Cycling the Coast of Eastern Crete
Cycling the Coast of Eastern Crete
Cycling the Coast of Eastern Crete
8 Days Starting and ending in Heraklion, Greece
Visiting: Heraklion, Knossos, Agios Nikolaos, Ierapetra, Tsoutsouros, Crete, Rethimno
Tour operator:
Tour code:
C07CT
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Age range:
16-99
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure along the stunning coast of Eastern Crete, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge. This tour invites you to explore the island's diverse landscapes, from majestic mountains to serene beaches, while immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of Cretan history. Visit the renowned archaeological sites of Knossos and Phaestos, and savor the local cuisine as you relax on golden sands. With bike hire and luggage transfers included, you'll journey through charming villages and picturesque towns like Agios Nikolaos and Rethimno, experiencing the authentic Cretan lifestyle. Enjoy comfortable stays in traditional accommodations, ensuring a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Whether you're cycling through olive groves or exploring ancient ruins, this tour promises a unique and enriching experience on the captivating island of Crete.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Heraklion
Location: Heraklion
Accommodation Name: Atrion Hotel, Heraklion
Meals Included: Breakfast
Arrive in Heraklion and transfer to your first hotel. Take some time to explore Crete's biggest city with over 3,000 years of history. Visit the famous 'Koule' (castle) which dominates the port or the intriguing archaeological museum of Heraklion.
Overnight Atrion Hotel, Heraklion.
Day 2 : Heraklion To Koutouloufari Via Knossos
Location: Knossos
Accommodation Name: Ariadni Palace, Koutouloufari
Meals Included: Breakfast
Soon after leaving Heraklion, you’ll reach Knossos. Known as the biggest and the most important Cretan archaeological site, Knossos is widely regarded as Europe’s oldest city. Here you can visit the Minoan Palace and surrounding remains before continuing to the traditional village of Koutouloufari.
Overnight Ariadni Palace, Koutouloufari.
Day 3 : Koutouloufari To Agios Nikolaos
Location: Agios Nikolaos
Accommodation Name: Mantraki Hotel, Agios Nikolaos
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ride through spectacular mountain scenery, passing traditional villages like Vrahasi where it appears time has stood still. Visit the Vassilakis Estate in Neapoli to taste the locally produced olive oil before continuing into the picturesque capital of Agios Nikalaos, Lasithi.
If you'd like to enjoy an extra day cycling, we recommend adding an extra night in Agios Nikolaos to explore Elounda & Spinalonga (one of the most famous locations on Crete - 32km ride).
Overnight Mantraki Hotel, Agios Nikolaos.
Day 4 : Agios Nikolaos To Ierapetra
Location: Ierapetra
Accommodation Name: Astron Hotel, Ierapetra
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin your cycle following the coastline before winding through the olive groves to reach the waterfront town of Ierapetra. Enjoy a swim in one of the golden beaches you’ll pass on todays ride. If time allows, you could also take a boat trip to the unique island of Gaidouronissi (book locally).
Overnight Astron Hotel, Ierapetra.
Day 5 : Ierapetra To Tsoutsouros
Location: Tsoutsouros
Accommodation Name: Apollon Apartments, Tsoutsouros
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is a long but beautiful route following the coast and passing through the intriguing villages of Myrtos, Tertsa, and Keratokambos. Enjoy a well deserved rest on the beach in the tranquil town of Tsoutsouros.
Overnight Apollon Apartments, Tsoutsouros.
Day 6 : Tsoutsouros To Agia Galini
Location: Crete
Accommodation Name: Petra Hotel, Agia Galini
Meals Included: Breakfast
You’ll be transferred to the start of today’s ride in Mesohori. Cycle among the olive trees and through small villages before reaching the highlight of today – The Palace of Phaistos; this is a Bronze Age archaeological site of major importance on Crete. Continue to the small seaside town of Agia Galini.
Overnight Petra Hotel, Agia Galini.
Day 7 : Agia Galini To Rethimno
Location: Rethimno
Accommodation Name: Ideon Hotel, Rethimno
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin with a transfer to Spili village where you’ll begin your ride. Pass through the mountain villages of Rethimno Province before reaching “Limni ton Potamon”, this is the “Lake of the Rivers”. Cross the dam for beautiful scenery and to sample the local tavernas. Continue your ride to Rethimno, a historical city founded by the Venetians with its “Fortezza” – the Venetian Era Citadel.
Overnight Ideon Hotel, Rethimno.
Day 8 : Depart Rethimno
Location: Rethimno
Meals Included: Breakfast
Return to Heraklion airport.
What's Included
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7 nights accommodation in mostly family-run, traditional accommodations
Enjoy 7 nights of accommodation in mostly family-run, traditional accommodations.
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All breakfasts
All breakfasts are included during your stay.
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Bike hire
Bike hire is included for the duration of the tour.
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Luggage transfers between hotels
Luggage transfers between hotels are provided.
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Car transfers as per the itinerary
Car transfers are included as per the itinerary.
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Single accommodation (available on request - compulsory supplement)
Single accommodation is not included and is available on request with a compulsory supplement.
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Visas or vaccinations
Visas or vaccinations are not included and must be arranged separately.
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Lunches & dinners
Lunches and dinners are not included in the tour package.
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Arrival and departure transfers (if booking a land only package)
Arrival and departure transfers are not included if booking a land-only package.
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Upgrade to e-bike
An upgrade to an e-bike is not included and can be arranged separately.
Food
Accommodation
This lovely hotel is just a short walk from Heraklion’s vibrant centre and seafront promenade. Relax in the hotel's inner courtyard, TV room, lobby bar, or elegant restaurant serving Mediterranean and traditional Cretan dishes.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides 7 nights of accommodation in mostly family-run, traditional accommodations.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
All breakfasts are included in the tour package, but lunches and dinners are not included.
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Is bike hire included in the tour?
Yes, bike hire is included in the tour package.
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Are luggage transfers provided during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfers between hotels are included in the tour.
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What is the starting and ending point of the tour?
The tour starts and ends in Heraklion.
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Is there an option to upgrade to an e-bike?
Yes, there is an option to upgrade to an e-bike, but it is not included in the standard package.
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Are arrival and departure transfers included in the tour?
Arrival and departure transfers are not included if you book a land-only package.
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What are some of the key sites visited during the tour?
The tour visits important archaeological sites such as Knossos and Phaestos, as well as traditional villages and scenic coastal towns.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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