We have a handy rating for each walking tour to let you know how strenuous it maybe.
Moderate: Relatively few hills and moderate walking terrain.
Challenging: More hills (up to 300 or 400 metres of elevation in a day) and more difficult walking terrain.
Difficult: Some considerable hills (500 metres or more of elevation in a day) and some difficult terrain.
Far from the crowds and purpose built resorts, the far west of the island gives you the opportunity to discover a more authentic Crete and its traditional culture. Our base will be at the provincial town of Kissamos, predominantly an agricultural working town, which offers a glimpse of local life mixed with a touch of tourism. It is situated in the middle of a bay that sits between the 'fingers' of two peninsulas, Gramvousa and Rodopos on the north coast. The itinerary includes 5 guided walks, graded easy to medium, covering a distance of 6 to 12 kilometres a day.
Available Departures |
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| 03 - October - 2024 | £ 1485.00 | Travel Info Book Now |
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Provisional Timings London Gatwick Departing: 03rd October 2024 at 09:15 Returning: 10th October 2024 at 14:40 |
Day 1: Fly from London Gatwick to Chania.
On arrival, transfer by coach to Kissamos (approx. 45 mins) and the Sunny Bay Hotel. Dinner at the nearby Cellar Taverna
Day 2: Our first walk takes us from the pretty rural village of Polyrinnia through olive groves to Kastelli.
Our day begins with an informative and historical tour around the picturesque village of Polyrinnia after which we walk up to its ancient archaeological site. After taking in the panoramic views over the Bay of Kissamos to the North and the White Mountains to the South we descend on paths through olive groves to Kastelli where a welcome lunch awaits.
Day 3: Walking around the villages of Milia and Topolia to the cave of Agia Sophia.
Starting today’s walk in local villages provides a glimpse of a continuing traditional way of life. Passing through a small hamlet with an abundance of walnut, orange, lemon and cherry trees, we follow a track to the village of Milia where the original stone houses have been beautifully restored. After a refreshment we follow the track high up into the hills for splendid views towards the mountains and the gorge of Topolia. After lunch we return to Kissamos.
Day 4: A walk to Falassarna through undulating countryside to one of the loveliest beaches on Crete.
There will be an opportunity to swim in the crystal clear sea here and time to enjoy our packed lunch. Dinner this evening will be in the picturesque Venetian harbour town of Chania.
Day 5: Full day to relax and explore Kissamos at your leisure.
We will be happy to offer suggestions for activities - it might be possible to join an organised excursion to the infamous Samaria Gorge - 16km in length - that begins high in the White Mountains and descends to the sea on the south coast. Or perhaps a boat trip from Kissamos to the fantastic lagoon of Balos. Alternatively you might like to return to explore the delights of Chania Town.
Day 6: Full day of walking through mountains and gorges to the village of Deliana.
Today’s walk is beautifully picturesque, following paths high amongst the mountains that lead to a gentle gorge, which you will find resplendent with flora and fauna - you may spot birds of prey wheeling overhead. The walk ends at the village of Deliana where there is a fascinating church to visit.
Day 7: Full day walk from Sirikari to Polyrinnia.
Our walk begins high above the bay of Kissamos with spectacular views. We will pass through the peaceful gorge of Sirikari where Griffon vultures nest in the rock face. There will be time for a welcome rest stop at a beautiful old Venetian stone bridge under the shade of platanos (plane) trees before we begin the descent to Polyrinnia where we will enjoy lunch before returning to Kastelli. Dinner at the Cellar taverna included tonight.
Day 8: Transfer by coach back to Chania airport for your return flight to London Gatwick.
NB: This itinerary is for guidance only; it is possible that the order and/or details of the walks may change dependent on weather and other conditions.
Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 20 passengers.
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
Our base for the week is the friendly Sunny Bay Hotel situated on Kissamos' small promenande, right next to the sea. The hotel offers simple comfortable bedrooms with private bath/shower, air-conditioning (extra charge payable locally if required), TV, and balcony.
