A journey through history, art and countryside in Umbria, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Italy.
Call us on 01707 817260
Or, email us at customersupport@rambleworldwide.co.uk
Call us on 01707 817260
Or, email us at customersupport@rambleworldwide.co.uk
Discover the charm of Kissamos on a gentle walking holiday in Crete. Explore ancient sites, scenic plateaus, and beautiful harbours. Enjoy leisurely walks, delicious cuisine, and the allure of the Mediterranean. Unwind on sandy beaches and savour the essence of Greece.
Crete
Coast & Islands
Culture
May
Sep
Average group size: 12-14
What does this mean?
What does this mean?
What does this mean?
The perfect blend of guided shorter walks, sightseeing trips, and quality accommodation for a more leisurely way to discover the world.
Overview
This tour explores the captivating town of Kissamos and its surrounding natural beauty. Situated in the enchanting region of Crete, Greece, this carefully crafted itinerary promises an unforgettable experience of leisurely walks and immersive cultural exploration.
Kissamos, with its serene coastal charm and traditional Greek character, serves as the perfect starting point for our journey. As you venture through the picturesque town, with charming cafes and tavernas, and glimpses of the authentic Cretan way of life.
Throughout the gentle walks, you'll meander along tranquil paths that wind through olive groves, fragrant citrus orchards, and vineyard-laden landscapes. The terrain, carefully selected to ensure a relaxed pace, allows you to revel in the mesmerizing beauty of the Cretan countryside without strenuous exertion.
Cultural exploration is also at the heart of this holiday. You'll visit historical sites, ancient ruins, and charming villages where the echoes of Greece's fascinating past come to life. From archaeological treasures to centuries-old churches, the cultural tapestry of Kissamos will captivate our imagination.
Of course, you cannot overlook the gastronomic delights that await you. As you walk, you'll savour authentic Cretan cuisine, tasting local delicacies and sipping on regional wines that perfectly complement the culinary journey.
Throughout this gentle walking holiday, the focus remains on relaxation and exploration. Our Kissamos adventure promises to leave you with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for the natural and cultural wonders of Crete. So, lace up your walking shoes and get ready to discover the best of Kissamos, one gentle step at a time.
Click the button below for a detailed Holiday Information Sheet containing all the particulars about this trip.
NOTE: Itineraries and Holiday Information Sheets can vary by a specific date chosen
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Itinerary & Travel
Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the outlined itinerary and advertised programme, local conditions can change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. This may mean that routes and timings need to be amended or the order of days may change, sometimes at short notice.
Meals
Accommodation
You depart the UK and fly to Chania Airport. On arrival you take a transfer to our hotel in Kissamos (40 minutes). Depending on your arrival time we may have time for a short orientation before heading to dinner in a local taverna.
Transfer Time = 45 minutes
Meals
Accommodation
Time
Distance
Ascent/Descent
Today you travel to the beautiful area of Deliana Gorge, you do not walk in the actual gorge itself due to damage to the gorge during winter rains in 2019. After your walk the minibus will take you to Astrikas Estate for a tour of their Olive Oil Press, finishing off with a tasty meze snack and a chance to enjoy the surrounding of the beautiful estate with fantastic views towards the village of Roka in the distance. Time depending on your journey back to Kissamos there may be a stop at the Pnevmatikakis Winery for a short but interesting tour which is free to the public. The tour finishes in their tasting room with a selection of wines to try as well as well as a chance to buy the products.
Meals
Accommodation
Time
Distance
Ascent/Descent
The plateau of Omalos is the largest of all the fertile plains on Crete, surrounded by Lefka Ori (White Mountains). It is famous for having the entrance to the Samaria Gorge, so most people just pass through it without noticing it’s beauty. It is almost round with a diameter of 2.5km. It is renowned for being covered in flowers in Spring, especially tulips. From here you start the walk to the reservoir where there is a viewing platform before continuing on a quiet road back to the minibus which will take you to Xyloskalo to view Gingolos and the start of the famous Samaria Gorge. Once you have finished admiring the beauty of the gorge you will head back in the minibus towards our next stop, which is a brief visit to the village of Lakoi, which is renowned for its resistance to all the invaders of Crete, including the Venetians, the Ottomans, and the Germans.
