A self-guided cycling holiday through wild western Crete, with mountains, beaches, history and local food. After arriving in Chania, you're taken by minibus up to the Omalos plateau. You can then ride down to Palaiochora on the south coast or hike the Samaria Gorge (14 km, 5–7 hours) and take the boat round.

From Palaiochora the route takes in Elafonissi beach (by boat and bike, or a longer ride), the villages of Inachoria, Kissamos on the north coast, Chania, Georgioupoli and Lake Kournas, and finishes in Rethymno. Days are generally 40–50 km with an average of about 700 m of climbing, and shorter or longer options on some days.

The tour is designed for recreational cyclists with a standard to good level of fitness. Luggage moves between hotels for you, the transfer to Omalos is included, and you navigate with GPS routes on a phone app with 24-hour emergency phone support. Choose the 8-day tour (7 nights) or the 14-day version (13 nights), which adds two nights at each stop and extra rides and boat trips to Balos or Gramvousa. You stay in 3-star hotels with breakfast.

What's included

3-star hotels with breakfast (7 nights on the 8-day tour, 13 nights on the 14-day tour); Luggage transfer between hotels; Bike and rider transfer to Omalos on day 2; Area information; Handlebar phone mount; Access to the GPS app with the routes; 24-hour emergency phone support

What's not included

Hotel tax; Flights; Boat tickets on days 2 and 3; Bike rental (trekking €100, road €140, e-bike €290, tandem €270 per week; helmet €10, GPS device €80); Airport transfers (available at extra cost); Excursions in free time; Entrance tickets to archaeological sites and museums; Lunches and dinners