Search VoyageForum
FR
Brulis en Bolivie? (août/septembre) English translation pending
by Jourcla · 2003-10-10 · 4 replies
Hello,

j'ai lu dans un guide qu'en aout-septembre en Bolivie, il y avait tant de brulis que le panorama y était très gaché et qu'il régnait souvent une odeur de brulé. Quelqu'un a-t-il vécu cette situation....

Merci pour vos réponses 😇
Besoin d'aide pour mon itinéraire en France English translation pending
by Danyetcri · 2003-08-19 · 12 replies
Bonjour,

Notre famille prévoyons aller en Europe (17 jours)à l'été prochain. Nous sommes en attente de propositions d'échange de maison mais sinon nous avions prévu l'itinéraire suivant: France(côte d'azur, Annecy) - Suisse (Lausanne, Bâle) - France (Colmar, Strasbourg) - Allemagne (Heidelberg, Cologne, Duisburg) puis Bruxelle. Avec ce trajet nous voulions répondre aux goûts de tous les membres de la famille: Mer pour notre fils, Château pour notre fille, vignobles pour M et architecture pour Mme... et toute notre famille voulons aller rendre visite à des amis à Duisburg en Allemagne. OUf!!! 😕

Est-ce réaliste? Que proposeriez-vous à une famille un peu anxieuse de tout voir???!!!!.... Est-ce mieux (distance, temps et $$$$) de faire les trajets en voitures ou en train. Si vous connaissez des endroits Super à visiter dans ces régions svp nous les indiquer.

Merci pour vos précieux conseils.
What's the current situation with the wildfires in Canada?
by Olyana · 2026-07-23 · 18 replies
Hello everyone, We’ve planned a trip (retired couple) for late August to the first half of September in Western Canada. Classic itinerary: arrival in Calgary, Banff, Jasper, Clearwater, Whistler, Vancouver Island, departure from Vancouver. I know you can’t see into the future any better than I can, so I’m obviously not asking what the wildfire situation will be like in a month... But if any of you could let me know if, CURRENTLY, there are major difficulties—not just for locals, of course, but for tourists as well? We’re hesitating between taking the chance or canceling what we still can. We’re not young anymore and don’t have the flexibility we once did... A thousand thanks to those of you on the ground or with contacts there who can help us make this decision!
Looking for quiet accommodation in Longji Rice Terraces
by Siberianna · 2026-03-05 · 3 replies
Hi there,

We’re planning a trip to China for two at the beginning of April and want to spend 2 nights in the Longji Rice Terraces—either in Dazhai, Tiantouzhaï, or Ping'an. I’ve seen that most of the hotels are made of bamboo, and you can hear every little noise. Since my husband is a very light sleeper, he’d really like to be sure he’ll get a good night’s rest. Can you recommend any quiet, well-soundproofed hotels in the area?

Thanks in advance! !
Affordable car rental in Crete
by Johanpascale · 2026-02-15 · 5 replies
hi,

I'm looking to rent a small car, not too expensive, for Crete in April. Do you have any great tips? Thanks in advance! Best regards
Shows and facilities on the MSC World Europa
by Francischem · 2026-01-14 · 11 replies
Hi everyone, I’m leaving at the end of March 2026 with 8 friends to celebrate an event on the MSC World Europa. I’ve been cruising for over 20 years with all kinds of companies and under many skies, but I’ve never traveled on a ship this size (6,800 people), and some specific info about this ship would be really helpful. So, to those who’ve been on this boat before—thanks in advance! SHOWS: Is it true that you have to book the evening show?... Just to secure a spot, or is it an internal rule? THE SPA: Are the saunas and hammams mixed-gender? Are there several of them? Which pools are available? SPORTS: Are there any “spaces” where ball sports like volleyball or basketball can be played? Finally, is the management of passengers flexible and friendly, or quite strict? Thanks! Happy cruising. Francis.
Patagonia November/January 2026 - Hikes & Treks
by Tine90 · 2025-09-15 · 1 reply
Hi there, I’m heading to Patagonia from mid-November to mid-January. I’m looking for travel buddies who are used to backpacking in a simple, go-with-the-flow way: long hikes, treks, and of course some sightseeing. From Buenos Aires down to Ushuaia, then back up to Santiago de Chile. On a budget-friendly basis with youth hostels, camping, maybe some bivouacking, and occasionally a bit of comfort too. The cost of living is high, both in Argentina and Chile: you’ll need to plan for a significant budget for two months. I’m bringing my small tent, sleeping mat, and sleeping bag—all weighing just 2 kg—and a minimalist backpack for more freedom. My flights depart from Basel; I live in Belfort. I’m 57, passionate about mountain sports, and I also love cycling around the world. Looking forward to sharing this trip! Christine
Where to spend 3 nights between Innsbruck and Paris?
by Phantoma · 2025-08-27 · 12 replies
Hi there,

