Crete Yoga, Kayaking & Hiking Retreat

We at The Northwest Passage are all about combining the best of both worlds. In this case the two worlds are a world class Crete kayaking tour and a seaside Mediterranean yoga retreat. Balance your body, mind and soul on this adventure of a lifetime. Certified yoga instructor Kristin Andrews leads twice daily yoga sessions that we intersperse with some of the best warm water kayaking in the world. You paddle from inn to inn and enjoy the best Southern Crete’s history, culture, natural beauty and traditional warm hospitality. Join us on this incredible adventure and return to “regular life” totally revitalized.

Day 1: Plan to arrive around 9:30-10:00 AM at the Heraklion airport. We’ll meet you at the airport and transport the group to Knossos, the Minoan palace outside of Heraklion. We will have a tour of Knossos followed by lunch at a neighboring taverna. From there, we will shuttle down to Matala on the south coast. We’ll stay tonight in the sea-side town of Matala and get to know each other over a welcoming dinner. We’ll review maps and the itinerary for the week to come and have a chance to answer whatever questions you may have.

Day 2: We begin our day with a relaxing session of yoga on a large balcony of the family owned inn. We’ll hike to the Red Beach, a secluded spot just over the hill from Matala. We’ll have a chance to swim and relax on the beach, enjoying the local scenery (clothing is very optional at Red Beach!). We’ll hike back through Matala to the other side of the bay to Kommos Beach. After lunch at the seaside taverna there, we’ll continue down the beach a little ways to view the ruins at Kommos which are still being excavated. Then back to Matala with a chance for more swimming and cliff jumping for the adventurous souls in the group. We will have another yoga session in the afternoon. We’ll end the day with a beautiful sunset hike followed by dinner at our favorite taverna in Matala.

Day 3: We’ll get an early start today and head to Festos, the Minoan palace ruins just outside of Matala. From there, we’ll drive to the start of the famed Samarian Gorge, Europe’s deepest gorge. We time our arrival to miss the mass crowds which will have already hiked down (typically the Samarian Gorge sees 1,000-2,000 visitors each day). We’ll spend the night at the base of the gorge in the town of Roumeli on the coast of the Libyan Sea.

Day 4: We will start the day with a yoga session on the deck overlooking the sea. Today you have an option: either relax your legs and spirit on the sunny beach or hike up to two different Venetian fortresses overlooking the bay at Roumeli. Whatever you choose, we’re sure you’ll enjoy this charming town and the warm, welcoming family-owned hotel where we stay. Another yoga session in the afternoon and a well earned dinner round out the day

Day 5: Another yoga session on the deck to begin our day. Then we’ll depart Roumeli and head along the coast to the small (and beautiful) town of Loutro. Along the way we’ll pass Agios Pavlos, an ancient seaside chapel commemorating the visit of St. Paul to that very spot. Lunch today will be at the quaint beach of Marmara, a spectacular spot for cliff jumping. (An option exists to take a ferry today instead of hiking). Then a relatively short hike up and over the hill to Loutro.

Day 6: Our yoga session in the morning will most probably be in the ruins of an ancient Venetian fortress. From Loutro we’ll hike to Sfakia, a town critical to the World War II Battle of Crete. We’ll stop for an early lunch and then head to the beautiful Imbrose Gorge for an afternoon hike down this beautiful valley. Tonight we’ll stay near the lively town of Plakias- a great town for shopping and dining. Dinner is on your own tonight but we’d be happy to give you recommendations!

Day 7: A morning session of yoga again overlooking the sea. We’ll start the day out with a visit to the Moni Preveli, an ancient Monastery high on the cliffs above the sea which is still home to active monks. From Moni Preveli we’ll hike a short distance to Palm Beach for a cappuccino stop and possible swim in the fresh water estuary. From there, we will shuttle on to the quaint fishing village of Agia Galini. An afternoon yoga session will be followed by celebratory dinner where we will share memories and recount the week’s events.

Day 8: After breakfast, we will shuttle back up to Heraklion. We will have a chance to visit the renowned Heraklion Archaeological Museum before heading to the airport to catch departing flights. **This itinerary is subject to change.

This is all you will need - anything else is unnecessary baggage and will only be extra weight to carry.

