Crete KOLIMBARI
WELCOME TO Crete Crete is a fascinating and beautiful island that makes a great destination for a walking holiday. It is the largest island of Greece and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean. Apart from Heraklion, Chania and Rethymnon, the rest of the island is sparsely populated, with unspoilt villages and isolated hamlets. During this holiday we ll explore the western part of Crete in the province of Chania. Heading west from the city is a flat coastal plain which has developed as a popular holiday destination. Here you ll find the resorts of Agia Marina, Platanias and Maleme. Further west is the village of Kolimbari, the nearest settlement to our hotel. Beyond Kolimbari the rocky and sparsely populated Rodopos and Gramvoussa peninsulas jut northwards into the sea and denote the end of the main tourist resorts. Crete s location in the south of the Aegean Sea has made it an important stopping point for travellers between Europe, Africa and Asia. This geographical position at the junction of major civilisations has influenced its history throughout the past 6,000 years. The early Minoan civilisation became established around 3,000BC followed by the Myceneans, Dorians, Romans, the Byzantine empire, Arabs and finally, in the 8th and 9th centuries, it was under Venetian rule. It was not until 1913 that Crete was officially attached to Greece. You ll see evidence of this varied history on the walks, including the ancient Helenic settlement at Falasarna and the grand Venetian buildings around the harbour in Chania. During World War II the island regained a strategic importance and saw bloody fighting between German and British troops. The main airborne landing by German paratroopers took place at Maleme, just a few miles from the hotel, and the large military cemetery there acts as a lasting reminder of the fighting. New Greek Tax: 0.50 per room per night will be charged to all visitors at the Spilia Village and this will have to be paid by guests directly to the hotel. 2 Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk
ACCOMMODATION Spilia Village Hotel Spilia Village Kolimbari Chania 73006 Tel: 0030 2824 083300 The Spilia Village is a luxury traditional hotel with a Greek 4-star rating. Formerly the village olive oil press, this family-owned hotel has been lovingly restored in a traditional way using local stone and wood, and offers a very good standard of accommodation. It is in a peaceful location, nestled into a landscape of orange orchards and olive groves. The hotel is just 3km inland from the village of Kolimbari and well located for our walks and exploring western Crete. Bedrooms: There are 30 comfortable ensuite rooms. All rooms have air conditioning, direct dial telephone, two channel radio, satellite TV, mini bar, safe deposit box, laundry service, hairdryer and a bathroom with either whirlpool (hydromassage) or air flux (aero-massage) bath. Tea and coffee making facilities are not available in the bedrooms, but hot drinks can be purchased from the reception. Twin rooms have one double bed and a sofa bed. Facilities: The hotel has two swimming pools, one inside and one outside surrounded by a lovely garden. There is a gym, sauna and steam room. Meals: All our holidays include breakfast and evening meal. Breakfast: A self service buffet is available each morning and includes a wide selection of items. Evening meal: This is served at 7.30pm in the traditional Taverna Halara (literally ruins ), which date from the Venetian period and have been interestingly rebuilt. On warm evenings our group can dine outside. The taverna serves Greek cuisine with locally sourced ingredients from surrounding farms and villages. Lunch: You can purchase a picnic lunch from the hotel. Alternatively it is possible to buy lunch items from shops en route or on some days to eat at one of the local tavernas. Your leaders will advise you of the options. Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk 3
Guided Walking ITINERARY A unique feature of our Guided Walking holidays is the daily choice of walks. Each evening your leaders will give a short talk about the options for the next day and answer any questions you may have. In Crete you ll have a choice of two guided walks on each walking day. Easier Walks: 5 to 7 miles (8-11km) with up to 1,000ft (300m) of ascent in a day. Harder Walks: 7 to 11 miles (11-17.5km) with up to 1,900ft (570m) of ascent in a day. Please note that the itinerary outlined below is provisional may be subject to change. For the most up to date information, please check our website. A finalised itinerary will be available at the resort and your leaders will talk every evening about the next day s walks. The cost of the transport to and from your walks each day is included in the cost of your holiday. Day 1: Arrival day Depending on your arrival time at the hotel, you will have time to meet your fellow guests over the first evening meal. As there are two arrival flights to this destination your leaders will explain more about the walks after breakfast on day 2. Day 2: Rodopos Peninsula Easier Walk: We start with a short journey to a splendid viewpoint before walking through olive groves to 4 Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk Rodopos village. Quiet tracks take us back to Kolimbari and a chance to visit the monastery or beach before a taxi ride back to the hotel. 6 miles (10km) and 330ft (100m) of ascent. Harder Walk: A short journey to the lovely village of Rodopos where we will make our way along old goat paths and quiet dirt tracks through the rocky spine of Rodopos Peninsula to our hotel. 8 miles (13km) and 1,400ft (420m) of ascent.
