Arrive in Chania and check in at your hotel, perfectly located for you to explore this historic port city. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to stretch your legs by taking a stroll to the photogenic Venetian Harbour and admire its lighthouse. This stone tower was built in the 16th century and is an instantly recognisable landmark of Chania town. As you explore the narrow lanes of the old town, you will be spoilt for choice for atmospheric restaurants and cafes in which you can enjoy some Cretan cuisine and a taste of the local raki after your delicious meal.

This morning you will have the opportunity to further explore Chania before transferring to Omalos by public bus (bus timetables can be found on https://www.e-ktel.com/en). You might like to learn more about Chania's long and rich history with a visit to the Archaeological Museum in the nearby suburb of Chalepa, but if you prefer to remain around the old town the Maritime Museum is a worthwhile visit; here you will also discover the Firkas Fortress and the old Venetian defensive fortifications of the harbour.

Depending on your time of arrival to the Omalos plateau you might have the opportunity to enjoy your first hike today in the White Mountains, climbing from the plateau to reach the Kallergi Mountain Hut from where there are spectacular views over the surrounding mountains. You can be sure of a warm welcome from your hosts at your traditional hotel in Omalos, which also boasts a delightful restaurant where you can enjoy wonderful authentic Cretan fare.

Feeling rested after a peaceful night's sleep, today you can tackle the challenging hike to the summit of Mt Gingilos (1980m) - a head for heights and surefootedness on rough, rocky terrain is must for this walk. Take the transfer to Xyloskalo from where you will begin your steep ascent up the flanks of the mountain, gaining height rapidly. The landscape is dramatic, with the path passing under imposing rock arches and towers, and cutting switchbacks into the steep mountain side. From the saddle at Linoseli, you can gain far-reaching views over the soaring peaks of the surrounding White Mountains and out to the Libyan sea. On a clear day, looking north past the Kallergi Hut, you might spot the island of Theodoru in the distance. Don't forget your jacket and some warm layers as the winds can be strong up here! Carefully following the route marked by cairns and paint, you will expect to encounter some rocky sections that will entail a little bit of scrambling on your way to the top, where on a clear day your efforts will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views. Your descent will retrace your steps back to Xyloskalo.

If you have not already hiked to the Kallergi Mountain Hut the day before, this is an option that you can undertake today. Starting from your hotel in Omalos, this is a gentler and more gradual climb than the ascent of Gingilos. The path ascends on unsurfaced tracks to the Kallergi Hut, perched at the precipice like an eyrie at an altitude of 1677m above sea level. This is a lovely spot to drink in the views before you descend to Xykoskalo and be transferred back to your hotel in Omalos to enjoy your final night on the plateau.

Samaria Gorge is the most famous on Crete, and for good reason. This is one of the longest canyons in Europe and is a must-do for many visitors to Crete; over time it has been shaped by the elements into soaring cliffs and narrow passageways, with wonderful scenery to discover at every turn. Starting early this morning to avoid the crowds, take the transfer to the trailhead at Xyloskalo. From the towering surrounds of the White Mountains, the route winds seawards under shady trees, past simple chapels worn by the passage of time, across rocky riverbeds, and through narrow ravines - at its narrowest point the gorge is just 3.5m wide. If you are visiting in springtime you will find a profusion of wildflowers lining your route. Take your time today to bathe in the beauty of your surroundings, there is no rush to complete the walk as tonight you will spend the night at Agia Roumeli, the little seaside village at the end of the gorge. When you have completed your walk, there will be plenty of time for a swim in the crystal clear waters before taking your dinner in one of the local taverns in Agia Roumeli.

PLEASE NOTE: The Samaria Gorge is open from 1st May onwards until the autumn rains start, usually at the end of October. In the event of heavy rains, the Samaria Gorge can be closed for safety reasons. In this case you will travel with your luggage from Omalos to Sougia where you will take the ferry to Agia Roumeli. It is possible for you to take a short walk from here, for example to the ruins of the Venetian castle, or you may prefer to just take it easy in this laid-back village and enjoy the fine pebble beach.

Your walk today will take you along the spectacular coastline and through a wonderful variety of scenery. Setting off from Agia Roumeli after a hearty breakfast, you walk along the sparkling beach to discover the stone-built Byzantine church of Agios Pavlos, where remnants of painted frescoes can still be found. From the beach you have a short climb into the welcome shade of forests of fir and pine, and carry on your hike along cliff paths and onward to the small secluded beach at Marmara. You might like to take a refreshment break here and enjoy a swim, before continuing your journey following the coast to reach the lovely car-free village of Loutro, where you can settle into your seafront accommodation for the next two nights and tuck in to delicious mezedes and the fresh catch of the day, straight from the sea.

Your objective today is the Aradena Gorge to take its dramatic path down to the turquoise sea at Marmara. Aradena is a much quieter gorge than Samaria but you may agree that it is no less spectacular!

Your walk begins from your hotel in Loutro, with a steep ascent along switchbacks to reach Anopoli, proudly Sfakian and one of the few areas that did not fall to the Venetians or the Turks. There are a few options of quality traditional tavernas and bakeries here, this will be the perfect opportunity to have a spot of lunch while enjoying the mountain views. Heading onward to Aradena you can admire the breathtaking bridge spanning the magnificent canyon, from which bungee-jumping adrenaline junkies leap for a terrifying thrill. Walking on the bridge itself can be enough of a thrill for most, with the yawning chasm of the canyon beneath your feet, and the free-floating wooden planks rattling noisily with every crossing vehicle. Descending the zig zag path into the depths of the gorge, you will soon pass under the bridge to look back up at its lofty altitude. Your route follows the ravine bed to eventually emerge at Marmara Beach, a familiar sight which you discovered yesterday. From Marmara you will take the coastal path back to Loutro for a well-earned meal after your efforts today!

It is possible to shorten today's walk if you prefer. This alternative route takes you to the tiny village of Livaniana around 250m above sea level, before you descend via the Aradena Gorge back to the sea at Marmara Beach. This route will avoid the steepest and more challenging sections of the upper portion of the gorge path.
9km / 460m ascent / 460m descent / 4 hours walking time

Enjoy a relaxed start this morning and have a leisurely breakfast. Today's walk is a shorter journey taking you along the sparkling sea to your next coastal idyll, the harbour village of Chora Sfakion. Setting off from Loutro, your path never strays far from the coastline so you will have endless views out to the inviting sea. You will have plenty of opportunity for swimming in the clear waters today so don't forget your swimwear! Your path takes you to secluded bays and quiet beaches, past the lonely-looking white washed Church of the Holy Cross and the ruins of a fortress, before rounding the corner to discover the beautiful Sweetwater Beach. Sandwiched between the feet of rugged cliffs and the sea with its unbelievable blue hues, this is a picture-postcard example of a stunning beach. Sweetwater Beach gets its name from the freshwater spring that emerges from beneath the fine pebbles. Many say this is the best beach in all of Crete! When you are eventually ready to leave this beautiful cove, you will continue your journey along the coastal trail for a short while to reach the small seaside village of Chora Sfakion and your base for your final two nights in Crete. Chora Sfakion is the proud capital of the Sfakian region and has an impressive history of resistance against Venetian and Turkish rule and in more recent history during the WWII Battle of Crete when thousands of Allied troops were evacuated by sea from this town.

This morning a private transfer will take you inland to the village of Imbros where you can top up your snacks and supplies for the day before entering the Imbros Gorge, probably the second most well-known gorge in Crete, after Samaria. Heading in a southerly direction, your descent through the gorge takes you past shady trees of cypress, oak, pine, fig and almond, accompanied by the aromatic scent of sage. The landscape here feels other-worldly, and as the gorge deepens and the walls feel like they are growing taller, you will discover its narrowest point which is a mere 1.6m wide and where the canyon walls reach a height of 300m. Shortly after, the path widens and you can start to discover views out to the south coast; perhaps those with a keen eye can make out the 14th century Venetian fort of Frangokastello in the middle distance. Continuing your descent and walking under the giant natural stone arch of Xepitira, your track exits the gorge by the village of Komitades. You can enjoy a welcome refreshing drink and a late lunch at a tavern here before making your way back to Chora Sfakion. Enjoy your final night with a celebratory dinner and raise a toast to a wonderful week of exploring the finest south-west Crete has to offer.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and perhaps a final swim in the crystal-clear sea before your onward journey.