Our first ever phone-free journey by electric bicycle and on foot through central Crete’s unspoilt and varied landscapes. Without the distraction of your device, immerse yourself in traditional Cretan culture and its rich history. The heartlands offer a glimpse into traditional ways of life as well as seemingly endless dramatic landscapes; it's the perfect spot to slow down and disconnect.
- Duration
- 5 nights
- How We Travel
- Electric biking & walking
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Activity Level
Graded between 1 (easiest) and 5 (most challenging). Click for more details
- Bike Type
- Front suspension electric mountain bikes
- Price
- £3,345 per person
- Group Size
- Maximum 12 guests
Journey Highlights
- Put your phone away and take time to truly connect with nature, Cretan traditions, the generous people we'll meet along the way, and your fellow Slow Cyclists.
- Meditate each day with transformational coach and psychologist Clemmie Broom and practise yin yoga with a local instructor.
- Escape the crowds and discover the true cultural heart of Crete, its central mountains and valleys.
- Feel the mythical presence of mighty Mount Ida (Psiloritis) as you cycle the undiscovered stunning Amari valley.
- Walk through the beautiful Rouvas Gorge, discovering canyons, geological features and lush vegetation along the way.
- Dance the night away to Cretan folk music overlooking the Libyan Sea.
- Stand among the goats and sheep after cycling to the top of the breathtaking Asterousia Mountains.
- Meet local artisans, truffle hunters, beekeepers and musicians still practising a slow, traditional way of life.
Good to Know
- For this offline journey, we will encourage all guests to hand over their phones and devices as soon as the group is together. We'll keep them safe and, if you really need them, we'll hand them back but ask you not to use them in front of others. We'll provide an emergency number ahead of the trip, should anyone need to contact you.
- You'll be provided with essentials to use for the week that replace everything your phone can do: a point and shoot camera, alarm clock, notepads and pens.
- At the Rouvas Gorge we leave our bikes behind for the day, travelling by 4x4 and hiking downhill through the gorge.
- At Zaros we stay at an old farmhouse that is full of character and has been proudly restored to reflect traditional Cretan living. With a commitment to eco-friendly practices, electricity is solar powered and showers are operated by a sustainable rainwater plumbing system, with extra hot water in the rooms if needed. The rooms have a mix of en suites, separate private bathrooms and 'open plan' bathrooms in the room.
Welcome to The Slow Cyclist
It gives me great pleasure to introduce The Slow Cyclist's first completely analogue journey. That is to say, this week in Crete will be entirely phone-free for both guides and guests. We're pretty excited!
We've noticed that many travellers remain glued to phones, meaning of course that they're distracted and unable to truly connect with the places they're moving through. So we wanted to try something new. For this journey, we are inviting you to switch off and immerse yourself in the remarkable island of Crete. You'll be joined by my wife Clemmie, a psychologist and transformational coach who will lead guided (and wholly optional!) daily meditations to help you connect with yourself, and your surroudings.
Crete's deserted southern beaches are known as being some of the best in Europe, but it is the extraordinary interior that attracts a discerning traveller. Your reward is not only to have the place largely to yourself, but to enjoy the company of some of the friendliest and fiercely passionate people on the continent. Their identity, culture, spirit, traditions and generosity, their lovingly prepared mountain food and their music are all on show on this classic Slow Cyclist journey, with a twist. I hope you enjoy it.
Oli BroomFounder, The Slow Cyclist
Going Offline
For this journey, we're saying goodbye to our phones and embracing everything Cretan nature and culture has to offer. We'll be taking things a little slower than usual, allowing plenty of time to reflect and relax, completely switching off from the fast-paced digital world. With distractions removed, we hope you'll enjoy an even deeper connection to the magical island of Crete.
The journey will also offer plenty of opportunities to relax, think and connect with ourselves. Daily meditations will be guided by transformational coach and psychologist Clemmie Broom, who specialises in helping others to connect with their true selves and find creative, inspiring life paths.
Is It For Me?
Our journeys are built around friendship, exceptional hospitality and the great outdoors. Slow Cyclists are curious travellers with a bit of juice in their legs, approaching our time on a bike - or on foot - as an opportunity to explore rather than test our fitness. That’s not to say we don’t pedal hard sometimes, just that we are often distracted by the food, history and people that make a place special. When we see something interesting, we tend to stop and take it in rather than race by. If this sounds like you, and if you're happy to commit to five days of being totally disconnected from your devices, we're pretty sure you'll love your time exploring Crete with us.