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Day 3: Sirikari and Polyrinia Our coach follows the coast road west from Kolimbari towards Kissamos before turning inland to the rural interior of the island. Easier Walk: Our walk descends steeply into the deep gorge of Sirikari. At the bottom we pass abandoned dwellings on a rocky path that goes beneath high cliffs, home to eagles and vultures. At the end of the gorge we ascend to the ancient village of Polyrinia where we have time to explore before meeting our coach. 4 miles (6.5km) with 300ft (90m) of ascent and 1,200ft (360m) of descent. Harder Walk: We follow the same route as the easier group to Polyrinia. From here we continue along a wide open ridge with great views to reach the coast at the town of Kissamos. 8 miles (13km) with 500ft (150m) of ascent and 2,000ft (600m) of descent. Day 4: South coast gorges Today we offer the choice of the famous Samaria Gorge or the very attractive but shorter Imbros Gorge. Easier Walk: We drive to the little village of Imbros, high in the White Mountains. From here we head down the lovely narrow Imbros Gorge which is usually very peaceful. Leaving the gorge we are met by our coach to make the short journey into the lovely little town of Chorio Sfakion, the capital of the region. As well as cafés and restaurants there is a pretty town beach and there may be an opportunity to take the ferry to the remarkable resort of Loutro. 4.5 miles (6.5km) with no ascent and 2,000ft (600m) of gentle descent. Harder Walk: An early start takes us to the top of the Samaria Gorge, high up in the White Mountains amidst dramatic scenery. This stunning gorge is 10 miles long and descends from the Omalos Plateau to the sea at Aghia Roumeli and a national park. We follow a good but rough trail with rest stations, water and basic toilet facilities. We should arrive at the bottom with time to enjoy a drink or a swim in the Libyan Sea before taking the afternoon ferry to Chorio Sfakion. 10 miles (16km) with 100ft (30m) of ascent and 4,000ft (1,200m) of descent. In April and late October or at times of poor weather the Samaria gorge is closed. In this situation alternative walks will be substituted. Day 5: Free day Each week there is a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, walk independently or visit local places of interest. The more popular options for your free day include: Chania Many guests take the opportunity to visit the delightful Venetian city of Chania. The old town is a maze of narrow streets lined with shops, bars and restaurants. 6 Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk
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The centrepiece of the city is the main harbour, from where there are regular boat trips available. Cafés line the harbour side and are attractive places to have lunch and watch the world go by. Other interesting sights include the Venetian defences and the indoor market a hive of activity with lots of local produce. Spilia Village For a relaxing day you may prefer to spend time around the hotel and pool or perhaps a stroll in the olive groves or to ancient local churches in the next village. For information on Crete please visit www.west-crete.com Day 6: Milia & Topolia Easier Walk: We ascend steadily to Milia accompanied by great views. Here we may have the opportunity to enjoy lunch in a taverna before taking quiet tracks and lanes to Topolia. 7 miles (11km) with 1,200ft (360m) of ascent. Harder Walk: We too start the day with a steady ascent to Milia. After a short refreshment, we will continue to ascend through beautiful wild country to a wonderful plateau for lunch before making our way on good paths and quiet roads to Topolia to join the easier group. 9 miles (14.5km) with 2,200ft (660m) of ascent. Day 7: Snowy mountain villages Easier Walk: From the historic village of Theriso we walk up to Zourva using a valley path or a quiet road with dramatic views of mountain villages in the distance. We will be an opportunity for a typical Greek meze-style lunch in Amelia s tavern before heading down into a wooded valley and walking through orange trees into Meskia and a shady taverna. 6 miles (9.5km) with 500ft (150m) of ascent and 1,200ft (360m) of descent. Harder Walk: From Theriso we follow shepherd s tracks further up into the White Mountains. We will need to take care on a short rocky descent that takes us around the head of the valley before walking briskly to Zourva where we join the easier group for lunch and the walk down to Meskla. 7 miles (11km) with 800ft (240m) of ascent and 1,500ft (450m) of descent. Note that there is a variety of possible walks on this day and your leaders will pick those that best suit the group and the weather. Day 8: Departure day In the evenings In Europe, our walking holidays continue into the evening. Enjoy a glass of wine or local beer whilst listening to your leaders outlining the next day s walks. You may like to join your group and learn more about olives and locally produced honey or watch the Greek dancers who visit the hotel. After a relaxing evening meal, you may like to travel with your leaders to the local village. Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk 9
Your Walking Leaders: HF Holidays leaders are a pivotal feature of our walking holidays. During the day they will guide you on the walks in a caring and considerate way, showing you places of interest on the route. All our leaders have been selected on an intensive residential course so you can relax and enjoy your holiday knowing that you are in safe hands. Our leaders welcome your comments on the holiday survey; constructive suggestions are very helpful. We take pride in the quality of our holidays and work closely with all our providers to ensure our holidays meet your expectations. If for any reason you are not satisfied our leaders are the best people to help. Local interest guides: In some of our resorts we may employ the services of a local interest guide who will accompany you on a walk to enhance your enjoyment of the area by giving you an insight into its history and culture. Tips for local guides have not been included in the price of your holiday. This is at your own discretion and we invite you to do this directly with the local guide. Maps: Your leaders will of course carry all the maps and detailed walk instructions needed for the walks. The maps are unfortunately of poor quality and not readily available for this area. Children: We welcome unaccompanied children of 14 or over on our walks on the basis that they can take full responsibility for themselves. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. WALKING SAFETY Hydration: In warm weather it is very important to keep hydrated. You will need to carry water with you on walks, more during hot weather or on more demanding walks. One good way of hydrating is to use a hydration pack which allows drinking without constant stopping. This can then be filled up from water sources as required. Insurance: Insurance is a condition of booking. Therefore if you have not already arranged insurance, it is imperative that you do so, and advise us of the insurance company and policy number. We have negotiated special holiday insurance and full details of this cover can be found in our brochure or at hfholidays.co.uk. There is no extra charge for preexisting illnesses. If you would like to purchase insurance from us please call us on 020 8732 1220 or email holidayservices@hfholidays.co.uk. Even with an EHIC card, medicines and out-patient treatment normally have to be paid for at the time and the costs reclaimed afterwards details are available at dh.gov.uk/travellers. Therefore insurance is extremely important, as is access to emergency money, preferably a credit card. 10 Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk WHAT TO WEAR & BRING To enjoy your walking comfortably and safely, it is essential that your footwear, clothing and equipment are suitable. Changeable weather is possible throughout the year, so our advice is to come prepared for all eventualities. You will need: comfortable outdoor clothing waterproof jacket and overtrousers ankle supporting footwear with non-slip soles small rucksack water bottle (at least 2 litres, more for hot climates) and a thermos flask if you wish sunhat, sun cream and sunglasses The following are recommended to all walkers, and are essential for mountainous and hilly areas: walking boots spare pullover or fleece hat and gloves spare high-energy food e.g. chocolate bar or Kendal mint cake torch You may also wish to consider bringing: walking pole(s) many guests find these useful, particularly for descents camera personal first aid kit Footwear: We recommend wearing walking boots on all our walks, as these provide the best ankle support and grip. Modern approach shoes offer appropriate levels of grip and may be worn on some low level walks, but users should be aware that they offer less ankle support. Lightweight trainers, denim jeans and waterproof capes are not recommended for any walks. HOLIDAY TIPS Language: Greek Currency: Euro Money: There is an ATM machines in Kolimbari where you can obtain money. Electricity: 230 Volt AC with round two pin plugs; you will need an adaptor for any appliances brought from the UK. Tap water: Is considered safe to drink, but if you prefer, bottled mineral water can be purchased from the hotel or local supermarkets. Telephone code: If the international number you wish to call starts with a 0, you must drop the starting digit when dialling the number. To dial a UK number 0044 To dial a Greek/Cretan number 0030
linger a little LONGER If you enjoyed your holiday in our destination of Crete, we recommend our other holiday at our destination on Evia, Greece. Two weeks or more Make the most of your break and enjoy a longer holiday either two weeks of walking at one resort or by combining complementary holidays, such as Sorrento on the Neapolitan coastline and Altamura, in the undiscovered region of Puglia. We arrange the transfers between the resorts so that you don t have to. See our brochure or website for more information. Self-guided Walking For those who prefer to explore independently, we recommend our Self-guided Walking holidays. In selected European destinations you can discover unspoiled scenery, historic sites and the local culture at your own pace by following our carefully planned walking routes. Leisure Activities We offer a range of Leisure Activities holidays at some of our European destinations, including Discovery or Garden Tours, Photography, Painting, or Yoga. Worldwide From Alaska to Australia our Worldwide Journeys invite you to explore world famous destinations, and some lesser known gems, on six continents including Europe. TRANSFER INFORMATION If you have booked your holiday with flight you will arrive at Chania Airport. From the UK we offer flights from London Gatwick and Manchester which may arrive at different times. Please note that meals are not usually provided on European flights, although some airlines may offer a small snack. Where possible you will be met in the arrivals hall at the airport by an HF Holiday s leader. Your leader may be on the same flight as you or may arrive on another flight. Occasionally we will ask the transfer coach company to meet you. The coach driver will be waiting in the arrivals hall holding an HF Holidays sign. Please note that where possible we combine our airport transfers and you may have a short wait at the airport for the rest of your group who will be arriving on a different flight. You will be notified of this in your final confirmation letter. The onward journey to Spilia Village by coach takes approximately 1 hour. For independent travellers: For guests who have booked their holiday without flight HF Holidays can help you to reach the hotel in the following ways: HF Holidays transfer coach from Chania airport. These are timed to meet the HF Holidays flights (provisional flight times can be found on www.hfholidays.co.uk or by calling 020 8732 1220). Cost per single journey is 14.50. Please note that HF Holidays is not responsible for your onward travel if you fail to meet the transfer coach under any circumstance Our Airport Taxi service is available on request. Transfers and taxis must be pre-booked. If you have not already booked your transfer or taxi please call +44 (0)20 8732 1220 Airport parking and accommodation If you require airport parking or accommodation before your flight, we recommend our partner Holiday Extras. Call 0871 360 2603 and quote HX031 or book online at holidayextras.co.uk/hfholidays Call 0345 470 7558 or visit hfholidays.co.uk 11
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