HIKING AND COOKING IN CRETE

Mountain walks with Markos and cooking courses with George

Mountain walking holiday at Asteroussia Mountain in Crete:

Truly spectacular scenery on this walking holiday, suitable for

the whole family, so kids and adults alike can enjoy the thrill of discovering the island together.

Here you walk the range of Asteroussia Mountains so close the sea with its own large system of old paths and trails.

The ideal way to explore the heart of Crete is by walking on coastal paths, ascending the highest peaks and crossing spectacular gorges and Marko stakes you off the beaten paths, into Crete's rich flora and fauna, and certainly to mountainous villages to meet the "authentic" Cretans and their traditions. There are only few places worldwide where you can find the combination of high mountains close to the sea, mild climate with long dry seasons and a large network of ancient paths and shepherds trails. Add to this the friendliness of the locals and you have a perfect recipe for a wonderful walking holiday.

Discover the Wonders of southern Crete

(7 days / 6 nights)

Pricing:

$3.328(For One Person, Double Occupancy based on 2people)

Based on minimum 2 persons

SOLO: Can book the tour on PRIVATE – TAILOR MADE by paying

the cost of 1 and a half persons

Family Activity Holiday in Thalori Traditional houses Resort at Kapetaniana Crete

The Mountain walking holiday with Markos in Asteroussia - Crete is suitable for single travellers as well as couples, families and small groups. The price is 1.864 Euros per person, which includes all transfers, Accommodation at Thalori traditional homes Markos as your guide, all meals: breakfasts, lunches (picnic style when on mountain walk, dinners), boat ride and swim in unspoiled clear waters, visits to the ancients sites of Gortys / Phaestos / Knossos

We provide visits to Minoan palaces and Byzantine churches but walks as well to nature, rugged landscapes, rocky coasts, sandy beaches, and breathtaking gorges. You walk and climb the mountain for amazing views or wander the stunning littoral stretches of golden sand and along the way we pass through idyllic villages, soaking in the local traditions and way of life.

The Asteroussia Range is located in the southernmost part of Crete, a long stretched chain of loosely connected mountains. It spreads between the Akrotiri (Cape) Lithino in its west, the southernmost spot of the island, and the town of Tsoutsouras in its east. Several narrow mountain roads lead through the range to villages on the south coast so that there are a lot of trailheads. Thanks to their location the mountains of the range offer great views along the south-central coast of Crete. The highest summit is Kophinas at 1231m. This independent walking holiday explores the most remote south-central part ofCrete. You'll find ancient mountain tracks used only by local shepherds and bee-keepers; lush vineyards, olive-studded hills and hidden coves for swimming. You explore home to Gypaetus Barbatus, the Kophinas peak sanctuary - the oldest Minoan sanctuary in the world. From Thalori traditional homes -the housing complex- guests can seek the thrills of the mountain or the embrace of the sea. Actually, there is a most interesting path which leads to a few of the most beautiful, secret unspoiled  beaches of southern Crete. Twelve, clearly marked, archaeological sites. The Koudoumas monastery, which is still populated, and other, now abandoned hermitages and monastic establishments. The ruins of seven Minoan settlements. Numerous Byzantine and post-Byzantine chapels decorated with murals of various distinct styles. Ravines and caves are waiting to be explored. You will also come across the rare, steno endemic flora of the region, the bush, the plants and herbs on the ragged sides of the rocky hills. These are just an example of the natural beauties which the Thalori traditional homes guests can experience in and around the highland and coastal zones of the Kapetaniana area in the south central Crete.Magnificent coastal paths, rocky coves, deserted sandy beaches, SpectacularAsteroussia Mountains; incredible sunset’s astonishingly colourful wild flowers; rare birds of prey

Thalori: the housing complex- Exceptionally friendly accommodation, excellent value for money

Dates:
Starting days: Sundays Ending days Saturdays

Features
- Set in an area of outstanding natural beauty 68km from Heraklion
- The beach is about 7km away so within walking distance
- A restaurant with a unique atmosphere where you can share and enjoy the best of Cretan cuisine
- Beautifully restored accommodation with all amenities geared towards your comfort and enjoyment, including LCD and satellite TV, orthopedics mattresses and central heating
- Swimming pool with stunning views
- Inspiring tours around the island to sample and learn about the Cretan way of life
- The wilderness of the mountains and spectacular views and inlets to the secret beaches of Southern Crete
- Expert hands
- Learning
- Learning how to transform your vegetarian dishes and being creative to make authentic and delicious dishes you will want to share with family and friends

Included in the price

Please note that holidays are land part only and do not include flights.

§           Accommodation at the Thalori Traditional Complex in a twin/double room house for 6 nights

§           Return transfers to/from Heraklion airport

§           A welcome drink and snack on arrival at the airport

§           Mountain walks  on day 2,3,4 and 5

§           Cooking courses on days 2 and 4

§           A visit to archaeological sites of Gortys, Phaestos and Knossos (guiding/entrance fees are extra)

§           A visit to producers’ vineyard with picnic lunch

§           A gastronomic walking tour of Heraklion

§           A visit to local wineries and tasting of wine and raki

§           All transport to and from the excursions

§           Breakfast each morning

§           Lunch on days 2-6 accompanied by water, local wine and raki

§           Dinner  on days 1-6 accompanied by water, local wine and raki every night

§           Prices are based on two sharing a house, a single supplement applies for those travelling solo