I’d love your input, please. Here’s my itinerary: We’re leaving from Quebec for Rome – 4 nights Vienna – 9 nights Hallstatt – 2 nights Salzburg – 4 nights Innsbruck – 4 nights That leaves 3 nights to place somewhere between Innsbruck and Paris, ideally with a direct connection (I’ve looked but can’t find anything—I’m hoping you can help me out ). We’ll be returning to Quebec from Paris.

It could be a seaside spot to relax after what I’m sure will be an amazing trip, but that’s not a must. We also love beautiful cities and small villages.

Looking forward to your suggestions for these last 3 nights—thanks in advance! Have a great evening, Phantoma
Route from Olifants camps to Blyde River Canyon
by Danyèle · 2025-07-18 · 4 replies
Hi everyone,

I just found this map online that gives me several options for reaching Blyde via the Phalaborwa gate!! The shortest one seems to go through the south rather than the north—what do you think of these 3 alternatives, and has anyone here taken them? Feedback please, thanks for your input! Dan
Route to Blyde River Canyon and visiting time
by Danyèle · 2025-07-16 · 15 replies
Hi there, First question: We're leaving Kruger Park from Olifants camp to head to BRC. I know the drive is long (about 4 hours, especially since I think the part through the park will be slow due to animals). We're exiting the park via Phalaborwa Gate, but I can't find a map, so it's hard to tell if we'll arrive at the top of the Canyon or via Graskop to then drive up the Panorama Route.

Second question: I booked 1 night at Forever Resort, but if we arrive from the top and then drive down the Panorama Route, I'm not sure that's the best choice.

Third question: Since we're leaving Kruger early in the morning, I think we can plan to explore the area in the afternoon. We'll sleep there, and then we need to be at our lodge in the Balule private reserve by late morning (Imagine Africa) to catch the afternoon safari. I'm worried it might be too short if we want to do a boat trip on the dam! What do you think? Should I add another night? It's still possible since I haven't planned the rest yet, and we have 7 nights left in Cape Town, including Hermanus! Do you think I should cut short the Cape Town stay? If so, I could break the BRC trip into two parts—one night after leaving Kruger before the private safari, and then come back this way (since it's not too far, I think) after the two nights on safari before heading to Cape Town. But how can I organize the visits logically?

I can already hear Michel telling me I'm overcomplicating things!! 😉

Anyway, it's all a bit confusing—don't hesitate to ask for clarification if you need it. I'd understand! Thanks, Dan
Feedback on our 15-day self-drive trip in South Africa
by Cecilej17 · 2025-07-11 · 44 replies
Hi there

We’re planning to do this route as a self-drive trip. There’ll be six of us, so with a large car—is the drive between Durban and Johannesburg manageable? Thanks for your feedback! Day 2: Cape Town Day 3: Cape of Good Hope Day 4: Hermanus, Cape Agulhas Day 5: Wine Route Day 6: Cape Town → Durban (flight) → St. Lucia Day 7: St. Lucia Day 8: Hluhluwe Day 9: Mlilwane Day 10: Sabi Sand Day 11: Sabi Sand Day 12: Kruger Day 13: Panoramic Route Day 14: Balule → Johannesburg
Bangkok to Chiang Mai Train
by Verneyfrank · 2025-06-30 · 18 replies
Hi there,

We’re heading to Thailand in February 2026 and we’d like to take the overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Can we book two first-class tickets? I’m only seeing second-class options.