Sunny Bay Hotel Website
OUR VIEW OF THE HOTELS
The hotel offers simple, comfortable bedrooms with private facilities and balconies. Breakfast is taken at the hotel and dinner will be provided at a local taverna, ensuring you have the opportunity to enjoy very tasty local Cretan cuisine, which is situated on Kissamos’ seaside promenade.
FURTHER INFORMATION
The walks will take you over mountain ridges, along secluded coastlines, amongst slopes covered in olive groves, through valleys bordered with chestnut trees and abandoned villages. There is one free day included in the itinerary and our local guide will be happy to suggest places to visit. If you are feeling energised you may like to use your free day to join a guided excursion to the 16km Samaria Gorge. All meals are included in the price of the holiday with the exception of the free day when lunch and dinner are not included. Breakfast is taken every morning at your hotel and dinner will be at a local restaurant every evening with the exception of one evening when dinner will be taken at a taverna in the atmospheric Venetian harbour town of Chania. Most lunches will be at village tavernas. Walking boots are essential and clients should be in good health.
This tour. was beautifully arranged and organised by Strata Tours, Travel Edition's local agency. The main guide, Ianna, was very knowledgeable, caring and efficient. She organised everything very smoothly, making sure that everyone's needs were taken into account. The programme each day was varied and interesting with well-paced walks and insights into different aspects of Cretan culture. The lunches provided a good range of delicious Cretan food. Ianna was particularly caring and helpful to me when I fell down and grazed my arm: she put on a first temporary dressing, very efficiently and then after checking on it the following day, a Sunday, took me to the local health centre. Vaggelis, her helper and driver, was also very helpful and knowledgeable. I would thoroughly recommend this particular trip to friends and family.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 03-October-2023
I could not fault Strada tours, well planned walking trails and the guides were exception ,caring, well informed, went out of their way to provide for everyones needs.I cannot say the same for the office in UK seemed a bit vague ,late sending final instructions relying on royal mail. I had to ring and ask for the information andthen received conflicting information. Crete is a wonderful place to have a holiday, the Cretans are so friendly and proud of their wonderful island.
Review by Haworth who travelled 03-October-2023
I had a health problem 3 wks before departure which impaired my mobility but I was very well looked after by your two couriers . It was excellent & the food also extremely good.!
Review by Anonymous who travelled 03-October-2023
The tour was too large . 19/20 people is too big fir a walking holiday . The walks were good but were slowed down by the number of people on the tour . I would not sign up for another tour without knowing fewer people were participating.
Review by Shepherd who travelled 03-October-2023
A very enjoyable week in this scenic and rural part of Western Crete. The wild flowers were beautiful and in full bloom and the mountain herbs very fragrant. Gentle sound effects were provided by the tinkling of sheep and goat bells.. Gianna was an excellent and knowledgeable tour guide, ably assisted by Vaggelis who is also an expert driver. The walks were varied and interesting, though some should perhaps be described as challenging rather than moderate due to the terrain. The Sunny Bay Hotel was a good base and well run by the friendly family who own it. There was a variety and abundance of locally sourced food in the various tavernas where we had meals, served with the usual Greek hospitality. Thanks also to Stelios and his team at Strata tours for organising everything..
Review by Bassett who travelled 24-April-2023
Review by Cogbill who travelled 16-May-2024
Angela & Stelios of Strata Tours definitely went the extra mile to give us a very enjoyable and challenging week of walking in Crete.Sunny Bay Hotel was a pleasant location with a v.good pool but it's breakfast offerings need improving by quite a margin.
Review by Warden who travelled 16-May-2024
Transfer also excellent. The tour was as we had dreamed and remembered. The group made a grand team; could have been hand picked. Many thanks to Angela and the Galini hotel.
Review by Aveling who travelled 15-October-2024
We had an enjoyable holiday with good company and excellent food, perhaps drinks with the meals provided should have been included in the overall package, would have saved the problem with a combined drinks bill at the end of the evening.
