Greece Family Biking
- Picture-perfect seaside Rethymno, with Venetian and Ottoman cultural influences
- An unforgettable coast-to-coast ride
- Savor fresh seafood and other local delicacies
- Soak up sunny skies and diverse natural beauty
- Kids spot colorful fish from a glass-bottom boat and may get to snorkel
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This trip is currently only available as a Custom Trip. For a trip like this one, please see Tuscany Biking, Loire Valley Biking or Czech Republic & Austria Biking or call 800-462-2848 to speak with a Trip Consultant.
The Mythical Magic of Crete
Gather extraordinary memories by the dozens. While pedaling amid craggy mountains and emerald valleys. While horseback riding among silver-leafed olive trees. While basking on hidden beaches and splashing in crystalline waters. As you're marveling at the vestiges of ancient civilizations. And indulging at seaside tavernas - think grilled cuttlefish, garlicky tzatziki and honey-soaked kataifi and baklava. Gathering extraordinary memories like souvenirs, you'll need an extra suitcase to bring them home.
Day 1 Picture-perfect seaside Rethymno, shaped by Venetian and Ottoman cultures 
Enjoy an easygoing ride past olive groves and vineyards to the Aegean Sea Stroll the narrow streets of Rethymno's old town - built by conquering Venetians, it's one of the best preserved on Crete.
Day 2 An unforgettable coast-to-coast ride between the island's two impressive mountain ranges Before entering the Kourtaliotiko Gorge, listen for the sound of kourtala (claps) as wind zips through high caves Want to dip your toes? The clear blue Mediterranean beckons Kids saddle up for a horseback ride among coastal foothill olive groves Discover the inviting square, spring-fed waterfalls and ancient ruins of Argiroupolis.
Days 3-4 Savor fresh seafood and other local delicacies while overlooking the colorful Venetian port in Chaniá, whose history dates back to the Neolithic Age The Ottoman fortress of Aptera affords remarkable views of Kiliaris Valley and Souda Bay Ascend 2,000 feet into the Theriso Gorge, with vast valley vistas reaching to the coast Bike from an organic farm to the shoreline, while flocks of sheep share the road Youngsters discover their inner sleuths during an evening scavenger hunt.
Days 5-6 Kids take to the sea in a glass-bottom boat with Captain Nick, who helps them spot vibrantly colored fish and sunken war planes Pedal from serene Lake Agias through Mesklá, surrounded by groves of citrus A final spin on the rocky Akrotiri Peninsula reveals a hidden seaside monastery.
Guests Reviews About This Trip
With its wealth of options and activities, our Greece biking trip is an excellent choice for families. It features a well-balanced blend of point-to-point rides - showcasing some of the most scenic routes on the island - along with extra van support that brings the island's most amazing sites within reach of all, regardless of age or ability. It brings Crete's fascinating mythology and ancient history to life. And it's loaded with fun diversions for kids, including horseback riding and a glass-bottom boat adventure.- Regional Manager, Greece & Italy
Premiere Inns
Rimondi Estate
Rethymno (2 nights) This boutique hotel in the heart of old town blends Venetian and Ottoman architectural styles with ultra-modern luxuries. (pool)
Casa Delfino
Chaniá (3 nights) It's a short walk to the Venetian harbor from this Condé Nast Traveler editor's pick, an elegant 17th-century mansion that was once home to a ship captain and his family. (spa)
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This Trip Is Rated Level 1-4
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Road Bike Average | Mountain Bike Average* | Walk & Hike Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 10-15 miles | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 16-20 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 21-25 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 26-30 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 31+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
*Mountain bikes are used in locations where the best riding is on a combination of dirt and paved roads. View trip locations
The route options below are for adults and older kids with more biking experience who are up for longer rides or hikes. For all other kids (and adults who choose), we make it easy to do even less than the shortest option mentioned below, usually by taking a short lift in one of our support vehicles. We are here to make sure everyone has a great time so there's no need for you to worry about whether your child will be able to "keep up."
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 19, 30, 36 miles
- 450 - 1800 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 4 4 Route Options Available
- 12, 21, 34, 49 miles
- 330 - 3220 feet elevation gain
- Horseback Riding (Kids) 1 hour
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 21, 45, 51 miles
- 1380 - 3620 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 5 5 Route Options Available
- 12, 21, 36, 49, 62 miles
- 450 - 2430 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 26, 38, 44 miles
- 1200 - 2500 feet elevation gain
- Boat Ride & Snorkeling (Kids) 2 hours (weather permitting)
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 20 miles
- 1130 feet elevation gain
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For 33 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Greece tour experts. See our award-winning Europe At Large biking tours, Europe At Large walking and hiking tours and Europe At Large multisport tours.
