East Crete
Lifestyle Cycling

Duration: 7 days

Hersonissos
Conveniently located in the centre of the island of Crete, Hersonissos provides easy access to the most important sights of the island such as the Minoan palaces of Knossos and Festos, the plateau of Lassithi, and the picturesque towns of Ag. Nikolaos and Elounda.
The Albatros Spa & Resort hotel is a family owned and run Resort hotel, offering high quality standards in combination with the traditional Cretan hospitality and friendly atmosphere
The hotel is ideally located away from the hustle and bustle of the centre of the town, only 20m away from one of Crete’s most attractive beaches. Nevertheless, the world famous town of Hersonissos, known for its nightlife entertainment, is just a 5-minute walk
This trip offers easy cycling tours for every one. There’s a balance between time cycling, and time sightseeing,…! A fascinating way to learn more about the landscape ,culture and the people of Crete.

1st day (No cycling)
Arrival at Heraklion, Crete. You’ll be transferred from the airport to the hotel .In the evening, your designated guide will meet you to discuss the details of the upcoming trip with the rest of the group.

2sd day : Vrahassi – Agios Nikolaos – Elounda
Cycling: 45 km, 200 m vertical gain
Starting from Vrahassi village we continue by passing through small villages of the area, which most of them retain their traditional architecture. We arrive at the capital of the prefecture, the cosmopolitan city of Agios Nikolaos. We take a short walk through the town and end to the Plaka beach. This route offers a panorama of the bay of Elounda and Spinalonga island with perfect waters.
Meals: Lunch

3rd day : Lasithi Plateau
Cycling: 30km, 265 m vertical gain, 379 m vertical loss
Lassithi plateau is a dreamy destination on the inland of Crete where the 10.000 white-sailed windmills, which still make a splendid sight against the mountains, used to break the otherwise green landscape. The 18 villages of the plateau are built at the foot of the surrounding mountains, leaving the plains free to be cultivated, and they are connected by road. Actually, this beautiful route is ideal for cycling as there are no large hills and, along this, we’ll have the chance to visit all the attractions of the plateau. The most important attraction of Lassithi is the Cave of Psychro, mainly known as Diktaean. The cave has played an important role in ancient times, due to a myth that put the birth of Zeus here .
Meals: : light Lunch

4th day : Albatros – Mochos – krasi – kera – Malia
Cycling: 30 km, 250 m vertical gain,
This morning we start our trip from the hotel and shortly afterwards , we enjoy the panoramic view of Hersonissos beneath us and begin to ascent up the steep winding road that leads to Mohos , a beautiful traditional village. Later we enter to the mountain village Krasi and ascend to its square with the huge old plane-tree , for small rest and coffee break. Next we visit the historic Kera Kardiotissa Monastery. The beautiful stone-built church of the monastery is dedicated to the Nativity of Mary. We end our day-trip visiting the archaeological site of Malia , an important Minoan city and housed the third largest Minoan palace, after Knossos and Phaestus.
Meals: : light Lunch

5th day : Free – Relax day
Enjoy the facilities of your hotel or shopping to Heraklion city
(if the group doesn’t want free day we can add a trip in this day)

6th day : Peza – Knossos ,on the wine roads
Cycling: 23 km, 220m vertical gain, m vertical loss
Today we’ll cycle through rural roads to the inland of Heraklion prefecture , and we’ll have the opportunity to visit areas with a rich variety of archeological , historical sites and monuments , and local villages boasting important examples of traditional architecture.. Also we will visit a famous winery , open to the public, for wine-tasting
Meals: light Lunch

7th day Departure Day: No cycling
It’s time to say goodbye after our tour of the beautiful and diverse island of Crete. We will escort you to Heraklion Airport in due time for your return flight. We wish you a safe journey home, carrying the fond memories of your visit with you.

TOUR INCLUDES:
Accommodation: 6 nights in Albatros Hotel and Spa (twin share)
Light lunch while riding
HB(breakfast – dinner ) are offerred in buffet style in main hotel restaurant
Welcome cocktail during info meeting
Group transfers to and from Heraklion airport (days 1 & 7 only)
Tour guide(s): number dependent on group size
Support vehicle
Wiler bike and helmet

TOUR EXCLUDES:
Transport to and from Crete
Drinks (except water while riding)
Personal expenses
Entrance fees to Museums and other site

Minimum Group size for this tour is 4 persons