Review by Milton who travelled 16-May-2024
Lived up to its expectation in terms of views, gorgeous wildflowers, Greek culture and food, however not in terms of the walking. As fit and able walkers we were disappointed with the pace and length of the walks. The longest walk was 9km on the first day. As it became apparent that most of the group were not fit enough, with some having to opt out of most of the walks, the walks got shorter as the week progressed with the walk on the last day being cut short to 5.4 km. Each walk we had numerous stops for the back to catch up. Short downhill stretches of some of the walks were more difficult due to loose gravel and we can understand how the walks were assessed as moderate for those used to walking. However as the tour seems to be attracting those less able, it should be graded as ‘difficult’ by way of a deterrent, or have the group split up with separate guides according to ability. This experience has made us wary of going on anymore walking holidays.
Review by Gordon who travelled 24-April-2023
All was as expected with the lunches provided being a feast and so evening meals on those days was not really required. One item to note is I think the Walking should be classed as 'Difficult': we were generally ok (as we were deemed one of the younger couples) but some others of an older age/ ability did find it slow going and this slowed the rest of the group down at times. Hope that helps. Peter & Christine
Review by Anonymous who travelled 24-April-2023
My only slight disappointment was that I would have appreciated a more varied group. We were all of a certain age. Some kept to themselves. There were some nice people but, over all, I did not find the group very stimulating.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 24-April-2023
The walls were described as “moderate” but I don’t think that this described the steepness and roughness of some of the paths. They are moderate for fit people without joint problems or some older clients and I think this should be reflected in the brochure description. Otherwise this was an excellent trip and the local agent couldn’t have been more carding and helpful. The hotel was very well run by friendly staff and in a great position.
Review by Dennett who travelled 24-April-2023
We loved our walking holiday in Crete but we feel that the brochure description of ‘moderate’ for the walks was not really accurate. There were quite a lot of steep climbs (up and down) and the walking surface was often unstable. Having said that, we were well able to complete the walks, but the same can not be said for all members of the group. The walks were stunning! The tour guides from Strata tours were fantastic!! We would highly recommend this holiday to anyone willing to take on slightly more challenging walks.
Review by Nicholson who travelled 24-April-2023
Only complaint is that from past experience of walking tours with J Peat this was a Challenging not a Moderate one, hence the Poor rating for the Brochure Description. The ground was v rocky and 2 tour members had nasty accidents, resulting in 3 stitches to her forehead for 1. Also, we were not aware when booking that the walks were arranged by Strata Tours and not Travel Editions. One of the highlights was the visit to Vengalis's grandmother's home. He was an entertaining and informative guide - as was Gianni. Stelios was also v charming and helpful. Past groups with Jonathan were only of 15: 20 meant the group became v spread out so there was a bit of waiting for others to catch up. However, overall another excellent week. Thank You.
Review by Rann who travelled 24-April-2023
Review by Anonymous who travelled 24-April-2023
On arrival we were surprised to learn that 8 other people would be sharing our tour. However, it was great to have these lovely Strata guests with us and they added much to our enjoyment of the tour. Gianna was lovely, an excellent guide - knowledgeable, approachable, with a can-do attitude - she cared kindly for the whole party and took account of everyone's needs. She paced the walks appropriately and we became aware that behind the scenes she was always checking that arrangements were in place. The meals, both at lunchtime and supper, were excellent, tasty and varied. Stelios and his team at the Cellar were extremely welcoming and looked after us very well. The staff at the Sunny Bay Hotel were similarly welcoming and our room, like the hotel itself, was immaculately clean and well kept. The breakfasts were really lovely and there was some variation in content every day. On our day off we took the Battle of Crete tour. Stelios Jackson was extremely knowledgeable and the extensive tour covered a number of fascinating locations, well explained. The order of the tour made the chronology of the Battle very easy to understand. It would have been nice to stop for a coffee / snack, perhaps in the village of Galatas, as we felt we came, we looked and we left and contributed nothing there.
Review by Day who travelled 04-October-2022
Sightseeing tours not filled in. Owing to the very windy weather I opted not to take up a sightseeing tour as I would have revisited Elefonisi where I have been many years ago, but the weather was not good enough for a beach trip. I did not go on the tour on offer - Battle of Crete - as I had previously visited all the sights. Insted I had a good day erxploring Kissamos and its museum. The food was always excellent and the staff at the hotel, The Cellar where we had our evening meal and the lunchtime restaurants went out of their way to asssist in aything we needed. I particularly recommend our tour leader, Jianna and our driver Kristina. The group of 14 in which I was a part were a great bunch of interesting, humourous and very kind people.
