Escorted Tours
Spring Flowers of Crete Escorted Tour
Crete in spring is a feast for the senses, an exhilarating time of new life and re-birth, marked in mythology by Persephone’s return from the underworld. Colour and scent abound and none more so than amidst the stunning natural landscape of this wonderful island.
Our tour offers the flower enthusiast the opportunity to see something of the remarkable 1700 wild plants that can be found on this island, (much larger than Britain which has around 1500). Even more exciting is that one tenth of these are found no-where else in the world! Among the many bulbs, herbs, shrubs and trees we expect to see during our tour are asphodel, anemones, cyclamen, tulips, poppies, mullein, chrysanthemum, sage, Cretan ebony and the slightly disturbing and profoundly smelly Dragon Arum.
One of the highlights of this unique flora is the 60 or so different orchid species found on the island, the majority of which flower at this time of year.
This wonderful variety of flora is not spread evenly over the island so our itinerary has been planned to ensure we encounter a range of habitats that contribute to the spectacular natural beauty of the island; coastal sites, agricultural plains, rolling hills and mountain passes, as well as the occasional archaeological site and the famous gorges – a Cretan specialty – where a specialised flora clothe the walls.
Other aspects of what has been described as a ‘continent in miniature’ that can also be experienced during our tour; ancient Byzantine churches, traditional village life, relics from the island’s long and troubled history and an abundant wildlife, all contribute to give you a special insight into this unique island.
From
£2,095
per person
what’s included
At A Glance
Meet Your Expert Guide
Graham Kendall
Graham studied at the Savill Gardens in Windsor and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh before becoming Head Gardener at three National Trust properties and later establishing his own consultancy. A year spent studying at a pioneering garden in Greece first inspired his fascination with the country’s rich native flora.
Numerous return visits have deepened Graham’s knowledge of Greece and its varied habitats. On tour, he combines expert botanical insight with an obvious enthusiasm for the landscapes in which the plants grow, bringing colour and context to every day’s exploration.
itinerary & excursions
Your Itinerary
Explore this incredible tour in detail and discover what makes each day so special. Below, you’ll find a full day-by-day breakdown of your journey, from the moment you arrive to your final farewell. Learn more about the highlights you’ll experience, the unforgettable places you’ll visit, and the unique moments that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re drawn by rich history, stunning landscapes or unforgettable cultural encounters, this itinerary gives you everything you need to picture your adventure and look forward to every step of the way.
Day 1: Fly from London Gatwick to Chania
Transfer to the Kydon Hotel for a four-night stay. Group dinner at a local taverna.
Day 2: Coastal botanising
Our botanising begins around a headland at the coastal site of Chryssi Akti, situated just outside Chania, which offers an interesting flora and lovely views.
Then we explore a contrasting habitat at the beautiful gorge of Therriso, again, situated a short distance from Chania. This is a drivable gorge that offers several easy stopping points to enjoy some botanical exploring, before finishing at the tiny village of Therriso.
Day 3: The plateau of Omalos
We join a winding road that takes us high into the hills and the plateau of Omalos which, at an altitude of over 1000 metres, is surrounded by the island’s second-highest mountain range, Lefka Ori, also known as The White Mountains.
Whilst taking in the wonderfully fresh mountain air and the beautiful views, we hope to find an abundance of tulips, anemones, black widow iris and, perhaps, some orchids.
Day 4: Polyrinnia, Western Crete
Our destination today is Polyrinnia, an ancient city that dates to 1100 BC, when it dominated this part of the island. The area offers a lovely natural scenery as well as marvellous views and very little tourist development. Though not as botanically rich as some areas we visit, it is a good site for tree euphorbia and is home to an extremely rare Pink. Lunch included today.
Day 5: Askifou, Anopolis and Aradena
We check-out of the Kydon Hotel and head to the south coast of Crete, our ultimate destination, the top of the dramatic Aradena Gorge. Once again, we find quite a different landscape for our botanising. If we are lucky, and conditions are right, we might, amongst other flora, find peonies.
Then it’s on to Rethymnon and check in to the Ideon hotel for the remained of our stay. Lunch included today.
