Gather extraordinary memories by the dozens. While pedaling amid craggy mountains and emerald valleys. While horseback riding along the rugged coastline. While exploring hidden beaches or exploring hidden talents: kids learn the art of pottery-making from a local artist and create their own objet d’art. As you're marveling at the vestiges of ancient civilizations. And indulging at seaside tavernas - think melt-in-your-mouth dolmades and honey-soaked baklava. Gathering extraordinary memories like souvenirs, you'll need an extra suitcase to bring them home.
Day 1 Seaside Rethymno,
with its a rich and storied history shaped by Venetian and Ottoman cultures 
Enjoy an easygoing ride to the Aegean Sea or head into the mountains for views overlooking Rethymno and its imposing fortezza 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 As you make your way through the Kourtaliotiko Gorge, listen for the sound of kourtala (claps) as the wind zips through high caves Ready for a breather? Take the opportunity to dip your toes in the clear blue Mediterranean Kids get a chance to spin the pottery wheel with a local artisan Discover the inviting square, spring-fed waterfalls and ancient ruins of Argiroupolis.
Days 3-4 Savor fresh seafood and other local delicacies
while looking out upon the colorful Venetian port in Chaniá, whose history dates back to the Neolithic Age The Ottoman fortress of Aptera affords remarkable views of Souda Bay Pedal down the Thériso Gorge, with vast valley vistas reaching to the coast Flocks of sheep share the road with you as you bike from an organic farm to the shoreline Youngsters saddle up for a horseback ride to Georgioupoli Harbor.
Days 5-6 Kids take to the sea in a glass-bottom boat,
where vibrantly colored fish and sunken war planes can be spotted On a downhill, pedal through the whitewashed village of Soúrva and Mesklá, surrounded by groves of citrus A final spin on the rocky Akrotiri Peninsula reveals a hidden seaside monastery.
Trip Highlights
- Seaside Rethymno, with its 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
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 | 10* | 800 | 21* | 300 | 34* | 2700 | 49 | 3200 | ||
| Kids: Pottery class (2.5 hours) | ||||||||||
| 3 | 19* | 1400 | 45 | 3200 | ||||||
| Kids: Horseback riding (2.5 hours) | ||||||||||
| 4 | 22* | 1200 | 52 | 2200 | ||||||
| 5 | 26* | 1200 | 38* | 1300 | 44 | 2500 | ||||
| Kids: Glass-bottom boat ride (2 hours) | ||||||||||
| 6 | 20* | 1100 | ||||||||
| Kids: Lighthouse walk and ceramics activity (1.5 hours) | ||||||||||
* Includes a shuttle
2013 Dates & Pricing*
FAMILY TRIPS
- 6/9-14 Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $690 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/23-28 Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $690 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Recommended Kids Ages
Minimum Ages:
- Recommended minimum age for the trip: 9 years
- Minimum age restriction to ride own bike: 9 years
- Minimum age and height restriction to horseback ride: 8 years, 4 feet
- No Burleys available on this trip
General Info on Minimum Ages:
We strongly encourage families to join our Family Trips, designed with kid- and adult-friendly features. Please note that we have a minimum age requirement of 1 year for all Inn trips and 2 years for all Camping trips. Other than that, we do not restrict trips to a minimum age except in the rare case of a hotel age restriction. We do, however, recommend minimum ages based on the following criteria:- 12+ amount of cultural appreciation, difficulty of activities, routes
- 9+ difficulty of activities/activity age restrictions, routes
- 6+ several longer dinners; routes are difficult for pulling a Burley and therefore not appropriate for younger children; difficulty of activities/activity age restrictions
Guest Trip Reviews
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