Review by Livingston who travelled 04-October-2022
A very enjoyable trip, with an excellent tour guide who had a wealth of information about the history of Crete, and good knowledge of the wonderful wild flowers. She thought of our every need, carrying snacks with her, and even spare waterproofs in case of rain. I would have liked to continue walking in the afternoon, but possibly not feasible if the weather had been hotter. The food was excellent, plentiful and varied, and enjoyed in a variety of attractive tavernas. The hotel was adequate and clean, but there was no hot water for showers on several days (we did alert the management to this fact, but they couldn't always rectify the situation).
Review by Anonymous who travelled 26-April-2022
A gourmet treat of a holiday, each meal a tour de force on less trodden paths and in stunning landscapes. The walks were a floral feast for the eyes as a foretaste to the delightful lunches and quiet afternoons before more gourmet dining at the Cellar in Kissamos. Our guide Gianna was personable, solicitous, knowledgeable. Perfect!
Review by Barton who travelled 26-April-2022
The Crete walking holiday was perfect! A great host with Stelios and his Taverna and an absolutely wonderful guide in Janna, she made this walking holiday with her knowledge and lovely personality. The walks were just right and to end each walk in a little village Taverna was perfect. The best walking holiday we have ever done.
Review by Whiteley who travelled 26-April-2022
It was a very enjoyable holiday, encompassing not only the walking element but also a lot of information about the history, archaeology and flora of Crete. The tour guide was absolutely excellent, and made the holiday. The meals we had were delicious and memorable, and could be promoted more in your description of the tour!
Review by Anonymous who travelled 26-April-2022
a super holiday with good organization each day with walks at various locations. Gianna of Strata Tours was an excellent guide, thoughtful, kind, knowledgeable and ready to learn from others. Stavios of Strata tours and the Cellar Tavernna was always helpful and couldn't do enough to make our stay enjoyable. We would recommend this tour to friends.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 05-October-2021
A superb trip in a lovely place with much of interest to see. The food was wonderful as was the time and attention of your predeparture care provided by Jane Freeman.
Review by Calverley who travelled 05-October-2021
A good range of walks in an unspoilt area of Crete from coastal paths to gentle hills and impressive gorges. We learned much about the history of the island, visited tiny churches amongst olive groves and passed many bee hives and goat enclosures on our routes.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 05-October-2021
It was a thoroughly enjoyable holiday. The walks were well led covering a range of differing countryside. The meals were all excellent. We liked the varied choice of tavernas. We would have put the hotel as excellent had not the bathroom needing a little maintenance on the tiling which gave it a slightly musty feel. The only other criticism we can think of is that it would have been really good to have some local music to accompany one of the meals
Review by Price who travelled 08-October-2019
A very good week in a quiet area of Crete, with walking in beautiful countryside. The walks were well chosen and varied and although a little slower and shorter than expected were very enjoyable, with our excellent leader, Iris. The spring flowers wee magnificent. The hotel was comfortable, very welcoming and well run, although my room (facing east) was disappointingly cold and dark in the afternoons. Food at the Cellar taverna was excellent, some of the best that I have had in Greece. All in all, an excellent week in good company!
Review by Anonymous who travelled 16-April-2019
Review by Anonymous who travelled 16-April-2019
If the tour manager was Iris Engler then excellent. I'm not sure who is meant by tour manager. The walks that she led were stunning. She was knowledgeable and clearly experienced so that we were very well looked after. Our Cretan food was really good on the whole especially in the local tavernas. Hotel had lovely family feel and we were well looked after. Wonderfully clean and good breakfast each day. Stelios also looked after us well. The driver each day was also excellent.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 16-October-2018
The accommodation at Galini Beach was adequate, but use of the balcony was disappointing as any view was blocked by the neighbouring hotel. The were some very long (5 hour plus) gaps between the end of some walks and dinner. This could usefully have been used by offering a series of short, optional, excursions. Perhaps to local archaeological sites? On the 'free day' an optional tour to the Botanical Gardens would, in retrospect, have been a great visit. Unfortunately it was not even mentioned until after the event. Several of us mentioned that we had been led to believe that there would be a tour guide (from the UK). In the event this was not the case. Our local guide, Iris, was always excellent.
