Vritomartis Singles Trip

Program

Oct. 20 Flight from Amsterdam (Schiphol) with Transavia to Chania. It is an international journey. Transfer to Vritomartis

October 22 Since we arrived late, today is a relaxing day at hotel Vritomartis. You can walk to the sea (about 900 meters) or ride along with the hotel bus.

Oct. 22 There are two walks we are offering this week and a maximum of 16 people can join each walk. Today the Imbroskloof is on the program. This is the smaller walk of about 8 kilometers. This gorge was very important in World War II; after the lost Battle of Crete, British soldiers went through the Imbros Gorge to southern Crete to escape to Egypt. The walk takes about 2 hours.

Oct. 23 Today we will take a boat ride along the coast, stopping along the way to take a nice nude swim. Lunch is included. The coast of Crete is beautifully rugged, interspersed with idyllic deserted beaches. That will be a day of enjoyment. We will probably go with 2 boats, it depends on the group size.

Oct. 24 Those who were unable to hike Oct. 22 can join today’s hike through the Aradena Gorge. You must not be afraid of heights, because to get to the starting point you have to cross an iron bridge that connects both sides of the gorge. This bridge has wooden planks and cars drive over this. The gorge here is about 150 meters deep. The route is less crowded and a little more difficult than the Imbros Gorge with some steep passages. Good shoes are a must and the hike takes about 3 hours and ends with a small boat ride back to Chora Sfakion.

Oct. 25 Today another wonderful relaxing day and then it might be a nice idea to walk to Chora Sfakion (or ride with the hotel bus). There you can drink delicious cappuccino and eat cake at Despina, well cake….. To lose the calories again, it’s a good idea to walk the 2.5 kilometers back anyway.

Oct. 26 Today we will take the bus out for a day to see something of Crete. The route passes Lake Kournas, Plakias and Spili. Along the way we will have a coffee-break and lunch somewhere. The highlight of this day is Arkadi Monastery. This monastery played an important role in the Cretans’ struggle for independence against the Turks. If there is time, we will take a fresh (bare) dip along the way. We will arrive back at hotel Vritomartis by evening

Oct. 27 A wonderful relaxing day at Hotel Vritomartis, various activities are organized by the hotel, or maybe you are ready to read a book by the pool. You can arrange the day however you want.

Oct. 28 Chania, the closest airport, but also a very beautiful old port city. Via Vryses, where we have a pleasant coffee stop, we continue to this picturesque town. The influences of all kinds of cultures are very evident – Chania is like a melting pot of civilizations. The most beautiful parts of the city are the areas on the Venetian harbor, Old Port and the Old Town which lies partly within the old Byzantine city wall and partly within the Venetian city wall. The terraces on the quay are very cozy with bright buildings. In the covered market, the “Agora” – built in 1913 – there are more than seventy stores selling mostly local products. We will also have a nice lunch together here.

Oct. 29 After such a city break, today it’s back to relaxing in the sun by the pool or by the sea or who knows, eating a nice cake. In the evening we will have a party with a DJ, so bring your dancing shoes!

October 30
It is the last day, we are going home again. There is a transfer to Héraklion airport and then by plane back to Amsterdam.

The program is subject to change due to circumstances. Common breakfast and dinner are included each day.

Prices

The price for this singles trip includes the program as described, all transfers, excursions, Dutch-speaking guides, 10 days on a half-board basis and lunches where described at the excursions.

Accommodation Single Trip from October 20 to 30, 2023
Departure from Amsterdam (Schiphol)
Mountain View Room 1 pers € 2,009.00
Pavilion 3 1 pers € 2,323.00

The trip goes on from 15 people and a maximum of 25 people can join.
NOTE: FULL = FULL!!! Flight prices may have changed.

Cancellation conditions:
– If cancelled until April 20, 2023: the deposit.
– For cancellation from April 21 to May 31, 2023: 50% of the travel price;
– For cancellation from June 1 to July 31, 2023: 75% of the travel price;
– For cancellation after August 1 to August 31, 2023: 85% of the trip cost;
– If cancelled after September 1, 2023: 100% of the travel price.

Flight

The flight is included in the trip. Transfers are included. Other flights are also possible, but if they have different times, there will be additional transfer costs (€ 110 per cab one way, maximum 4 people) or car rental.

Flight from Amsterdam (Schiphol) with Transavia
Oct. 20 Amsterdam-Chania 4:50-21:20 p.m.
Oct. 30 Heraklion-Amsterdam 1:05-15:55 p.m.

NOTE: Flight prices we cannot guarantee, after 31/01 2023.

The island offers a variety of landscapes to enjoy. Crete has a number of high mountains that are covered with snow for much of the year. A gorge that has now been designated as an important nature reserve is the “Samaria Gorge”, the largest gorge in Crete: about 18 km long.

Crete is an island with beautiful beaches, hiking trails and a rich history, which makes the island a great museum and an Eldorado for archaeologists. One of the oldest civilizations is the Minoan with, among others, the palace of Knossos and Phaestos.

The hotel is located at Chora Sfakion. At the harbor you will find, in addition to various terraces, the necessary souvenir shops. A boat also sails from here to the Samaria Gorge.

Toilet system:
Because the drainage pipes in Greece are much too narrow, toilet paper, waste, sanitary facilities, etc. must be deposited in the trash. If you do throw these things in the toilet, blockages can occur in the system.

Language:
Modern Greek is the official language in Crete. English is also understandable on this island. The Cretans appreciate it if you address them in their own language.

Currency:
Greece is part of the European Union and you can also pay with the Euro here.
Almost all cards for debit cards are accepted. Credit cards are also accepted.

Climate:
Crete has a Mediterranean climate. The island offers you a long and warm summer, where the sea is cool, but not too cold for diving. The sun shines all year round. The south coast usually has a cooling breeze.

Time difference:
In Crete it is 1 hour later than in the Netherlands.