
ix
Landscape of Lassithi plateau Crete, Greece
Tour Director
Kevin Hand,
MSc, MCIEEM
conservationist, ornithologist and environmental consultant
Itinerary
Day
1
Depart London Gatwick 0710 on Easyjet, arriving Heraklion 1310.Transfer to Agios Nikolaos for five nights at Hotel Miramare.
Day
2
Morning talk followed by coastal town of Elounda (waders, migrant pipits, larks in former salt-pans) and peninsula of Spinalonga (sunken city of Olous). Afternoon: boat trip to Venetian island fortress of Spinalonga, followed by cliff walk (wild gladioli, endemic orchids, birds of prey).
Day
3
Minoan Palace of Malia (marsh shore with short turf covered in Cretan camomile and catch fly). Afternoon visit to the famous Minoan Palace at Knossos.
Day
4
Lassithi Plateau (large, fertile mountain plateau with panoramic views) for orchids, upland plants and fruit groves with optional visit to Dhiktean Cave (birthplace of Zeus).
Day
5
Morning: ruins of Gournia (unusual Minoan town), rocky coastline in search of Cretan ebony. Afternoon: gigantic gorge mouth at Monastiraki (chough, Alpine swift).
Day
6
Orthodox Easter Sunday - Selinari Gorge (chapel, monastery and vulture colony), Rethymnon, Agia Lake (waders and migrant water-birds) then transfer for
two nights at Neos Omalos Hotel in mountains of western Crete.
two nights at Neos Omalos Hotel in mountains of western Crete.
Day
7
Across Omalos Plateau to Samaria Gorge, exploring little-known paths, searching for mountain plants (endemic Cretan tulip, aubretia, yellow Star-of- Bethlehem, centuries-old cypresses), with possible sightings of bearded vulture and agrimi (wild goat).
Day
8
Depart Chania 1435, arriving London Gatwick 1635.
Tour Dates
19 Apr — 26 Apr 2022
Days
8
Cost
£2045
Tour Code
CRET-22
Gallery
our photos
If you would like to upload your photos to our gallery click here
Testimonial
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES
Participants should have a good overall level of fitness for this tour, as a number of visits will involve negotiating rugged or uneven terrain.
FLIGHTS
For customers who wish to make their own travel arrangements, ACE is pleased to be able to offer a flight reduction of £270.
Cost of £2045 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, dinner with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities.
Not included: travel insurance, single room supplement £165.