Thanks
National parks in the American West in July: crowds and heat
by Vegafi · 2025-06-15 · 9 replies
Hi everyone, I’m planning a road trip along the American West Coast in July 25 and, of course, I’d love to visit the parks east of Las Vegas. The crowds—but especially the heat—are making me second-guess whether it’s a good idea (the parks). I’d really appreciate your (honest!) feedback from those who’ve been there. Is the experience ruined? Maybe it’s manageable (early morning visits)? I have no doubt the scenery will be breathtaking, but does the context let you fully enjoy it? Thanks so much in advance for sharing your thoughts!
Your thoughts on a trip to Croatia
by Presse · 2025-04-04 · 4 replies
Hi there, We were planning to spend a month in June exploring Croatia (Istria for 1 week, Plitvice Park, Zadar, Split, the islands, Dubrovnik…) and Montenegro, and we’ve already made good progress on our plans. But after reading the forum, we got a bit worried—there are so many negative reviews. Apparently, tourism has exploded, and Croatians are getting more and more fed up (which we totally get), becoming aggressive and disrespectful. The euro has sent prices skyrocketing, and scams of all kinds are popping up—even car vandalism is being mentioned!!

Here’s what we had in mind: Day 1: Our trip was supposed to start from Nice by car, with a stop in Verona to arrive in Croatia the next day. Days 2–6: First possible detour to visit Postojna Cave in Slovenia (or later from Rijeka... but I’ve heard border crossings can be super long!!!) and a 5-night stay in Rovinj (visiting Rovinj, Bale, Poreč, Grožnjan, and other small villages, Pula, maybe Cape Kamenjak, relaxing on beaches, possibly Cres Island). - Days 7–8: Head toward Rijeka and Plitvice Lakes National Park via the coastal road; 2 nights outside the park (given the prices!!!) and visit the park the next day. Do we need to book park entry way in advance for June? - Days 9–11 or 12: Leave for Zadar for 4 nights—one island (Dugi Otok, Pašman Island, Kornati Islands National Park, Silba, Molat, Olib, Premuda, Sakarun Bay, Veli Žal Beach, Iž Island, Ugljan Island), explore the city, and check out the surroundings. - Days 13–15: Head to Split, visit Šibenik, Split, and Trogir. - Days 16–17: Hvar Island. - Days 18–21 or 22: Head to Dubrovnik, explore the city, cross over to Korčula, Prapatno port at the start of the Pelješac Peninsula, via Ston, Mljet Island (Konavle and Cavtat port?).

- Then return to Split to catch the ferry to Ancona or head to Montenegro for 5–7 days.

If you’ve visited Croatia since 2023 (when it joined the Schengen Zone), we’d love to hear your thoughts on traveling there in June. Françoise
Have you considered Reunion Island as a destination?
by Esselte974 · 2025-02-20 · 2 replies
Reunion Island, a French island located in the Indian Ocean, is characterized by remarkable geographical and cultural diversity. This island offers an immersive experience that harmoniously blends wild nature and human heritage, between active volcanoes, mountainous cirques, impressive waterfalls, and charming villages. This report explores the must-see spots, from the lunar landscapes of Piton de la Fournaise to the mountainous trails of the Mafate cirque, not forgetting the natural pools and tropical gardens. Each section highlights a distinct aspect of this vibrant island, supported by geological and historical information, as well as accounts from those who have visited.

Piton de la Fournaise, which reaches a height of 2,632 meters, is one of the most active volcanoes on our planet. Its frequent eruptions constantly shape the landscape, offering a natural spectacle where burning lava meets the ocean. The trail leading to the Dolomieu crater, though difficult to access, is open to hikers and rewards them with a panorama of vast expanses of solidified lava and volcanic gas emissions. It’s usually best to visit at this time of day to avoid clouds and enjoy the low light that enhances the lunar reliefs.

