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1 MEETING PLACE: Heraklion Airport on the island of Crete, Greece MEETING TIME: 10:00 AM on day 1 RETURN TIME: 4:00 PM on day 8 (to the Heraklion Airport) PADDLING MILES: Approximately 67 miles (hiking and vehicle options are available) AGE LIMIT: Minimum age is 7 TRIP LENGTH: 8 Days / 7 Nights ACTIVITIES: Sea kayaking, hiking, touring Discover the unspoiled coast of southern Crete as we paddle on the crystal blue waters of the Libyan Sea, visit secluded beaches, hike the dramatic Samaria Gorge and explore the ruins of Venetian castles and Minoan palaces. At night we enjoy the star-filled skies, dine on delicious Grecian delicacies at seaside tavernas, and share in the warm hospitality of intimate family-owned inns. We look forward to spending a week with you in the Mediterranean sun, exploring the coastline and sea caves, and enjoying the warm hospitality of this Greek paradise. Guiding Life s Greatest Adventures since 1969 O.A.R.S. has been in business for over 45 years, and that is no accident. Friendly and professional guides, active expeditions and some of the most incredible landscapes on earth are the framework for our success. With a genuine belief that river trips and other nature-based adventures are exceedingly worthwhile life experiences, we have committed ourselves over the years to providing the best trips available, always with an eye on improvement.

2 SEA KAYAKING The sea kayak is a low-impact, non-technical and self-propelled craft devised by the ancient Inuit peoples of the Arctic Ocean. It has evolved into a stable, efficient and extremely sea-worthy vehicle, which makes wildlife observation easily accessible and totally unobtrusive from the water. Sea kayaking allows people of all ages and abilities to participate. The sea kayak is a welcome reprieve for the weary knees and backs of hikers and opens up a new paddling realm for canoeists. Paddle strokes are relatively simple and easy to learn, and all of our trips offer expert instruction from a professional guide. ACCOMMODATIONS We choose the nicest inns/hotels in each of the towns where we stay. That said, we are avoiding the major tourist towns of Crete so options can be somewhat limited. All of the hotels are clean and rooms have private baths. Bathtubs are a rarity in Crete, but all rooms have showers. You ll also realize quickly that the innkeepers of these fine establishments are some of the friendliest people you ll ever meet. MEALS Our breakfasts are provided by the inns and usually consist of fresh Greek yogurt with honey, bread, cheese, juice, coffee and tea with eggs as an occasional option. Lunches and dinners are ordered off the menu from the local restaurants we ll visit each day. ATTRACTIONS A key feature of this trip is the time we spend exploring the ancient cities, secluded beaches and not-tomiss trails of this Greek island. From the Minoan ruins just outside of Heraklion to the rousing nightlife of Matala and the beauty of Samaria Gorge, our Crete Inn-to-Inn Sea Kayaking trip provides an unparalleled way to experience everything the Mediterranean has to offer. SAMPLE ITINERARY We pride ourselves in running a relaxed and flexible schedule. Every trip is different depending upon the group, other trips in the area and sometimes the weather. We will navigate up to 67 miles of coastline during the week; the longest stretches are days 6 and 7 where participants can enjoy up to 20 miles of kayaking. We offer van support, as well as numerous stops per day with plenty of alternative activity options. The following is a sample of what your trip might be like: Day 1: Arrive in Crete / Welcome Dinner Our trip officially begins in the morning at the Heraklion Airport where a local representative will meet you. The exact meeting time will be determined once flight schedules from Athens to Heraklion have been finalized. From the airport, we will head to Knossos, the mysterious ancient Minoan palace just outside Heraklion. We will then enjoy a scenic drive across Crete down to the beach town of Matala on the south coast. There will be an optional kayak instruction session, and we'll enjoy welcome drinks while we make our introductions and view the incredible sunset. Over our first dinner together at an authentic Greek taverna, we will review the itinerary for the week and answer whatever questions you may have. (D) Day 2: Matala / Minoan Ruins at Kommos After breakfast, we will outfit everyone with a paddle, PFD and spray skirt, then head across the street to the beach where we will launch our kayaks. The protected bay in Matala provides us with a perfect spot to practice paddling, surrounded by the famous caves legendary homes to Joni Mitchell, Cat Stevens, Bob Dylan and others in the 1960 s. We will then paddle to two neighboring beaches, the Red Beach and Kommos Beach. After enjoying lunch and visiting the Minoan-era ruins at Kommos, we will 2

