Spring Flowers of Crete Escorted Tour
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Spring Flowers of Crete Escorted Tour
8 Days Starting and ending in Heraklion, Greece
Visiting: Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, Thripti, Rethymnon, Omalos Plateau, Crete
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 20
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Spring Flowers of Crete Escorted Tour" and immerse yourself in the vibrant flora of Greece's largest island. This enchanting journey takes you through Crete's diverse landscapes, showcasing its 1,700 species of wildflowers, including 60 stunning orchid varieties. With the guidance of botanical expert Graham Kendall, explore two distinct regions: the historical town of Rethymnon and the charming Agios Nikolaos. Enjoy the mild April sunshine as you wander through ancient sites, picturesque harbors, and breathtaking coastal roads. The tour includes return flights from London Gatwick, comfortable accommodations at the Naiades Marina Hotel and Ideon Hotel, and a thoughtfully curated itinerary featuring scenic walks, cultural insights, and delightful local cuisine. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or a cultural explorer, this small group tour promises an unforgettable experience amidst Crete's natural beauty and rich history.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Fly From London Gatwick To Heraklion.
Location: Heraklion
Accommodation Name: Naiades Marina Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Transfer to the Naiades Hotel, Agios Nikolaos. This evening a welcome dinner will be arranged in a local taverna.
Day 2: Botanising Between Agios Nikolaos And Elounda.
Location: Agios Nikolaos
Accommodation Name: Naiades Marina Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we enjoy a circular trip that takes us over winding roads to the remote and unspoiled beach of Vlyhadia where we will explore various coastal flowers, like the Matthiola Tricuspidata, as well as wild herbs. After lunch we will continue to the area of Vrouchas, where we hope to find an abundance of orchids including butterfly and bee. Then we continue with our bus along a panoramic coastal road with breathtaking views over the Gulf of Mirabello before descending to the village of Elounda, where you will have free time to explore before returning to our hotel.
Day 3: Thripti And Kalamafka.
Location: Thripti
Accommodation Name: Naiades Marina Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We follow a scenic road, botanising as we go, between the coastal village of Kalo Chorio and the ‘hidden’ hill village of Kalamafka, hoping to spot fritillaria messanensis and the white butterfly orchid. We next visit a nearby spring where we hope to find the Dutchmen’s pipe and, if we are very lucky, Paeonias. We move on to the tiny village of Thripti, which sits amongst the Thripti mountains. It is a stunningly beautiful rural area with breathtaking views. The ancient forests around Thripti are renowned for their orchids and a handful of endemic species that can only be found on this mountain. In between our botanising in this special area we will stop for lunch in a lovely traditional taverna, which serves tasty authentic local food.
Day 4: Transfer To Rethymnon. Afternoon Botanising At The Minoan Cemetery Of Armeni.
Location: Rethymnon
Accommodation Name: Ideon Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
We transfer to our second hotel at Rethymnon. On arrival we will have some free time for lunch and then head with our bus to the nearby archaeological site of Armeni. Ongoing excavations at this Minoan cemetery have uncovered more than 200 graves and a wealth of Minoan artefacts, but it is also the main site on the island of the Vallonia oak with its striking acorns and its not unusual to find other interesting flora here.
Day 5: The Orchids Of Aktounda.
Location: Rethymnon
Accommodation Name: Ideon Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We enjoy a relaxed botanical walk close to the village of Aktounda, situated south of Rethymnon, which takes us uphill to a view point that overlooks the south coast. This route is usually quite exceptional for orchids, particularly rainbow, provence, butterfly and monkey varieties. After our exploring here we head to a nearby village for a leisurely lunch before returning to Rethymnon. Evening at leisure.
Day 6: We Leave Today Open, Choosing Our Route On The Day Depending On The Conditions At The Time That Will Tell Us Where We Might Find The Best Flora.
Location: Omalos Plateau
This could be the Omalos Plateau if the tulips are flowering, or exploring gorge flora and sites on the south coast.
Day 7: The Gious Kambos Plateau.
Location: Crete
Our main botanising site today will be at the Gious Kambos plateau, which is home to a great variety of flora, particuarly orchids, as well as a rare tulip; we may also find anemones, Turban buttercup, iris and, if we are lucky, fritillary. When our botanising is complete we continue into the Amari Valley. This area is one of the most untouched and fertile regions of Crete, fed by year round springs that keep it beautifully lush even in the height of summer. We shall sit together for a farewell lunch at a lovely village taverna with true village hospitality and delicious Cretan cooking before returning to our hotel.
