Chania Shore Excursion to the White Mountains (CHQ09)

Combine a unique safari tour to the White Mountains of Crete where you can take in the panoramic views, explore the traditional Cretan villages, learn the history and the traditions of the Island, and find out all about the lifestyle of a Cretan shepherd during your visit to an original shepherd’s hut. Enjoy the unique view of Chania from an altitude of 1350m and discover the wildlife of Crete with the help of our premium off-road vehicles, driven by specialized multilingual escorts.

Our amazing off-road adventure begins by crossing a valley full of orange and avocado trees, and many vegetable gardens. Climbing up the foothills of the White Mountains where we make our coffee stop at Deres to enjoy our morning break. Continuing we drive through the Cretan villages of Vatolakos, Alikianos, Fournes, Meskla, Zourva, and Therisso getting a taste of the mountainous Crete at the foot of the White Mountains, following an off-road route up to the shepherd’s hut called “Mitato” far away from tourist areas. We are traveling on uncharted routes that only a four-wheel drive can approach and we enjoy the magnificent panoramic views of northern Crete and, if lucky ... marvel at some wild eagles and goats from up close giving us a good reason to stop and capture the moment. A small rocky road will lead us up to our trip’s highest point of 1350 meters altitude in the heart of the White Mountains of Crete, where you will find out all about the lifestyle of a shepherd. We will learn where the famous Cretan “Graviera” cheese was produced and explore an original Shepherd's hut called "Mitato".

On our way back we will enjoy the best panoramic view of Chania from above until we arrive at Therisso village for a short walk in the historic village and a visit to a small Cretan family tavern for our lunch. After our lunch, we will follow the road through the amazing gorge of Therisso that will lead us back to the city of Chania.

• Distance: 106 Km
• Altitude difference: 1350 m

Highlights

• Visit the White Mountains and enjoy the best panoramic view of Chania
• Embark on a semiprivate safari tour for up to 6 or 8 persons per vehicle
• Pay a visit to an original shepherd’s hut or else “Mitato” at 1350m
• Savor coffee or tea or juice in a traditional coffee shop
• Lunch with traditional Cretan platters

Adventure Tips

• The trip is ideal for everyone who´s looking for an experience beyond the ordinary, youth groups, single or couple participants, families with older children, and companies.
• The trip is not recommended for people suffering from car sickness, having mobility or kinetic or back problems, pregnant women or children younger than 7 years old as we don't provide baby seats, or people taller than 195 cm or heavier than 130 kg. Alcohol consumption is not allowed for minors under the age of 18 years old. Our company reserves the right to make minor changes in the program when considered necessary, for example, in case of unfavorable weather conditions. This can be done without any prior notice. 
• The trip has guided stops every 30-40 minutes, for everyone´s convenience.    
• In order for us to arrange lunch or dinner with vegetarian alternatives, information is required upon reservation. This also counts for any kind of food allergies, so as to find possible alternatives.

The prices are for group participation with a minimum of 4 pax to start.