CRETE
SPILI AND THE WHITE MOUNTAINS
Our tour is timed to coincide with a truly spectacular spring floral display with great swathes of colour that sit cheek by jowl with wonderful scenery and famed archeological sites.
Our main base is the peaceful old village of Spili, beautifully situated under the great limestone ramparts of Kedros Mountain. Close by is the centre-piece of our holiday, the Orchid and Bulb rich plateau of the Gious-Kambos. Here there is a kaleidoscopic show of Anemones, Tulips and Orchids cloaking the unspoilt mountainous country. We can expect to see some forty species of Orchid, including some of the rarest and most beautiful in Europe. Elegant groups of Widow Irises and Fritillaries also adorn the limestone slopes. Our rooms have balconies that not only overlook olive groves but also provide a panoramic view of the massive cliffs above, where Griffon Vultures are a frequent sight. Later we explore the magnificent White Mountains. Anapolis is a tiny, peaceful village from where we can drive up to the snowline where a breath-taking scene awaits - pretty Crocus sieberi and intense blue mats of Anchusa caespitosa. We then pass through the Imbros Gorge, where we will look for flowering Paeonia clusii, and on to stay two nights in a comfortable hotel on the Omalos, a high mountain-rimmed plateau inhabited by Kri-kri, the endemic Cretan Wild Goat, and stunning groups of Tulipa bakeri and Anemone coronaria.
This is a very relaxing holiday with a guaranteed wild flower show which will live forever in your memory.
INFORMATION
Focus
Orchids and Bulbs. Also other Flowers, Birds and Historical Sites.
Leaders
Terry Underhill , Amanda da Rocha
Walking
Such is the abundance of orchids that we rarely cover more than a mile or two in a day and always at a very easy pace.
Included in the Price
All flights. Transport, accommodation and all meals in Crete. Services of your leaders. Please note: Entrance fees to archaeological sites, drinks, tips and items of a personal nature including insurance, are not included.
Group Size
The minimum is 4 and the maximum is 15. Only one leader will accompany a group of 6 or less.
Accommodation
Heracles Papadakis and his family will be our hosts in Spili. Their pleasant marble-faced rooms contain comfortable beds and all have en suite facilities and peaceful balconies. At Anapoli, we stay at the quiet, clean and friendly Kopasis Rooms, and on the Omalos we will stay in the excellent family run Neos Omalos Hotel. Food is typically Greek and very good, notably the lamb chops and seasonal dishes made from wild asparagus and other plants harvested from local hillsides.
Climate
Expect a mixture of sun and cloud, and probably some rain.
How To Book
Download a booking form (or contact us and we will send one to you)from the Booking Information section. Complete and send to us. You will receive confirmation of your place and a detailed information pack will be dispatched to you about twelve weeks before departure. Orchid and bird checklists are available.