Volcanic activity has also given rise to unique structures, such as the lava tunnels of Grand Brûlé, where tourists can walk along cooled lava flows. For geology enthusiasts, the site of Cassé de la Rivière de l'Est reveals incredible basaltic organ pipes, testifying to ancient eruptions.

Despite its inactivity, Piton des Neiges (3,071 m) remains the island’s highest peak. Its ascent, via the GR R2 trail, passes through virgin forests before reaching rocky landscapes where sunrise offers a 360° panoramic view of the three cirques. This extinct volcano symbolizes Reunion Island’s geological history, characterized by successive collapses that gave birth to the surrounding cirques.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Salazie cirque charms with its lush greenery and hamlets clinging to cliffs. Hell-Bourg, listed among France’s most beautiful villages, delights with its brightly colored Creole houses and picturesque cobblestone streets. The trek to Voile de la Mariée, a famous waterfall, winds through bamboo groves and natural pools perfect for a swim.

Mafate, a preserved haven of tranquility, is accessible only on foot or by helicopter. Places like La Nouvelle or Marla, small villages called "îlets," offer a glimpse into traditional life on Reunion Island. The GR R1 trail, which circles Piton des Neiges, immerses hikers in breathtaking landscapes, alternating between rocky ridges and narrow valleys.

Known for its lentils and wines, Cilaos combines culinary delights with stunning scenery. The healing properties of the thermal springs at Bras-Rouge are highlighted by the trails leading to them, which also offer panoramas like the Col du Taïbit, a privileged access point to Mafate.

This unique spot features pebble beaches, waterfalls by the sea, and a palm forest. Picnickers enjoy its peaceful atmosphere, while local fishermen maintain ancient traditions. Nearby, the Garden of Perfumes and Spices cultivates vanilla, cloves, and turmeric, offering an olfactory experience at the heart of Reunionese agriculture.

Bassin Boeuf, famous for its turquoise waters, is a popular swimming spot, framed by volcanic formations. Further south, the Langevin River creates a series of waterfalls and natural pools, including the famous Trou de Fer, a 300-meter-deep canyon where water cascades in a shimmering curtain.

The island’s capital blends colonial heritage with modernity. The Léon Dierx Museum showcases modern art, while the Grand Marché draws visitors with its spices and local crafts. The Barachois promenade, along the sea, evokes the city’s maritime past with its 18th-century cannons.

The Domaine de Villèle, once a colonial plantation, now houses a museum dedicated to the history of slavery and a geranium distillery. The Chapelle Pointue, with its neo-Gothic style, offers a striking contrast to the brightly colored Tamil temples surrounding it.

The GR R1 and R2 trails are popular with experienced hikers, but more accessible routes like the Piton Maido (2,200 m) are suitable for beginners. The latter offers an unparalleled view of the Mafate cirque at dawn.

The coast of Saint-Gilles offers activities like diving, surfing, and paddleboarding, while ULM flights provide an impressive aerial view of Piton de la Fournaise.

Reunion Island presents itself as a microcosm where every landscape tells a story—geological, cultural, or human. Between the fury of volcanoes and the calm of cirques, between the bustle of markets and the tranquility of natural pools, this destination offers a diverse experience. Travelers are encouraged to mix their activities: morning hikes, cultural visits during the day, and moments of relaxation at dusk. Preserving these wonders relies on responsible tourism, respectful of fragile ecosystems and local communities.
10 European Carnivals You Shouldn't Miss in 2025 (Venice Excluded)
by VoyageForum · 2025-02-11 · 0 replies
Europe is packed with spectacular carnivals where traditions and festivities blend in vibrant, colorful parades. In 2025, several must-see events will draw visitors, including:

1. Cologne Carnival (Karneval) in Germany 2. Menton Lemon Festival (Fête du Citron) in France 3. Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival in the Canary Islands 4. Binche Carnival in Belgium 5. Nice Carnival in France 6. Cádiz Carnival in Spain 7. Basel Carnival (Fasnacht) in Switzerland 8. Dunkirk Carnival in France 9. Rijeka Carnival in Croatia 10. London Carnival in the UK

