In Focus: Healing Nature Tour
Crete, Greece
From USD 183.35
Office phone number: +30 698 678 0970
In Focus: Healing Nature Tour
Crete, Greece
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
What a wonderful gift to yourself and to nature. This very special In Focus tour shines a light on the problems facing the Cretan countryside after a series of devastating fires rocked the island. We will visit one of the affected areas where you will plant a tree to support the reforestation process. While we are at it we will also explore the historic hills with their ancient ruins and lush olive groves and enjoy a picnic in the ancient forest.
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Highlights
- Support a recently fire-ravaged local habitat by planting a tree for yourself or for a loved one
- Discover one of the best spots for magical views across Mirabello Bay
- Admire the beauty of unspoilt Cretan landscapes off the traditional tourist trail
- Enjoy a glorious picnic of Cretan meze in the ancient forest of Krousta
Local Impact: How you will help the local community by joining this tour:
- By planting a tree in a fire damaged forest in collaboration with a local sustainability training centre, your tour supports the protection of Cretan nature.
- On this tour you'll enjoy a picnic of Cretan products sourced from local villages, farmers, and stock-breeders of Crete.
- This tour is run in collaboration with The European Sustainability Academy, which is dedicated to promoting sustainable living and offers sustainability training for organisations and business leaders.
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Schedule details
- Duration: 7 hours
- Meeting point:
Plaka: At 9:45am at the Agia Marina church, next to the Blue Palace hotel. View map
Elounda: At 9:55am at the square and roundabout at the church side. View map
Agios Nikolaos: At 10:15am at the bridge in front of the tourist information office. View map
- Find the exact meeting point with what3words:
- Starting time: 9.45 AM-10.15 AM
- Ending point:
Same as meeting point.
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, round-trip transportation from meeting point (private vehicle), tree to plant, picnic lunch (seasonal dishes, meatballs, Greek salad, fruit), 1 glass of wine and shots of raki (a local spirit).
Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, souvenirs or personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide and driver.
From the coast, we will head inland to the Lasithi region, a charming rural backwater of lush hillscapes and dramatic gorges, to explore the flora and fauna unique to the area. As we ascend into the hills we will stop to admire the stunning views of Agios Nikolaos and Mirabello Bay.
After passing through the traditional village of Kritsa, we will move further away from the resort towns on the coast, to the countryside where the shepherds work and live. You will notice that time has stopped here. Fruit trees, agriculture, small houses, and strange green stones complete this nature puzzle. This is a very different way of life and a very different Crete.
We will stop at ancient ruins and old churches untouched by modernity before reaching the barren landscape of an area that was destroyed by fires last year. Here, you will roll up your sleeves and plant your tree. You will give your tree a name and gift it to nature for future generations to enjoy.
Every worker should be paid for their services, and we’re paying you in the best local way possible: with a delicious Greek feast! We will move on to the ancient forest of Kroustas with its colourful beehives, to admire the splendours of the forest as we feast on a spectacular picnic featuring organic, local delicacies.
Our final stop is at a small kafeneio for a shot of raki, a strong local drink with a hint of aniseed. A great way to end your day in the Greek countryside.
Then we shall return you to modern Crete, where your guide will be more than happy to share some insider knowledge on where to visit next.
Note that we also offer this experience as a private tour. For private tours, we will pick you up at your hotel in Plaka, Elounda, Agios Nikolaos, Kritsa, or Kalo Xorio. Please indicate at the time of booking where you will be staying; if you don’t have your hotel yet, you can email us later at info@creteurbanadventures.com.
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, round-trip transportation from meeting point (private vehicle), tree to plant, picnic lunch (seasonal dishes, meatballs, Greek salad, fruit), 1 glass of wine and shots of raki (a local spirit).
Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, souvenirs or personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide and driver.
Dress standard: Please wear comfortable shoes for walking, and bring a hat and sunscreen in the summer months.
Your Trip: For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 6 people.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Child Policy: This is a child-friendly tour; however, please note that this might be a long day for small children. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge. Please inform us at the time of booking if you’ll be bringing a child under the age of 6. You can do so in the special request box on the checkout page.
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Dietary Notes
This tour can be customised for vegans and gluten-free travellers. Please notify us in advance of any allergies or dietary restrictions. You can do so in the ‘Additional Information’ box at checkout or by emailing us at info@creteurbanadventures.com.
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Local contact
Office phone number: +30 698 678 0970
Email address: info@creteurbanadventures.com
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