CRETE: AEGEAN ODYSSEY
Sept 17-29, 2026

Day 1 – Friday, Sept 17    Agios Nikolaos, no cycling
Airport (or hotel) pickup and transfer to Agios Nikolaos (for 3 nights) where we’ll set up and fit the bikes and have time to enjoy the beach. Following is our pre–tour briefing and welcome dinner (D)

Day 2 – Sept 18    Agios Nikolaos, cycling 22mi/1394’
Shakeout ride along the coast. A short boat ride takes us to Spinalonga, a world heritage  island steeped in history and intrigue. Once a leper colony, its haunting ruins and fortified walls bear witness to centuries of human resilience and struggle. Explore its narrow streets, abandoned buildings with a guided tour and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding sea with a guided tour. Following is our pre–tour briefing and welcome dinner (B,D)

Day 3 – Sept 19    Agios Nikolaos loop via Kritsa, cycling 30mi/3175’ 

We gradually ascend into the rugged interior of Crete. The landscape transforms from sandy beaches to rocky hillsides adorned with vibrant wildflowers and gnarled olive trees. Mountains rise in the distance as our route twists and turns, leading us through narrow gorges carved by ancient rivers feeding the fertile valleys dotted with vineyards. We reach the iconic rural mountain village of Kritsa whose narrow streets are lined with traditional stone houses adorned with colorful bougainvillea. Here we'll visit small shops featuring Kritsa's famed woven textiles, pottery and olive oil  (B,D)

Day 4 – Sept 20    Agios Nikolaos-Zaros, cycling 37mi/3058’  

We pedal away from the coast into rolling hills snaking through the countryside, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Descending to the coast, you'll have time for lunch and a swim in the ocean before being shuttled to for a guided tour of the famed Palace of Knossos, Greece's largest archaeological site which was the center of the prehistoric Minoan Civilization. You'll then be transferred to  the unspoiled village of Zaros (for 2 nights), nestled in the slopes of Crete’s highest peak, Mount Psiloritis.  (B,L,D) 

Day 5 – Sept 21    Zaros loop, cycling 36mi/3050’ 

As we leave the village the scenery softens, giving way to fertile valleys and lush forests carrying the scent of pine and cedar. You are then invited by our friend Michailis and his family, into their traditional family farm, for bread making, milking the goats and cooking followed  by a  luncheon feast and local dance! In the evening, enjoy a light dinner of trout from our hotel's local aquafarm  (B,L, D)

Day 6 – Sept 22    Zaros - Agia Galini , cycling 21mi/1525’ 

We descend from the Ida mountains through the Messara plain with its lush olive groves and vineyards. Our final segment is a swift descent, with breathtaking panoramic views, to Southern Crete's rugged coastline and the turquoise Gulf of Messara. At lunch you'll have time for an ocean swim on the pristine sandy beaches. Then oin to the charming village port of Agia Galini, built on the site of an ancient Minoan City, which sits amphitheatrically  above the Libyan Sea. Its narrow streets are lined with taverna's and cafes, their outdoor terraces bustling with vibrant local activity (B,D) 

Day 7 – Sept 23    Agia Galini  - Plakias, cycling 31mi/4137’ 

Following the coast along rolling hills, we pass secluded coves and beaches with striking rock formations and sand dunes. Our winding route passes historic country villages with classic Cretan architecture. We stop for a refreshing break at the Kourtaliotiko Gorge for a swim in the spectacular cave waterfalls reached via stone stairways descending into the gorge. Then, leaving the mountains behind we descend with panoramic sea views to the southern coast. Finally, we arrive in Plakias, a picturesque seaside village with outdoor terraces and tavernas set alongside it's fine sandy beaches (B,D) 

Day 8 – Sept 24   Plakias-Hora Sfakion, cycling 24mi/2956’  (alternate option: Kalikratis Pass 36mi/5400ft)
We cycle along the coast to Hora Sfakion, a peaceful harbor town overlooking the azure Libyan Sea. The port is filled with colorful fishing boats, seafood tavernas and the famed Bakery Ntourountous.  Hardcore riders can opt to climb the epic, breathtaking Kallikratis Pass featuring 27 switchbacks. Sheer cliffs surround the road plunging into deep ravines whose rocky faces are adorned with vibrant wildflowers and ancient olive trees. At the summit enjoy the well deserved 360 views  of the rugged peaks and deep gorges below (B,D)

Day 9 – Sept 25   Hora Sfakion-Chania, cycling 43mi/4088’ 

We ascend into the heart of the White Mountains, a rugged wilderness of towering peaks and deep gorges. Winding upward through narrow valleys you’ll crest the summit at Imbros Pass with panoramic views. Our descent through quaint villages and fertile farmland offers glimpses of traditional Cretan life. At the coast, we arrive for two nights at the medieval town of Chania, steeped in centuries of Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek influences (B,D)