After the bus continues on to visit the Botanical Gardens which has plants from many different countries. Please note the gardens are located on the side of a hill, it is easier to go down but there is a steep incline to get back up. There is a restaurant to sit and have food and drinks and a shop to explore for those who do not want to visit the gardens.
Meals
Accommodation
Time
Distance
Ascent/Descent
Today you head to the small hamlet of Koleni where you start your walk. The walks takes you on back roads and farmer tracks passing through the villages of Kotsiana, Roka, and Kera finishing for a honey tasting at an Olive press. The Roka Gorge is a highlight of the walk, especially if you can spot the Griffon Vultures flying around.
Meals
Accommodation
Distance
Ascent/Descent
Today you transfer to Chania. Chania is a beautiful coastal city located on the northwest coast. It is renowned for its picturesque Venetian harbour, where historic buildings and colourful fishing boats create a charming atmosphere. Chania boasts a rich history, evident in its well-preserved old town with narrow streets, ancient architecture, and fascinating landmarks. You have time to explore the old town and the beautiful harbour and explore the many museums and shops Chania has to offer.
Meals
Accommodation
Distance
Ascent/Descent
Today you travel to Falassarna where you start the walk with spectacular views of the west coast, you stop off to visit the Minoan Site of the Ancient City and the harbour of Falassarna. Your lunch stop will be at another beachside taverna with free time to go swimming and sunbathe before heading back to Kissamos.
Meals
Accommodation
Distance
Ascent/Descent
You start the day by driving to Kolymbari where you spend time discovering the monastery, The monastery was originally founded around the 14th century by monks from the monastery of Saint George at Menies, which had to be abandoned as a result of the constant pirate raids. After the monastery you make a visit to the fascinating historical tunnels built in 1942 under German supervision. You have the morning exploring the tunnels before a coastal walk to Nopigia and stop a seaside taverna for lunch.
Meals
You have breakfast and check out before heading back to Chania airport for your flight back to the UK.
From (GBP)£1,489
Departure dates for your selected tour
13th May 2025 - 20th May 2025 (7 Nights)
20th May 2025 - 27th May 2025 (7 Nights)
16th Sep 2025 - 23rd Sep 2025 (7 Nights)
23rd Sep 2025 - 30th Sep 2025 (7 Nights)
Accommodation
Below is the accommodation featured on this holiday across all departure dates. Please refer to the Itinerary for more detail about each night's accommodation for each departure date.
This small family run hotel is located on in the centre of Kissamos and has a total of 24 rooms. This 2 star hotel boasts its own wonderful outdoor swimming pool with sun beds and umbrellas to relax, as well as beautiful greenery surrounding the outdoor area where you can sit and enjoy a coffee or a cocktail from the outdoor bar! The hotel is a 5 minute walk from the beach and Kissamos town centre with plenty of local tavernas, cafes and shops. Rooms in the hotel are all equipped with ensuite facilities, balcony, refrigerator, TV, A/C, safe and hairdryers.
Trip Information
We class Grade 3 as leisurely; walks are generally a little longer than level 2, with undulations but over a longer distance. Where sightseeing distances are longer, we take a full day with opportunities to stop, rest and refuel. Generally, itineraries involve easy countryside walking with plenty of breaks,
Usual daily walks - Distance: 4 miles; Ascent/Descent 300m; Terrain: generally good paths and tracks; Walking Time: Half Day or Full Day walks.
The above statistics are generalisations of a day’s keys walk, it does not include distance covered during general sightseeing or daily activity. Detailed information of the daily walking requirements are specified in the specific holidays ‘Daily Itinerary" .
Holiday Budgeting
As you plan your holiday budget, it's essential to account for expenses such as drinks, meals not covered in the holiday price, entrance fees not included, optional local excursions, and any souvenirs or additional services like laundry. For a rough estimate, budgeting around £10-£20 per person per day for lunches and drinks is a helpful guideline.
