MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR WEST CRETE. connecting people, cultures, body & soul. Vivid TRADITION. Healthy LIFE. Powerful NATURE. 25 May - 8 June 2019

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1 connecting people, cultures, body & soul Vivid TRADITION! Powerful NATURE MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR! Healthy LIFE 25 May - 8 June 2019 WEST CRETE nature & culture Crete, an ancient and storied island, lies on the southern edge of the blue Aegean Sea between Europe, Asia and Africa. Its inhabitants are gifted with a warm and generous nature, and its beauty has excited and enchanted visitors down through history. Together, we will explore the western part of this magical place, Crete, where a festival for all the senses awaits us. The breathtaking beauty of Crete s wild west is born of Mediterranean sun and sere landscapes of rock, cleaved by magnificent gorges cut deep into the sides of the island, jeweled with a wealth of fascinating indigenous flora and fauna. Warm Mediterranean hospitality embraces us. The face of an ancient culture smiles at us, beautiful and mysterious, a culture which over the millennia has drawn from the wisdom, art and histories of three continents, whose delights include a marvellous Cretan cuisine, celebrating a bounty taken from both the sea and the land, bringing health to the body and filling the soul with delight. Cretan culture is likewise famous for its traditional dance and the vibrant sounds of the Cretan music as an expression of an island Homeland with a long history Crete and its people, who are passionately in love with their island and live their lives surrounded by its long and fabled story. Crete s mystery is deep. Whoever sets foot on the island senses a mysterious force branching warmly and beneficently through his veins, senses his soul begin to grow. Nikos Kazantzakis

2 Travel programme 25 May - 1 June 2019 Crete's west is a jewel of many facets: rugged landscapes, wild mountains, fertile plains, verdant valleys, stunning beaches, picturesque lagoons and fascinating cultural-historical locations that tell Crete s story. 25 May 2019, Saturday Arrival and transfer to Hotel Halepa Orientation and local seafood dinner together in a taverna by the sea at the old tanneries in the colourful Halepa district. 26 May 2019, Sunday Akrotíri: Multifaceted peninsula between Renaissance, Hollywood, sweet delicacies & statesmen Agía Triáda - Stavrós - Koukouvágia - Profíti Ilías Akrotíri, a region formed by a rocky peninsula, occupies an important place in Cretan and Greek history. Once a lonely and sacred retreat for monks, today it is a charming locale just outside Chaniá. First, we visit the Agía Triáda Monastery, the largest monastery in Crete. Built in 1631 on the southern edge of the northeastern mountain range of Akrotíri, it was the home of a cloistered order dedicated to the Holy Trinity. Since the beginning of the 1990s, the monks have been successfully cultivating olives and pressing wine, all of outstanding quality. As part of our visit to the monastery, we will have the opportunity to taste the monastery wine as well as the awardwinning certified organic olive oil; the taste of the island will delight! One of the most beautiful beaches adorns the village of Stavrós at the northwestern tip of the peninsula. The beach is famous for having been the location for scenes from the movie "Zorba the Greek". The bay is almost circular, with spring-green water and fine shell sand which invite us to both swim and to sit in the warm sun on this lovely beach, and daydream. From there we continue our way to one of the peninsula's most popular cafes ("Koukouvágia"), which offers culinary delights as well as a wonderful panoramic view of Chaniá. At the end of the day we head for the hill of Profíti Ilías, where, in the shade of a beautiful grove of pines, Elefthérios Venizélos ( ), the great Greek statesman and a son of the city of Chaniá, found his final resting place. The view extends far beyond Chaniá to the White Mountains (Lefká Óri) and along the coast to the west, and beckons us onward to see more 2

