Pristine beaches, deep mountain gorges and vestiges of great civilizations. Like a gift from the gods, Crete is a cyclist's paradise. Find your rhythm as you pedal seemingly forgotten roads on the outskirts of bustling port towns. Bike to the top of every climb or hop in the van. Savor tranquil moments at seaside cafés. It's always up to you. Crete gives you options, and our world-class van support ensures that you’ll enjoy them all. At every turn, revel in the island’s legendary hospitality as you explore this mythical land from coast to coast.
Day 1 Picture-perfect seaside Rethymno,
shaped by Venetian and Ottoman cultures 
Enjoy an easygoing ride to the Aegean Sea or climb to traditional hamlets Stroll the narrow streets of Rethymno - built by conquering Venetians, it has a charming old town.
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 Complete your coast-to-coast ride with a dip in the clear blue Mediterranean 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 Sample organic olive oils at a family-owned farm before biking to the shoreline, sharing the road with flocks of sheep.
Days 5-6 Soak up sunny skies and diverse natural beauty
Pedal on gently rolling terrain through groves of citrus and olive trees en route to the village of Mesklá Ready for a challenge? Ascend 2,500 feet for breathtaking views of Chaniá and the sea below A final spin on the rocky Akrotiri Peninsula reveals a hidden seaside Monastery.
Trip Highlights
- Picture-perfect seaside Chania
- An unforgettable coast-to-coast ride
- Savor fresh seafood and other local delicacies
- Soak up sunny skies and diverse natural beauty
- A fascinating mélange of Greek, Turkish and Venetian cultural influences
Premiere Inns
Rimondi Estate (2 nights): This boutique hotel in the heart of the old town blends Venetian and Ottoman architectural styles with ultra-modern luxuries. A Small Luxury Hotels of the World member. (pool)
Casa Delfino (3 nights): It's a short walk to the Venetian harbor from this elegant 17th-century mansion, once home to a ship captain and his family. (spa)
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.
| Daily Route Options | ||||||||||
| Day | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | ||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | |
| 1 | 19* | 500 | 30* | 600 | 36* | 1800 | ||||
| 2 | 21* | 300 | 34* | 2700 | 49 | 3200 | ||||
| 3 | 21* | 1400 | 45* | 3200 | ||||||
| 4 | 21* | 1000 | 36* | 1800 | 49* | 2100 | 62 | 2400 | ||
| 5 | 26* | 1200 | 38* | 1300 | 44* | 2500 | ||||
| 6 | 20* | 1100 | ||||||||
* Includes a shuttle
2013 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 5/26-31 Price: $4098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $690 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/2-7 Price: $4098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $690 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/8-13 Price: $4098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $690 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/15-20 Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $690 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/29-10/4 Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $690 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/6-11 Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $690 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/13-18 Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $690 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/20-25 Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $690 for sgl. occ.)
SINGLES-SOLOS TRIPS
- 10/27-11/1 Price: $3798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $690 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
All of my expectations that I had set before going on the trip were greatly exceeded. Crete's drastic topography and landscape offered some of the most extraordinary biking I can imagine from deep gorges to grueling mountain climbs followed by seemingly endless downhill's to relaxing coastline rides. The accommodations and food were top notch, I felt myself having to continually having to reevaluate my expectations as each day of the trip seemed to be a little better than the last.- Pittsburgh, PA
Excellent, as usual. My wife and I love to travel but hate to plan. With Backroads you just show up as you have done all the work. This was our first real international trip (we have gone to PEI) with Backroads. It's a wonderful way to see the world.- Chapel Hill, NC