Day 6: Armeni, Kotsifou and Plakias
We start our botanising today at the Minoan Cemetery of Armeni, a lovely wooded site, where excavation has uncovered more than 200 late Minoan shaft tombs. It is also the main site on the island of the Vallonia oak with its striking acorns, and it usually offers a variety of orchids scattered through the shady glade. From here we continue to the Kotsifou Gorge to see what we might find on the walls of this natural and dramatic cut in the rocks. There will be free time for lunch either in a village or down by the sea before returning to Rethymnon.
Day 7: Aktounda
We enjoy a botanical walk close to the village of Aktounda, situated south of Rethymnon, which takes us uphill to a viewpoint that overlooks the south coast. This route is usually quite exceptional for orchids, particularly rainbow, provence, butterfly and monkey varieties. After our exploring here we head to a nearby village with free time for a leisurely lunch before returning to Rethymnon. Evening at leisure.
Day 8: Return flight to London Gatwick
This morning after breakfast you will transfer to the airport to catch your return flight home.
our guests say
Recent reviews
“Loved the tour, being based at two centres was great for seeing a wide range of flowers.”
Anonymous, April 2025
“Excellent trip. Both Bianca and Graham were so enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Great variety of habitats, and we saw so many beautiful orchids, tulips and peonies. Accommodation good, bus driver excellent.”
Sargeant, April 2025
“The airport assistance was excellent. Graham was excellent and Bianca exceptional.”
Young, April 2025
“It was a lovely trip with a group of friendly, like-minded travellers, but it was the excellence of the team who looked after us throughout the tour, Jane, Graham and Nikko, that made it particularly enjoyable and memorable. We were well briefed by Jane on every town, place and hotel we visited; and Graham’s botanical knowledge was encyclopaedic. Nothing was too much trouble for either of them. Nikko our driver, was brilliant, negotiating narrow mountain roads with numerous hairpin bends and vertiginous drops with calm assurance. Our trips took us through magnificent rocky mountains, pine forests, elevated plateaus and coastlines, all sustaining different habitats for the flora and rare endemic species we had come to see. We also enjoyed the excellent Cretan cuisine which was delicious no matter where we ate or what meal it was, and the wine was perfect!”
Wouters, April 2024
Availability
Choose Your Departure
HOTELS
Tour Accommodation
Kydon Hotel, Chania – 4 nights
Situated in the heart of Chania this four-star hotel offers immediate and easy access to the historic old town and its many cultural landmarks and beautiful pedestrianised streets. One of the first hotels built in the town, this hotel emphasises traditional Cretan hospitality. Elegantly decorated, all air-conditioned rooms and suites have a balcony and Smart TV with satellite channels. Fitted with orthopedic mattresses and linen made of 100% cotton, each room features a laptop-size safe, a small fridge and tea/coffee making facilities.
Kydon Hotel Website
Ideon Hotel, Rethymnon – 3 nights
The Ideon Hotel is a three-star hotel well located within easy walking distance of the Venetian harbour and just a 3 minute walk from the centre of the atmospheric back streets and narrow alleyways that characterize this fantastic old town where you will find an excellent choice of tavernas, cafes and interesting small shops. The hotel offers comfortable air-conditioned rooms with private balcony, bath/shower, TV and kettle. Hotel facilities include a swimming pool, street cafe that overlooks the sea, lounge bar and restaurant.
Ideon Hotel Website
our regular tours
Mobility Information
This tour has a moderate fitness rating, reflecting a fuller itinerary with a good balance of visits, walking and time spent exploring on foot.
Some visits may involve cobbled streets, uneven paving, slopes, steps, stairs, limited seating, or walking from the coach drop-off point to the entrance of a site or attraction. The exact demands will vary from day to day, and we highlight specific practical details within the itinerary wherever possible.
You should feel comfortable walking at a steady group pace, standing during visits and enjoying a full day of sightseeing. If you are unsure whether this tour is right for you, please contact us before booking.
The itinerary will include gentle walking of up to 2-3 hours each day in sometimes ‘wild’ countryside in order to fully experience a representative range of spring plants, so reasonable fitness and decent footwear with sturdy soles is essential. Please note nothing too strenuous will be undertaken.
Your questions answered
Tour FAQ
If you have a question, we are more than happy to answer it via email or phone, but you may find your answer below more quickly.
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