Local Transport Costs
In the holiday cost, we have included all local transport expenses related to the advertised activity program for your convenience. If there are additional visits or excursions to enrich your experience, you can choose to participate and cover the costs locally. Depending on the itinerary, local transport may involve a mix of private hire coaches, taxis, local buses, and ferries.
Country Currency
The currency in Greece is the euro. ATMs and banks are widely available in the larger towns and villages. Most establishments accept credit/debit cards. You may wish to take some euro in cash with you for the first day or so until you locate a bank.
Tipping
In your holiday price, we've included tipping for our local suppliers, covering hotel and restaurant staff, local guides, and drivers. Should you wish to make an extra contribution for a specific service, this should be given directly to the recipient at your discretion.
Your Leader
Your tour leader plays a crucial role in enhancing your holiday experience, and they share your passion for exploring the world on foot. In addition to being resourceful and organized they are also well-travelled and deeply enthusiastic about showing you new destinations. Your tour leader takes care of all the local, ensuring you can fully enjoy your holiday without worrying about the logistics. While leading group holidays, they always keep in mind that each group is composed of individuals. Each tour leader brings their unique style, talents, and professional background to the table. Rest assured, they are all trained, qualified, experienced, and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting, and inspiring as possible. Remember, your leader, while on holiday, is your first port of call for any issues, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience for you.
Leaders Evening Briefing
Each evening, your tour leader will meet with you to review the programme for the next day. This is your chance to discuss details and ensure that the planned activities align with your walking ability. If you have any concerns about clothing or equipment, feel free to bring them up during this discussion. If, for any reason, you prefer not to participate in the organised group programme, please inform your leader. Your preferences are important, and your leader is there to make sure your experience aligns with your expectations.
Group Size
We believe that the best things come in small packages, and our Adagio holidays prove just that. We limit our groups to a maximum of 18 persons, plus the Adagio Leader, so that everyone has the opportunity to mix, share their love of travel and return home with new friendships. Small groups also have less detrimental local impact, allows us to use public transport on some days, eat at small local restaurants and, we believe, offers a better experience.
Booking Your Own Travel Arrangements
If you prefer to arrange your own flights from a non-UK or regional airport or travel to your holiday destination by rail or car, you may qualify for 'land only' reductions, and we can provide details upon request. Feel free to reach out to us for more information.
Before finalizing any independent travel arrangements, especially if you're doing so 12 weeks or more before your intended travel date, please check with us first to ensure your holiday has been cleared to operate. If you plan to join your holiday locally, kindly inform us at least 14 weeks in advance.
If you're joining and leaving your holiday overseas, we assume, unless you specify otherwise, that you will join and leave the holiday at your hotel.
Although airport/station transfers are not included for those making independent travel arrangements, you may have the option to join the group at the overseas airport/station, depending on your arrival time. If interested, contact us at least 5 weeks before departure for more details.
Please be aware that you must arrive within 30 minutes of the group flight/train arrival to be eligible for the group transfer. Additionally, we'll need your flight number, arrival time, and departure point or independent travel arrangements to ensure the group leader can meet up with you. If you have a mobile, please ensure we have the number, and it is turned on while you are traveling for effective communication.
Hotel Transfers
When you book a flight or rail inclusive holiday, transfers between the airport/station and hotel (and vv) are included. On some holidays, where we offer various flight options, the transfer vehicle may wait for all flights to land before transferring to the hotel.
Luggage Allowance & Tickets
If you're booking a flight or rail inclusive holiday, rest assured that details of your travel arrangements and baggage allowance will be clearly outlined in your 'Final Travel Documents'. These will be sent to you approximately 10 days before your departure, ensuring you have all the necessary information for a smooth and well-prepared journey.
Personal Details Check
To ensure the accurate administration of your holiday arrangements, kindly verify that the personal details we have for you are current and correct. Confirm that you've given us all the necessary information for securing your travel and accommodation. Please review your passport details, date of birth, and any other pertinent information crucial for the management of your holiday.
Additionally, please make us aware of any dietary allergies or intolerances you may have. Your well-being is important to us, and this information will help us make appropriate arrangements for your meals during the trip.