3 27 May 2019, Monday Mystical Omalós & a Cretan garden that delights the senses Panoramic tour of the hinterland Thériso - Mesklá - Omalós - Botanical Park We take a spectacular ride through the rugged Thériso gorge to reach the village of Thériso at the foot of the White Mountains, where the struggle for Cretan democracy and union with Greece began in In Mesklá, situated in the midst of a green oasis full of orange trees and water, we visit the Sotiros Christou Church (Saviour Church) adorned with beautiful frescoes from the 15th century. Further on we reach the Omalós plateau where we stop in Lákki, also a mountain village where Cretan freedom fighters rose against tyranny. Following this, our visit to Omalós offers a magnificent view of rocky, deeply furrowed mountain slopes which give way to great views of the north coast. Once in the White Mountains, we leave the flat, circular plateau of Omalós and descend to the Tzanís Cave, where the snow pack melt forms waters of great depth, with numerous myths surrounding them. The afternoon is taken up with a visit to the Botanical Park ( one of Crete s most beautiful gardens. The park covers nearly 20 hectares and was established after a devastating fire in 2004, when 60,000 olive and orange trees of the Marinakis family burned. Petros Marinakis and his brothers then planted hundreds of trees bearing native tropical and subtropical fruits, as well as beautiful gardens of flowering plants, aromatic and medicinal herbs. An approximately two-hour walk leads us through the lovingly designed complex. Afterwards we will have dinner at the restaurant of the park. There will be a selection of traditional food, cooked expertly using ingredients grown in-house. Following dinner, we will enjoy a musical evening with an orchestra composed of traditional Cretan instruments and will join in with a local dance group in the park amphitheater. 3

4 28 May 2019, Tuesday Far West... wild solitude & South Seas atmosphere Chrysoskalítissa Monastery- Elafonísi - Sfinári - Kalyvianí With the exception of the extreme north and south, Crete s western coast is wild and pristine. Very few villages dot the seashore. Our route will take us through the hinterland of Kíssamos past the western foothills of Omalós to Chrysoskalítissa Monastery. From there after a few minutes travel time we will reach the beach of Elafonísi, nestled within a rugged coastline. By wading through the shallow water of this beautiful lagoon we reach the offshore island of Elafonísi, with its natural pools of light blue water and soft shimmering beach, composed of red and white sand forming wonderful dunes, and shady beach cedars. On the island we find black lava rocks and interesting local flora. From the small hill at the end of the island a fantastic view over the island and the coast opens up. The entire area is a nature reserve today. Our excursion takes us along serpentine roads to the North, where breath-taking views open up for us. We take the road that passes by the village of Sfinári. Further on, high above the coast, we reach the tiny village of Kalyvianí in the north-west. We will finish the day enjoying excellent cuisine made of fresh, locally sourced ingredients in the restaurant "Gramvousa", made even more special by a panoramic view across the Cretan Sea. 29 May 2019, Wednesday Fairytale water mill valley & old town atmosphere Myli - Réthymnon In the hinterland of Réthymnon, we enjoy an easy ramble of about two hours on a path in the "Valley of the Mills" through the charming Myli Gorge. This valley surprises us by its riches, with flowing waters that bring to life an exuberant floral carpet, shading this magnificent gorge with its mysterious and beautiful ruins of 30 abandoned water mills. 4

5 In the beautiful old town of Réthymnon, Ottoman and Venetian rulers of the past have left their traces behind. In the narrow streets you will discover dome-like roofs, slender minarets and magnificent oriental wooden oriels. Many of the older houses, built in Venetian style, display elegant portals and archways; in particular, the pastel-coloured buildings around the Venetian harbour and the mighty Fortezza vividly recall Venetian rule in Crete. In one of the many charming alleyways around the Rimondi Fountain, we will stop at the small restaurant To Parastratima to enjoy excellent local cuisine before continuing our tour of the historical old town and courtyards of the city. 30 May 2019, Thursday The nymph of the Libyan Sea & a culinary school Paleóchora - Ánydri The way to Paleóchora in the very south-west of Crete takes us on a breath-taking mountain journey with spectacular views on the White Mountains. Through a sea of olive groves we pass through the rugged, rocky landscape of the Sélinos region until we reach the colourful town of Paleóchora. Man and nature have lived here in harmony for centuries, on this small peninsula, surrounded by the infinite blue of the Libyan Sea. "The Nymph of the Libyan Sea", as Paleóchora is called, has preserved its natural beauty, and its history, and offers a wonderful lifestyle to both townspeople and visitors. On both sides of the peninsula there are picturesque bays with fantastic beaches, and with 320 sunny days per year, there is plenty of opportunity to swim and explore the beaches, or to simply enjoy the many beauties of Paleóchora. From Paleóchora our way leads up to Ánydri, a small village at the end of the same named gorge. There we will enjoy delicious Cretan dishes served in what was once an old elementary school "Sto Scholio" overlooking the Ánydri gorge and the sea. 31 May 2019, Friday Pastel-coloured facades, lively old town streets & a dinner date Chaniá From our hotel we can easily wander the car-free alleys of the old town. Picturesque Chaniá has a lively harbour and exquisite architecture that recalls ancient times and bygone eras. Although Chania is not a large city, there is much to discover! The most famous sights are the old town, studded with architectural treasures, including the market hall and, of course, the Venetian 5

