Private Crete Far West Adventure: Hiking, History & Beaches

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| Chania, Greece

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8 hours (approx.)

Hotel pickup offered

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Overview

Discover the “authentic Crete” that most tourists don’t see by joining us on an amazing road trip to Sfakia, Crete’s most remote and rugged region, home to the impressive White Mountains.

Experience an 8-hour epic Crete tour, full of activities for the whole family, including hiking in deep gorges, sampling local products, amazing storytelling and towering mountains, and endless blue sea views of unparalleled beauty.

Highlights:
Discover the iconic corners of Crete, home to the breathtaking White Mountains, dramatic gorges, and endless wild landscapes.
Visit the stunning Imbros Gorge, once a secret pathway for ANZAC soldiers, and immerse yourself in its rich history and natural beauty.
Uncover the therapeutic qualities of Cretan herbs, learning about their traditional uses and benefits in a hands-on experience.
Unwind on the pristine sandy shores of Fragokastello, basking in the Mediterranean sun and soaking in the stunning vistas of the Libyan Sea.

What's Included

Refresh yourself with fruit and water.
Get personalized tips for the area's best eateries.
PRIVATE TOUR Exclusive: enjoy the comfort of pick-up and drop-off at your stay or the port.
Experience the region with our passionate, English-speaking local mountain guide.

Food and drink - You will have time for lunch at your own cost.
Tips & gratuities for your guide

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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point

Pickup details

Traveler pickup is offered. The pick-up time is adjustable upon your request. We will meet you at your hotel lobby, Airbnb or the cruise port. Our guide will be holding a sign with your name. Please call us the previous day to confirm the exact pick-up time and location.

What To Expect

Municipal Market of Chania

Leaving behind us Chania and its Venetian port, we’ll drive you deep into the southern part of the island, the Sfakia region with its memorable scenic routes and the endless wild landscapes.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Sfakia

Sfakia is the land of the massive Lefka Ori, also known as the White Mountains, famous for Pachnes, its highest peak as well, the numerous gorges, and the endless views to the Libyan Sea. Aside from this astonishing beauty, the land of Sfakia has a million tales to tell you, such as stories about the turbulent but heroic past of brave rebel Sfakians, who fought for freedom.The first stop of your day tour will be at a family-owned cheese & yogurt small-scale factory, where you’ll take a local breakfast. Learn all about the traditional way of local dairy production by the expert cheesemonger and sample the best local-favorite yogurt on the island!

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Askifou

After this light breakfast, you’ll head to Askifou Plateau at an altitude of 730 metres, a natural picture-pretty valley surrounded by the White Mountains. From here, you’ll start your hike into the Imbros Gorge, an outstanding 8-kilometer gorge.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Imbros Gorge

During the 2,5 hours approximately easy hike, you’ll have the opportunity to admire amazing geological formations of very narrow passages, capture your best photos with your family and learn about the fauna and flora that you’ll encounter along the way.Especially for Australian, New Zealander, British, or WWII story lovers, walking through the gorge is almost a pilgrimage, as this gorge was the only escape route in May 1941 by fleeing ANZACs who fought with the allied troops in Crete, and finally, they succeeded in sailing to Egypt. Your guide will have many breathtaking stories to share with you.

2 hours 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

White Mountains (Lefka Ori)

Next, you’ll visit the off-the-beaten-track Kallikratis village, a mountainous village of semi-abandoned settlements located among gorges, ravines, and plateaus, and with a fascinating story to tell. Hear stories about this land that never lived under permanent foreign rule due to its brave residents.Then, you’ll experience local gastronomy and culture by participating in a hands-on cooking class. Learn about the secrets of Cretan cuisine as you join a Cretan lunch of traditional dishes and local wine from farm to table.After lunch, learn about the Cretan herbs’ therapeutic qualities, well-known since ancient times, in a ‘herbal sanctuary”. In a little café, meet the owners who distill Cretan herbs and make natural products in a traditional way, giving advice and secrets on how to use Cretan herbs (over 1,800 plant species) while cooking so you give their special taste to your dishes. And yes, you’re going to try some of their concoctions in their shop!

3 hours 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Frangokastelo beach

Moving onto our last stop now, you’ll discover a unique local cellar in one of the best wineries on Crete.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Alcoholic beverages are allowed to participants age 18 or older because of the national alcohol restrictions. Participants under the age 18 are provided non-alcoholic beverages.
Please wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen, and a bottle of water.
How you help the local community by joining this tour: - You visit villages far from mass tourism and collaborate with the locals, supporting these small communities financially. - By sampling products that originate from the Cretan countryside, you promote 100% local, family-owned businesses such as a local cheese monger and a local botanist. - You visit a local family in their home where you learn about local products and traditional cooking techniques as you participate in a hands-on cooking class.
If you are happy with the services provided by your local guides a tip – though not compulsory – is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry. Please consider this when budgeting for your extra expenses on this tour.
Lunch is not included, but you will have enough time to enjoy a local restaurant. We will give you personalized tips for the area's best eateries.

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private Crete Far West Adventure: Hiking, History & Beaches?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EEST). Read more Apr 2025