I have been on a few get my guide tours in Greece and this one was one of my favorites. Our guide Maritsa was phenomenal. A long day but worth it 100%! Bring lunch with you and can refill your water bottle on the trail. We had enough time to swim in the sea before taking the ferry back; bring cash for the ferry ticket

Very nice day spent in Samaria Gorge. I was picked up at appointed time in my hotel in central Heraklion by van. Driver Zaharias was very nice and professional. He took me to the suburb of Heraklion where bus with other travellers and guide was waiting. Bus makes two stop for toilette, coffee or snacks (If you have not packed with you) and also one stop in the evening during return when it is possible to have pita for dinner. Our guide Maritza gave us very good and detailed instructions and advice to hike the Gorge. You hike individually but guide goes last and there are rangers along the route if you need help. It took me 5 hours and after that I had some free time for beach or lunch at Agia Roumeli village. At 17:15 we met guide again when she gave us boat tickets so we took the 17:30 boat to take us back to the bus. Follow the instructions, respect the rules, be mindful of you and others, prepare some cash for side-costs and you will have an amazing day.

Cretan odissey service was impeccable. Punctual pick up. Marissa the guide explained everything in 4 languages and was very clear and informative. Everyone starts at the same time but everyone descends at their own pace. Was my first time hiking solo and I was not alone for the most part save for bits here and there at the bottom of the gorge. The hike is spectacular. They said it takes 4-6h but I think most people would finish it in 6h. Anything less than 5h sounds unrealistic to me for the average walker. A bit of rush to get to the last boat but that’s because we started the walk only at 10.15 or so.