesthetically pleasing cliffs, terraced rock, and distinct shapes of its snow-white houses. We feed our mouths and eyes as soon as we arrive on land, before hiking up the island's volcanic caldera. We go through small workaday villages and take in jaw-dropping panoramas of the sea and rocky coastal terrain as we make our climb. Our trails are one of the most quaint on the island, with limitless perfect viewpoints to relax and take memorable photos. |
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Carry on to the awe-inspiring Cyclades village of Oia Luxury Suites & Spa, our 5-star elegant oasis and home for the next two nights. Get comfortable in your room, refresh your mind and body by the pool or pamper your muscles at the spa. We enjoy a delightful dinner at the hotel’s restaurant where we will be served delicious modern Greek cuisine and exquisite signature dishes.
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Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa, Oia (5*)Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: Enjoy a lovely breakfast, accompanied by quite the view at the hotel, and then take a walk to the nearby marina. From here, we board a private boat to take us to Thirasia, a neighbouring island where we get a feel of traditional Greek life and the island’s raw allure with our local guide as we hike. After we get off the trail, we savour a delicious lunch and an opening to swim before heading back to Santorini. This afternoon, enjoy our hotel’s amenities, be it a pool or spa, or explore the Oia town. Many of the town’s structures are shaped out of volcanic rocks, as it rests on the northern tip of Santorini caldera, built on a steep slope. We all meet to raise our glasses to an exhilarating week in Greece. We enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant with stunning sunset views. |
Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa, Oia (5*)Breakfast, Dinner |
For one last amazing experience on this legendary Greek isle, we head out early for a refreshing sunrise walk to strategic points that reveal the island’s heart-stopping scenes. You also have the option of enjoying a laid-back morning where you eat breakfast and relax at the hotel. We hop on a shuttle heading to Santorini airport, where our trip ends. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfastDates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
The departure point is Heraklion, Crete
The finish point is Santorini
Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Herakion. The nearest international airport to is Heraklion Airport, 3 km away. Other nearby airports include Santorini Airport which is 123.2 km.
Crete and Santorini enjoy a Mediterranean climate. Spring and autumn are pleasant, with the potential for sunny and hot days. Temperatures tend to be cooler on the coast and in the interior mountains, where windy conditions can cause the mercury to drop lower still. July is the hottest month in Santorini with an average temperature of 26°C (79°F) and the coldest is January at 12°C (54°F).
Rainfall, gusty winds and cooler temperatures are highly likely in March and April, so come prepared with some warmer clothes and waterproof breathable rain gear. Although rainfall is rare between May and October, Crete is mountainous and weather changes can occur suddenly, so we still recommend bringing that rain gear! On most days from May onward, you'll be comfortable biking in a short-sleeved jersey and hiking in a T-shirt. (When you head out in the morning, you might want to wear a lightweight jacket or vest, arm warmers and knee/leg warmers.)
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 2-4.
Level 1, 2-5 hours, 3-8km (2-5 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 244m (800 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 6-11km (4-7 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 396m (1300 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 8-14km (5-9 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 610m (2000 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 10-18km(6-11 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 914m (3000 ft)
Level 5, 5-7 hours, 11-21+ km (7-13+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1219m (4000+ ft)
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 2-4.
Level 1, 2-3 hours, 13-35km (8-22 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 305m (1000 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 29-51km (18-32 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 671m (2200 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 42-68km (26-42 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1036m (3400 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 58-87km(36-54 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1341m (4400 ft)
Level 5, 5-7+ hours, 77-113+ km (48-70+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1341m+ (4400+ ft)
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Touring Bike A proven classic, our custom-designed titanium touring bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. Our most popular bike features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability. This touring bike combines a wide range of gears with the ease of an adjustable upright riding position for comfort and efficiency. Upright handlebars only. Available Accessories: Rear rack and trunk bag, flat pedals or toe-cages included (or bring your own pedals). |
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Electric Assist Bike A lightweight yet powerful machine unique in the world of e-bikes. One of the lightest e-bikes available, it provides plenty of power (and then some!) to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance. Other outstanding features include the same comfort as our Touring Bikes and lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting. Available for guests 16 or older; not appropriate for pulling a Trailer Bike or a Cub trailer on a Family Trip. Upright handlebars only. Available Accessories: Rear rack and trunk bag and flat pedals or toe-cages included. |
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Performance Bike Custom-designed titanium bike built for cyclists to power up climbs and speed through the countryside. This performance road bike is lightweight and technologically advanced, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork. Responsive, efficient and comfortable for a drop-bar performance bike, it’s an impressive ride suited to avid riders. Drop handlebars only. Available Accessories: Trunk bag, flat pedals or toe-cages included (or bring your own pedals). |
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
