Description
Samaria Gorge (the Long way…)
Samaria gorge is the longest in Europe and one of the most impressive gorges in Greece. Follow the path through this famous gorge, marvel at its natural landscape, from the White Mountains to thousand-year-old forests and the river across it. At the end of the path, you will find the village of Agia Roumeli, where people can swim, relax at the beach, or find a tavern to have lunch within full view of the Mediterranean Sea.
Pick-up’s from:
Sissi, Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos (port), Piskopiano, Anissaras, Analipsis, Gouves, Gournes, Kokkini Hani, Amnissos, Karteros, Heraklion (port), Amoudara (Gazi, Heraklion). [Check the pick-up table list below to find out which is the most convenient pick-up point & time, near your hotel]
Operating Days:
Every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Languages:
Dutch, English, French, German, Italian: All days // Polish: Tuesday
Tour includes:
✔ Air-conditioned transportation with pick-up and drop-off services from your hotel or a nearby location
✔ Professional Driver
✔ The assistance of a tour escort during the trek
✔ Local taxes are included in the tour package to avoid any additional charges
✔ Liability insurance coverage by ALLIANZ to ensure your safety and security during the tour
Extra Fees (not included in the price)
Extras payable on the spot: Boat Agia Roumeli-Sfakia: 13€ (adults), 6.80€ (children 4-9 yrs old), Gorge Entrance: 5€, Lunch or Snacks/Drinks (optional)
Tour highlights:
• Spend a day in Samaria Gorge on a challenging trek
• Enjoy the stunning natural beauty on the drive to the White Mountains
• Visit the village of Agia Roumeli and rest at a local restaurant after the long trek
• Swim at the beach of Agia Roumeli
Essentials to have with you:
• Hat / Sunglasses / Sunscreen
• Swimsuit / Beach towel
• Comfortable hiking shoes (recommended)
• Individual Trekking Equipment (suggested)
• Water
• Passport
REQUIRES GOOD STATE OF PHYSICAL HEALTH: not suitable for people with heart problems or serious health issues
Direction:
Southwestern Crete
Duration:
17 hours approximately – 500 km. (depending on where you get on – this estimate is from Heraklion city)
Overview:
Leaving early in the morning and driving along the north coastline, we stop for a short breakfast break (optional) outside Rethymnon, before we continue to Chania and on to the Plain of Omalos 1300 meters above sea level where we begin our descent into the gorge. The 18 km walk begins with our descent from Xyloskalo (800 meters) onto the floor of the gorge. The gorge of Samaria is one of the longest in Europe, some 18 km (12 miles) and varies from 2-40 meters in width, with a depth of 250-600 meters. It takes 6-7 hours to walk through and it is essential for you to have the correct footwear as it is rocky in some places. However, the ever-changing view and the wonderful scents of pinewood and Cretan herbs make the walk pleasant and the effort worthwhile. Following the path next to the river bed of Taras, with its crystal sparkling water, you pass the stone huts and Osia (Santa) Maria church in the deserted village of Samaria, through fantastic rock formations which have been carved and etched by thousands of years of winter torrents, taste the fresh cold water from the springs on these rocks, and finally get into the narrow pass of Sideroportes (Iron doors) that rises to a height of 300 meters but is only a few meters wide. This brings you to the mouth of the gorge, which is on the shores of the Libyan Sea, at the small fishing village of Aghia Roumeli. Here you can taste a meal in one of the local taverns (optional) or enjoy a refreshing swim in the blue water of the Libyan Sea (optional) . From here you are transported by boat to Chora Sfakion, where we meet our coach for the return journey through the scenic route of Imbros Gorge and the Plateau, the villages of Askifou and Vrisses.
Definitely a trip for the adventurous and fairly fit. (At the beginning and end of the season a change of socks and a jacket would be essential)
Age Definition:
Adults: Over 12 years old (Full fare)
Children: 4-12 years old (50% discount)
Infants: 0-3 years old (Free of charge)
Booking Guiding Lines:
► Your Tour Language: Please check in the description which tour languages are available per day, and make sure your desired language is available on your chosen date
► Your Pick-up Point: Please check the list with all available pick-up points (and hours) from your area, on the table below
PRICING
This excursion includes in its price: Your transfer r/t from your hotel, Boat tickets, Lunch and island entrance. The Adult Fare is applied to passengers of any age above 12 years old. The Child Fare applies to children between 4 and 12 years old (50% discount + extra’s if chosen) and the Infant Fare to any child under 4 years old (Free of Charge // No seat reserved).
PICK-UP TABLE
Just to help you see which pick-up suits you best, here’s a table of hotel accommodations and their nearest pick-ups:
| Pick up place | Pick up time |
| Sissi | 04:40 |
| Nikos hotel – Filipidis S/M | 04:50 |
| Malia church | 04:50 |
| Malia Bay – Malia Park – Sirens | 04:55 |
| Drossia – Kernos Beach – Ikaros Village | 05:00 |
| Alexander Beach – Ariadni | 05:05 |
| Cactus – Aktia | 05:05 |
| Mochos Cross | 05:10 |
| Stalis bus stop – Blue Sea | 05:10 |
| Nana B/S – Mediterraneo | 05:15 |
| Belvedere – Eri bus stop | 05:15 |
| Silva Beach – Pela Maria | 05:20 |
| National Bank – Chalkiadakis S/M | 05:20 |
| Piscopiano well (pigadi) | 05:20 |
| Mathioudakis – Creta Maris | 05:25 |
| Hersonissos Village | 05:25 |
| Knossos Royal – Royal Mare – Annabelle | 05:30 |
| Cretan Village – Laguna – Chrissi Amoudia | 05:35 |
| Serita – Zorbas – Anissa – Bella – Lytos | 05:40 |
| Analipsi Beach Road | 05:45 |
| Analipsi Bus stop | 05:50 |
| Amirantes B/S | 05:50 |
| Gouves Beach Road | 05:50 |
| Gouves Cross-Lavris | 05:55 |
| Gournes Church | 05:55 |
| Rinela – Hatzis | 06:00 |
| Knossos Beach – Arina | 06:05 |
| Karteros – Amnissos | 06:05 |
| Astoria Hotel – Galaxy Hotel | 06:15 |
| Heraklion port – Old Heraklion Bus Station roundabout (Entrance OLI) | 06:20 |
| Giofyros (Meliriton) | 06:20 |
| Amoudara | 06:25 |
LET US HELP! Please don’t hesitate to contact us, in order to help you out choose the best pick-up that suits you best!
CANCELLATION
1. Customers who for any reason fail to participate in our excursions are obliged to inform us at least 24 hours in advance. Otherwise, no refund will be given. Cancelling at least 24 hours prior to departure, 100% full refund!
2. VisitCrete.com reserves the right to alter or cancel any tour, due to adverse weather conditions or, insufficient passenger number or, force majeure.
IMPORTANT INFO
► We do return money in case of bad weather (when the excursion is cancelled by the organizer tour operator).
► IMPORTANT: You need to be at least 10 minutes prior to your pick-up time at your pick-up point.
► COVID-19: All passengers are required to wear masks at all times when in boats and busses or in indoor areas.
For further information or bookings please call at telephone No. (+30) 2810341560
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This excursion is eligible for the Summer 2023 Special Offer Discount!
You don’t need to do any further action! Discount will be calculated automatically, as you book…
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