When to Go?
We host guests in Crete from late March to early June then in September and October. The summer is too hot but spring and autumn are wonderful. Temperatures in April, May and October tend to be between 20 to 25°C. Early June and September are typically a little warmer. Temperatures drop a few degrees in the evenings. From late March to mid-April, the island may still experience the last winter rains and the sea water is not yet warm. Rain is rare after mid-April. Wildflowers can be found through spring and early summer but they are usually at their peak in April and early May.
The Journey
En route to the spectacular and verdant Amari Valley, we will pass through gorges and monasteries sacred to the Cretans to this day. We then saddle up for a lovely ride through the heart of inland Crete. As we meander through deserted valleys, legendary Psiloritis (Mount Ida), birthplace of Zeus, is a towering presence throughout. From myth to ancient history, we travel through areas vital to the Greek and Roman civilisations. We linger for a day of exploration and hiking around the spring town of Zaros and nearby Rouvas Forest. Towards the end of our journey we enter the Asterousia mountains, where vultures ride thermals above the stark moonscape that plunges into the Libyan sea, our final destination.
The Walking & Cycling
This journey is taken mostly by electric bike with some walking; the trip is an activity level 2. For the cycling we use front full suspension electric mountain bikes because of the variety of terrain. Cycles are between 40 – 65 kms on a mix of quiet tarmac backroads and maintained dirt tracks. The tracks have sections that require good balance due to loose gravel. The topography is generally undulating although there are a couple of longer, steeper ascents and descents on tarmac and tracks. A moderate level of cycling fitness and an ability to cycle up and downhill off road is required, but we have plenty of time to take things slow. On foot, each of the hikes take between 2-3 hours - there are some steep uphill sections and long downhill sections which can be challenging on the knees. To enjoy and complete the hikes, you’ll need a moderate level of fitness.
Find out more about our activity levels here.
Food & Drink
Many of us love Greek cuisine and feasting on Cretan mountain food is an elemental part of this journey. Dishes, which often trace back to Minaon times, are fresh, delicious and organic. Locals grow their own vegetables and rear their own animals (goat and lamb are staples). Fish features less. Sometimes you’ll eat out in the open, at other times in private homes, traditional kitchens and small guest houses. During the day we provide local fruit and snacks. Allergies and other preferences are noted at the time of booking. On this journey, we'll host a mindful cooking class, focusing on simple, natural food that nourishes the body and deepens our connection to the environment.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Saturday 19 September - Arrival
Transfer 2 hours
On arrival in Crete you will be transferred to Thronos village in the heart of the island. On our way to Thronos we skirt around Psiloritis mountain before turning into the verdant Amari valley. A warm family welcome awaits us in the village. The hotel has a rustic taverna, where we will have dinner, and tonight we'll meditate to set our intentions for the week.
Day 2 - Sunday 20 September - Around Thronos
Morning cycle 20 kms
This morning we'll cycle to Patsos Gorge, a peaceful spot for a slow walk and our morning meditation. From here, we'll cycle to the family-run Kourkoulou winery for lunch. After visiting the winery, we will head back to Thronos where we will prepare dinner together. This will not be a typical cooking class, but a mindful food experience inspired by simplicity, balance, and connection with nature. Using seasonal ingredients grown in nearby Cretan gardens and fields, we will create dishes that honour the land and the rhythm of the season. We'll taste a selection of local olive oils before sampling the food we have prepared. Finally, we'll meditate before retiring to bed.
Day 3 - Monday 21 September - Thronos to Zaros
Morning cycle 40 kms - Afternoon cycle 20 kms
We meander around the Amari valley's quiet roads this morning, first to the village of Meronas and then beside a stream and through olive groves to the abandoned monastery at Asomaton. Skirting along the southern foothills of Psiloritis, we continue through rolling scenery, with goats and sheep for company, through numerous villages, one of which we stop at to enjoy a lesson in Cretan music by the talented Adonis. After a picnic lunch, Slow Cyclist style, we journey to the small town of Zaros. The gorgeous setting for our next two nights is a farm nestled alone in a small valley. The family owners have created a special environment that is true to their values of sustainability, quality craftsmanship, consideration for the land and gentle hospitality. There are no electric lights, just candlelight. Tonight, we'll stretch and relax with yin yoga before supper.
