Kotsifou Gorge
Amari Valley
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Gious Kambos Plateau
Gious Kambos Plateau
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Views to Souda Bay
Discover some of Crete's 1700 species of wild flowers including some of its 60 species of wonderful orchids
Two centres that each offer a different scope of flora
Rethymnon - which offers a glimpse into the vast layers of Crete's history
April sunshine - Spring in Crete is usually mild and sunny with a wonderful contrast of snow-capped mountains
Graham Kendall - our botanical guideCrete 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 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 sites and the famous gorges – a Cretan speciality - where a specialised flora clothe the walls.
Other aspects of what has been described as a ‘continent in miniature’ 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.
Your Guide - Graham Kendall
Having studied at the Savill Gardens, Windsor and the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh, Graham Kendall went on to be Head Gardener at three National Trust Properties before starting his own consultancy. In the 1970’s he spent a year studying in Greece at a pioneering garden which combined native plants with plants from other Mediterranean-type climates. This kindled Graham’s love of Greece’s rich native flora. Numerous subsequent visits have only increased his fascination and knowledge.
Available Departures |
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| 03 - April - 2025 | Limited Availability | Travel Info Please Call |
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Provisional Timings London Gatwick Departing: 03rd April 2025 at 07:10 Returning: 10th April 2025 at 13:55 |
Day 1: Fly from London Gatwick to Heraklion. Transfer to the Naiades Hotel, Agios Nikolaos. This evening a welcome dinner will be arranged in a local taverna.
Day 2: Botanising between Agios Nikolaos and Elounda.
Today we enjoy a circular trip that takes us over winding roads to the remote and unspoiled beach of Vlyhadia where we will explore various coastal flowers, like the Matthiola Tricuspidata, as well as wild herbs. After lunch we will continue to the area of Vrouchas, where we hope to find an abundance of orchids including butterfly and bee. Then we continue with our bus along a panoramic coastal road with breathtaking views over the Gulf of Mirabello before descending to the village of Elounda, where you will have free time to explore before returning to our hotel.
Day 3: Thripti and Kalamafka.
We follow a scenic road, botanising as we go, between the coastal village of Kalo Chorio and the ‘hidden’ hill village of Kalamafka, hoping to spot fritillaria messanensis and the white butterfly orchid. We next visit a nearby spring where we hope to find the Dutchmen’s pipe and, if we are very lucky, Paeonias. We move on to the tiny village of Thripti, which sits amongst the Thripti mountains. It is a stunningly beautiful rural area with breathtaking views. The ancient forests around Thripti are renowned for their orchids and a handful of endemic species that can only be found on this mountain. In between our botanising in this special area we will stop for lunch in a lovely traditional taverna, which serves tasty authentic local food.
Day 4: Transfer to Rethymnon. Afternoon botanising at the Minoan cemetery of Armeni.
We transfer to our second hotel at Rethymnon. On arrival we will have some free time for lunch and then head with our bus to the nearby archaeological site of Armeni. Ongoing excavations at this Minoan cemetery have uncovered more than 200 graves and a wealth of Minoan artefacts, but it is also the main site on the island of the Vallonia oak with its striking acorns and its not unusual to find other interesting flora here.
Day 5: The orchids of Aktounda.
We enjoy a relaxed botanical walk close to the village of Aktounda, situated south of Rethymnon, which takes us uphill to a view point 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 for a leisurely lunch before returning to Rethymnon. Evening at leisure.
Day 6: We leave today open, choosing our route on the day depending on the conditions at the time that will tell us where we might find the best flora. This could be the Omalos Plateau if the tulips are flowering, or exploring gorge flora and sites on the south coast.
Day 7: The Gious Kambos Plateau. Our main botanising site today will be at the Gious Kambos plateau, which is home to a great variety of flora, particuarly orchids, as well as a rare tulip; we may also find anemones, Turban buttercup, iris and, if we are lucky, fritillary. When our botanising is complete we continue into the Amari Valley. This area is one of the most untouched and fertile regions of Crete, fed by year round springs that keep it beautifully lush even in the height of summer. We shall sit together for a farewell lunch at a lovely village taverna with true village hospitality and delicious Cretan cooking before returning to our hotel.
