Crete

On arrival in Crete you will be transferred to Thronos village in the heart of the island. On our way to Thronos we skirt around Psiloritis mountain before turning into the verdant Amari valley. A warm family welcome awaits us in the village from the family-run guest house and Mr Lambros, a charming local who will share the tales of his long life in the village as you stroll around the small cobbled streets. After sundown drinks overlooking the valley, we share in a locally sourced feast of traditional Cretan fare, either in the guest houses' rustic taverna or on the outdoor terrace.

After breakfast on the garden terrace, we hop on the bikes to meander around the Amari valley's quiet roads for the morning, first to the village of Meronas and then beside a stream and through olive groves to the abandoned monastery at Asomaton. Skirting along the southern foothills of Psiloritis, we continue through rolling scenery, with goats and sheep for company, through numerous villages. In Vizari, we stop to enjoy a lesson in Cretan music in a small, charming folk museum created and run by locals, taught by the talented Cretan musician Adonis. After a Slow Cyclist-style picnic lunch, we journey to the small town of Zaros. The gorgeous setting for our next two nights is a farm nestled alone in a small valley. The family owners have created a special environment that is true to their values of sustainability, quality craftsmanship, consideration for the land and gentle hospitality. There are no electric lights, just candlelight.

In an open 4x4 we adventure into the heart of the Rouvas forest, on the slopes of Psiloritis above Zaros. We join Nikos, bursting with character and a passionate truffle hunter. Depending on the season, we will join him on a hunt with his Italian hunting dogs, after which he and his daughter will prepare a truffle lunch. If truffle hunting is not possible, Nikos will turn his infectious enthusiasm to his other passion: bees. After this feast, we cycle back up the track through beautiful forest and then down the winding tarmac road past geological features and lush vegetation. We stop for a drink at the stunning Votomas Lake, before dinner back at the farm, and a fun evening of food with our family hosts.

This morning we leave behind the mythical mountains to drop into the Mesara plain, the largest and most fertile in Crete, hence its attraction to the ancient civilisations. With a guide, we visit the Minoan antiquities of Phaistos (dating back to around 2000 BC), which enjoy an impressive setting with panoramic views. Then we cycle along the undulations at the edge of the Mesara plain, through its agricultural villages that live off the endless olive groves, before an epic lunch at Maria’s taverna. Maria’s simple and delicious seasonal food is much needed to fuel us for our late afternoon winding climb into the Asterousia mountains. What a change and what a surprise! Breathtaking scenery, a very special guest house, and a larger-than-life host await. As well as an infinity pool with views all the way out to the sea.

An epic day and a fitting conclusion to our Cretan journey. By jeep we are driven down a steep dirt-road to the coast. From here we hike along a rocky path from the village of Ai Giannis, through a small forest, to the monastery of Koudoumas, one of the most important on the island. We pass beaches and caves where priests took refuge in medieval times. At the monastery, directly on the shoreline, we indulge in a picnic lunch and swim in the clear blue sea. In these parts, what goes steeply down must go steeply up. Mounting our electric bikes, we challenge ourselves for the climb up the sacred Kofinas mountain, vultures circling around its distinctive peak. As a reward (for succeeding or trying), we dine with views of the mountain, followed by music and dancing to celebrate the end of our journey.

After breakfast we will transfer you to the airport for your onward journey.