Full Day Tour Samaria Gorge From Rethymno

Exploring the magnificent Samaria Gorge is a must-do activity for outdoor enthusiasts visiting the Rethymno region. This full-day tour presents an opportunity to take in the breathtaking natural beauty of Crete’s iconic hiking destination. Whether seeking a moderate challenge or a more strenuous trek, the tour’s two route options cater to a range of fitness levels. But the real question remains – what hidden wonders await those who embark on this captivating journey through one of Europe’s longest and most impressive gorges?

This experience made our list of the 6 Best Full-Day Tours In Chania.

Key Points

• This full-day tour offers guided hiking through the Samaria Gorge, one of Europe’s longest gorges, with two route options of different durations.
• The tour includes a refreshing swim in the Libyan Sea and a traditional Greek lunch at a local taverna after the hike.
• Participants must have a moderate fitness level, and the tour is not suitable for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions.
• The tour has a non-refundable policy, and cancellations do not receive refunds.
• Traveler reviews highlight mixed feedback on the accuracy of hike length information and communication from the tour company about logistics.

Pricing and Availability

The full-day tour of Samaria Gorge starts at $36.04, with a lowest price guarantee.

However, it’s a non-refundable policy, so cancellations won’t receive any refunds.

Booking includes a mobile ticket option, and the tour lasts approximately 12 hours.

Availability is confirmed upon selecting the date and number of travelers.

The tour’s duration is around 12 hours, and the booking includes a mobile ticket.

Availability is determined when selecting the tour date and the number of participants.

While the price starts at $36.04 with a lowest price guarantee, the policy is non-refundable, meaning no refunds are given for cancellations.

Tour Overview

This guided hiking experience takes participants through Samaria Gorge, one of Europe’s longest gorges.

Hikers can choose between two routes:

• The longer route, which takes 6.5-7 hours to complete
• The easier route, which takes 4.5-5 hours

After the hike, travelers have the opportunity to take a refreshing swim in the Libyan Sea.

The tour also includes a lunch at a local taverna, providing a chance to experience the local cuisine.

With a moderate fitness level required, this experience isn’t suitable for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions.

Hiking Options

Participants can choose between two hiking routes when embarking on this Samaria Gorge adventure. The longer route takes 6.5-7 hours to complete, while the easier option lasts 4.5-5 hours.

Both paths offer stunning scenery as visitors traverse one of Europe’s longest gorges. Regardless of the route selected, the hike provides a moderate physical challenge, making it suitable for those with a moderate fitness level.

Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. Following the hike, travelers can enjoy a refreshing swim in the Libyan Sea and a local taverna lunch, rounding out this full-day excursion.

Post-Hike Activities

After completing the challenging hike through the scenic Samaria Gorge, travelers can look forward to a refreshing swim in the nearby Libyan Sea.

This postcard-worthy location offers a chance to cool off, relax, and take in the stunning coastal views.

The tour also includes a well-deserved lunch at a local taverna, where participants can savor traditional Greek cuisine and refuel after a day of exploration.

• Swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Libyan Sea.
• Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local taverna.
• Soak in the breathtaking coastal scenery.

Meal Provision

As part of the full-day Samaria Gorge tour, a delicious lunch is provided at a local taverna following the hike. This gives hikers a chance to refuel and rest after completing the challenging trek.

The meal features authentic Greek cuisine, allowing visitors to savor the flavors of the region. Lunch is included in the tour price, so there’s no need to worry about finding a place to eat.

This is a convenient and enjoyable way to conclude the Samaria Gorge experience, providing a satisfying end to a day of scenic hiking.

Health Requirements

For the Samaria Gorge tour, a moderate physical fitness level is required of participants. The hike through the gorge is challenging, and the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions.

Additionally:

• Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
• The maximum group size is 50 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

Participants should be prepared for a strenuous hike, but the stunning scenery and opportunity to swim in the Libyan Sea post-hike make the experience truly unforgettable.

Cancellation Policy

The experience is non-refundable, and no changes are allowed after booking.

If cancellation or amendment is requested, the full payment will be retained.

The cancellation terms are clearly communicated during the booking process, and travelers are advised to carefully understand them.

Refund requests can be handled through Viator’s help center.

The importance of understanding the cancellation policy is emphasized throughout the booking journey to ensure travelers are aware of the non-refundable nature of this tour.

Traveler Feedback

Traveler reviews for the Full Day Tour of Samaria Gorge paint a mixed picture, with an overall rating of 4.0 based on 8 accounts.

While some praised the tour’s organization and scenic views, others expressed concerns:

• Misleading information about hike length and pick-up details
• Mixed reviews on communication from the tour company regarding logistics
• Recommendations for improved clarity on trip details and transfers

Despite the positive feedback, the tour seems to have room for improvement in providing clear and accurate information to participants, ensuring a seamless experience.

Recap

This full-day tour from Rethymno offers the opportunity to experience the breathtaking natural beauty of Samaria Gorge. With two hiking options to suit various fitness levels, visitors can explore the stunning landscapes for 4.5-7 hours. After the hike, participants can enjoy a refreshing swim and a delicious traditional Greek lunch. However, the tour requires moderate fitness and is not suitable for certain health conditions or pregnant travelers.