Daily itinerary 8 days walking tour
A TASTE OF THE WHITE MOUNTAINS
Dag 1. We meet at Chania airport at 18.00 hrs.
We drive by bus to the hotel on the
Omalos plateau which is our resort all seven nights of the tour.
Day 2. We descend to the typical Cretan villages of Lakki and Meskla. The walk leads along tracks, cross country and through a small gorge, partly through forested areas.
Time: 4,5 hrs - 500 m downhill
Day 3. Along the north-western slope of the area, our walk for a large part descends along an age old footpath and over tracks to a deserted hamlet. Thereafter we follow field roads uphill till we are back on the road to Omalos.
Time: 4 hrs - 250 m up and down
Dag 4. By minibus we drive to the coastal resort of Sougia. From here the walk leads to Lissos, which is a small paradise, known for its natural beauty as well as its archeological finds. Once it was a Roman bath resort. Part of the walk leads through a lush gorge and from higher places we have splendid views of the Libyan Sea.
Time: 3 hrs - 150 m up and down
Possible alternative: a walk through the Samaria gorge
Time: 5 hrs - 1200 m downhill
Day 5. Depending on the weather either we climb up to the Gingilos (2.100 m) or we walk up to the Kallergi mountain hut, alternately on a stony path and agricultural road.
Time Gingilos: 6 hrs - 850 m up and down
Time Kallergi: 4 hrs - 400 m up and down
Day 6. A walk in the mountainous surroundings of the village of Sempronas, with a rewarding climb to the top of mount Vigla (1.235 m ). Mostly cross country and offering spectacular views of the peninsulas of Gramvousa and Rodopou. After a gradual descent the walk leads through an area with impressive trees, among others old chestnut trees.
Time: 5 hrs - 400 m up and down
Day 7. First we descend from the Omalos plateau to the beginning of the Irini gorge. The walk leads over an old footpath; parts of the original pavement are still there. Thereafter we walk through the imposing and green Irini gorge, mostly descending between steep slopes. In Sougia we have time for a refreshing swim.
Time: 4,5 hrs - 1000 m downhill
Day 8. After enjoying breakfast we end our eight-day White Mountain experience. Transfer to Chania airport.
Important: It is necessary to be reasonably sure-footed, since large parts of the walks are on stony terrain. You should be in good health and have a good condition.
Price 510 € per person; additional charge single room 75 €.
Further information on 8-10 day walking tours.