Exploring Crete

Customer Reviews

• PETER

  · March 28th, 2022
  Unfortunately, the weather in the Troodos Mountains was significantly worse than usual ,which meant that some of the walks had to be changed The accommodation in Pedoulas was very basic and was very cold as the elderly owners switched off the heating and put an electric fire in our room, which was not really enough. They tried their best, but the 3 nights were very basic . However , the other accommodation was good . The walking was good albeit colder than usual for the first 4 days . Special thanks to Philios ,the agent in Cyprus who was available, competent and helpful. We did not mention about our Pedoulas issues , because we did not feel anything could be done at short notice, but a change from Christy's Hotel in Pedoulas, especially until end of April, might be advisable if the weather is worse than usual. The area is lovely and unspoilt.
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• E

  · November 23rd, 2017
  I travelled solo on the guided Greek Islands Bike & Boat. I booked as twinshare and was paired up with another same sex traveller. Our group, who were a mix of nationalities and ages, all got on really well. A semi retired couple in their 70s were fitter than a few of us. The beautiful and cozy standard category boat “Panagiota” was our accommodation for the week and perfect for swimming off each day – sometimes twice a day! All cabins are ensuite and made for a good sleep, storage space is limited though we managed with 2 people and suitcases. The friendly crew made you feel right at home and cooked up delicious feasts, including a fresh seafood lunch one day which stood out as one of the many highlights. The 21 speed hybrid bikes were good quality and super lightweight compared to what I ride at home, they suited the terrain which is mountainous though pushing is still required as is effort to earn some stunning views – definitely worth it and we always cooled off with a swim at the end! The guides always looked out for our safety and motivated us while exploring some of the lesser visited Cyclade islands with typical whitewashed houses, on quiet island roads passing through the villages. We had two guides, one leading and the other following at the rear as we had the luxury of taking our time on the rides. Everything came together so well, I would happily do the same tour again.
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• John

  · September 8th, 2015
  Mixed experience. Booked through Utracks, which has contract with a German company - Island Hopping - which was entirely responsible for trip (most passengers booked directly with Island Hopping). Utracks provided poor information in advance - the written material was an embarrassment, given number of errors, inaccuracies and contradictions, leading to inconveniences (e.g. was instructed to bring air mattress for lounging on deck, but deck had comfortable mattresses already). Worse, was told my below-deck room would be quiet at night since boat not moving then...but electric generator was running all night, which was extremely noisy. Was told they'd raise sails a few times during trip; on board, crew said they never do (so it's not a sailing trip, just a motor boat that could sail if they wanted to). Biking was grueling - not "level 2" but more like "level 4" - longest ride was 50 km, with very steep hills, in brutal heat. There was much to like about the operator, boat and trip, but also some serious weaknesses, so I had a mixed experience and wouldn't return. But other passengers seemed to like it more than I did, so you may too.
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