Hunter-Gatherer expeditions presents
The Cretan Adventure 2014
26 August - 6 Sept

Following on the  success of our very first expedition to Crete in 2006, Hunter-Gather is delighted to present our annual 10 day visit to this magical island of insight and adventure.

The Group will make their own way to Crete via Athens or by direct flight. This leg of the journey is not part of the Hunter-Gatherer trip per se though we can advise the best options to get to our start point in Crete.

Day 1: 26th

Our expedition starts in the capital of Crete, Heraklion at the 5 star Megaron Hotel where we rendezvous the first night in the evening ready for the next day. Dinner in a local taverna by the Venetian Port for those arriving before 10pm!

Day 2: 27th

Short Transfer by 4 wheel drive to the Palace of Knossos to discover the Minoan architectural gem excavated by Sir Arthur Evans. (Private entry to Throne Room for our group) . Visit to Juktas  peak santuary. Afternoon visit to archaeological Museum of Heraklion. Travel East to Picturesque village of Mochlos. Dinner in Bogazi, our favourite great local restaurant. Overnight in Hotel Mochlos.

Day 3: 28th

Breakfast and morning swim in Mochlos. Time out to relax in this little gem of a village. Local boat to take those who don’t fancy the short swim (500meters) to the Island for a picnic lunch. 4pm  departure (2 hour journey) to Kato Zakros Minoan palace and coastal Village. Swim on arrival. Check in to accommodation. Diner in local taverna Akrogiali serving  Cretan specialities.

Day 4: 29th

Breakfast by the shore. Mid morning visit to the Minoan Palace of Kato Zakros. Honey tasting with local bee keeper. Afternoon on the beach. Special Cretan dinner in the local taverna.

Day 5: 30th

Breakfast by the shore. Short transfer to the top of the hill and hike back to the village through the Valley of the Dead. Lunch by the shore. Afternoon relaxing or visit to local winery. Dinner at the taverna by the shore.

Day 6: 1st

Day off. Transfer to Xerokambos or stay in Kato Zakros. Bronze Age 'Feast' that evening on the beach in Kato Zakros.

Day 7: 2nd

Breakfast. Depart Kato Zakros. Visit to Gournia, Minoan site. Lunch in mountain taverna en route to Mt. Dikti in Lasithi (the cave of Zeus). Peak sanctuary visit. Travel to Rethymno. Check in to Palazzo Rimondi. Dinner in local restaurant.

Day 8: 3rd

Breakfast and visit to Rethymo Archaeological museum. Depart to Minoan Palace of Phaistos. On to royal site of Aghia Triada. Late Lunch on Plakias by the beach. Afternoon swim. Return to Palazzo. Dinner in the  old town.

Day 9: 4th

Breakfast. Visit to peak  santuary on Mt. Ida. Lunch in the mountains. Return to Megaron hotel in Heraklion. Free time to visit shops. Final dinner in Heraklion.

Day 10: 5th - Depart Heraklion.

Depart Heraklion.

The expedition is led by Jason O'Brien and Sarah Lamb of Hunter-Gatherer in conjunction with special guide and renowned Archaeologist Dr. Alan Peatfield.

The cost for the 2014 expedition is €2,500 per person, to included all transfers, meals, accomodation and Site entry. Does not included your travel to and from Crete.

We will be releasing dates for the 2015 expedition at the end of September 2014. You can register your interest on www.hunter-gatherer.com/expeditions

Booking deposit

A booking deposit of 500 euro is required to secure a place. This can be paid to Hunter-Gatherer at time of booking. The full balance will need to be paid 30 days prior to departure.

Cancellations

Cancelations must be made at least 30 days before your holiday begins. We will gladly refund your deposit if your place can be filled by another person.

Insurance

Hunter-Gatherer is fully insured for professional indemnity and public liability insurance. We recommend you take out your own holiday travel insurance.

Special requests

Please let us know well in advance of any special requirements and we will do our very best to accommodate you where possible.

Health & Fitness

A moderate level of fitness is required to participate in our expeditions. Please let us know of any specific health issues we should be aware of. Eg: nut/insect allergies.

Clothing and equipment

The temperature in Crete in August can reach well into the late 30's so please bring adequate sun protection. Sun hats and good sunglasses are essential. Also lightweight footwear with grip is required.

You will each receive a complimentary Hunter-Gatherer expedition pack which will include, itinerary, maps, sun cream, canvas hat, scarf, water bottle, notepad,  and Hunter-Gatherer snack packs to keep you going!