Kourtaliotiko Gorge

Following pick-up at your hotel, journey to the traditional village of Spili to admire the Venetian fountain of Kefalovrissi with its 19 lion heads. Sit back and enjoy the dramatic scenery of the Kourtaliótiko Gorge as you make your way to the medieval Monastery of Preveli. Continue to Palm Beach below the monastery at the mouth of the Kourtaliótiko Gorge. Get breathtaking views of the blue waters of the Aegean Sea contrasting with the lush green of the palm forest and lagoon. Walk down the steps to spend about 2 hours on the beach before sailing to Damnoni by boat. Enjoy lunch and refreshments in Damnoni and admire its beautiful clean beach. Journey back to Rethymno and get dropped off at your hotel on arrival.

Start your day at the breathtaking Kourtaliotiko Gorge. Walk through the rising rock walls and admire the incredible natural scenery, before you reach the lonely chapel in Agios Nikolaos. Listen to the ethereal sound of the wind, created by its movement through the gorge. Reach the springs of Kourtaliotis, where you can purchase rare herbs, which only grow in the mountains, from the locals. Arrive at the exotic coastal resort of Kalypso, an old pirate shelter. Relax on Karavos beach, which has recently become a national park. Clamber across the towering rocks and dive into the turquoise water of the Libyan Sea. Travel to the village of Mariou and enjoy a delicious local lunch, complimented with their traditional drink, raki. Finish your adventure at the stunning village of Spili, carved into the heart of the mountains. Escape the sun as you relax under the trees and view the famous Lion Fountain. 

Your tour starts with a drive down a beautiful off-road track that will lead you away from the city. After an hour of driving, arrive at a small village and take a walk to visit a Byzantine church and old primary school. Here, you will enjoy some Cretan hospitality as you are welcomed into a 500-year-old Cretan home. You will be served Greek coffee and a local pastry handmade by the beloved ‘Aunt Soula’ before continuing your adventure. After coffee, get back in your jeep and head to the south coast of the island. You’ll follow an adventurous route with mesmerizing views all the way to the beach. Hop in the water for a refreshing swim before sitting down for a delicious Cretan buffet. Your last stop will be the popular beachfront center of Plakia. Enjoy some free time for shopping or a coffee, before heading back to Rethymno through the breathtaking "Kourtaliotiko" canyon - where you can take some of the most amazing photos of the day.

Start with pickup from your and meet your guide for the day. Drive up into the White Mountains to the famous Askifou Plateau. After a short coffee break, travel along ravines and gorges to the village of Chora Sfakion, a former rebel stronghold against Venetian and Turkish occupations in centuries past. Following the rugged south coast, enjoy the views of Gavdos, the southernmost island of Europe. Arrive at the picturesque village of Plakias and enjoy some free time for relaxation and swimming in the crystal-clear Libyan Sea. On the way back along the north coast, stop at the Kourtaliotiko Gorge. Walk down approximately 200 steps to the bottom of the gorge and enjoy the views of a beautiful waterfall. Finally, be returned to your hotel.