Day 4 - Tuesday 22 September - Rouvas Gorge
Leisurely morning walk - afternoon walk 2-3 hours
After a morning meditation circle, we'll adventure in an open 4x4 into the heart of the Rouvas forest on the slopes of Psiloritis above Zaros. Here we'll take a pause for forest bathing in our peaceful surrounds, before lunch and a trek down the beautiful Rouvas gorge, full of canyons, geological features and lush vegetation. We'll end at Votomos lake for a meditative moment before transferring to our traditional guest house in the beautiful village of Kapetaniana. This evening, we'll have the option of yin yoga, or you could take a dip in the infinity pool overlooking the mountains.
Day 5 - Wednesday 23 September - Asterousia Mountains, Africa Beyond
Morning walk 2 hours - Afternoon cycle 17 kms
An epic day and a fitting conclusion to our Cretan journey. By jeep we are driven down to the coast. From here we hike along a rocky path from the village of Ai Giannis, through a forest to the monastery of Koudoumas, one of the most important on the island. We pass beaches and caves where priests took refuge in medieval times. At the monastery, directly on the shoreline, we'll take a moment to reflect before indulging in a picnic lunch and swim in the clear blue sea. In these parts, what goes steeply down must go steeply up. Mounting our electric bikes, we challenge ourselves for the climb up the sacred Kofinas mountain, a spot used for meditation for 8,000 years. At the top, we'll take a moment to meditate before dining with views of the mountain.
Day 6 - Thursday 24 September - Departure
Transfer 1.5 hours
This morning, we'll take a moment of reflection and thanks, making the most of our last morning without devices to distract us. After breakfast we will transfer you to the airport for your onward journey.
Practical Information
Guiding & Support
On this journey, you'll be joined by Clemmie Broom, a transformational coach and psychologist. Through the Thinking Environment approach, created by Nancy Kline, Clemmie helps others to rediscover their finest thinking, connect with their true selves and find inspiring and creative life paths. She will guide our meditations and thinking time throughout the journey. You'll also be joined by a member of The Slow Cyclist team from the UK who will act as your host. In addition, you will be looked after by two of our local guides throughout. We've developed a fantastic line-up here in Crete, each guide fluent in English and with an array of skills and interests. We’re sure you will become firm friends by the time you leave. Finally, your bags will be driven ahead each day and a support vehicle will be on hand (although never too close) in case you need a lift.
Accommodation
We avoid big, soulless hotels, preferring intimate guest houses and homes that offer charm, comfort and a beautiful location. Some will be exclusively ours, but in some there may be other guests. Lodging is based on twin or double sharing although a single supplement is available. Rooms are en-suite where possible and WiFi or a good 4G or 5G connection is available each night. Because of the nature of the houses we stay in, some rooms are better than others. Our hosts always try to share the best rooms fairly throughout the week. If accommodation is listed in this itinerary it is as a guide; where required any substitutes will be of similar quality. To help you get a good night's sleep we provide luxury pillows in addition to those provided by the guest houses.
Bikes & Safety
We take your safety seriously. You must wear a helmet when cycling and we cannot accept bookings from anyone unwilling to wear one. The bikes you'll be riding with us are electric bikes. You will be given a brief lesson in how to use them effectively before we start cycling. If you have any technical issues during your time with us, from squeaky brakes to punctures, please let us know and we’ll fix it. And finally, please don’t worry if you feel you are too slow or too fast for others in the group. We have a guide at the front and one at the back precisely for that reason. Please remember, we're not here to race; this is a journey to take time over.
Packing & Reading
Well in advance of your travels we will send you an online Information Pack including various details you need to know in advance. This will include a suggested packing list but also a reading list, should you wish to soak up the island's literary history before you arrive.
We partner with Trust My Travel so that, in accordance with travel industry regulations, your funds are 100% protected.
