The ‘From Rethymno: Imbros Gorge & Libyan Guided Sea Tour’ promises a full-day adventure that combines the breathtaking natural beauty of Crete. Visitors can embark on a scenic 3-hour hike through the Imbros Gorge, renowned for its stunning landscapes, and then cool off with a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear Libyan Sea. Topped off with a traditional Cretan lunch, this experience is ideal for families, despite its moderate physical demands. With hotel pickup included, it’s an opportunity to take in the island’s captivating sights and rich cultural heritage. But what else awaits those who take the plunge?
Key Points
- Full-day tour from Rethymno that includes a hike through Imbros Gorge and a guided sea tour along the Libyan Sea coast.
- Imbros Gorge hike spans 8 kilometers and features notable landmarks like the Stenada passage and Xepitira Arch.
- Tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, transportation, a tour guide, and entrance fees to the gorge.
- Participants can enjoy a refreshing swim in the Libyan Sea and a traditional Cretan lunch after the hike.
- The tour is suitable for children and has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 88 reviews.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The tour, priced from £24.42 per person, offers a full-day experience that combines a hike through the Imbros Gorge and a guided sea tour along the Libyan coast.
Over 9-10 hours, visitors will be picked up from their hotel or closest accessible point and enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The adventure begins with a journey to the Imbros Gorge, where hikers will spend 3 hours traversing the 8-kilometer trail, exploring notable landmarks like the narrow Stenada passage and the Xepitira Arch.
After the hike, the tour continues to the Libyan Sea for a refreshing swim and a traditional lunch on the southern coast of Crete.
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Itinerary and Experience Highlights
Around 7:30 AM, guests embark on the journey to Imbros Gorge, the second longest gorge in Crete, where they’ll spend the next 3 hours hiking the 8-kilometer trail.
Along the way, they’ll encounter the narrowest passage, Stenada, the wider Mesofarango section, and the natural stone arch known as the Xepitira Arch.
After completing the hike, guests will arrive in Komitades Village and enjoy free time in the charming Chora Sfakion before swimming in the Libyan Sea and indulging in a traditional lunch on the south coast.
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The stunning natural beauty of Imbros Gorge
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The exhilaration of hiking through the dramatic landscapes
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The refreshing swim in the crystal-clear Libyan Sea
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The authentic taste of Cretan cuisine during the traditional lunch
Tour Inclusions and Requirements
This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, a tour guide, and entrance fees to the gorge, as well as food and drinks. Participants should bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and water. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back or heart problems, or wheelchair users.
What’s Included | What to Bring |
---|---|
Hotel Pickup/Drop-off | Comfortable Shoes |
Transportation | Sunglasses |
Tour Guide | Sun Hat |
Gorge Entrance Fee | Sunscreen |
Food and Drinks | Water |
Important Booking Information
When booking this tour, customers should specify their hotel name and location, as this information will be used to communicate the pickup details via email – which they should check, including their spam folder.
Customers should be aware that the tour’s pickup and timing details will be provided closer to the tour date.
Pickup isn’t available from more remote hotels, such as the Grand Rimondi.
Comfortable shoes are highly recommended for the hike through the Imbros Gorge.
Despite the strenuous nature of the hike, the tour is suitable for children as well.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCustomer Ratings and Feedback
Based on 88 customer reviews, the overall rating for this Imbros Gorge and Libyan Sea tour stands at an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Customers were particularly pleased with the tour’s organization, rating it 4.7 out of 5. The tour’s transportation and service were also highly praised, earning 4.7 and 4.7 ratings respectively.
While the tour guides received a solid 4.1 out of 5 rating, some customers noted issues with pickup locations and timing.
Pickup and Transportation Details
The tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, with transportation provided to the start of the Imbros Gorge hike. Pickup details are communicated via email to customers after booking, so it’s important to check the spam folder in case the information ends up there.
The transportation for this tour is:
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Comfortable and air-conditioned, ensuring a pleasant journey
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Reliable and punctual, adhering to the tour’s schedule
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Navigated by experienced drivers familiar with the local roads
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Included in the tour price, so no extra costs for getting to and from the activities
This seamless transportation setup allows guests to relax and fully enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Crete.
Gorge Hike and Locations
After the comfortable bus journey, visitors embark on a 3-hour hike through the impressive Imbros Gorge, the second-longest gorge in Crete.
The 8-kilometer trail passes several notable locations, including the narrowest passage at Stenada and the wider Mesofarango. One of the highlights is the Xepitira Arch, a natural stone arch formation.
The hike offers stunning views of the rugged Cretan landscape and the deep ravine carved by the elements over time.
Reaching the end of the gorge, hikers arrive at the charming Komitades Village, where they can relax and explore the nearby Chora Sfakion before continuing to the Libyan Sea for a refreshing swim and traditional lunch.
Libyan Sea Swim and Lunch
Following the rewarding hike through the Imbros Gorge, visitors can look forward to a refreshing swim in the serene waters of the Libyan Sea and a traditional Cretan lunch along the picturesque southern coast.
This portion of the tour allows participants to rejuvenate and enjoy the local culture. The Libyan Sea, known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, provides a picturesque backdrop for an invigorating swim.
Guests can then savor a delectable Cretan meal, featuring:
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Fresh seafood caught by local fishermen
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Flavorful olive oil and tangy feta cheese
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Hearty bread and vibrant, seasonal produce
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Refreshing local wines or raki to complement the meal
Frequently Asked Questions
Is This Tour Available on All Days of the Week?
The tour is available on multiple days of the week, as it does not have a fixed schedule. Customers can check the availability and book the tour based on their preferred date and time.
Are There Any Discounts or Group Rates Available?
Yes, there are discounts and group rates available for this tour. Group bookings of 4 or more people receive a 10% discount. Plus, children under 12 are eligible for a 20% discount on the regular tour price.
How Difficult Is the Hike Through Imbros Gorge?
The hike through Imbros Gorge is moderately challenging, with an 8-kilometer length and significant elevation changes. It’s not recommended for individuals with physical limitations or medical conditions that could be exacerbated by the terrain and hiking distance.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Yes, participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes water, but allowing personal snacks and beverages provides more flexibility and comfort during the hike and activities.
Are There Any Age Restrictions or Minimum Requirements for This Tour?
This tour is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back/heart problems, or wheelchair users. However, it is suitable for children. There are no age restrictions or minimum requirements specified for this tour.
Recap
This full-day tour from Rethymno offers an exhilarating combination of natural wonders.
Hikers will marvel at the dramatic landscapes of Imbros Gorge, while a refreshing swim in the Libyan Sea and a traditional Cretan lunch provide a relaxing respite.
With hotel pickup included, it’s an ideal adventure for families despite the moderate physical demands.
This guided tour provides a well-rounded exploration of Crete’s stunning scenery and culture.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Guided Tours in Crete
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