botanist. Ideal for nature lovers.

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Alice Arnold
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presentation by a botanist of the Natural History Museum of Crete Visite of 3

1 CRETE Thematic excursion of 1 day with a botanist. Ideal for nature lovers. Highlights Observation of the endemic flora of the island Escort and presentation by a botanist of the Natural History Museum of Crete Visite of 3 different areas of biodiversity Swimming in the beacutiful southern cost of Crete pg. 1

Type of excursion environnemental with a botanist of the Natural

Psiloritis Mountain, plain of Mesara, Costs of thes South 15.

TO THE CRETAN ENVIRONMENT Meal Outdoor picnic An excursion into the

2 Type of excursion environnemental with a botanist of the Natural History Museum of Crete 1 day 7-8 hours Languages English Location Psiloritis Mountain, plain of Mesara, Costs of thes South 15. PLANTSCOMMUNITIES Level of difficulty Easy ADAPTATION OF THE PLANTS TO THE CRETAN ENVIRONMENT Meal Outdoor picnic An excursion into the world of Cretan plants and their mechanisms of adapting to the environment of the island.

3 Description The Cretan landscape exhibits remarkable variation which includes mountains, plateaus, fertile lands and kilometer after kilometer of coastline. It is also in close proximity to three different continents. Consequently, Crete provides the conditions for the existence of more than different species of plants, which is a huge number considering the size of the island. About 160 of these plants are endemic to Crete, which means that they are to be found only on Crete and nowhere else in the world. How do plants manage to survive on the island of Crete? How do they deal with hostile human actions? How do they repel herbivorous animals? How do they attract animals or insects that aid them? How do they survive in areas with minimum moisture? What do they do to deal with the deadly sun of the Mediterranean? How do they help their offspring to spread? How are they affected by the strong wind of the mountain tops? How is it that some of them live so close to the sea? Are there any plants that are favored when bush-fires happen? The excursion includes trips to various ecosystems (bush land, gorge coast) in the wider area of Iraklion. We will get to know as many as possible of the native plants, many of which are endemic. We ll see how their shape, their thorns, their scents, their colours, their particularities or their flavours allow them to survive and grow in the often adverse conditions caused by the climate, the geology, the geographical position of Crete and even, the human activity. We ll see how the plants deter their enemies and how they attract their friends. We will also inspect the mechanisms that allow them to deal with extreme weather. Level of difficulty / Risk factor: Very easy Necessary personal equipment Shoes for walking in fieldss / Sun-screen oil, hat, sunglasses, swimming costume and towels / Windproof jacket / Small rucksack. The price includes (With your rent car) Guiding and presentation of the theme by a botanist (english speaking) Manual of the programme for each traveller, specially edited for this trip with maps, references, etc. Cretan picnic in nature Everything mentioned above Not included in the price Transfer to the starting point of the trips & return (upon request with an extra cost) Translator (upon request with an extra cost) Personal Insurance (upon request with an extra cost) Beverage (soft drinks) Personal expenses, tips, visa s cost, taxes Anything not mentioned above pg. 3

Responsible traveller... The trips that we in Petassos Travel recommend you, take place in areas that are habitats for very sensitive flora and fauna species.

5 Responsible traveller... The trips that we in Petassos Travel recommend you, take place in areas that are habitats for very sensitive flora and fauna species. The existence of these species is an indication of a healthy environment and the least we can do is respect it by minimisi ng the signs of our presence during our stay and after our departure. So, we take with us all rubbish or other items that do not belong in the landscape, we enjoy the scents and view of aromatic and other plants, and only photograph them, without removing them. We also avoid fires and smoking. Upon leaving, we leave behind us only footprints and take with us only memories! Customs The charm of this land lies in, amongst other things, in the traditional character of the locals which has remained unalte red in all the villages you will have the opportunity to explore. Please, respect these traditional customs by behaving and dressing appropriately; the same is true about your contacts with the locals, perhaps forgetting for a moment the habits and customs of your land and letting the discovery of the idiosyncratic Cretans carry you off down the various extensions of their history In the framework of your discrete presence the best way to keep an excellent relationship with the locals, especially in remo te villages, is to keep them informed of your plans (camping with or without tents, hiking, etc.). A coffee, a raki at the village cafés, a word with the regulars will reward you with a warm offer of information, interest and very often delicacies! PETASSOS TRAVEL AGENCY OF ALTERNATIVE TOURISM IRAKLIO, CRETE, GREECE / Take your hat there s a long journey ahead... Texts: PetassosTravel Photos: Stella Meligounaki ( / Katerina Vasilopouloy / Chitophoros Baladimas ( raphy pg. 5

CRETE 2017 exploring the original

CRETE 2017 exploring the original... 1 day excursion with our experts & qualified guides PETASSOS TRAVEL VOYAGEURS EN VUE AGENCE DE TOURISM ALTERNATIF IRAKLIO, CRETE, GREECE www.petassostravel.com 0030-6974330375