• 3-7 t-shirts, some synthetic for paddling
• 1 shirt, long sleeved
• 2-3 pair shorts (some quick drying)
• Sun/rain hat
• Sneakers/cross trainers hiking; some prefer hiking in Tevas or other sandals with socks
• Rain gear just in case! (Paddling jacket works well as an alternative or windbreaker jacket)
• 1 pair sport sandals; Tevas, water socks, etc. (Paddling booties work great!)
• Bathing suit(s)
• Underwear, socks
• Casual clothes for evenings (shorts/summer dresses are fine!)
• Clean change of clothing for the trip home 

Miscellaneous

• Passport (be sure to check expiration date)
• Toiletry kit- toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, sunscreen, face cream, nail clippers, moleskin, baby powder, soap, washcloth (most hotels don’t provide them) etc.
• Personal medication kit- ibuprofen, aspirin, vitamins, band-aids, Dramamine®, cold/sinus meds if prone to colds
• Daypack/fanny pack for hiking options
• Collapsible walking stick for optional hikes
• Sunglasses Chums/Croakies® to keep glasses on your head are imperative
• Water bottle (optional- bottled water is plentiful and cheap)
• Small dry bag with carabiner clip (clear ones are very useful)
• Headlamp for sea caves
• Camera, film, waterproof container
• Paddling gloves (for the tender of palm- not neoprene but any open fingered glove can help; e.g. biking gloves etc)
• Small towel (e.g. PackTowel® works well)
• Small travel alarm clock
• Yoga Mat

Optional Equipment

• Guidebooks
• Yoga blocks and straps
• Mask and snorkel (can be purchased inexpensively)
• Field glasses – binoculars
• Your own Paddle/PFD- we will supply paddles and PFD’s for group but, if you prefer your own paddle and PFD, feel free to bring them along
• Ziploc® storage bags (to keep stuff extra dry in dry bag)

What is special about this trip?
Incredible coastline, spectacular sunsets, the friendliest innkeepers and taverna owners you’ll ever meet, warm waters in tremendously varied shades of blue and green, never-ending sunshine, phenomenal food, an opportunity to see the Santorini that few tourists see. Rick Sweitzer, Director of The Northwest Passage, fell in love with the Greek Isles in the late 60’s and has been exploring the backroads and coastlines of these incredible islands ever since. The Northwest Passage runs a one of a kind trip that experiences both the well-known thrills of Santorini, as well as the almost always overlooked charms of the traditional culture, beautiful unpopulated coastlines and the perfectly serene, perfectly suited for kayaking Mediterranean Sea.

How do I get there?
Our adventure begins in Heraklion, the capital of Crete. To reach Heraklion, most participants fly into Athens. From there, you have a choice of flying to Heraklion (a one hour flight offered by several carriers including Aegean and Olympic Air or taking an overnight ferry. If you choose to fly, most U.S. travel agents can book Olympic Air, but are not familiar with Aegean. You can book flights online for either Olympic (www.olympic-airways.gr) or Aegean (www.aegeanair.com). You can also make reservations through Pacific Travel (www.pacifictravel.gr info@pacifictravel.gr) We have been working with Pacific Travel for many years and they are quite helpful. They have an office at the Athens Airport that is staffed 24 hours a day. There is also a website at www.cretetravel.com which is quite helpful. You can also call our office to get more details regarding the travel options. It is important to confirm your return flights, both the flight to Athens and the flight from Athens to the US, 48-72 hours prior to the flight. If you choose to take the ferry, you can purchase tickets right at the port or in advance through a travel agent. The port (Piraeus) can be reached by taxi or bus from the airport. The cost for the ferry will vary depending on level of accommodation (private cabin with bath, semi-private, etc). Most of the ticket agents at the port will take credit cards.

What papers do I need for travel?
All US citizens require a valid passport to enter Greece. A visa is not required for citizens of the United States, Canada, and the European Union. If you are a citizen of another country, please check with your nearest Greek embassy for visa requirements.

Do I need to get any shots before traveling?
No inoculations are required when entering or leaving Greece.

How and where will you meet me?
We will have a copy of your travel itinerary and meet you at the port or airport. A Northwest Passage guide will greet you.

How long will it take me to get there?
The flight to Athens is usually an overnight flight, leaving the U.S. in the late afternoon and arriving mid-day to late afternoon in Athens. Depending on the carrier and connection, you may overnight in another city en-route.