Pricing & Booking
Price
£3,345 per person
Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Single Supplement | £440 |
We are often told how nice it is that almost everything is paid for up front. So, while you are with us you can forget about your wallet, relax and enjoy yourselves. Included are:
- Group airport transfers (1 x arrival, 1 x departure)
- Support vehicle and luggage transfers
- Guided meditations with Clemmie Broom and yin yoga classes with a local instructor
- TSC host & 2 x English-speaking local guides
- All accommodation, meals, snacks & drinks
- All activities
- Electric bike and helmet hire
- Use of an alarm clock and point and shoot camera
- 100% financial security
- Donation to a cause that is aligned with our values
- Flights
- Personal costs
- Tips (optional, of course)
- Travel insurance
- Visas (if required)
For private groups a 30% non-refundable deposit is required from the group leader and, thereafter, from each member of the party. A minimum of 50% of the party are required to book and pay their deposit within one month of the group leader. The balance is due 10 weeks before the departure date.
If you are travelling on one of our Scheduled Journeys, we require a 30% non-refundable deposit on the core trip price (i.e. not on any extras) at the time of booking. The balance is due 10 weeks before the departure date.
Please make sure you are familiar with our Standard Terms & Conditions before booking.
You will receive two emails shortly after booking. First, a payment receipt, then a second email explaining next steps. Within two working days you will then be contacted by a member of our Guest Services team who will look after and advise you in the lead up to your travels.
We partner with Trust My Travel so that, in accordance with travel industry regulations, your funds are 100% protected.
Flights
You are responsible for booking your own flights. They are not included in the cost of the trip. BA and easyJet operate daily direct flights from London Gatwick and other airports to Heraklion. The London flights tend to depart around 7am to arrive in Crete around 1pm. We strongly suggest you take an early flight if possible as this will give you time to enjoy an activity on your arrival day. Return flights tend to depart from Heraklion around 2pm or later in the evening. Our trip ends after breakfast on the departure day and the transfer time back to the airport is about 1.5 hours. If you do not wish to book your own flights, we recommend using Liz Rees who can be contacted at liz.rees@travelcounsellors.com or +44 7816 936876. Please let her know your departure dates and preferred airport.
Transfers
We will provide one transfer for the group on arrival and another on departure. If you require alternative transport options because you are arriving or leaving earlier or later please contact our team on +44 1865 587 994 and we can arrange this for you at an additional cost. If you're interested in planning an onward journey, we recommend contacting Liz Rees who can help with flight and train arrangements.
Protect the Planet
We are thrilled that increasing numbers of our guests are choosing to travel by train and boat, often for environmental reasons. We understand that this may not be practical, but urge you to consider doing so if you can make it work. Bahn.com is a good place to begin your research on trains. Greece has a fantastic ferry service to the islands. Alternatively Liz Rees will organise your journey for you.
The story of Crete, the largest and most populous island in Greece, begins in the Neolithic era, with evidence of human habitation dating back to around 7,000 BC. The first people to form a distinct culture on the island were the Minoans. Contemporary with the ancient Egyptians (with whom they traded), their civilisation is generally considered to be the first in Europe. Renowned for their advanced maritime trade, palaces, and vibrant art, they developed a sophisticated society on Crete, epitomised by the magnificent palace of Knossos. Following the decline of the Minoans, Crete came under the influence of various powers, including the Mycenaeans, Dorians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, and Venetians. Each civilization left an indelible mark on the island, influencing its architecture, customs, and traditions. In more recent centuries, Crete witnessed Ottoman rule, enduring numerous uprisings and revolts against foreign domination. The island played a significant role in Greece's struggle for independence, with Cretans actively participating in the Greek War of Independence in the early 19th century. In the 20th century, Crete faced the ravages of World War II, experiencing brutal occupation and intense resistance. The Battle of Crete, fought in 1941, was a pivotal moment in the war and demonstrated the islanders' fierce determination. Today, Crete stands as a captivating blend of ancient history and modern charm.
Unique Experiences
Travel is so often commoditised and unimaginative. We are the antidote, taking time to create beautifully crafted, one-of-a-kind experiences to places that excite us.
Community & Connection
We cherish personal relationships and friendships and seek to strengthen cross-cultural bonds, respecting and supporting those who enter our orbit. All must feel our impact is positive.
Dedication to Excellence
We design experiences with passion, flair and innovation. We seek continual improvement, to offer the best experience possible.
Care for the Planet
We travel with a light footprint and we seek ways to protect and celebrate Earth’s biodiversity and ecosystems.
Charitable Giving
Each year, we donate 1% of our revenue to a variety of causes across our destinations and in the UK, each aligning with our values.
Where It All Began...
It all began with a 28,000km cycle to Australia. Founder Oli Broom fell in love with watching the world roll by under his wheels and wanted to share that joy with others. Read more.