AGS Crete 2023 – NOW SOLD OUT

The Mediterranean region is one of the world's hotspots of plant diversity, and Crete makes no exception. The largest Greek island boasts over 1600 species of plants, of which ten percent are endemic - a fact reflected by plant names such as Tulipa cretica, Cyclamen creticum, Campanula cretica and Viola cretica among others.

Content

The tour will focus on the central and western part of the island with day trips to well-known sites like the Orchid fields at Spili, the Omalos plateau, Akrotiri peninsula, Cape Kakomouri near Plakias, Imbros gorge and Paleochora.

Spurred on by winter rains, a cornucopia of annuals, perennials, hardy orchids and various bulbs should be in full flower at the time of our visit. To mention but a few: Tulipa doerfleri and Tulipa saxatilis, Ophrys tenthredinifera, Anemone coronaria, Arum creticum, Ranunculus asiaticus, etc.

The tour will spend three nights in Chania and the last four at a hotel in Rethymno.

Anemone coronaria - credit Razvan Chisu

Day 1

Arrive in Crete, hotel in Chania.

Day 2

A trip down to Paleochora on the south coast, via Topolia Gorge. Hotel in Chania.

Day 3

We will spend the morning exploring the Omalos plateau. If the season is early, we should see sheets of pink Tulipa saxatilis. Other plants on the plateau include Romulea bulbocodium, Gagea chrysantha and Anemone coronaria. Hotel in Chania.

Day 4

A visit to the Mynoan cemetery at Armeni in the morning followed by an exploration of the countryside at Spili, a village renowned for the diversity of orchid species to be found here in fields where wild tulips (Tulipa doerfleri), Iris cretensis, Ranunculus asiaticus and Moraea sisyrinchium also grow. Transfer to hotel in Rethymno in the afternoon.

Day 5

We will drive south to Plakias and visit Cape Kakomouri. A short detour to Preveli is also planned. Highlights of the day include Muscari spreitzenhoferi, Tulipa saxatilis and various Serapias specie. Hotel in Rethymno.

Day 6

Prepare your walking boots for a descent through the Imbros Gorge, where we should see wild orchids, Cyclamen creticum and Asphodeline lutea. Hotel in Rethymno.

Day 7

We will spend the day visiting sites like Alones, Kotsifo Gorge and Kali Sikia in search of wild peonies, Paeonia clusii growing among other spring flowers. Hotel in Rethymno.

Day 8

Morning visit to Chania and Akrotiri peninsula before the tour ends.

Prices include services of a tour guide, transport with English speaking driver in private minibus (12 or 19 places) and hotels on a Bed & Breakfast basis.

Prices do not include flights, lunches & dinners during the tour, or spending money. Lunches will be picnic style (supplies bought each morning at supermarkets), dinners at local tavernas.

If you are interested in taking part, please let us know no later than February 20^th2023, sooner if possible. You will be sent a booking form alongside full tour details.

Not a member yet, but you would like to take part? You can join our Society now or at the time of booking the tour!

Get in touch by giving us a call on +44 (0)1386 554 790 or by filling in the form below.

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Duration

8 Days

Price

£ 1390 single; £1220 sharing in double room; £1170 sharing in triple room. All prices LAND ONLY.

Leader: Razvan Chisu

Dates and Times

Depart 1st April 2023 Return 8th April 2023