6 harbour. At every turn we come upon history. The old harbour features attractive historic facades, climbing staircases passing under archways and up and down through narrow alleys and into inner courtyards. We will have ample opportunity to get to know one of the most beautiful cities in Greece. At "To Steki", which means meeting place, we will leave behind for a while the bustling life of the old town, to sit in one of the courtyards and enjoy some of the very best Cretan "home cooking. 1 June 2019, Saturday A thousand earthen pots, voices from the past & and food that fills the heart with delight Margarítes - Eléftherna - Gouledianá Today we visit the village of Margarítes, which lies high above the plain in the hinterland of Réthymnon. It carries on a tradition of pottery manufacture which extends back to ancient times, when huge píthoi (clay pots) used by the Minoans were fired in large furnaces here. Today, pottery manufacture continues in Margarítes with the production of utility ceramics. Nearby, situated on the north-west slopes of the Ída Mountains, lies the ancient archaeological site of Eléftherna, where both the Minoan and Dorian cultures thrived thousands of years ago. It is said that in this place one can hear the wind whisper in the voices of ancient peoples. We visit the museum of ancient Eléftherna that houses the finds and relics recovered from Eléftherna and places them in the context of the Homeric epics Iliad and Odyssey ("Homer in Crete"). The end of our day is marked by a memorable culinary highlight: a visit to the tavern "Goules" in Gouledianá, where Kostas' love for his native cuisine will delight both our palate and our hearts. 6

7 Travel programme 1-8 June 2019 Sfakiá in the southwest of the island, lapped by the Libyan Sea, is perhaps the most pristine region of Crete. This untamed nature has instilled a hardy spirit in those that make this rugged place their home; yet a generous people, whose hospitality is proverbial. 1 June 2019, Saturday Transfer - Our trip from north to south ends at the Libyan Sea in Chóra Sfakíon. The region of Sfakiá, with its main village Chóra Sfakíon, is a very special part of Crete in the southwest of the island nestled at the foot of the White Mountains. The harsh and dramatic landscape of this area is softened by olive trees, tamarisk trees, pines and the musical chimes of sheep and goat bells. Chóra Sfakíon is a typical traditional village with 265 inhabitants. In the heart of the village is a small, central fishing port, around which numerous cafes and taverns provide excellent service. 2 June 2019, Sunday Orientation walk: "The 100 churches of Sfakiá" The town of Chóra Sfakíon is well known for its multitude of churches and chapels, which reflect the Cretan tradition of gifting donor churches to the community by well-to-do grateful citizens. So let s go explore the village, wander through its neighbourhoods, and search for the legendary 100 churches of Chóra Sfakíon. 4h Physical Condition: Difficulty: some sure-footedness on the descent easy 3 June 2019, Monday Day off Today there is plenty of time to explore the surrounding area or to relax and unwind. If you wish, it is also possible to sample the benefits of an olive oil treatment. The Magic of Oil: - Oil Treatments from Ancient Greece Hippocrates, the father of medicine, first used the term "Anatripsis" describing its beneficial effects on body, mind and soul. (For details please check The Ancient Art of Healing on our website). 4 June 2019, Tuesday "Magical Coast Boat trip along the spectacular south coast of Sfakiá West of Chóra Sfakíon, all along Crete s south coast, the shoulders of the White Mountains plunge steeply downward to meet the turquoise blue waters of the Libyan Sea. In the absence of passable roads along much of this coastline, we will travel by boat to the most beautiful (and inaccessible) parts of this region. We will enjoy breathtaking views as we sail past this wild, rugged coast, stopping to set anchor at Agía Rouméli and Loutró, as well as at the most beautiful and remote beaches of Sfakiá (Mármara, Ágios Pávlos), to swim in their beautiful blue waters. 5h 7

8 5 June 2019, Wednesday Dancing Crete - between cult and culture Through music and dance, the Cretans express their sense of life today as they have through the centuries. Cretan musical tradition is centered around the lively and beautiful voice of the Cretan lyra, which, in the right hands, possesses an almost magical power to enchant and fill the soul with joy. Together, we will experience this vivid tradition through dancing Cretan dances, step by step. 3h Engaging the senses a magical musical-culinary journey In the evening we embark on a combined musical and culinary Cretan adventure! Accompanied by the music of lyra and lute, we enjoy a selection of typical Cretan dishes and excellent wines from each of the four regions of the island. 3h 6 June 2019, Thursday Mountain world of Sfakiá The last mountain village in the White Mountains to reach on a road is Ágios Ioánnis at an altitude of 775m. A walk of about 1½ hours takes us from Ágios Ioánnis through a sparse forest of cypress and Calabrian pine trees to Seloúda, a cliff that towers 540m over the sea. A fantastic view of the coastal landscape of the south coast opens up - far below us the Libyan Sea, and in the distance to the west, Agía Rouméli. After a rest we will return to Ágios Ioánnis, this time vis-á-vis the Lefká Óri mountain range. Crossing a bridge which spans a deep gorge, we arrive in the abandoned village of Arádena, whose traditional architectural ruins tell sad stories of bygone times, while also providing examples of traditional Cretan dwellings. The church, with its crossed-dome plan, is worth visiting and is one of the few surviving buildings there, although here and there some of the old buildings have been restored in recent years. 8

9 Anópoli is a long and narrow settlement sited on the plateau above Chóra Sfakíon, offering a dramatic view of the White Mountains. At the village square stands the monument of the famous resistance fighter Daskalogiannis. A footpath leads us through the village to the church Agía Ekateríni, located high above the coast. From there we have a wonderful view over the entire region. In Anópoli we will probably want to stop at Taverna Anópoli to savour a taste of this Mountain Land. Full day excursion 7 June 2019, Friday Invitation to a cup of tea The CULTURE café at ESTIA Sfakiá invites you to share your impressions of your journey through Crete and enjoy a conversation over a cup of Cretan herbal tea or spiced coffee, while a nearby clattering loom tells its own story. 8 June 2019, Saturday Departure - Transfer from Chóra Sfakíon to Chaniá airport Accommodations Hotel Halepa, Chaniá, 25 May - 1 June 2019 Our Hotel Halepa ( is located in the historic district of the same name only a few minutes away from the center of Chaniá. The Halepa combines yesteryear's charm and personality with up-to-date amenities. For us it is an ideal place from which we can easily explore not only the city, but also the Magical Mystery of Crete. Built at the end of the 19th century in neo-classical style, this historic building served as the British Embassy to the young Cretan democracy at the turn of the century. Now, as a hotel, against the backdrop of Cretan history, the Halepa offers warm, personalised Cretan hospitality. You will find bathing possibilities within walking distance from the hotel. Chóra Sfakíon, 1-8 June 2019 Around the old harbour you will be accommodated in family-run pensions and hotels. As far as possible, given reasonable notice, we can meet individual accommodation requirements. All rooms are a few minutes walk from the nearby local beach of Vríssi. At the end of the Ílingas gorge there is also the spectacular Ílingas beach, which is about a 20 minutes walk from your rooms. A little further on towards Loutró you reach Glyká Nerá (Sweet water beach) with its fresh water springs. 9

10 In the east of Chóra Sfakíon in the village of Frangokástello there is the beautiful dune beach Orthí Ámmos ( upright sand ). Further bays are located along the coast, offering mostly pebble beaches. About us Our cultural Centre ESTIA Sfakiá is located in beautiful Chora Sfakion s old harbour. At our Centre, we focus on the understanding and appreciation of the three great columns of Cretan life: "Healthy Life, Vivid Tradition" and "Powerful Nature. Our event and seminar programme offers a diverse and uniquely beautiful Cretan experience, which connects and inspires people through this many faceted journey. We founded ESTIA Sfakiá to create a space within which a connectedness between people and cultures, between body and soul can arise. Our aim is to promote and maintain Cretan tradition, nature and life within the framework of a holistic cultural centre that respects community needs: ESTIA Sfakiá strives to implement sustainable tourism that preserves local tradition, promotes healthy living and protects nature. Small Groups min. 4 - max. 16 participants Please note that we limit the group size to 16 participants in order to guarantee the desired level of quality, safety and attentiveness. From long experience, we find that travel in an easy-going informal style with small groups of like-minded people is the best way to get to know Crete, and its people. Final Booking Date Thursday, 28 February 2019 Price 25/5-8/6/ /5-1/6/2019 DBL 1,890 pp 1,080 pp SGL 2,185 pp 1,265 pp The quoted prices are based on taxes and fees according to the date of printing. As these are subject to both fuel surcharges and ongoing changes, we reserve the right to additionally charge the actual fees and surcharges. A cancellation insurance is not included. 10