A great opportunity to discover unique celebrations without heading to Venice, which is already well-known to the general public. See the slideshow
Our South Africa Trip Itinerary
by Dolfino · 2025-01-21 · 52 replies
Hi everyone, I’m reaching out today to gather some great tips for the second part of our trip to South Africa, which will take place from 03/21 to 04/11. We don’t want to rush too much either. We’ll start in Cape Town (tickets already booked) since it seems like a good time to visit this region—except for the whales in Hermanus, which we won’t be seeing. Oh, and I almost forgot, we’re renting a car for both legs of the trip for more freedom.

The first part is planned like this:

- 03/21: Arrival in Cape Town, staying until 03/24 - 03/25: Visit to the Cape, including a stop in Simon’s Town - 2 nights in Stellenbosch from 03/26 to 03/28 - 3 nights in Knysna to explore the area from 03/28 to 03/31 - 03/31: Flight from Port Elizabeth to Durban, where we’ll spend one night in Umhlanga

After that, I’m a bit lost 🙂. Next, I was thinking of doing:

2 nights in St. Lucia 2 nights in Eswatini 4 nights in Kruger Park (2 nights in Skukuza and 2 nights in Balule to visit a private reserve) 1 night at Blyde Canyon 1 night somewhere to get closer to Johannesburg (Graskop?) since we’ll need to return the car by around 11:00 AM on 04/11.

So, does the second part make sense or not? I’ve done quite a bit of research, but I’m still a little lost . We can’t wait to be there, and your valuable advice would be very welcome. Thanks so much in advance, and have a great day! Luis
Texas, Louisiana, and a Touch of Florida
by Marati · 2024-12-24 · 66 replies
After five trips to the American West, we had planned to switch countries and continents to visit Turkey. However, by the time we made up our minds, flight ticket prices had nearly doubled, reaching 400 € for a round-trip ticket. A bit disappointed, I started looking at transatlantic flight prices and stumbled upon discounted tickets from Basel-Mulhouse to Dallas—at the same price as our tickets to Turkey!

No hesitation needed; we bought the five tickets for a total of 1,860 € excluding baggage!

From Fort Worth Airport, we had two options: - Head west on a loop through Texas, New Mexico, and southern Colorado - Head east to change the scenery and explore East Texas, Louisiana, with a possible detour into Florida.

The latter option won unanimously, so here we are, off to discover new states, mainly Louisiana and Texas.

One of the main post-COVID challenges is finding a reasonably priced car rental. After an initial booking around 1,300 €, we kept an eye on prices a few weeks before departure and managed to snag a better deal at around 900 € for a comfortable sedan.

Yes, this summer will also be a first: no 4x4, no camping, and plenty of restaurants!

As always, I’ve planned a packed itinerary, ready to adjust on the go. A few weeks before departure, we learned we’d be at full capacity—our eldest son, Maxime, got his first-year med school results. By finishing as a top admit, he avoided the mandatory July-August internship that would’ve kept him from joining us. Instead, he wrapped up his internship at the last minute the night before our big departure.

We’ll get to savor these special moments together.

The itinerary: Day 1 - 07/15: Fort Worth Day 2: Dallas Day 3: Jefferson - Caddo Lake Day 4: Black Bayou Lake - Natchez - Stanton Hall and Rosalie Mansion Day 5: St. Francisville - Rosedown Plantation - Cat Island Wildlife Refuge Day 6: Mobile - USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park Day 7 - 8: Pensacola Beach Day 9: Bellingrath Gardens - New Orleans Day 10 - 11: New Orleans Day 12: Plantation Route Day 13: Jungle Gardens - Tabasco Factory - Vermilionville - Lake Martin Day 14: Baton Rouge - USS Kidd Day 15: Houma - Cajun Man's Swamp Tour Day 16: Galveston, Texas Day 17: Space Center Houston - Painted Churches Day 18: San Antonio Day 19: Texas Hill Country Day 20: Texas Hill Country and evening in San Antonio Day 21: Austin and Waco