Day 8:
Location: Heraklion
Transfer to Heraklion airport for the return flight to London Gatwick.
What's Included
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Return flights from London Gatwick to Heraklion
The tour includes return flights from London Gatwick to Heraklion.
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Transfers from airport to hotels
Transfers from the airport to the hotels are included in the tour.
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Three nights on bed and breakfast basis at the three-star Naiades Marina Hotel, Agios Nikolaos
Accommodation includes three nights on a bed and breakfast basis at the three-star Naiades Marina Hotel in Agios Nikolaos.
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Four nights bed and breakfast at the three-star Ideon Hotel, Rethymnon
Accommodation includes four nights on a bed and breakfast basis at the three-star Ideon Hotel in Rethymnon.
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One dinner and one lunch
The tour includes one dinner and one lunch.
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Touring itinerary as detailed
The tour follows a detailed itinerary exploring various locations in Crete.
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Tour Manager and local guide throughout
A Tour Manager and local guide will accompany the group throughout the tour.
What's Not Included
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Single room supplement
A single room supplement is not included in the tour price.
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Holiday insurance
Holiday insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Meals other than those stated
Meals other than the specified dinner and lunch are not included.
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Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls
Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, and telephone calls are not included.
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Porterage and gratuities
Porterage and gratuities are not included in the tour package.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes return flights from London Gatwick to Heraklion, with transfers from the airport to the hotels. Travel between locations is provided by bus, ensuring a comfortable journey as you explore the beautiful landscapes of Crete.
Accommodation
Stay in the charming Agios Nikolaos at the Naiades Marina Hotel, offering comfortable rooms with balconies, a small pool, and easy access to local tavernas. In Rethymnon, enjoy the Ideon Hotel's proximity to the Venetian harbour, with air-conditioned rooms, a pool, and a street cafe overlooking the sea.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of flowers can we expect to see on the tour?
During the tour, you can expect to see a variety of Crete's wildflowers, including some of its 60 species of orchids. Specific flowers mentioned include Matthiola Tricuspidata, butterfly and bee orchids, fritillaria messanensis, white butterfly orchid, and possibly the rare tulip and fritillary.
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Who will be guiding the tour?
The tour will be guided by Graham Kendall, who is a botanical guide.
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What is the main focus of the tour?
The main focus of the tour is to explore and discover Crete's diverse flora, particularly its wildflowers and orchids, while enjoying the cultural and historical aspects of the island.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
Transportation during the tour includes return flights from London Gatwick to Heraklion and transfers from the airport to the hotels. Travel between locations on the island is provided by bus.
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What type of accommodation is included in the tour?
The tour includes accommodation at the three-star Naiades Marina Hotel in Agios Nikolaos for three nights and the three-star Ideon Hotel in Rethymnon for four nights, both on a bed and breakfast basis.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour package includes one dinner and one lunch. Other meals are not included and will need to be arranged separately.
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What activities are planned for the free day on the tour?
On the free day, the route will be chosen based on the conditions at the time to find the best flora. This could include visiting the Omalos Plateau if the tulips are flowering or exploring gorge flora and sites on the south coast.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final joining instructions and documentation will be despatched approximately 10 days before travel.
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Do I need any Visas or Vaccinations for my holidays?
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change. Please check with your local doctor/GP about the current Vaccination requirements of the country you are visiting. For Visa enquiries, please contact the Embassy of the country you are visiting.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Generally, single and double rooms carry the same price, which means that single supplements for certain itineraries can seem high. We would be pleased to arrange for clients travelling alone to share with another client, however this is subject to somebody in the same situation booking on the tour. If you would be interested in this option, please let us know at the time of enquiry/booking.
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Where does the tour manager meet us?
In most cases the tour manager will travel out with the tour group from the UK. However, this is not always the case and the tour manager may meet you at the destination station / airport. The exact details specific to your tour will be given to you in your final documentation, 10 days prior to departure.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
1 Select your preferred date
Thursday - Thursday
Apr 03, 2025 - Apr 10, 2025Book with Confidence
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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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