Note: Shared houses may be available subject to availability

Mountain walks with Markos Itinerary
The itinerary is for guidance only and is subject to change depending on the group’s needs and wishes but is typically as follows:

Day 1- Sunday - Arrival and traditional Cretan welcome dinner 
After arriving at Heraklion airport, you will be met by your driver and English speaking Cretan host George
If you’re arriving in the morning you’ll head somewhere for lunch before being driven to the Thalori Resort via transfer
For guests arriving after lunch, George will meet you at the airport and offer you a coffee, snack and water for the 70 minute transfer to the Thalori Traditional Resort
Check into your house, relax and explore your surroundings before joining the welcome dinner made up of a variety of local Cretan vegetarian / vegan Mediterranean foods – your first taster of the flavours of Crete
Day 2 – Monday – The Kophinas peak sun rise and  visits the archaeological sites of Gortys, and Phaestos, 
The day starts at 6.00 AM for the first touch of Asteroussia mountains and do a climbing at Kophinas mountain top to join the sun rising. Back to the resort at 8.00 AM. 8.30 – 9.00 Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading out to explore the south-central part of the island with your host George
Today you’ll visit Gortys, the ruined capital city of the Roman province which included the island of Crete 
You’ll see the impressive amphitheatre and the Basilica of St Titus before driving west to the archaeological site of Phaestos – the second most significant site of the Minoan civilisation
Phaestos is an ancient palace and you’ll also see the site of the ancient city is was located in offering a detailed insight into ancient life
Stop off in the fishing village of Kokkinos Pyrgos for lunch and enjoy local specialities and freshly caught seafood for the Pesco vegetarian or variety of local vegan foods and salads. After lunch you’ll head back to the Thalori complex. Our first cooking class and dinner is Local legumes and Casseroles

Day 3 – Tuesday – The Agiofarago experience
"Agiofarago" means "Gorge of Saints". The gorge used to be the shelter of the monks of the near-by Monasteries.  Hike through gorge of Agiofarago and join the crystal clear waters of Mediterranean Sea in the unique beach of Agiofarago.

Breakfast 8.30 – 9.00 AM. The day walk will take from 9.00 AM to 4PM  We will walk through the gorge that leads to one of the most beautiful and quiet beaches of Crete at Libyan sea (Liviko Pelagos). There we have the chance to see the cave - house of a monk, a local hero during the revolution of 1866 before emerging at the crystal clear waters of Mediterranean Sea in the unique beach ofAgiofarago. Picnic lunch on the beach and back to Thalori. Dinner at complexes restaurant with variety of local vegan foods and salads.

Day 4 – Wednesday – Trip from the village to the beach of Saint Yiannis, the cave of Saint Antonios and to the abbey of Koudoumas and return to the village

Starting from Thalori after breakfast at 9, 30 AM by car, does a down hill drive with the 4X4 jeep Land Rover Defender to the village of Agios Ioannis. The trip begins by leaving the resort by car to the village, until Ai Yiannis (duration: 30 minutes). Then a tour to the Monastery follows and after we get in to the boat which is parked at the beach of “Elygia”. We continue with a tour of 45 minutes by boat to the abbey of “Koudoumas” with a stop at the beach of Saint Antonios for swimming and a light picnic meal that we kept with us from the hostel. The return will be done by boat until “Elygia” and from there back to the hostel by car. Return at  4 PM.

Our second cooking class and dinner is Stuffed Vegetables, Vine Leaves and Olive Oils
Day 5 – Thursday – Eligias gorge (via ferratas) and boat trip  
We start the day after breakfast at 9.30 AM the via ferratas / Eligias gorge  walk and ending the gorge we come to the small port of Elygia where we board on the small boat and do the boat ride. Break at a beautiful unspoiled small private bay / beach for an hour being just your self, the sea and lord. An hour later Markos will pick you up to take you back to the beach and drive you back to the resort. Dinner at the resort with local specialties

Day 6 – Friday – Knossos, walking tour of Heraklion and farewell dinner
After breakfast, today’s excursion takes you to Knossos, an ancient  palace and must-see archaeological site of Crete
After visiting the 3500 year old site of Knossos, you’ll head to Heraklion and take a walk through the city taking a gastronomic tour of all the best local food places and vendors
You’ll visit the best pastry shop in the city and sample filo pastries in syrups, with cheeses before heading to a coffee shop and tasting coffee roasted the traditional way in hot sand
Next you’ll explore the central market and stop for an ouzo with meze at one of the traditional mezedopolion (restaurants)
You’ll also have the opportunity to see the cathedral of Saint Minas, the Morozini fountain, Venetian church turned art gallery before heading towards the seaside
A light lunch will be served accompanied by chilled white wine before ending your gastronomic walking tour to taste the famous loukoumades Cretan style doughnuts sprinkled with honey and sesame
After the walking tour, you’ll head back to the Thalori resort to relax before a farewell dinner over wine and raki

Day 7 – Saturday – Departure day
After a leisurely breakfast guests are asked to check-out of their rooms and be ready to be taken back to the airport taking home with them an insight into Cretan life, new friendships and unique culinary and cultural memories that will stay with them long after the holiday is over

PORTO CLUB Travel services:

Contact: Tel: 0030 2815 002754 – 0030 2810 317358  Cell: 0030 6975 735774

Email: info@portoclub.gr

Valid Period:

April 1st - October 20, 2015