Review by Sims who travelled 16-October-2018
We thought that our guide was excellent with a good knowledge of the area and of botany. We thought that the cultural tour of Stellios's house took too much time out of our walking day and was more about Stellios than the culture. The hotel was good but that value for money was poor considering that many were getting cheaper deals for the last week of the season. The highlight was the Samaria Gorge walk although again we paid far more for this excursion than others. The standard of the food was good but the gaps between courses much too long. This may be a cultural thing but we did not enjoy having to leave so much surplus food. The gluten free meals were sometimes a bit hit and miss.
Review by Johns who travelled 16-October-2018
Accommodation was very good, only reason not to give excellent were the rather odd showers, inside high bath sides and inconsistent hor water. They were very response to hot water issues and worked hard to get it sorted.. Stelios was a wonderful host and Iris was a great walking guide, felt very safe in her hands.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 25-September-2018
Great experience of Crete, despite the wild and wet weather. Hotel good, pleasant staff and excellent pool. However, on two days there was only tepid water. Immediate location desolate and village shabby. Highlights were the superb food, and Stelios and Iris were wonderful and could not be faulted. We were not impressed by the amount of information supplied by Travel Editions, in comparison with other Escorted Tour companies such as Ramblers Worldwide.
Review by Mackness who travelled 25-September-2018
Arrangements for RyanAir worked well. As we arrived much later than the rest of the party, we missed the initial introductory talk and started dining just as the others were finishing. The Tour Manager/taverna owner was ready for us, but we were not contacted by the representative. She did not give us an introduction the next morning either. The hotel food was satisfactory, although the bacon, eggs etc was only warm. The lunches and dinners were very good and in excessive quantities. The walks were as I expected. Overall, I would rate the tour very good, that is between good and excellent. The group got on well together and Stelios was a convivial host.
Review by Tanfield who travelled 01-May-2018
First day's walk was too strenuous. Others were fine.
Review by who travelled 01-May-2018
We had a great time walking in Western Crete. The structure of tours was well planned, the Galini Beach hotel was ideally situated with good communal areas, the staff at all times friendly and helpful. The taverna meals were generous and the menus varied. The guide on the walks was extraordinarily knowledgeable about the flora and fauna., and very patient with the slower members of our party.
Review by who travelled 17-April-2018
Review by who travelled 17-April-2018
A wonderful experience with a series of well planned walks superbly led by our walking guide, Iris. Local tour manager, Stelios, was rather chaotic and we were concerned that only the seatbelts at the front of the minibus were working. Food at all places was excellent but a full meal both at lunchtime as well as in the evening was too much. A packed lunch (which was the case one day) or just one course at lunch would have been sufficient. Hotel owner and staff were superb at the Galini Beach.
Review by Lewis who travelled 17-April-2018
walking guide Iris was a star. Given the difficult domestic problems Stelios was supeb and gave us a real insight into Crete depite us visitng many times before could do with a front of house manager more in keeping with the group.
Review by Tuck who travelled 17-April-2018
A very enjoyable holiday with good food and fellow walkers,a little trouble with weather but alternatives were arranged quickly.
Review by Mr George Aldridge who travelled 21-October-2014
Overall an excellent holiday. Good walks and nice area. Marvellous scenery, good guides on the whole, well designed walks, wonderful lunches . Lunches always ready, well planned and waiting for the group, served with thoughtfulness and kindness. Some guides more knowledgeable than others. Excellent idea to see into the family life in Crete. All people very welcoming. Hotel staff very kind and helpful. room in nice position but hotel was not four star quality. Noise from downstairs bar annoying. Breakfasts poor quality. Evening meal satisfactory but not as good as other local restaurants. Improvements could be made by several small changes. Water could be provided on table at meals, more information on walks would be useful including approximate timings. Air conditioning in room , improve breakfast - more freshly cooked food. Eg. eggs were cooked and left out to go hard
Review by Mr John Mcilwaine who travelled 14-October-2014
The holiday was impressively organised by friendly and helpful people. A special word of praise for our walking guide, Iris. She was knowledgeable and caring: we all felt safe in her hands. Also such an intelligent, wise and entertaining person.