Day 8: Transfer to Heraklion airport for the return flight to London Gatwick.
NB: Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.
Please note: 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.
Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 20 passengers.
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
Agios Nikolaos
This small harbour town was one of the first places to appear on the 'tourist map' back in the sixties, today, although with an increased tourism over the years, it remains a relatively small and low key summer resort but equally a working town. It has a lovely location next to the scenic Gulf of Mirabello and has a picturesque lake just behind its harbour. Our hotel allows easy access on foot to everywhere in Agios Nikolaos, including a handful of tavernas almost on the doorstep of our hotel.
Naiades Marina Hotel
Situated in a quiet side street and yet only a few minutes’ walk from the centre of the town, the marina and a sandy beach, the three-star Naiades Marina Hotel offers comfortable and tastefully decorated rooms in classic Aegean ‘blue and white’. All rooms include a balcony, with either town or pool view, fridge, TV, electric kettle, air-conditioning and private bathroom. Hotel facilities include a small swimming pool and bar.
Rethymnon
The base for our tour is the atmospheric and historical Venetian harbour town of Rethymnon. This fantastic town has a colourful and historical past that is evident in the legacy of marvellous old buildings that line its narrow, pedestrianised streets. Perfect for strolling, sights here include the imposing battlements of the 16th century Venetian fortress, a picturesque harbour with a 13th century lighthouse and a delightful 'old town' full of cafes, tavernas and small shops selling local crafts, souvenirs and food. Easily accessed on foot from your hotel, the quaintness of this atmospheric old town will be sure to entice you again and again during your stay.
Ideon Hotel, Rethymnon
The Ideon Hotel is a three-star hotel well located right next to Rethymnon's fantastic Venetian harbour and just a 3 minute walk from the atmospheric back streets and narrow alleyways that characterise this fantastic old town and 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 telephone. The hotel facilities include a swimming pool, street cafe that overlooks the sea, lounge bar and restaurant.
Ideon Hotel Website
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!
Review by Wouters who travelled 02-April-2024
This was a wonderful trip which we both enjoyed immensely. Graham and Jane (and Nikos) make an excellent team and we all felt well looked after and expertly guided. Our one moan might be the second hotel. We much enjoyed the smaller hotels in Epirus last year away from the tourist hotspots and would have preferred similar this time, though the accommodation itself was perfectly adequate. Thank you
Review by Carrington who travelled 02-April-2024
Another superb flower holiday with the A team, Jane, Graham and Niko. Some new locations in the East of the Island allowed us to experience Agios Nikolaos. A nice hotel very close to the Sea front restaurants. The hotel in Rethymnon was about 20 minutes walk from the excellent restaurants in the old town. It was a lovely group of people and Jane looked after is all brilliantly. Thank you
Review by Bishop who travelled 02-April-2024
Should be 18 passengers - can’t get beyond 10!! The second hotel was great and the breakfast fantastic. The room was spacious and comfort. Not sure about the first hotel - the breakfast was not very good.
Review by anonymous who travelled 02-April-2024
An unexpected plume of heat the week before we arrived meant that there were fewer wild flowers than would have otherwise been the case, but the scenery and clear skies more than compensated for this. Jane and her team are consumate professionals: their expertise and knowledge of Crete ensured that each day was a success. The Bio Suites Hotel in Rethymnon was a luxurious joy but the Heraklion accommodation was clearly 3 star.
Review by King who travelled 02-April-2024
Very good tour, though thought there would be more botanical gardens rather than a focus on orchids. Lovely week in Crete with sunshine and yummy food.
Review by Hyde who travelled 02-April-2024
The trip was brilliant Jane and Graham were exceptional. This is the first time I had travelled with Travel Editions and I want to do so again. Unfortunately this year I have too many other commitments but will book something next year. The accommodation was good but personally I prefer small hotels like the first one we were in. That is an observation definitely not a complaint.
