From Rethymno: Eleven Gates Hike on The Shepherds Path

The ‘Eleven Gates Hike on The Shepherds Path’ is an enthralling private tour that invites travelers to enjoy Crete’s rugged and captivating landscapes. Led by a knowledgeable guide, this 8-hour excursion promises a personalized experience as it traverses eleven distinct pastures, abandoned churches, and the iconic E4 trail. But the real treat lies in the tour’s culmination – a scenic picnic with breathtaking views of Mount Psiloritis, the island’s highest summit. Whether you opt for English or French, this hike promises to unveil the authentic charm and natural wonders that have long enchanted visitors to Rethymno.

Key Points

• Duration of the tour is 8 hours, available in English and French, with a knowledgeable guide for an engaging and personalized experience.
• Offered as a private group tour, allowing guests to explore at their own pace with hassle-free reservation and personalized attention from the guide.
• Highlights include stunning views of Psiloritis peak, discovery of abandoned churches, and lunch in a local Greek café to savor traditional Cretan cuisine.
• The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an English or French-speaking guide, a local driver, and air-conditioned transportation, as well as traditional Cretan snacks and a light lunch.
• The hike follows the Eleven Gates trail on the Shepherds Path, offering an immersive exploration of Cretan nature, landscapes, and the footsteps of local shepherds.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Duration and Languages

The tour has a duration of 8 hours and is available in English and French.

Guests can choose between these two languages to explore the beautiful and wild Cretan scenery. Whether you prefer to experience the tour in your native tongue or practice a new language, the knowledgeable guide will ensure you have an engaging and informative journey.

The private group setting allows for a more personalized experience, catering to your specific interests and pace. With hotel pickup and drop-off included, you can sit back, relax, and learn about the stunning landscapes and local culture of Crete.

Private Group and Reservation

This tour is offered in a private group setting, allowing guests to customize their experience and explore the Cretan landscapes at their own pace. Travelers can easily book the tour now and pay later, ensuring a hassle-free reservation process.

With personalized attention from the knowledgeable guide, guests can look forward to an intimate and engaging hike through the stunning Eleven Gates trail on the Shepherds Path.

The private group format ensures a personalized and flexible experience tailored to the group’s interests and pace.

Book now and pay later, making the reservation process simple and convenient.

Enjoy the undivided attention of the expert guide, who’ll share insights into the Cretan culture and environment.

Explore the Eleven Gates trail at your own rhythm, immersed in the beauty of the Cretan countryside.

Highlights of the Tour

Guests on this captivating Eleven Gates hike can look forward to seeing Crete’s breathtaking natural beauty, including a stunning view of the Psiloritis peak, the island’s highest summit.

Along the way, they’ll explore unmarked Cretan landscapes and follow the E4 trail, discovering abandoned churches built within the rock.

The highlight of the day will be a lunch in a local Greek café, where they can savor traditional Cretan cuisine and soak up the relaxed atmosphere.

Throughout the journey, the knowledgeable guide will share insights into the region’s agriculture, as the group traverses 11 different pastures, each with its own unique story to tell.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Booking this captivating Eleven Gates hike includes a range of services designed to provide guests with a seamless and enjoyable experience. These include hotel pickup and drop-off from the Rethymno district, an English or French-speaking guide, a local driver/guide, and transportation by air-conditioned car or minibus.

Plus, travelers will enjoy traditional Cretan snacks and a light lunch in a local kafeneio, with vegetarian options available. All taxes, fees, and handling charges are covered in the package.

The tour doesn’t include:

• Drinkable water – guests should bring their own
• Hiking boots or proper trekking gear
• Travel insurance
• Additional food or beverages not mentioned in the inclusions

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Exploring Cretan Nature

The Eleven Gates hike offers an immersive exploration of Cretan nature, allowing guests to discover the region’s captivating landscapes and gain insights into local agricultural practices.