11 Services English speaking on-site tour guides Savina & Thomas 25/5-1/6/2019 7x overnight stays with breakfast at Hotel Halepa in Chaniá 7 main meals in daily changing selected traditional Cretan restaurants 1-8/6/2019 7x overnight stays in family hotel (or pension) in Chóra Sfakíon with breakfast 2 main meals in selected traditional Cretan restaurants 1 musical-culinary evening with Cretan live music, a selection of Cretan dishes and wines Excursions and guided hikes according to the programme Transfers on excursions by air-conditioned coach or mini-bus Boat trip according to the programme Entry fees & tickets during the excursions The programme is subject to change. Especially at this time of year, hikes and boat trips are weather dependent. Changes in the program of the Cultural Center ESTIA Sfakiá are also reserved. Extra Services (not included) Transfer from Chaniá or Heráklion Airport-Hotel and from Chóra Sfakíon-Chaniá or Heráklion Airport: In case you want us to organise your transfer, please let us know your flight schedule, so we can arrange your transfer. Transfer costs on request. oil treatments at ESTIA Sfakiá Registration and payment For travel registration please complete and sign the registration form along with a deposit of 650 pp (see below) to: Savina Chamalidis Chora Sfakion Sfakia Greece or electronically by to info@estia-sfakia.gr (attn: Savina Chamalidis) Confirmation of the booked tour will be sent as soon as the minimum number of participants has been reached. The balance owed is due ten weeks before departure. Account details EFG EUROBANK ERGASIAS S.A. Account owner: Savina Chamalidis IBAN GR BIC ERBKGRAA 11

12 Cancellation Policy If the participant withdraws before the start of the trip (cancellation), the organisers have a right to choose between the concretely calculated reasonable compensation and the flat-rate compensation until the cancellation invoice has been sent. Once the choice has been made, the organisers can only change it with the consent of the participant. If the organisers choose the flat-rate compensation, the following applies to the billing: up to and including the 46th day before departure 25% of the travel price, from the 45th day up to and including the 31st day before departure 35% of the travel price, from the 30th day up to and including the 15th day before departure 45% of the travel price, from the 14th day up to and including the 8th day before departure 65% of the travel price, from the 7th day and the non-arrival of the trip 85% of the travel price. If a participant from the waiting list is available for a booked trip, we charge only 50 administration fee and the respective cancellation fee of the e-ticket. Decisive for the cancellation is the date of receipt of the written signed declaration of cancellation to the organisers. If booking a half double room, the organisers will pay the additional cost of the single room should a person withdraw from the trip. This rule does not apply in the event that two persons have booked the use of a common double room in common or in relation to each other and subsequently cancel one of them. Organisation/Tour Guides Savina and Thomas Chamalidis, Chora Sfakion, GR Sfakia, info@estia-sfakia.gr Organiser ESTIA Sfakiá, Travel Agency, EOT Licence 1042Ε , Savina Chamalidis, Chora Sfakion, Sfakia, Greece, , info@estia-sfakia.gr, Liability The organiser is liable in the context of the due diligence of a proper businessman for: 1. the conscientious travel preparation, 2. the careful selection and monitoring of the service providers, 3. the correctness of the service description and the proper provision of the contractually agreed travel services. His liability is limited to travel expenses. He is not responsible for any damages, expenses or disadvantages that may be incumbent on the traveler, e.g. late arrival, flight delay, strike, etc. 12

13 MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR 25 May - 8 June 2019 WEST CRETE nature & culture BOOKING FORM First names and surname Date of Birth Address Phone DBL (with ) SGL 25 May - 8 June May - 1 June 2019 Further participant: First names and surname Date of Birth Address Phone DBL (with ) SGL 25 May - 8 June May - 1 June 2019 The deposit of 650 per person was made by transfer on to the account of EFG EUROBANK ERGASIAS S.A. (Account owner: Savina Chamalidis), IBAN GR , BIC ERBKGRAA. Participation in the journey is at your own risk, aware of the specific requirements and dangers of a trip. The organiser has no influence on unexpected events such as flight and date postponements, natural events and resulting program changes, and there is no warranty claim. If additional costs arise for reasons of force majeure or official decrees or for other reasons (for example, additional flight, stay, hotel or transport costs), these shall be borne by the participants. In the case of special ailments and uncertainties about my state of health, I undertake to consult my doctor and to inform the tour guides well in advance of my departure. Errors, price and program changes reserved. I have taken note of the terms and conditions listed in the travel brochure and acknowledge them by my signature on this form. Place/Date Signature