You can access and update the provided information or add missing details through the "Manage My Booking" feature on our website at www.rambleworldwide.co.uk. Alternatively, reach out to our Sales and Reservations team at +44 (0)1707 331133. Upon receiving your booking confirmation, promptly check the details. Your cooperation ensures a seamless and enjoyable holiday experience.
General Passport Advice
It is a good idea to carry photocopies of the personal details pages of your passport page (with your photo on). Should you lose your passport, this may assist with the issue of replacement documents and your return to your home country. Passport and visa requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements.
General travel and destination advice for UK nationals is available from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at www.fco.gov.uk/travel and at www.gov.uk/travelaware.
Brexit Passport Advice
If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must meet the Schengen area rules.
Your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:
Your passport may need to be less than 10 years old during your whole visit, and the 3 months at the end of your visit may need to be within 10 years of your passport’s issue date.
Check both the issue date and the expiry date in your passport. If you renewed your passport early, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. This could affect the requirement for your passport to be less than 10 years old.
Non British Passport holders should consult the host country’s embassy for applicable passport and visa entry requirements.
Breakfasts are taken in our hotel. Dinners are taken in local tavernas where we get a chance to sample delicious traditional cuisine such as local cheeses, stuffed vine leaves and spinach pie.
Lunches are at your own expense and can be purchased from a local supermarket/café or at a taverna on the day, depending on your location.
Footwear
Comfortable, broken in, walking boots or shoes with a good sole are recommended for this holiday. Walking shoes or other comfortable footwear will be suitable for sightseeing days.
General Kit List
Outdoor activities are always safer and more enjoyable if you are prepared.
If you have not travelled with us before the following list might be of use:
This list is not exhaustive and every traveller is different and may have their own preference.
Water To Go
Opting for filtered water from a reusable bottle with its built-in water filter, like the Water-to-go bottle available at www.watertogo.eu, is a sustainable alternative to single-use sealed water bottles. Simply refill it from any water source and contribute to saving the environment from disposable plastic bottles.
Exciting news: Water-to-go has introduced two new bottles to their collection. The Active bottle is designed to fit bike water bottle holders, and the Sugarcane bottle is an even more planet-friendly option. Crafted from fibrous cane, a by-product of liquid extraction, it undergoes a process to create plant-based plastic. Explore the details on the Water-to-Go website for this innovative new range.
As a token of appreciation for your commitment to the environment, we've secured an exclusive 15% discount with Water-to-Go for you. Visit www.watertogo.eu and use the code RWH17 during your order.
Note: If you're booked on a long-haul holiday, departing after November 1, 2023, you'll receive a complimentary Water-to-Go bottle, sent to your home address 2 or 3 weeks before your holiday. Thank you for being a part of our sustainable journey!
Travel Document Checklist
To ensure your holiday gets off to a good start, please make sure that you bring the following documents and information with you:
Electricity in Greece
Electricity is supplied at 220 Volts. If you wish to use electrical equipment you will need a European two pin adaptor with round pins. More information can be found at https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/
The Map Shop
If you cannot find the maps or books locally we recommend:
The Map Shop
5 High Street
Upton upon Severn, Worcs
WR8 0HJ
England
Tel: 01684 593 146
Website: www.themapshop.co.uk
E-mail: themapshop@btinternet.com
If you key many of the local places mentioned in this holiday fact sheet into YouTube, you will find a vast array of spectacular footage of the area.
Country Health
No compulsory immunisations are required for visits to Greece
You should be up to date with the usual immunisations recommended in the UK.
Further Health Advice
For further advice please visit:
You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to wash your hands.
GHIC / EHIC Cards
Starting January 1st, 2021, you, as a UK traveller, can continue using your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) throughout its valid five-year period, granting you access to medical assistance during your holiday until its expiry date. Be aware, though, that this coverage will no longer extend to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland. In case you don't have a valid EHIC, you can apply for a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which will replace the EHIC as it gets phased out.
It's essential to emphasize that the EHIC/GHIC, while valuable, should not be regarded as a substitute for comprehensive medical or travel insurance. For your peace of mind and comprehensive coverage, considering additional insurance is highly recommended.
For more information, please visit www.nhs.uk/ehic
Travel Insurance
It’s a condition of booking that you obtain adequate travel insurance, from a reputable provider, to undertake the holiday, including UK trips chiefly due to the cancellation element of cover.
The policy must cover the period from the date of booking to the last day of your trip and should include, as a minimum, cover for: medical expenses (including the consequences of a Covid positive test result), mountain rescue including helicopter rescue, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment and shall not have exclusion clauses limiting cover for the activities you will partake in on your trip, including altitudes reached in the holiday arrangement. It is your responsibility to check that your policy is adequate for the nature and destination of the holiday booked.
Once you have obtained your travel insurance, please provide us with the name of your travel insurer, the policy number and the insurer’s 24 hour emergency assistance number.
In the event that you fail to obtain suitable Travel Insurance we shall not be liable for any costs incurred or claims made against us due to your failure to comply with this term.
If travelling outside the UK you must carry proof of insurance with you and produce it if reasonably requested to do so by RWH Travel staff, tour leaders or suppliers. No refunds will be made should you be excluded from the walking programme through being uninsured or you being unable to demonstrate that you are insured.
Our house broker MPI should be considered for whom we are an affiliate and contact information is on our website and will be referred to in your booking confirmation.
If you are travelling to an EU country or Switzerland please also ensure that you have either an existing valid EU EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card) or a valid UK GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card). You can apply for a UK GHIC free of charge on the NHS website at https://services.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/cra/start.
Responsible Travel
We are dedicated to promoting responsible travel practices that prioritise the well-being of both the environment and local communities. We believe in the transformative power of travel and aim to minimize our ecological footprint by selecting eco-friendly accommodations, encouraging waste reduction, and supporting sustainable transportation options where possible. Our walking tours are designed to immerse participants in the local culture, fostering meaningful connections with the communities we visit. We strive to leave a positive impact by engaging in responsible tourism activities, respecting local customs, and contributing to the preservation of natural landscapes. Through our commitment to responsible travel, we aim to create enriching experiences for our guests while actively contributing to the conservation of the destinations we explore.
Heart and Sole
We appreciate that we are in a fortunate position to be able to use our profits to help make a difference to people's lives. Heart & Sole is a venture managed by our office staff, whose aim is to reach the heart of the communities in the countries we visit. Through Heart & Sole, we hope to make more of a long term, direct impact to these communities, particularly in less developed countries where even a small amount goes a long way.
The Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust
Unlike many other tour operators, we take pride in our unique approach. Ramble Worldwide channels its surplus profits back into various outdoor, walking-related, or environmental conservation projects in the UK through our own trust. When you choose us, you contribute to this impactful initiative.
The Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust is passionate about making the outdoors more accessible for more people from all communities. We grant funds to many organisations and have recently partnered with Mind Over Mountains, Adaptive Grand Slam, and other groups to create an enduring impact on people’s lives and to support them to enjoy the outdoors. In addition, the Trust makes many small grants to local organisations such as Ramblers Groups, Walkers are Welcome, My kind of Books and recently provided a small grant, via his scouting group, to enable a young man whose family had fallen on hard times to complete his DofE Gold award.
Patron of the Trust is the renowned explorer, Mark Wood. Over 20 years Mark has undertaken expeditions to some of the most remote parts of our planet. Our shared values make for an exciting partnership, and we believe that by standing shoulder to shoulder we can encourage people from all communities to enjoy being active outdoors in whatever way suits them best.
For more comprehensive details, please visit the 'About' section on our website and click on the Charitable Trust link. Your choice to travel with us goes beyond a memorable vacation; it contributes to meaningful projects that have a positive impact on our community and environment.
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Language
Time Difference
Flight duration
Visas and Passports
January
Avg. Rain: 91mm
February
Avg. Rain: 78mm
March
Avg. Rain: 65mm
April
Avg. Rain: 43mm
May
Avg. Rain: 29mm
June
Avg. Rain: 15mm
July
Avg. Rain: 10mm
August
Avg. Rain: 11mm
September
Avg. Rain: 28mm
October
Avg. Rain: 71mm
November
Avg. Rain: 94mm
December
Avg. Rain: 106mm
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