Review by Mrs C Dilke who travelled 21-October-2014
A thoroughly enjoyable holiday. Angela and Stelios made us feel very welcome and their organisation was superb. The walks with guides Iris and Vince were well paced an took us to some amazing locations. One of the highlights for us was sampling the excellent local food, both at the Cellar Taverna and at different locations each lunch time. We enjoyed getting to know the people in the very sociable group and we all got on very well.
Review by Mr Philip Noble who travelled 14-October-2014
A good holiday,up to expectations except for the buffet breakfast.Sunny Bay Hotel.
Review by Mr Jerry Gambs who travelled 14-October-2014
Angela , Stelios, Vince and Iris looked after us very well. The lunches, after a good walk, were excellent.. The walks were not too difficult and we found ourselves in amongst a group of 20 very nice people. The only negative was the very early flight out - but worth it in the end.
Review by Mr Colin Thurston who travelled 14-October-2014
Review by Mr Alec Rhodes who travelled 14-October-2014
excellent walking and a good group. Angela & Stelios and their team looked after us well.
Review by Mrs Susan Simpson who travelled 14-October-2014
This is one of the best holidays we have ever had! Angela and Stelios could not have been more helpful and welcoming. The guided walks were a treat and the lunches at village tavernas were fantastic. The visit to Stelios's parents' home was a highlight. The only decision we had to make each day was what we would like to drink - it was truly a stress-free holiday. The other 18 members of the group were from varied backgrounds and had led very interesting lives. It was a pleasure to get to know them. I would highly recommend this holiday to all those who enjoy walking. We would be very interested in booking a similar holiday elsewhere in Europe.
Review by Mrs Judy Harbourne who travelled 14-October-2014
just an excellent holiday. A&S were terrific. even the weather was good to us. might have wished for another star on the hotel.
Review by Mr Nigel Petter who travelled 14-October-2014
Angela and Stelios made it a very relaxing and stress free holiday. The walks were manageable with amazing views. We were looked after well by the guides, Iris, Vince and Angela who paced the walks well to suit the needs of the group and gave an insight into local life and history. Thanks to Stelios's parents for allowing us in their home and the delicious lemonade. Eating at different tavernas was a treat with authentic Cretan food. Hotel was in a quiet location right on the beach; a perfect place to relax after the walks We would love to return in the Spring and do it all again!
Review by Mr David Burrows who travelled 14-October-2014
Overall a very good trip. The food in the restaurant was good but could have been improved on some evenings and felt just 'adequate'. I was not too well at the beginning of the week and the tour managers went out of their way to accommodate me..
Review by Ms Rosemary Skegg who travelled 14-October-2014
We had a fantastic holiday. The hosts in Crete made us feel like welcomed family guests including the walk guides. The holiday was the right level for us with time to relax as well as a range of interesting walks. The food was fantastic - every meal was a treat and the places we ate at were fantastic too. I have not stopped raving about the whole holiday since I got home. Thank you Angela and Stellios.
Review by Mrs Aida Shoush who travelled 07-October-2014
The tour went well and Angela, Stelios and the guides did a great job. The trip was thoroughly enjoyable.
Review by Mr Charles Walmsley who travelled 07-October-2014
This tour was brilliantly organised. The balance between group activity and "free time" was just right. We gained insight into the culture and traditions of the Cretan people and found them to be generous and open hearted. The food was excellent - all local produce and prepared well. We ate together as a group, sharing platters of food. The walking guides got the pace just right and had a good knowledge of the places we walked. Our hotel was comfortable and peaceful. The hotel owner was attentive to our needs and very welcoming. One of our best ever holidays! Thank you to everyone who was involved.
