Captivating Crete

Biking guided tour to Minoan ruins, a highlight of the Captivating Crete tour.  At Knossos you will learn from the professional guide that the peaceful Minoan empire was the first civilization on European soil and King Minos’ chair was replicated for the chief judge at the International Court of Justice in The Hague.  Throughout the tour you encounter Minoan ruins left and right.

This tour is for cyclists accustomed to climbing ascents ranging from 1500-2500 foot (450-760 meters).  Captivating Crete has flat sections hugging the sea coast, hilly sections near the sea and mountains in the rural interior where passing vehicles are less frequent.  Average daily mileage is 50 km / day.

The most endearing part of the tour is your immersion into the local culture.  In a Greek language class you learn to greet the locals, “Kali Mera!”   There is a cooking class where you learn to prepare healthy Cretan cuisine.   Tasting raki, Crete’s national spirit akin to Italy’s grappa, is unavoidable.  Indeed, it is rude to turn down the first and second offerings.   You can pass when a third round is extended.