As they traverse the shepherds’ paths, hikers will encounter 11 distinct pastures, each with its own intriguing story. They’ll follow in the footsteps of local shepherds, venturing off the beaten track to uncover stunning, unmarked scenery.

The experience culminates in a picnic with the guide, where guests can admire breathtaking sea views while savoring traditional Greek snacks.

Throughout the journey, hikers will also have the opportunity to visit an abandoned church built within a rock, providing a glimpse into the island’s rich cultural heritage.

Shepherds’ Paths and Landscapes

Winding through the rugged Cretan terrain, the shepherds’ paths reveal a captivating tapestry of untamed landscapes, where each step uncovers a new story etched into the land.

Navigating these ancient trails, hikers are immersed in a world where time seems to stand still, with glimpses of traditional agricultural practices and the resilient spirit of the Cretan people.

The paths lead through:

• Lush pastures, where grazing sheep and goats share the land with vibrant wildflowers

• Steep ravines and rocky outcrops, showcasing the dramatic geological formations that define Crete’s unique geography

• Abandoned structures, remnants of a bygone era, now reclaimed by nature

• Breathtaking vistas, offering sweeping panoramas of the island’s rugged beauty and the distant peaks of Mount Psiloritis.

Picnic and Abandoned Church

As the group reaches a scenic viewpoint, they pause for a well-deserved picnic, savoring traditional Greek snacks while admiring the captivating sea vistas below. After refueling, the hike continues towards an abandoned church nestled within a rock formation, offering a glimpse into Crete’s storied past.

Picnic Experience	Abandoned Church
– Enjoy local delicacies	– Discover a unique structure
– Take in breathtaking views	– Learn about Crete’s history
– Recharge for the next leg	– Explore a sacred space

The abandoned church, built directly into the rock, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of Crete’s inhabitants, who sought to create sacred spaces in the most remarkable of settings.

Important Considerations

Participants should keep in mind the importance of proper hydration, as there are no drinkable water sources along the trail. Wearing comfortable, trekking-suitable footwear and bringing a hat and sunscreen are also essential for this outdoor adventure.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, hikers should:

• Be prepared for changeable weather conditions, as the mountainous terrain can influence temperature and wind
• Pack snacks and a light lunch, as the tour includes a picnic break with traditional Greek refreshments
• Bring any necessary personal items, such as medications or insect repellent
• Inform the guide about any physical limitations or health concerns prior to the hike

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book the Tour for a Different Group Size?

Yes, the tour can be booked for a different group size. The tour details indicate it’s a private group tour, so the group size can be customized based on the customer’s preference. Customers can check availability and book the tour for their desired group size.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Lunch, or Is It Provided?

The tour includes a light lunch in a local Greek café, with vegetarian options available. Guests don’t need to bring their own lunch as it’s provided as part of the tour package.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour duration can be extended, though additional fees may apply. Guests should inquire with the tour operator about options to customize the tour length to suit their needs. Specific extension details are not provided in the initial tour description.

Can the Tour Accommodate Special Dietary Requirements?

The tour can accommodate special dietary requirements, such as vegetarian or vegan options, for the included light lunch in a local kafeneio. Guests should inform the tour operator of any dietary needs when booking.

Will the Guide Provide Information About the Local Flora and Fauna?

The guide will provide detailed information about the local flora and fauna encountered during the hike. They’ll share insights into the unique plant and animal species native to the region and their significance in the Cretan ecosystem.

Recap

The Eleven Gates Hike on The Shepherds Path offers an immersive experience that showcases Crete’s rugged natural beauty.

Led by a knowledgeable guide, travelers can explore abandoned churches, pastures, and the E4 trail, culminating in a scenic picnic with breathtaking views of Mount Psiloritis.

With transportation, traditional Cretan snacks, and a light lunch provided, this private tour is a comprehensive way to discover the island’s rich heritage and landscapes.

You can check if your dates are available here: