CHQ30. Premium Nature Tour in Cretan Mountains, Traditions, Flavours and Golden Beaches 7 Days

Go beyond the ordinary tours and you will be left astonished by the idyllic ambiances of the uncharted West Crete picture square gems. Enjoy your 7 days road trip with maximum comfort in a premium chauffeured off-road vehicle at your full-day disposal for daily uncharted escapes in Crete, visiting Rethymnon - Cave of Zeus – Chania – Balos – Elafonissi. Soak up the beauty of the beaten tracks in Cretan mountains, swim in unique crystal clear waters in golden beaches of Chania and unearth the authentic local lifestyle of the Western Crete. Beautiful nature sights without the hype and mass of tourists, uncharted routes through traditional ancient villages of Chania and Rethymnon, exquisite archaeological spots (like the glorious Cave of Zeus) and Venetian Ports, easily accessible wild gorges with unspoiled natural beauty, Byzantine monasteries, private skippered boat tours to secluded bays and the crystal clear waters of Balos Lagoon and Elafonissi coral beach combined with unique local tastings and flavours are only some of our experiences you will receive in your premium road trip. Your private local escort will customise for you uncharted itineraries from the mountainous region to gleaming seas of Chania and Rethymnon, where you will visit authentic Cretan villages, connect with locals, and engage with the stunning nature of West Crete.

Last but not least, you will have the chance for unique home-made cooking lessons, wine and olive oil tastings! Prepare for a multi day tour package beyond the ordinary and excite all your senses!!!

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival to Chania or Heraklion airport and transfer to hotel in Axos

Driving Distance: 50 -180 Km, Driving Duration: 1 -2 h

Our adventure road trip set off from Chania or Heraklion airport travelling in a premium seven seated off-road vehicle and heading towards Mylopotamos area and Axos Village. Mylopotamos is one of the most well known areas of Crete and with the highest mountain Peak of Crete, Psiloritis. Hotel check-in and free time.

Day 2: Visit the Glorious Cave of Zeus and Mylopotamos Villages, involve yourself in live cheese making process and cooking class.

Driving Distance: 70 Km, Driving Duration: 2h, Tour Duration: 7 - 8 Hrs

Exploring Mylopotamos region, you’ll discover the glorious cave of Zeus, drive through the famous traditional villages of Zoniana and Anogeia with long kept Cretan secrets and also the birthplace of the famous Cretan singer Xilouris. You will experience a visit in an original Shepherd’s hut for a unique milking and cheese making process. We will be ending our day with a unique Cretan cooking lesson and traditional Cretan flavours which you can taste for our lunch.

Day 3: Axos – Apokoronas Villages – Chania

Driving Distance: 150Km, Driving Duration: 3h 30m, Tour Duration: 7-8Hrs

After breakfast we check-out and depart from Axos following the national road to Chania. Just before the city of Chania our route passes through the traditional villages of Apokoronas region. Apokoronas region is densely forested area, uncharted routes, Byzantine churches with panoramic views and amazing picturesque villages. On our way to Chania city we will stop to in a traditional tavern in an idyllic spot to enjoy a good meal. As we reach Chania we will check-in at our hotel.

Day 4: Chania road-trip to Elafonissi and Falasarna

Driving Distance: 190Km, Driving Duration: 4h, Tour Duration: 9-10 Hrs

Our day starts from Chania going to Elafonissi through a unique mountain route. On the way to the South Coast we cross many historic Cretan villages like Topolia, Vlatos, Elos and gorges that views are breathtaking with many photo stop opportunities. Arriving at famous Elafonissi coral beach enough time will be provided for swimming in the crystal clear waters and area exploration. After our dive in the famous Elafonissi beach we are heading west next to the gleaming sea and crossing Cretan villages on the West Coast like Chrisoskalitisa, Amygdalokefali, Sfinari we reach Falasarna sandy beach for swimming and 2 hours free time to relax and enjoy the crystal clear waters. On the way back to Chania we visit a famous traditional tavern where we will get a tasty Cretan meal. 

Day 5: Private Boat Charter to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island

Driving Distance: 80Miles, Travelling Duration: 3hrs, Tour Duration: 7-8Hr

Balos is definitely one of the most beautiful places in Greece with a unique beach full of many different sea shells, where you can have a fantastic swim. We start our cruise from Kolymbari port heading parallel with the Rodopou peninsula close to the Rocky Mountains where the views are breathtaking. Enjoying the ride while gazing at the secluded bays and learning some important historic information about the area by our skipper you begin to free your mind. After about an hour we reach the small port of Gramvousa with the famous castle built in 1579 by the Venetians, located at the highest point of the island, on top of a steep, 137-metre-high rock. Its majestic beauty combined with the panoramic view of Balos Lagoon and the legend of hidden pirate treasure linked to it are good reasons to put on the sneakers and to take the 20-minute walk that will get you up there. Apart from your visit to the castle, you can swim to the small beach with the crystal clear waters and also enjoy your lunch packages.

Our second dive takes place in Balos Lagoon before the big ferries arrive full of people. Leaving the Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon we follow the same route back close to the Rocky Mountains, small secluded bays like Menies Beach are ideal for quick dives. The beauty of the scenery, the privacy and the panoramic vistas will help you relax far away from crowded beaches.

Day 6: Chania City and Winery Tour

Driving Distance: 70Km, Driving Duration: 2 hrs, Tour Duration: 6-7 Hrs

After breakfast we follow a guided tour in Chania Venetian Old Harbour and city tour. Followed by an exclusive winery and vineyard tour with tasting and lunch our day is fulfilled. Relaxing time and evening walk in the city with dinner.

Free time for shopping and walks on your own before returning to hotel.

Day 7: Departure from Chania or Heraklion Airport

Driving Distance: 30 - 150 Km, Driving Duration: 1-2 h

The trip is ideal for everyone who´s looking for an experience beyond the ordinary, youth groups, single or couple participants, families with older children, and companies. Wine consumption is not allowed to minors under the age of 18 years old. The trip has guided stops every 30-40 minutes, for everyone´s convenience. When meals are included, Uncharted Escapes can arrange vegetarian alternatives, but information is required upon reservation. This also counts for any kind of food allergies, in order to find suitable alternatives if possible.

Travelers Info: COVID-19

Being always concerned about our guests’ and staff wellbeing and having as a priority your health and safety, we remain committed to our premium standards, fully complied with all necessary measures set by the Government. Always ready to welcome you, we act with responsibility. We stay up to date following the guidelines set by The World Health Organisation and the National Public Health Organisation. We know that your holidays with family and friends are very important to you, so we are here to make sure you can relax, enjoy and dream the way you want to.

In detail:

Before Your Tour:

• We recommend that you should be at the pick-up area (your hotel or another indicated point nearby your hotel) 10 minutes prior to your pick up time. Our driver/escort will be on time to welcome you and show your seat, in order to keep social distancing guidelines.
• Our vehicles are filled up according to governmental covid-19 law of their capacity. Those governmental laws and regulations against covid-19 infections might change, but are strictly followed at all times.
• The body temperature and wellness of all those participating in the tour (escort, driver, staff and guests) will be monitored daily, excluding and maintaining in quarantine any who display fever or other symptoms.

On Board:

• Please follow all the instructions given to you by your guide.
• Sanitising dispensers are available at each vehicle.

During Your Tour:

• Everybody that is taking part in the tour (escort, driver, guests etc...) will wear face mask throughout its duration as long as it is required by law.
• Sealed lunch boxes will be given on some of our day tours. On day tours which include meals served at restaurants, those will be provided only at restaurants following all the applicable hygiene protocols.

Cleaning Standards:

Enhanced Vehicle Cleaning:

• The average cleaning effort in all vehicles is doubled both during the day and after the end of each tour.
• All sensitive touch areas such as seats, armrests, sidewalls etc. are intensively cleaned and sanitised daily before and after each tour.

Air Circulation On Board:

Our vehicles are equipped with A/C (and when used, the internal air circulation is turned to OFF) but as our safari tours are mainly operated in country side we strongly recommend the tours to be conducted with open windows for continuous fresh air circulation and to feel the freshness of the countryside.

Our Staff:

Our staff is trained in the latest hygiene protocols and cleaning procedures. They use personal protective equipment (face masks/shields and optional gloves) to ensure a safe travel experience for you and themselves.

Greece is well known for its long history and unique hospitality throughout the centuries. We remain confident that our services are of high value and will provide the most memorable experience in Greece to you, your family or friends. We are looking forward to escape the ordinary with you!