3 paddle back to Matala for cliff-jumping into the bay and our highly recommended sunset hike. We ll end the day with a great meal (as always) and a chance to experience the rousing night life of Matala. (B, D) Day 3: Samaria Gorge National Park / Agia Roumeli We ll get an early start today in order to visit the breathtaking site of the Minoan Palace of Phaistos on our way to the trailhead for the Samaria Gorge. The Samaria Gorge is a must see for every visitor to Crete; this incredible national park draws thousands of visitors each day. We have designed our itinerary to be able to experience the Gorge after the vast majority of hikers have already headed down. While most visitors to the Gorge rush to catch the last ferry, we will spend the night in Agia Roumeli, a charming and traditional town where the Gorge ends. We ll celebrate our accomplishments with a wonderful dinner on the seaside terrace of our hotel on the beach, and we will fall asleep to the soothing sound of the sea. In the morning, we'll awaken to the gentle dinging of goat bells from the herds on the hillside. (B, D) Day 4: Agios Pavlos / Loutro As the ascending sun brightens the cliffs along the bay, we will depart from Roumeli in our kayaks, heading along the coastline to Agios Pavlos for our cappuccino stop. The small 10th century chapel built in honor of St. Paul is a remarkable site and traditionally wonderful photo opportunity. From Agios Pavlos, we ll continue along the coastline to Marmara Beach, one of our prettiest lunch stops. Here there are cliff-jumping opportunities from the wind-carved marble rocks. We then paddle to the wateraccess-only town of Loutro where we will spend two nights. Rounding the point to catch your first glimpse of this idyllic town has been a highlight of the trip for many past participants. (B, D) Day 5: Aradena Gorge / Loutro Today is a day with multiple options. From Loutro, we may continue up the coastline to Sweetwater Beach where the freshwater springs bubbling out of the sand provide a unique experience. After stretching our legs, enjoying a refreshing swim and a cup of cappuccino, we can paddle on to Hora Sfakia for our lunch stop before paddling back to Loutro. There is also the option of a challenging all-day hike up to the traditional villages in the hills and descending through the beautiful Aradena Gorge before walking back to Loutro through ancient olive groves. Then we join up for another sunset hike to a uniquely beautiful spot on the coast, followed by dinner at one of the excellent bayside tavernas. (B, D) Day 6: Hora Sfakia / Plakias You will have an option today to paddle to Hora Sfakia or to hike the trail which follows the coastline. We will then continue paddling or shuttle by van along the coast to the Venetian-era fortress at Frangokastello for a brief tour before continuing our journey along the coast to the town of Plakias. While not large by any standard, Plakias provides some upbeat nightlife and great shopping opportunities as well as the chance to visit one of our favorite bakeries on the island the Cretan Specialty is another highlight of the trip! Dinner is on your own tonight to give you a choice of the numerous restaurant possibilities in town as well as a chance to set your own schedule for the evening, including the chance to dance at local nightclubs. But remember it's an early paddling morning tomorrow! (B) Day 7: Agia Galini / Farewell Dinner Heading out from Plakias, our next stop is Palm Beach, where native Cretan palms line a picturesque stream which joins with the sea. An optional, short paddle up the inland freshwater creek provides a glimpse of river turtles, local birds, and dragonflies. Our lunch stop today is near Trio Petra beach, renowned for its beautiful rock formations. After lunch, we will paddle on to the beach at Agios Pavlos. At this point, you can opt to shuttle the last section or paddle the final 7-mile stretch, making total 3

4 mileage for the day 18 miles! In the evening, we will celebrate with a final dinner overlooking the harbor at Agia Galini. (B, D) Day 8: Heraklion / Return Flights Home Those wishing to complete the paddling circle may choose to launch early in the morning and paddle across the bay from Agia Galini to Matala (approximately 8 miles in an open water crossing.) Others will sleep a little later and travel by van to Matala where we will have a brief stop to pick up any luggage you may have chosen to leave at the hotel, unload boats, and do any last minute shopping. The van will depart for Heraklion between 11 a.m. and noon, allowing time to visit the renowned Heraklion Archaeological Museum before catching late afternoon flights back to Athens. (B) What s Included? Skilled professional guide service 7 nights lodging at inns along the shores of southern Crete All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, D = Dinner) All kayaking gear and safety equipment Entry fees for the archaeological sites of Knossos and Phaistos and for the Samaria Gorge National Park Airport transfers on arrival and departure dates Ground transportation as described in the itinerary What s Not Included? Flights and other transportation to and from Heraklion Single supplement ($500) Lunches and one dinner Insurance of any kind, including mandatory medical evacuation and suggested cancellation insurance Items of a personal nature (an equipment list will be provided) Gratuities SOMETHING VOLUNTARY In reviewing your statement, you ll note a $1/person/day donation to Waterkeeper Alliance, a non-profit conservation organization dedicated to fishable, swimmable and drinkable waterways worldwide. One-hundred percent of these funds go directly to worldwide watershed protection and your contribution is tax-deductible. This donation is voluntary and may be removed from your invoice if you choose not to participate. Please notify our office if you would prefer to delete the donation from your balance. If you enjoyed your trip, consider donating