Where should I stay overnight around there?
If you plan on arriving early or staying late, give the office a call for a recommendation on a great place to stay.

What money should I take?
The trip fee covers most of your costs. The only things you will be responsible for are lunches, drinks, one dinner, personal purchases, and gratuities. Lunches generally range 5-10 Euro. Dinner ranges 10-20 Euro. Personal purchases again vary- one can buy unique souvenirs made of olive wood for 5 Euro or get fine jewelry for significantly more… it’s up to you.

What’s the currency? Exchange Rate? Where can I exchange money?
The Drachma was the Greek currency. However, Greece converted to the Euro in January, 2002. For the most current exchange rate, there are several helpful websites. Oanda (www.oanda.com) will give you a handy conversion cheat sheet to take with you. You can exchange money at the airport. Exchange rates at the airport may not be the most favorable and they often have higher commission rates and/or minimum commissions. There are ATM’s at the airports which can be handy as there is not a commission, just the ATM service charge.

Do they take plastic there? Are there cash stations?
Many of the larger shops and tavernas accept major credit cards, but some places only accept cash. ATMs are available in most of the populated areas on Santorini.

What’s the weather like?
The weather in fall and spring is generally around 80° with lots of sunshine. Be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, including lip protection. A broad-brimmed hat that secures on your head can also be very helpful. Water temperatures in fall tend to be in the mid to upper 70’s. Spring water temperatures are significantly cooler (high 60’s). Air temperatures cool off at night to the point you may want a light jacket. Rain is unusual but does sometimes occur. A light rain jacket can be handy.

What are the accommodations like?
We choose to stay in the nicest family owned inns and hotels. Each has an attached bathroom, and many have balconies with sunset or sunrise views!

What do I need to bring?
Upon registering, we will provide you with a detailed clothing and equipment list to guide you in your packing. Casual clothes are the order of the day- no need for anything fancy. If you bring any items requiring electricity, be sure to bring both a converter and adapter plugs. These can be purchased at Radio Shack®, other electronics stores, travel stores etc. Let the salesperson know you are traveling to Greece and they can help you select the appropriate converter and adapter plugs for your equipment. Note that hair dryers, irons, and any other heat producing devices require a stronger converter than other devices. It is helpful to know the wattage of your particular equipment when purchasing the appropriate converter. While paddling, your needs in the boat will be minimal. A small dry bag with a carabiner clip to keep it attached to the boat is very handy. Clear bags are helpful to be able to find what you need. During the day, you will want to have sunscreen, some Euros for lunch and the cappuccino stop, sunglasses with something to keep them tied on with (Croakies®, Chums®, etc.), water bottle (most folks will buy cold bottled water in the morning, eliminating the need to bring a water bottle), camera, mask and snorkel (if you enjoy snorkeling), small binoculars if you already have some, and a small pack towel. A pair of gloves can be helpful to prevent blisters. You do not need neoprene paddling gloves- these can be too warm. Any open fingered glove (including bike gloves, sailing gloves, golfing gloves) can work well (just figure that they will get quite wet). The key is to protect your palm between your thumb and index finger as that tends to receive the most friction. The rest of your gear can be loaded in the van in the morning. Packing your gear in flexible bags (e.g. duffle bags vs. hard suitcases) is preferable. A common comment from participants at the end of the trip is that they brought much more than they needed- added extra clothing to what was on the clothing/equipment checklist and regretted it in the end. Simplicity is the order of the day- less is more!

Can I drink the water?
The water is safe to drink in all the areas we visit. However, bottled water is readily available everywhere and quite inexpensive so most folks choose to drink bottled water.

What’s the food like?
Breakfast generally consists of fresh Greek yogurt with honey, bread, cheese, juice, coffee or tea, with eggs as an occasional option. Lunches and dinners are ordered off the menu which typically consists of Greek specialties such as moussaka, pastitsio, grilled meats and fish, spaghetti (doesn’t sound Greek but very popular), stifada (generally beef stew), etc. Selections for vegetarians are more limited but previous vegetarian clients have not gone hungry, enjoying dolmades (grape leaves), eggplant, zucchini, tzatzki (yogurt/cucumber/garlic dip), saganaki (fried feta), Greek salads etc.

