Help with Crete Itinerary
Jan 12th, 2007, 08:33 PM
#21
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 443
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oh...travelerjan...I've lived in both Dallas and LA, (but am native northeasterner). It just wouldn't feel right NOT to be behind the wheel of a car for at least three or four hours a day!
Jan 13th, 2007, 07:11 AM
#22
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,205
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you insist on staying outside of Heraklion, I advise going the night BEFORE you plan to visit Knossos (on day 5). That means not staying at Hotel Ammos.
I suggest 'googling' Ag. Pelagia, a sorta resort with several beaches, on a headland 12 mi or so West of Heraklion. Go in afternoon & you can swim, and have dinner on a cafe porch overlooking sunset.
On day 6, you can enjoy the beach again, before taking off for Knossos. After Knossos, I advise, as before, turn in your car before dinner and take a hotel in Heraklion. That's your only hope to get 7 people up & out and onto a 9:45 ferry. BTW, you had better buy your ferry tix the day before, so you will have to be in Heraklion anyway for that.
The other alternative is to do as I advised before, leave Chania in the AM of day 6, bypass Heraklion to get to Knossos, and stay in Heraklion that nite.
I am just trying to save you from a scheduling nightmare -- please listen to someone who's driven through Crete 3 times. Also, though you say you love being in a car 3-4 hours a day, that's in Texas not Greece -- driving Greek highways (and lo roads) is NOT relaxing. How is 3-4 hours in a car viewed by the other riders -- the youngster, the teenager, the great-aunt?
Driving driving driving is NOT the way to discover the 'authentic Greek experience' you say you want.
The reason that you are struggling, as you say, with your Crete itinerary, is that you're not being all that realistic for such a large & mixed-age group. Scale down, and you'll have a better experience. Good luck!
I suggest 'googling' Ag. Pelagia, a sorta resort with several beaches, on a headland 12 mi or so West of Heraklion. Go in afternoon & you can swim, and have dinner on a cafe porch overlooking sunset.
On day 6, you can enjoy the beach again, before taking off for Knossos. After Knossos, I advise, as before, turn in your car before dinner and take a hotel in Heraklion. That's your only hope to get 7 people up & out and onto a 9:45 ferry. BTW, you had better buy your ferry tix the day before, so you will have to be in Heraklion anyway for that.
The other alternative is to do as I advised before, leave Chania in the AM of day 6, bypass Heraklion to get to Knossos, and stay in Heraklion that nite.
I am just trying to save you from a scheduling nightmare -- please listen to someone who's driven through Crete 3 times. Also, though you say you love being in a car 3-4 hours a day, that's in Texas not Greece -- driving Greek highways (and lo roads) is NOT relaxing. How is 3-4 hours in a car viewed by the other riders -- the youngster, the teenager, the great-aunt?
Driving driving driving is NOT the way to discover the 'authentic Greek experience' you say you want.
The reason that you are struggling, as you say, with your Crete itinerary, is that you're not being all that realistic for such a large & mixed-age group. Scale down, and you'll have a better experience. Good luck!
Jan 16th, 2007, 01:32 PM
#23
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,159
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree with the general advice given in the last post.
My husband and I are both into archaeology and have been to both Gortyna and Phaistos. You really, truly, I mean this, CAN'T add them into this itinerary.(and I think Gortyna's my favourite Minoan site, too)
Specific comments
Day One: is fine.
Day Two: is fine
Day Three: Umm. On paper that looks OK, but I suspect that the first part of the drive will be a killer.
Day Four: OK. Go to Elafonissos
Day Five: OK
Day Six: No. As advised stay near the ferry terminal. That's a ridiculaous thing to do. What time's your ferry? Could you spend the day in Chania and see Knossos next day before you leave?
I wasn't going to add anything on the Knossos topic, but seeing as I'm here anyway.... I know the Evans stuff is controversial but, Knossos is just awe inspiring. The scale, the vision, the unknown history. Evans leaves little to the imagination, but for some of us that's no bad thing.
My husband and I are both into archaeology and have been to both Gortyna and Phaistos. You really, truly, I mean this, CAN'T add them into this itinerary.(and I think Gortyna's my favourite Minoan site, too)
Specific comments
Day One: is fine.
Day Two: is fine
Day Three: Umm. On paper that looks OK, but I suspect that the first part of the drive will be a killer.
Day Four: OK. Go to Elafonissos
Day Five: OK
Day Six: No. As advised stay near the ferry terminal. That's a ridiculaous thing to do. What time's your ferry? Could you spend the day in Chania and see Knossos next day before you leave?
I wasn't going to add anything on the Knossos topic, but seeing as I'm here anyway.... I know the Evans stuff is controversial but, Knossos is just awe inspiring. The scale, the vision, the unknown history. Evans leaves little to the imagination, but for some of us that's no bad thing.