Review by Mr Shane Sparkes who travelled 07-October-2014
Travel Editions is very lucky to be allied to Strata Tours, Angela, Stelios and their team made this holiday perfect for us with their attention to detail, care and attention. We would gladly go on any holidays they were involved with in the future. We were not happy with the fact that our outward flight to Crete went to Heraklion airport and not the closer Chania airport. The journey to the hotel on our arrival was far too long and exhausting.
Review by Mr John Coxeter who travelled 30-September-2014
Access from hotel to taverna in the dark for one person was not good Walks strenuous but well lead for generally fit OAP Good number in party
Review by Mr David Williamson who travelled 30-September-2014
We had themost enjoyable holiday mae perfect by our excellent guide Angela
Review by Mr David Davies who travelled 30-September-2014
Excellent walks, food and group
Review by Dr Arthur Speed who travelled 30-September-2014
Very pleased with the holiday.Angela and Stelios are excellent hosts. The walks were a good length and well planned, expertly led by Iris and Vince.Walking poles and boots are definitely essential as some of the terrain is pretty challenging.Food was terrific, and so much of it! We'd go again.
Review by Mr Dennis Dillon who travelled 30-September-2014
The Sunny Bay room was tired, electrical equipment falling out of walls, ceiling, towel rail fell off. Breakfast was lacklustre, particularly coffee and orange juice. Pool brought if from poor to satisfactory.
Review by Mr John Langley who travelled 30-September-2014
This was all superb. In fact, in one sense it was too good! The lovely Cretan hospitality ensured that all our (late) lunches were very plentiful and we then ate again, equally plentifully, in the evenings. I don't expect to return from a walking holiday needing to lose weight. Lighter lunches please.
Review by Mr Jeffrey Bishop who travelled 06-May-2014
Detailed info for this particular tour (items to take, specialist clothing,etc) should have been sent out earlier. Inconvenient for airport car parking flying out from Heraklion rather than Chania - no explanation for change given. Time was also lost because of a 2 and a half hour transfer journey in extremely cramped conditions. Minibus too small for number in party plus their luggage. Hotel facilities did not mention hair dryer in room! Took one unnecessarily. Tour itself excellent - good walking, food and company. Angela and Stelios did their utmost to please their customers. Thinking of doing the Alsace Tour next year.
Review by Mrs Diana Potter who travelled 06-May-2014
The walks would be better described as 3/4 day. The provision of a LARGE lunch was possibly unessarary. The service at dinner was sometimes slow 3 hours on one evening. We really enjoyed the holiday -the above comments are intended to informative and helpful. lunches was
Review by Mr Linzer who travelled 06-May-2014
This was an excellent tour with just the right balance between walking and free time. The spring flowers along the routes were very pretty, the scenery always stunning. Stelios and Angela went out of their way to make the holiday a memorable experience. I was particularly impressed by the pride they had of the country and its traditions which made this holiday more than just a walking tour!
Review by Mr Frank Parry who travelled 06-May-2014
Our first ever walking tour and it did not disappoint. A walking experience with a great personal family touch which Angela and her husband Stilios provided together with Iris. This made a huge difference and left us with an unforgettable impression . We were made to feel like one of Angela's family friends. The group of walkers were great company and endless fun. We had a lot of laughs along the way. A walking trip with a difference. Highly recommended.
Review by Mr John Kiernander who travelled 22-April-2014
THIS WAS A TRULY SUPERB HOLIDAY. THE CONTENT, WALKING, ORGANISATION, FOOD AND COMPANY, ALL EXCELLENT. ANGELA, STELIOS AND THEIR TEAM WERE SO FRIENDLY, ADAPTABLE, HELPFUL, KNOWLEDGEABLE AND PROFESSIONAL. I CANNOT RECCOMEND THIS TRIP HIGHLT ENOUGH.
Review by Mrs Hilary Pixton who travelled 22-April-2014
Angela and Stelios were first class hosts.
