Santorini and Crete Walk

On arrival at Santorini Airport there will be a transfer to your hotel in Akrotiri, a 20min drive, where you spend the first three nights of your trip. The remainder of the day is free to explore the small town, relax in the hotel swimming pool and take in the views on either side - the caldera and out to sea. Optional short walk around Akrotiri via Apothikes (caldera). Walk 2.5km, +150m, -150m, 1hr

After breakfast you will transfer to Perissa beach to begin your first hike. A steep ascent takes you to the dramatic clifftop ruins of Ancient Thira. After visiting the site, continue over small summits for panoramic views of the whole island before reaching the historic village of Pyrgos, set at the highest point of the island. After strolling through the narrow streets, you return to the hotel in Akrotiri. Walk 5.2km, +500m, -230m, 3hrs

This morning you will transfer to the capital of Santorini, Fira. Located on the west coast of the island on the caldera cliffs opposite the volcano, the town is busy with bars, restaurants, shops and accommodations. There are also interesting museums and a lively nightlife which is possible to access from your hotel (20 minutes by taxi). You explore Fira on foot before setting out on your hike around the caldera rim. This is one of the most scenic hikes in the Greek Islands, with panoramic views of small whitewashed villages built into the edge of the caldera and the endless sea on either side. On reaching Oia, pause for a refreshment and the views before transferring back to Akrotiri. Walk 10.6km, +275m, -365m, 4hrs

Today is free to relax at the pool, explore the Akrotiri surrounds at your leisure, or shop in Fira - the choice is yours. In the late afternoon you take the high speed ferry (approx 1.5hrs) to Heraklion, Crete's largest city. On arrival, it's a short walk to your hotel near the port.

You can take an optional walk in the old city this morning to take in the sights of Heraklion and its museums, the Venetian fortress and Byzantine churches, together with its busy harbour and bustling heart. If you'd like to spend time exploring the Knossos archaeological site (palace and museum), you can request an extra night (at time of booking) in Heraklion. Later you take a public bus to Chania (2.5hrs, 140km) - they leave every hour on the half hour. The historic old town of Chania, once occupied by the Venetians and the Turks, is set on and around the hill of Kastelli, overlooking the sea. Throughout the walled town there are numerous vestiges of past civilisations including many Byzantine churches. Elaborately decorated Venetian manors co-exist with Turkish styled houses in the narrow lanes. On arrival take a walk around the old town to soak up the atmosphere around the charming Venetian harbour or the traditional market.

Early this morning you take a public bus (approx. 7.45am) to Omalos and to Xiloskala at the entrance of Samaria Gorge. Samaria is the longest gorge in Europe and one of the most beautiful. You walk on a good path through a shady pine forest and beside a flowing stream. You reach the village of Agia Roumeli, where you can relax and enjoy a swim before taking the boat to the small port of Loutro, with its blue and white houses (note the last boat departure is at 5.30pm - not included, allow EUR8.50pp. The boat trip takes about 20minutes). Walk 16.3km, +50m, -1200m, 6hrs The Samaria Gorge is open from 1 May-31 Oct. In case the Samaria Gorge is closed due to bad weather, extreme heat etc. you travel by public bus from Chania to Chora Sfakion and from there you take the ferry or a taxi boat to Loutro. Here you have a choice of walks, a longer or a shorter version, both of which visit the amazing Aradena Gorge.

This morning is at leisure to relax, swim and explore at your own pace. In the afternoon, walk the coastal path to Chora Sfakion along the path that crosses Sweet Water beach (there are many fresh water springs coming out at the pebble beach). Overnight in Chora Sfakion. Walk 6.6km, +180m, -240m, 3hrs