Day 0 - 07/14: The departure timing isn’t exactly relaxing. On Thursday late afternoon, we hit the road to Alsace, aiming to drop off our two cockers with family before reaching the airport at 2 AM for a 3-hour power nap. Not exactly fresh, we arrive at the terminal looking for a British Airways counter. None in sight, so we try our luck at a United Airlines counter—who knows, maybe it’ll work out. And bingo! The agent checks us in. We didn’t quite understand why, but maybe there’s some agreement between airlines. For the first time, we’re traveling without checked baggage, so no extra fees. Not a huge feat, given the scorching temperatures awaiting us!

The connecting flight to London goes smoothly.

During the layover, liquid checks get stricter—now requiring small bottles to be in a pre-approved clear bag, with only one bag allowed per passenger. Normally, no big deal, but between deodorant, sunscreen, after-sun lotion, hand sanitizer, contact lens solution, etc., we spend 20 minutes optimizing the arrangement! When we finally succeed, one of the security staff bursts out laughing and congratulates us!

With our stomachs growling, we grab an American breakfast before browsing the airport shops.

We then discover our plane for the long-haul flight and are thrilled to see it’s an A380—a first for Laetitia, though the rest of the family experienced it during our winter getaway. Still just as impressive!

With a hint of uncertainty, we take off for the States—my third trip in barely 12 months. This time, no endless badlands, canyons, slot canyons, hoodoos, or brain rocks, but a journey through five states (Texas, Louisiana, a quick stop in Mississippi, Alabama, and the northwest tip of Florida), where we hope to soak up a unique vibe... with a packed schedule of diverse visits.

Arrival at Fort Worth Airport and customs go smoothly. Since we have no checked baggage, we’re first in line at the Dollar counter. In just 3 minutes, the formalities are done. We decline the Toll Pass, which I don’t think we’ll need based on my "calculations," and head to the Dollar parking lot, where an employee tells us we can pick any car we want!

There are about thirty cars waiting. Too many choices!

After last year’s mishap in Oakland, where our 4x4’s trunk was broken into, we’re looking for a sedan to hide our luggage this time. Unfortunately, there are none—only SUVs. We finally settle on a comfortable 7-seater Ford SUV with a massive trunk when set up for five.

On the road from Fort Worth to Dallas, we accidentally take a toll highway without realizing until it’s too late to exit. Let’s hope Dollar doesn’t charge us a week’s worth of their pricey Toll Pass for a $2 toll. We’ll see... In the meantime, Maxime sets up Google Maps to avoid toll roads.

Since it’s not too late, we stop by the nearest Walmart for groceries before checking into our hotel room for three nights in East Dallas suburb.
14-Day Trip Report to Milos and Kimolos in September-October 2021
by Jacou0109 · 2024-11-20 · 1 reply
14-Day Trip Report to Milos and Kimolos in September-October 2021



The village of Plaka in Milos

It was with great pleasure that we finally reconnected with our old habits as inveterate travelers! Greece, and more specifically the Greek islands, was the natural choice for us. After having already visited many Greek islands during around 18 trips, we decided to revisit islands we had seen over 40 years ago, like Milos, where our memories were extremely hazy. Our route was well-planned and familiar: a low-cost flight from Basel-Mulhouse to Athens, then a traditional ferry from Piraeus to Milos. Taking a speedboat, which is faster, would have forced us to spend a night in Piraeus. Plus, we felt that the traditional ferry was part of the journey, and with good weather, spending eight hours on deck wasn’t unpleasant at all. Watching the docking maneuvers with the comings and goings of trucks and cars, observing the passengers, reading a book, or admiring the scenery—all of that is part of the travel experience. Milos Island: Accommodation in Adamas We arrived quite late, around 11 PM, in Adamas, the port of Milos. No worries—the friendly couple managing the apartment was waiting for us, and it was just a 10-minute walk from the port. The first two days were spent unwinding, with swimming at the nearby beach, strolling through Adamas, and relaxing.