Review by Mrs Moira Wood who travelled 22-April-2014
We felt that the organised tipping policy was not transparent and would have preferred to distribute our own tips. Otherwise this holiday exceeded all expectations and we would definitely recommend Angela and Stelios as hosts and hope to return to Crete.
Review by Ms M McMurtry who travelled 06-April-2014
The first letter was sent without Europe stamp to Ireland so took two weeks to arrive with nasty sticker attached. After a phone call, that was sorted. The tour itself was terrific, Angela and Stelios went out of their way to be helpful especially with our coeliac gluten free requirements. Every taverna was au fait with the diet. Would strongly recommend the tour and may take it again
Review by Mr Brian Coates who travelled 30-March-2014
Review by Mr John Taylor who travelled 06-April-2014
The tour was great. We are glad that we went early in the season - not too hot, spring flowers, lovely fresh countryside, etc. Our only complaints are administrative: (i) I had to 'phone you to check that you had received our payment and (ii) it's quite unnerving to have no further communication from you until 10 days before departure.
Review by Mr David Shilston who travelled 06-April-2014
Whilst I expect this is out of Travel Editions' hands, conditions for "dropping off" baggage at Easy Jet counters at Gatwick was horrific and chaotic, and a definite low point of the holiday. I would seriously think before I travel by Eay Jet again !
Review by Mr John Ollerenshaw who travelled 30-March-2014
will avoid Gatwick if at all possible. Herded like Cattle for an hour at check-in. Just made the plane!
Review by Dr Frank Cocks who travelled 30-March-2014
Review by Ms Gwenda Skelton who travelled 30-March-2014
we enjoyed the holiday very much especially visiting the villages in the hills & off the beaten track walks ,an excellent insight into rural Crete .Marvellous!
Review by Mr howard sandman who travelled 30-March-2014
Brilliant holiday, one of the best
Review by Day who travelled 01-October-2014
Excellent holiday thoroughly enjoyed. Spectacular walks ably led with good humour and skill by Philippa. Really enjoyed the various taverna lunches after the walks and the opportunity to bathe tired limbs in the warm Mediterranean!
Review by Dittmar who travelled 10-August-2013
Hotel Excellent, Angela and Stellios excellent, we will go back to them again.
Review by Rogers who travelled 10-August-2013
Excellent value. Strata Tours work very hard to make the trip enjoyable.
Review by Gregson who travelled 10-January-2013
Maybe the brochure could have shown the daily walking distances
Review by Broadley who travelled 10-January-2013
Travel Editions feedback:
Thank you for your comments and we do list in the brochure that ....''Guided walks are rated easy to medium, covering 6 to 12 kilometres a day''
A good holiday with a great bunch of like minded people. We think that what made it a great holiday was the camaraderie engendered by eating together at lunchtime and in the evening. A couple of things let Sunny Bay Hotel down, we thought, one was the lack of a shower curtain in the bathroom and the other was being charged extra for the use of the air conditioning unit. Fortunately we did not need it but it must be a 'necessity' in the summer, not just an additional luxury.
Review by Charlett who travelled 10-January-2013
Didn't enjoy the lack of hot water in the morning at the Capt George Hotel, but that was compensated by the kindness of the Owners. Loutro Port Hotel was a gem. Jonathan Peat was a great guide who made a huge contribution to the holiday. He puts a lot of effort into his preparation and consequently is very knowledgeable about the region, history, customs, paths etc which combined with excellent organisation makes everything run like clockwork with effortless ease.
Review by Greenhalgh who travelled 10-January-2013
The flight times were unfortunate and the journey from Heraklion to Kissamos and back was uncomfortable. Otherwise an excellent holiday, varied walking and good simple food.
Review by Stephens who travelled 10-January-2013
Review by Lane who travelled 10-January-2013
A very good walking tour. So good that we have now booked another walking tour through you for 2014. this time to south-eastern Crete.
Review by Broadley who travelled 10-January-2013
Second time around this holiday was just as good, although we did feel the walking group was a little larger than ideal this time. Angela, Stelios, Manolis at the Galini Beach & everyone else involved did an excellent job in providing us with a most enjoyable & well-organised holiday.
Review by Morrison who travelled 08-October-2013