Review by Holmes who travelled 02-April-2024
Excellent expert and local guide. Thoroughly enjoyed the trip, taken to places that the ordinary tourist would never have found. Fascinating flowers and excellent information from our expert.
Review by Carr who travelled 08-April-2018
Thank you for yet another wonderful botanical excursion to Greece; this was my fourth with Travel Editions, all led by Graham Kendall. It was the first time I had met Philippa Dean as the TE Agent and she was fine - very different from Jane but good local knowledge and facilitator. Graham and I have become good friends and interact very well in the field, he as the Leader and local expert and me as a professional plant ecologist, chipping in where relevant and where I can!. I feel I have become something of a 'co-pilot'! I hope I can do this again. The group (17) proved interested and interesting and all got on so well socially. It was a pleasure getting to know everyone. I suggested a visit to Phaestos, Matala (lunch) and Spili (on return) as an idea on the 'free day' and everyone took up the option so we arranged with Niko the driver (paying 15 euros/person) . I was 'Leader' for this! It was a great success and I suggest that this could even be incoporated into future visits. Two minor issues from the matrix above. Firstly, the EasyJet flight for some of us was not that comfortable and maybe a scheduled flight would be preferable. Secondly, there were some complaints about the bath/showering facilities in the rooms at the Ideon Hotel. Some people found it too small and cramped. However, the hotel staff and general facilities, breakfasts etc at the hotel were all excellent.
Review by Baker who travelled 08-April-2018
A helpful and knowledgeable guide, friendly and very competent tour manager.
Review by who travelled 08-April-2018
I loved every moment of this holiday. Graham's knowledge was amazing and I really appreciated the small group of ten as we could all hear what Graham and Trisha were saying and see the flowers at the same time.
Review by Miss Wendy Twitchett who travelled 11-April-2017
We loved our guide (Graham), who was extremely knowledgeable but modest, amiable and a good communicator. Hotel showers very poor and we had to change or room (for which we had paid extra for sea-view) because of noise at night. However, staff very helpful and breakfasts excellent. I would be happy to write a review of this holiday.
Review by Mr Geoffrey Ramshaw who travelled 11-April-2017
Very, very enjoyable. Graham and Trish were extremely knowledgeable, friendly and well organised. The trips were nicely varied, and the flowers absolutely stunning. Our first holiday with you, but not the last, I'm sure.
Review by Mr P Knight who travelled 11-April-2017
Super week.
Review by Mr Arthur Forman who travelled 11-April-2017
Brilliant botanist, Graham, who could enthuse not only experts but also novices to wild flower understanding assisted by local English lady, Trish. More than just a flower experience; the local historical and cultural information and visits were also very enjoyable.
Review by Mr Robin Dixon who travelled 11-April-2017
I tried to send this yesterday, but it said there was a fault, so I'll try again, though you may have this already. This was our 5th Wild flower trip to Greece with Travel editions. (I got that wrong yesterday) Graham and Jane are fantastic leaders and Nikos an excellent driver. It is more comfortable to have a coach rather than a minibus. Bianca looked after us very well when we arrived in Heraklion.
Review by Mrs Kathleen Hall who travelled 04-April-2017
Most enjoyable tour. Lucky with the weather, but in any case the two main guides - Jane and Graham - were both excellent.
Review by Mr Martin Stockley who travelled 04-April-2017
A most enjoyable tour with many different elements . Botany, Archaeology, Churches , Cretan cooking and customs , the terrain and Geology . I am much more rounded as a result and have not felt fitter !
Review by Mr James Awford who travelled 04-April-2017
A return visit to Crete was even better than the first. Flowers were amazing. Graham his usual wonderful knowledgeable self and Jane looked after us very well indeed. Lots of flowers, lots of food and drink and very importantly lots of laugh.
Review by Mrs Lyndall Bishop who travelled 04-April-2017
Graham Kendall, our botanist guide, coped expertly with the demands made by unexpected climate trends. He was always friendly and ready to offer an explanation. The depth of his botanical knowledge was highly impressive.