What time zone will I be in?
Greece is two hours ahead of Greenwich Time, which makes it 7 hours ahead of US Eastern Time, 8 hours ahead of Central Time, 10 hours ahead of Pacific Time.

How can people reach me in an emergency? Can I call home?
We will provide you with a list of our hotels including phone and fax numbers. You should also provide family/friends with The Northwest Passage number (800-RECREATE, 732-7328) as NWP staff will always be notified of any changes in the itinerary. You can call home using a calling card. Many of the hotels will have phones in the rooms. Keep in mind the time difference listed above. It can be helpful to remind family and friends about this also.

How much time do we spend traveling each day? How many miles? Do I have free time?
We will generally kayak 5-6 hours per day. The paddling is broken into multiple sections with plenty of time to explore the coastline, paddle in and out of sea caves and jump in and out of the water to cool off. We generally begin paddling at 8:30 each morning, then take a cappuccino break at a seaside taverna after an hour or so. We stop again for lunch after another hour or so and generally reach our next hotel between 3:30 and 4:30 in the afternoon. Distance traveled varies each day, ranging from 6-24 miles. Once we reach our destination, you will have some free time to shower, relax, and/or explore the town. We will generally offer some additional skill training for folks who are interested at the end of the day. Some participants have wanted to work on Eskimo rolling, paddling techniques, etc. Each day, the van will be following our route, meeting us at the cappuccino stops and lunch stops, offering multiple options. You can paddle to the cappuccino break, then hop in the van to the lunch stop, then paddle again in the afternoon. Or start with a van ride and paddle later in the day. The choices are endless!

What kind of equipment do you use?
We have a combination of hard shell plastic doubles, singles and folding doubles. Some participants prefer to paddle in the doubles the whole time (paddling is a bit easier with two people powering the boat and the doubles tend to be more stable) and some prefer to trade on and off with the singles. We will provide kayaks, paddles, spray skirts and PFD’s (personal flotation devices) for all participants. If you prefer to bring your own paddle and/or PFD, you are most welcome to. Please let us know in advance so that we can pack the appropriate gear, especially if you have a particular need or unusual size.

How many people are on this trip? How many guides? Who are the guides/ what are their qualifications?
Our group sizes for this trip range from 6 to 16 participants. We generally have two guides on the water and one or two additional staff members as van drivers. Your guides will be knowledgeable Northwest Passage staff members who are highly skilled in all aspects of sea kayaking and wilderness travel and have years of experience leading groups. They all have training and/or certification in Wilderness First Aid.

How can I prepare physically for the trip? How much prior experience is needed?
We have had participants on this trip who have never been in a kayak before and others who have been paddling for years. We have found that all levels of kayakers have enjoyed this adventure. A good level of personal fitness makes the journey more enjoyable. For kayaking, upper body exercises that strengthen your shoulders, back and arms are recommended. Strengthening exercises with free weights can be very beneficial. Upper body stretches and exercises such as rowing are also useful. Keep in mind that we have had folks at all different levels of physical conditioning thoroughly enjoy this trip and the van is always an option! It is extremely important that you know how to swim and are comfortable in the water. Please don’t hesitate to contact our office if you have any questions or concerns about your physical capabilities for this trip.

“There are many options offered, which allows one to enjoy the trip in a variety of ways - from gentle to challenging. Spectacular.” -Julie Smith (2008)

“I loved the flexible options with a such a small group and a perfect mix of relaxation time and some restorative yoga and active options of paddling and hiking.”

“Arrive ready for adventure and new experiences - I’ve rarely laughed so hard, ate so well, paddled with such strength and felt truly restored -all in one week! Thank you!” -Andrea Hunter (2008)

“It’s not lying to say I enjoyed all of it. First time kayaker - nice surprise how much fun it was. A pleasure to do yoga everyday. Good walks - special to have Samarian Gorge to ourselves.” -Lynn McLaughlin (2008)

THE HISTORY OF CRETE

Crete lies at the crossroads of three continents, Europe, Africa and Asia. The largest Greek Island, Crete is the home of Europe’s earliest known civilization, the Minoans. The strategic position of Crete in the middle of the Mediterranean has led to an almost constant battle to control the Island from ancient times until the present century.

THE STONE AGE- 6000-2600 B.C.

