Spring Wild Flowers of Crete

17th to 24th April 2012

The flora of Crete is one of the most interesting and significant in Europe and has over 1,700 different plant species.  More than 170 of these are endemic and 38 are found in Crete and the nearby island of Karpathos and nowhere else on earth.  Although the flora is considered to be one of the best studied in the Mediterranean, the categories of plant species changes steadily due to the impenetrable mountain areas and gorges that have yet to be explored.

As far as Crete's endemics are concerned, around 56% of them grow in the Lefka Ori mountain range (White Mountains) and 16% can be found only in this area.  Many of the rare and endemic plants grow in the beautiful gorges in the southern part of Chania. 

Some plants in the Chania prefecture are highly endangered and currently two species are recorded in the catalogue of the 50 most threatened Mediterranean island plants.  These are protected by plant micro-reserves with part funding by the EU. 

During your stay at the Mistral Hotel, we will show you a variety of plants but we will also allow time to relax and have fun, taste some wonderful Cretan food and enjoy Spring, nature's most important feast: the "rebirth of life".

Spring Wild Flowers of Crete 17th to 24th April: Itinerary

Wednesday, Orange picking from the vast inland groves, nature watching at Agia Lake with time to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery. Then, a forty minute drive into the White Mountains to Omalos Plateau to see the endemic tulip of Crete (Tulipa Baceri) and the alpine Cretan flora and terrain.

Thursday is a day walking and visiting the village of Topolia and the magnificent restored stone village of Milia. There we will see the Cretan Cyclamen under the chesnut trees and amongst the Strawberry trees (Arbutus unedo).

On Friday, we will allow time to relax at the Mistral Hotel and enjoy a cooking class with Vassilis. We shall pick wild greens (chorta) from around the hotel and our vegetable garden and cook some traditional Cretan recipes.  For lunch, we'll enjoy the "fruits of our labour" with Cretan wines included in price.

On Saturday a Walk through Sirikari gorge (2.5 hours) is on the day's itinerary, where we will see various plants and Cretan orchids. Then on to the west coast for a magnificent fish lunch.  

On last day Monday we will drive to the south of the island to the charismatic village of Paleochora and the blue waters of the Libyan Sea.

An evening in Chania for a special dinner (optional on the free Sunday night). Afterwards, we may also have the chance to experience a traditional live Greek band. 

Prices include transfer from Chania airport, seven breakfasts, six dinners (with wine and coffee) and one lunch after the cooking day at the Mistral Hotel.

All five excursions, walks, guiding and transportation costs are included. 

All repeat guests will receive a 5% loyalty discount.  The prices quoted do not include flights and travel insurance.