Jan 17th, 2007, 02:59 PM
#25
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 443
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sheila & Traveler Jan, thank you for the specific advice. That is EXACTLY what I'm looking for. Given your suggestions, this is another thought. Tell me what you think.
Day 1. Arrive Chania early afternoon. Drive to Milia, relax, explore...whatever.
Day 2. Explore SW Beaches and explore Milia area
Day 3. Drive to Chania for the late afternoon & evening. Explore Chania
Day 4. Chania during the day. Pick up Aunt at Chania airport and drive to Sfakia for ferry to Loutro.
Day 5 Loutro...relax & hike around bay
Day 6 Leave Loutro early. Spend this day driving around (Gortyna? etc.) and work our way up to Heraklion. This is our big driving day. Spend the evening near Heraklion (Agia Pelagia ???) or Rethymnon.
Day 7 9:45 am high speed ferry to Santorini
I KNOW the last day sounds tough, but this will be our big sightseeing day. I also know the driving times can be deceiving. We're not naieve about that at all. Both of you especially TravelerJan don't seem to enjoy driving at all. My husband's an excellent driver who's done some of the worst roads on the Peloponese (and the Amalfi Coast), several times so we know what you're talking about. ...lots of hairpins, no guard rails, lots of crosses... My husband also drives 24 hour trips in the US (straight through) a couple of times a year (no, hes' not a truck driver). We're not fearful of a long and difficult drive. This particular route in Greece is supposedly gorgeous. We wouldn't want to do it every day of our vacation, but actually find road trips rather fun. Don't care for your opinion on that.
Anyway, given all that info, what do you think about the revised itinerary?
Day 1. Arrive Chania early afternoon. Drive to Milia, relax, explore...whatever.
Day 2. Explore SW Beaches and explore Milia area
Day 3. Drive to Chania for the late afternoon & evening. Explore Chania
Day 4. Chania during the day. Pick up Aunt at Chania airport and drive to Sfakia for ferry to Loutro.
Day 5 Loutro...relax & hike around bay
Day 6 Leave Loutro early. Spend this day driving around (Gortyna? etc.) and work our way up to Heraklion. This is our big driving day. Spend the evening near Heraklion (Agia Pelagia ???) or Rethymnon.
Day 7 9:45 am high speed ferry to Santorini
I KNOW the last day sounds tough, but this will be our big sightseeing day. I also know the driving times can be deceiving. We're not naieve about that at all. Both of you especially TravelerJan don't seem to enjoy driving at all. My husband's an excellent driver who's done some of the worst roads on the Peloponese (and the Amalfi Coast), several times so we know what you're talking about. ...lots of hairpins, no guard rails, lots of crosses... My husband also drives 24 hour trips in the US (straight through) a couple of times a year (no, hes' not a truck driver). We're not fearful of a long and difficult drive. This particular route in Greece is supposedly gorgeous. We wouldn't want to do it every day of our vacation, but actually find road trips rather fun. Don't care for your opinion on that.
Anyway, given all that info, what do you think about the revised itinerary?
Jan 17th, 2007, 03:13 PM
#26
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,205
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Rethymnon is not near Heraklion; you won't make the ferry. Ag. Pelagia is better, is 12 miles away from city limits ... to be sure of ferry, arrange for your rental agency to pick up the car from you AT the dock. They WILL do it if you request.
Best to be on the road by 8 at latest --in the 4+ times friends and I have driven out of/into Heraklion wehave got lost every time. I wish you better luck!
As for not liking driving I have never been the driver on any of my Crete trips. I have enjoyed the ride; it was my driver in each case who had the hard time!
Best to be on the road by 8 at latest --in the 4+ times friends and I have driven out of/into Heraklion wehave got lost every time. I wish you better luck!
As for not liking driving I have never been the driver on any of my Crete trips. I have enjoyed the ride; it was my driver in each case who had the hard time!
Jan 17th, 2007, 03:27 PM
#29
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 443
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you for your prompt responses. I really find it all helpful. We're hoping that the Hotel Porto Loutro allows 2 night stays. We found the Ammos nr. Chania does not. Any other suggestions for that coastal area just in case? Perhaps to the east, closer to some of the of the signts we want to see there (Phaiestos, etc.) AP6380, do you have any ideas for that part of island?
TravelerJan, Ag. Pelagia looks like it would be a nice place to have our last Cretan meal before leaving the island. Any suggestions for a quick one night stay on our last night?
TravelerJan, Ag. Pelagia looks like it would be a nice place to have our last Cretan meal before leaving the island. Any suggestions for a quick one night stay on our last night?