Crete’s first inhabitants probably came from Anatolia in Asia Minor or possibly Africa. They were cave dwellers who eventually began to build simple huts from burnt clay bricks.

THE MINOANS (BRONZE AGE)- 2000-1400 B.C.

From about 2000 B.C. onwards the new immigrants with their higher degree of civilization join with the indigenous population to become the “Minoans”. A sophisticated society develops. Skilled craftsmen such as stonemasons, potters, metalworkers, jewelers and weavers are at work. Agriculture thrives. Metal tools replace stone. The society acquires a structure and hierarchy and palaces are built at Knossos, Festos, Malia and Zakros. The Minoans have a merchant fleet selling their wares throughout the Mediterranean with trading posts and colonies in places such as the Cyclades, Rhodes and as far afield as Asia Minor, Egypt and the East. Trade and not military power extends their Empire. Around the time of 1700 B.C. the palaces were destroyed, the most likely cause being an earthquake although some historians believe it may have been a tidal wave. The palaces were rebuilt even more splendidly and the society and culture continued to prosper. They were decorated with frescoes and were often on several stories with courtyards, wide staircases and complex plumbing and drainage systems. Art flourished with the rebuilding of the palaces, not just frescoes but sculpture including naturalistic human figures and animals have been excavated. As the craftsmen became more skilled so their wares changed. Beautiful pottery and stone vessels in many different shapes and designs and often decorated with local scenes dating from this period have been found. This flourishing, peaceful and wealthy society with its influence felt throughout the Mediterranean and beyond was not to last. A minor earthquake in about 1600 BC was the beginning of the decline. Complete destruction followed. Knossos survived but soon the Mycenean Greeks invade from the mainland and take over what is left of the Minoan society. THE MYCENAENS- 1400-1100 B.C. The Mycenaens dominate the Minoans and a hybrid of the two cultures develops. Crete is no longer the trading power it was and the Minoan dominance of the Mediterranean is at an end. The Mycenaens use weapons to defend themselves against the waves of Dorians who are coming to Crete after the Trojan Wars.

DORIAN CRETE (IRON AGE)- 1100-480 B.C.

The Dorians drive out the Mycenaens and form their own Class orientated society. The original Cretans tried to preserve their identity and formed settlements apart from the Dorians. They have become known as Eteo-Cretans (real Cretans). Crete became an Island of small independent states with no unified culture.

CLASSICAL AND HELLENISTIC CRETE- 480-67 B.C.

Crete becomes a shadow of its former Minoan glory. Used as a base for pirates the sea trade in the Mediterranean is disrupted. This, combined with the Island’s strategic position drew the Romans to Crete.

THE ROMAN AND BYZANTINE CRETE- 67 B.C.-1204 A.D.

After a couple of earlier abortive attempts, in 69 B.C. a successful Roman invasion took place. After two and a half years of fierce fighting, the Cretans surrendered to their fate. The Romans brought prosperity and a level of organization not seen since the Minoans. Large settlements with roads, irrigation systems and aqueducts developed. Agriculture flourished and Crete once again assumed an important position albeit within the Roman Empire.

CHRISTIANITY

St. Paul is thought to have brought Christianity to Crete in about 50 A.D. and there is a chapel on the beach at Agios Pavlos to commemorate his visit. Christianity spread rapidly across the Island but the early Christians were persecuted for their beliefs. At the end of the fourth century the roman Empire was split in two with Crete belonging to the eastern part belonging to Byzantium (Constantinople, Istanbul today). Although the many Churches built during this period with their elaborate frescoes testify to the prosperity of these times, the Island held an insignificant position in the scheme of things. There is soon a new threat to Crete. The rapidly developing Arab world is casting their eye in her direction. In 824 A.D. an Arab Saracen force invades the Island and meets little resistance. They use the Island as a base for attacks on shipping and are little more than pirates. For over a century they control the Island. The Byzantine rulers do little to help their colony until I 961 they drive out the Arabs ina huge and bloody battle which decimated the Cretan population and wipes out the Saracens. The island reverts to Byzantine rule and its flagging population is boosted by immigrants from the mainland and Byzantium. The Crusades were the first that brought the next of Crete’s rulers. Turning their might on Byzantium the Crusaders sack and burn Constantinople and the Empire is divided up. Crete is sold to the Venetian Republic for a small sum.