Discovering Plaka On the third day, we took the path along the small beach west of town toward a French military cemetery! A historical reminder of our presence here during the Crimean War, among others. The path climbs toward a beacon perched on top of a hill before disappearing into the scrubland. We returned to Adamas for lunch on our terrace.



In the afternoon, we visited the hilltop village of Plaka by bus from Adamas. Plaka is the original old town, dominated by a church and, even higher up, the ruins of the Kastro. The view is magnificent. We stopped at a pastry shop in the village to enjoy excellent orange cakes and baklavas. Back in Adamas, we checked out car rental agencies to be more mobile, though the bus network seemed quite extensive. It costs around 40 € per day, plus 8 € if you want to significantly reduce the deductible. Port of Klima.

Yesterday’s weather was quite mixed with lots of clouds, but today the sun is shining again. We drove to the small port of Klima, famous for its boat garages called "sirmatas." It’s true that in the morning sun, these boat garages carved into the volcanic tuff are beautifully lit, turning the village into a colorful mosaic. Above the village, a path climbs directly to the magnificent Roman theater overlooking the surroundings and the sea. Following the well-marked path, we reached the road leading 200 meters down to the catacombs. It’s an impressive complex of 3rd and 4th-century catacombs, though only a small part is open to visitors—it’s still very moving. In the mid-afternoon, we got back in the car to visit the tiny ports of Firopotamos and Mandraki, which also have their colorful sirmatas. We took the opportunity to swim at the small beach in Mandraki, where the water was warm and calm. Mandraki Port. We had a decent dinner at a seaside restaurant in Adamas, though you have to be selective—we had a bad experience at Kynigos on the second night! Moving to Polonia in Eastern Milos, Sarakiniko Site



The Sarakiniko site We left Adamas for a second stay on Milos, this time in Polonia. The rental Panda was packed with the four of us and our luggage! Our apartment was in a beautiful house surrounded by a grove, so our lovely terrace was well-shaded. Luckily, there was a small beach nearby, and we went for a swim right away. Apart from us, there were only three other swimmers—definitely the end of the season!



"Fairy chimney"! In the afternoon, we visited the famous Sarakiniko site, Milos’ emblematic spot. Judging by the number of cars in the parking lot, we wouldn’t be alone. As we approached, we heard an indefinable rock/punk/metal music: some young people had brought a sound system and a foghorn and were having fun diving off a fairly high cliff to impress the crowd. It definitely spoiled the visit. Most spots were taken by couples busy taking selfies, so getting photos of the site without tourists was impossible. Still, the site is magnificent, with its white cliffs looking like they’re covered in whipped cream! The sun was still very bright, reflecting strongly off the cliffs, making photography difficult due to the excessive brightness. We had a fish dinner in Polonia at the Enalion restaurant: while the octopus and squid were good, the fish soup tasted more like vegetable soup with a few fish crumbs—too bad.



Sunset in Polonia

Ports of Papafranga and Mytikos We continued our exploration of Milos with the Papafranga gorge, a narrow and deep gorge that opens to the sea, where the water is a stunning color. Access via an unstable and dangerous path is prohibited, but that didn’t stop a couple of tourists in flip-flops from venturing in!!! We then swam in the tiny, calm, and sheltered cove of the small port of Mytikos. We returned to Polonia for lunch at Alkis: excellent moussaka. In the late afternoon, Pat and I went out to take some photos just before sunset near the Agios Nikolaos chapel, the beacon, and the new Petakoudia neighborhood next to Polonia to the north.