to the O.A.R.S. Foundation. This organization is a not-for-profit 501 (c) 3 organization with the express goal of providing opportunities for young people to experience the magic of the outdoors. Visit to learn more about how a tax-deductible donation can change young lives for the better. TERMS & CONDITIONS Reservations & Deposit A deposit of $800 is required at the time of reservation. The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. Cancellations and Refunds If you find it necessary to cancel your trip, please notify us as soon as possible. The cancellation fee after you ve made your deposit can range up to the entire trip cost, based upon the number of days prior to your trip that we receive your cancellation notice. We regret we cannot make exceptions for personal emergencies. For this reason, we strongly urge you to investigate trip insurance (see Insurance). 4

5 Cancelled Trips Medical Date of Cancellation Cancellation Fee 90 days or more prior to your trip $250/person days prior to your trip $500/person days prior to your trip 50% of the trip price/person 29 0 days prior to your trip 100% of the trip price/person O.A.R.S. International and the outfitter The Northwest Passage, reserve the right to cancel any trip due to insufficient sign-ups (this trip requires a minimum of 4 guests). In such a case, you will be given a full refund of the tour cost, but O.A.R.S. International and The Northwest Passage are not responsible for additional expenses incurred in preparation for the trip. Under most circumstances, if you are of an adventurous spirit and in reasonably good health, you should have no problem enjoying this trip. People with medical conditions, including pregnancy, should have a physician s approval before taking an adventure travel trip. Insurance We require that you purchase emergency medical evacuation insurance to participate in this expedition. Call Travel Insurance Services at or visit for inexpensive options that cover this requirement. We also strongly recommend that you protect yourself, your belongings, and your vacation through the purchase of a travel insurance plan. A travel insurance plan covers your non-refundable payments in most cases, should you have to cancel your trip due to illness or injury yours or that of an extended family member even at the last minute. Check that the plan you choose includes the required emergency medical evacuation coverage mentioned above. Evacuations can be prolonged, difficult, and expensive. Personal belongings and cameras are carried entirely at the owner s risk, and O.A.R.S. International accepts no responsibility for lost, damaged, delayed or stolen property. Visit Liability Release Everyone is required to sign a standard liability release form before the trip, acknowledging awareness that there are inherent risks associated with this trip. Due to the nature of the activities, a condition of your participation is that you will sign this form and return it to our office before the trip begins. Anyone who refuses to sign the form will not be allowed to participate, and consistent with O.A.R.S. International cancellation policy, there will be no refund of the trip fees at that time. Responsibility An Important Notice O.A.R.S. International, Inc., The Northwest Passage Outing Club, Inc. and cooperating agencies act only in the capacity of agent for the participants in all matters relating to transportation and/or all other related travel services, and assume no responsibility however caused for injury, loss or damage to person or property in connection with any service, including but not limited to that resulting directly or indirectly from acts of God, detention, annoyance, delays and expenses arising from quarantine, strikes, theft, pilferage, force majeure, failure of any means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled, civil disturbances, government restrictions or regulations, and discrepancies or change in transit over which it has no control. Reasonable changes in itinerary may be made where deemed advisable for the comfort and well being of the participants, including cancellation due to water fluctuation, insufficient bookings, (this trip requires a minimum of 4 guests), and other factors. There is risk in sea kayaking, particularly during rough water conditions. Sea kayaks, skiffs, or other boats do capsize. You could be swept overboard. Your guide will make every attempt to assist, but you must be strong and agile enough to selfhelp without further endangering yourself or others. We reserve the right not to accept passengers weighing more than 260 pounds or with a waist/chest size exceeding 56 inches. We may decide, at any time, to exclude any person or group for any reason we feel is related to the safety of our trips. We are experienced at accommodating people with various disabilities. Please give us an opportunity to make you feel welcome. We need to discuss any special requirements ahead of time. On advancement of deposit the depositor agrees to be bound by the above recited terms and conditions. Prices subject to change without notice. The Northwest Passage The Northwest Passage, a travel partner of O.A.R.S. International, is the operator of this trip. Upon arrival, a representative will meet you and escort you throughout the program. These staff members are the very best and will strive to ensure your complete satisfaction O.A.R.S. International, Inc. All rights reserved. 11/03/14 TP 5