Review by Mrs K Kolesnic who travelled 26-April-2016
Review by who travelled 26-April-2016
Excellent hotel and guide! It would be helpful to know in future if walking shoes rather than boots are adequate, as saves packing heavy boots for the trip. Also in future maybe better to stick to early april as due too warm dry winter some flowers had already gone over. In general very good holiday and would go on a similar holiday again!
Review by Ms Margaret Mound who travelled 26-April-2016
List of names of those in the group would be an aide memoire to remembering who's who!! Enjoyed the trip very much...helped by perfect weather and an excellent botanist/gardener.
Review by Mrs Margaret Emeleus who travelled 12-April-2016
A wonderful trip organised by a thoroughly professional company. The booking and organising was customer friendly and efficient with help and advice given at every stage the tour itself was well organised and lived up to our expectations. we shall be using Travel Editions again!
Review by Mr Mik Wisniewski who travelled 12-April-2016
We ewnjoyed the tour and may come again next year. My wife did find the bed in Hotel Ideon rather hard and there were a couple of minor errors on the documentation (asked to go to Heathrow airport when it was Gatwick, and it read as though we would have to make our own way to Rethimnon. Otherwise very good. Please send any info you have on flower tours for 2017 - I believe Graham is running one in N Greece in June 2017 Thanks David Eaves
Review by Mr David Eaves who travelled 12-April-2016
Review by Miss C Ballantyne who travelled 12-April-2016
The tour guide, Graham knew every wild flower in English and Latin and the Greek myths associated. His enthusiasm for his subject bonded the group together resulting in a splendid holiday.
Review by Mrs Jennifer Pratt who travelled 12-April-2016
We flew from Glasgow to Gatwick and had an overnight stay at the Gatwick airport before leaving to Crete the next day. On return we did the same but the other way arpund..In the future we prefer a direct flight. Graham Kendall ,the botanist,did a great job during our trip..
Review by Mr Hendrik Pellenkoft who travelled 12-April-2016
Walking graded4 I would think 2 or less
Review by Mr Peter Nicholson-lailey who travelled 12-April-2016
Sorry it's late! As always Jane was excellent. We were sorry to learn of Niko's accident but George was a very good replacement. Graham was easy to get on with and very knowledgeable. We did find the "botanising" a bit intense at times but were happy to dip in and out of it. We would have preferred that the trips finished a little earlier in the day. Hotel Ideon was very well placed and offered helpful, friendly service - only two criticisms namely the plumbing was erratic and there was never enough hot water. Our faith in Easyjet has been restored; we upgraded online and enjoyed two excellent flights. As frequent travellers to Crete with Travel Editions we do hope you can come up with some new itineraries in the near future. All the best, Dave and Linda Cowley.
Review by Mr David Cowley who travelled 21-April-2015
Review by Mr Jonathan Cairns who travelled 05-May-2015
The tour manager, Jane Freeman, and Graham Kendall, the botanist, were excellent: extremely competent, good humoured and well organised. Could you please pass a message to Jane, to forward the list of email addresses she collated on our last day. Many thanks, Barbara Levene
Review by Ms Barbara Levene who travelled 05-May-2015
Thoroughly enjoyable - an excellent specialist leader in Graham and very efficient and pleasant tour manager (Jane). The only thing I would have changed was the content of some trips. I would have liked less time on the coach and more time walking in the countryside.
Review by Ms Eugenie Turton who travelled 05-May-2015
I rang before booking to check this was the right trip for us. I was assured a general interest in plants would be appropriate for enjoying the trip. While overall we liked the holiday, it wasn't as advertised and advised as it was a more specialist holiday that I was told it would be. I think the marketing needs to be reviewed.
Review by Mrs Anne Davies who travelled 05-May-2015
Graham, the gardener/botanist guide was really wonderful - so knowledgeable and patient. Jane, too, the tour manager was very good. Re the visits to flower sights, I think some people would have like more walking in the landscape, but due to different levels of fitness, it was probably about right.