Jan 18th, 2007, 11:48 AM
#30
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,205
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've looked at my Crete road map, after you mentioned getting to Gortyn on your last day before the ferry. In that case, I advise an early morning start from Hora Sfakion, if you intend driving EAST in the South, rather than driving North along Imbros Gorge to reach the 4-lane Rte 1 (Ethn.1) along the North Shore...that's how you get to Ag. Pelagia (see map).
In 2002, my driver was a wizard, she lives in Boulder Colorado and drives the Rockies constantly, we started from Hora Sfakion about 2 pm aiming for Matala beach. We only stopped for 20 minutes in Spili for Gas & water bottles... and we did not reach Matala until Sundown, about 8 pm.
To cross the mountains we used the road just past Selia since it was supposedly less chancy than the road up from Lefkogia. You don't get to a true 2-lane road until the Spili road -- up till then the road is about 1 1/2 lanes, less in the high parts. If you met an oncoming car someone had to back up to a lay-by.
Once you get to Spili road, you may decide to head up to North Shore. If not, and you turn South, be sure you can get to Phaistos or Gortyn before they close (3 pm?). If you turn north
If you take the Imbros Gorge up to the NOrthcoast, you can go Eastward on the charming old Inland Route thru beautiful sleepy village like Episkopi ... one year we were caught behind a herd of sheep for 20 minutes there. A lunch stop? try Argiroupoulis, which has mountain streams running down the main street, and Lappa (a BC ruin) to picnic in.
This route would also allows time for a quick stop on the edge of Rethymnon (not the crammed tourist-shop center), just to go up in the wonderful Fortezza (fort) overlooking the whole sea (Great photo op). Then still get to Ag. Pelagia by late afternoon. No particular recommendation there -- just google it & pick something that looks good;.
If you decide to stay in Heraklion instead and save headaches, Hotel Kronos is right on the water for sunset and has a lovely cafe on the waterside.
In 2002, my driver was a wizard, she lives in Boulder Colorado and drives the Rockies constantly, we started from Hora Sfakion about 2 pm aiming for Matala beach. We only stopped for 20 minutes in Spili for Gas & water bottles... and we did not reach Matala until Sundown, about 8 pm.
To cross the mountains we used the road just past Selia since it was supposedly less chancy than the road up from Lefkogia. You don't get to a true 2-lane road until the Spili road -- up till then the road is about 1 1/2 lanes, less in the high parts. If you met an oncoming car someone had to back up to a lay-by.
Once you get to Spili road, you may decide to head up to North Shore. If not, and you turn South, be sure you can get to Phaistos or Gortyn before they close (3 pm?). If you turn north
If you take the Imbros Gorge up to the NOrthcoast, you can go Eastward on the charming old Inland Route thru beautiful sleepy village like Episkopi ... one year we were caught behind a herd of sheep for 20 minutes there. A lunch stop? try Argiroupoulis, which has mountain streams running down the main street, and Lappa (a BC ruin) to picnic in.
This route would also allows time for a quick stop on the edge of Rethymnon (not the crammed tourist-shop center), just to go up in the wonderful Fortezza (fort) overlooking the whole sea (Great photo op). Then still get to Ag. Pelagia by late afternoon. No particular recommendation there -- just google it & pick something that looks good;.
If you decide to stay in Heraklion instead and save headaches, Hotel Kronos is right on the water for sunset and has a lovely cafe on the waterside.
Jan 19th, 2007, 04:05 AM
#31
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 443
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for the terrific information TravelerJan. Now I see what you are saying about driving east in the southern part of Crete. If we did that, we would want to stay in that area for a night before going north toward Heraklion.
If it takes 6 hours to get from Sfakia to Matala, how much time will it take to head north from Matala to Heraklion? Can you remember how long it took to get to Spili?
Given this information, we'll need to add a day if we want to go from Loutro to Gortyn & Phaistos before Heraklion.
Keep it coming. I love this detailed info.
If it takes 6 hours to get from Sfakia to Matala, how much time will it take to head north from Matala to Heraklion? Can you remember how long it took to get to Spili?
Given this information, we'll need to add a day if we want to go from Loutro to Gortyn & Phaistos before Heraklion.
Keep it coming. I love this detailed info.
Jan 19th, 2007, 05:02 AM
#32
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,205
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Listen dgg, I think we can straighten out the wrinkles in this final-day-drive faster by voice--and the exact details are boring for other Fodorites; you can tell them all about it later in a trip report. Thus, please contact me via e-mail ASAP to set up a quickie phone call -- or look at my web page "learn more" segment: the URL is http://www.techforecast.com/Janet.htm
I'm in & out today but can talk if you can. Just be sure to have a Crete map on hand for phone call.
I'm in & out today but can talk if you can. Just be sure to have a Crete map on hand for phone call.