Day 10 – Sept 26   Chania, no cycling 

Rest your legs and explore beautiful Chania! In the morning explore the historic old town, ancient lighthouse and Jewish and Turkish quarters. Shop for local handcrafted products and enjoy artisan demonstrations at the Verekinthos Arts and Crafts village. In the evening, feast at your choice of Chania’s renown restaurants  or indulge in cocktails and tapas at Synagogi, the town’s oldest bar located in an old synagogue. Optional Ride and traditional lunch, cycling 15m/2567’ : Biking a short but hilly ride through the spectacular Therissos Gorge, arrive at Dounas Taverna and Farm. There, enjoy a traditional Cretan lunch cooked over an open fire in the taverna (optional). Other optional day trips are available to nearby environs, such as the Samaras Gorge or Balos Beach (B)

Day 11 – Sept 27    Chania-Lake-Rethymno, cycling 45mi/2904’ 

We cycle through rolling hills and fertile plains to Lake Kournas, the only freshwater lake on Crete. Take a swim before lunch at the lakeside taverna. Our afternoon ride, through ancient villages and olive groves, takes us to the northern coastal town of Rethymno (for 2 nights), whose Turkish influence is reflected in its restored mosques, churches and forts.  (B,D)

Day 12 – Sept 28    Rethymno-Maragrites Loop,  cycling 33mi/2953’ 

Our final loop ride is to the famed monastery of Arkadi for a guided tour. Afterwards, enjoy a tasting at a local olive plantation before cycling to Margarites, a picturesque village known for its Minoan pottery tradition and well-preserved stone architecture. Here, we'll watch a ceramics demonstration from a skilled artisan at their local workshop  (B,D)

Day 13 – Tuesday, Sept 29  Departure,  transfer by bus to Heraklion Airport (B)

Joining the ride

Request to participate or inquire further by contacting the ride leader, Bruce Rayvid. Upon acceptance you will be asked to sign a waiver and pay the People Cycling registration fee, The deposit will be paid directly to Greek Cycling Holidays (GCH) after ride confirmation. 

Payments and Cancellations

The total tour cost per person is $3680  based on two persons sharing a room, calculated at a current currency exchange rate of $1.15 USD equals 1 Euro (€3200). As  exchange rates fluctuate, there may be an adjustment in the amount of the final payment. Singles are welcome at a surcharge of approximately $950 per room. If you do not have a riding partner, we will do our best to connect participants as roommates.

A deposit of $800  is required on booking with the balance due 90 days prior to the tour.  GCH requires a minimum of twelve participants for the ride. Refunds of deposits and payments will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recovered.  If the canceling participant is replaced, a refund will be made when the replacement has paid their fees. If the canceling participant can't be replaced there will be no refund.  Refund calculations are based on the principle that a canceling participant will not increase the cost for others.  All cancellations are subject to an administrative fee of $175, which GCH will  deduct from the deposit.  If a participant that is sharing a room cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped, the canceling roommate may also be liable for the supplement for a private room of the roommate remaining on the tour.  The People Cycling ride registration and membership fee is not refundable unless the entire tour is canceled. You are highly encouraged to purchase trip cancellation insurance. The itinerary and menus are subject to change depending on availability and size of group.

Tour includes:

• 12 x nights accommodation in 3 star hotels or private villa

• 11 x dinner with wine, beer and soft drinks unless otherwise indicated (D)

• 3 x lunch or light lunch with soft drinks (L)

• 3 x light lunches (L)

• 12 x breakfast (B)

• light snacks, energy bars, water and electrolyte drinks for the rides 

• Transfer to and from starting and end points

• Basic spare parts and inner tubes 

• Emergency vehicle support and luggage transfer

• Entrance fee to museums, archaeological sites and tours per itinerary 

• Olive oil tasting, pottery demonstration, family cooking and farm workshop

• Licensed tour guide at Spinalonga, Arkadi monastery and Palace of Knossos.

• GCH cycle jersey

• GCH bidon water bottle

• bike box transfer

• Map of the area

• TCX or GPX files for each day’s route

• Not included: flights, bike hire, travel and accident insurance, tips/gratuities, pre-dinner drinks and pre/post tour hotel (highly recommended in either Heraklion or Athens)  

Bike Rentals
Carbon road bikes (Shimano Tiagra 34/50 or 52/36 – 11/32 cassette or similar), as well as a LIMITED (4) number of e-bikes, are available for rental at their respective rental tour costs  of $300 (road) and $390 (e-bike). Participants who bring their own bikes are encouraged to use compact or collapsible bike boxes to fit our limited available van storage space.

Weather
With an average range from 66-82°, Crete weather in September is mild and perfect for cycling. Occasional rain in the mountains is always a possibility; participants should be prepared to ride regardless of weather.

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