Review by Prof Anne Feaver who travelled 05-May-2015
I thorouglhy enjoyed this tour and would highly recommend it to others. The leader, Graham Kendall, was excellent and it was so good to have Jane Freeman with us as an extra support. The group size (18) worked well and the sites selected for visit ideal given the late spring this year.
Review by Prof Alan John Martin Baker who travelled 05-May-2015
This was our third "Spring Flowers of Crete" tour and we never tire of this wonderful week. Jane Freeman, Graham Kendall are so professional and caring. Our driver Nikos was injured this year so could not drive us but still turned up at the airport to greet us - we love the Cretans. Looking forward to 2016!
Review by Mr William Goldsmith who travelled 21-April-2015
Jane Freeman is the best Tour Manager I have ever come across by a very wide margin - you should bottle her and sell her to other companies! She clearly knows Crete very well and has excellent relationships with the local people involved in the tour. She very quickly picks up on special needs or interests, has a delightful manner and sense of humour and she contributed greatly to the enjoyment of the holiday.
Review by Mrs Susan Rayner who travelled 21-April-2015
Our first experience of Travel editions has been very good we will use the company again
Review by Mrs Martyn Cook who travelled 21-April-2015
Hotel was actually very good apart from the plumbing. Our shower was cold and a trickle over a tiny bath. And in this day and age WiFi should be free in every room. Jane Freeman is an extremely good tour leader, competent and great fun and Graham Kendall was friendly and knowledgeable. We really enjoyed the holiday.
Review by Mr Ian Lund who travelled 21-April-2015
Flight itself was fine but Easy Jet's Bag Drop arrangements at Gatwick were chaotic and should be addressed. However, our holiday was excellent, in particular the helpfulness and attention shown by both Jane Freeman And Graham Kendall. So much so that not only are we planning to book next year but we are also strongly recommending your company and this holiday to our friends. (Are you able to feed back your customers' poor experience with Easy Jet to the company?)
Review by Mrs Carole Webb who travelled 15-April-2014
Travel Editions feedback:
Thank you for your survey and we were pleased you enjoyed the tour. Bag drop can be chaotic , dependent on a number of flights overlapping and almost defeats the idea of online checkin but unfortunately we are slightly powerless to affect easyjet policy.
Our first booking with Travel Editions & it was well organised & very enjoyable. Jane & Graham were both very good & knowledgeable tour leaders. Easyjet from Gatwick required an overnight stay & check-in was pretty chaotic at 5.30am, but flight back from Heraklion supervised by Graham went smoothly .
Review by Mrs Judith Morgan who travelled 15-April-2014
WE really loved this trip. Graham was excellent, knowledgeable and very approachable. He and Jane took a lot of care over the order of our expeditions because of the weather conditions and were always very concerned to make out visit as good as possible. Jane was wonderful, as always. She anticipated our needs, booking a table for us for Easter Sunday lunch as she knew we would not find it easy on that day to find somewhere. Both Jane and Graham made sure we knew all about the arrangements for Greek Easter. The baggage drop on the way out -courtesy of Easyjet(!) was chaotic. having booked in online, printed out boarding passes, paid for our seats, it ought to have been straightforward at the airport, but there were far too few staff at the baggage drop desks and enormous queues. That, of course, has nothing to do with Travel Editions but might make you think twice about using Easyjet!
Review by Mrs Norma Cook who travelled 15-April-2014
Travel Editions feedback:
Thank you for your comments and sometimes it does make us think about Easyjet but on teh whole they do offer a good service and are also the only carrier to many of teh destinations we setup tours to.
Very important that the coach had more seas than passengers and the microphone system worked very well.
Review by Mr Christopher Burns-Cox who travelled 15-April-2014
First rate leadership of the group by Jane in such a pleasant and helpful manner and excellent input by Graham into the week of botanising, geology and culture. Hotel Ideon really well placed in the Old Town - we need more substantial pillows than those provided. Thank you for another marvellous experience of Crete
Review by Ms Helen Parrott who travelled 08-April-2014
A thoroughly enjoyable trip which gave access to new and long-lasting experiences for all the senses.
Review by Mr Ronald Smith who travelled 08-April-2014
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