Paleochori Beach

Toward the Multicolored Beach of Paleochori Another sunny day: we still had to discover Paleochori Beach in the south of the island. It was 10:30 AM, and the beach was almost deserted! The water was pleasant, though a bit chilly when we first entered. The beach is bordered by a cliff that, in some places, displays a beautiful multicolored palette. We returned to Polonia in the late afternoon, and Pat and I headed toward Vouddhia Beach south of Polonia—bad choice. The beach is surrounded by a huge mining site served by a dusty road where lines of trucks loaded with ore cross paths. It’s the other side of the coin, and Greece still has progress to make in this area. Dinner at Alki’s was just as good as always. Return to the Sarakiniko Site Early this morning, Pat and I went back to the Sarakiniko site, hoping to take photos in better conditions. While there were fewer people, the parking lot was still full because sunrise is a must in Milos. Still, the conditions were good, and the sunrise spectators left quickly once the sun had risen above the horizon. During the day, an increasingly strong wind cooled the atmosphere, making swimming less enjoyable. Departure for Kimolos Island We changed islands and left Milos for Kimolos, a nearby island—just a 30-minute trip from Polonia’s port. Our apartment was at the entrance of the hilltop village. It’s a village with typical Cycladic architecture, featuring the remains of an old kastro, a few old churches, and windmill towers perched on the hill. We dined in a tiny tavern where the small outdoor tables were squeezed against the walls to let passersby through! As soon as the sun disappeared, it got cold, especially because of the wind. Ports of Kara and Goupa This morning, we explored the small hamlets of Kara and Goupa by Rema Beach, east of the main port. There, we found the sirmatas again—those boat garages partly carved into the volcanic tuff. The path winds between several sirmatas before climbing back up to the Praça road to return to the apartment.



Ports of Kara and Goupa

In the afternoon, we strolled through town, and Pat and I climbed the hill overlooking the village to get a closer look at the few more or less ruined windmills dotting the ridge. Only one mill still had its complete mechanism in place under the roof; the others were empty. The view over the village, port, and sea was beautiful. That evening, we tried another restaurant in the village center, Kali Kardia Bohoris, which was well-frequented by locals, and we didn’t regret it: delicious food, efficient and friendly service, and reasonable prices.



The Kastro Mill

Toward Aliki Beach We walked to Aliki Beach, west of the main village. It’s a large sandy beach shaded by tamarisk trees, but the strong wind prevented us from enjoying it. In the afternoon, I set off on a hike toward the fairy chimney at Skiadi (1.5 hours one way). The paths were very well-marked with signs indicating the trail number and the time to reach the destination. The countryside was beautiful but very dry at this time of year, and as always in Greece, many white chapels dotted the landscape. The numerous dry stone walls testify to the immense labor done by the island’s inhabitants over the centuries! For our last day in Kimolos, we decided to visit the beautiful Praça Beach, one of the most beautiful according to the guides! To get there, we took a path through the interior before joining the paved road near a large dump overflowing with various waste. It’s the flip side of the scenery, and Greece still has progress to make in this area. In the end, Praça Beach left us underwhelmed. The environment, marred by mining operations, detracts from the charm of the beautiful sandy beach. End of the Trip, Return to Piraeus and France And that’s it—we took the Zanteferries ferry back to Piraeus, arriving after a calm and sunny 10-hour journey. We had dinner at Souvlaki Street on the port and spent a good night at the Faros I Hotel in Piraeus—a great spot, close to the port, very clean, and reasonably priced. We flew from Athens to Basel-Mulhouse EuroAirport without any issues. N.B. Budget: around 1850 € all included for 14 days per couple The photo album is available by clicking this link:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/wRpxRipg4erpzGj99
Eastern Crete in September 2024
by Jacou0109 · 2024-11-15 · 3 replies
Travel journal in Eastern Crete from September 8th to 29th, 2024

Our 21-day itinerary

Sunday, 08/09: Once again—and this is the eighth time—we’re setting off, the four of us: Patrick, Michelle, Jacques, and Monique, for the Greek islands. This time, we’ve chosen Crete. No need to wake up at 3 or 4 a.m. to reach Basel-Mulhouse Airport at dawn to catch the first flight to Greece at 6 a.m.! Given the prohibitive prices charged by EasyJet, we found flights that were half the price from Zurich Airport, which is accessible in 3 hours by train from Colmar. Pierre-Paul drives all four of us to Colmar train station, where we take the train to Basel and then, 20 minutes later, the direct train to Zurich Airport. After wandering around the airport, we go for a coffee at 6 € each! We’re in Switzerland, after all. The other dining areas all have vending machines for selecting and paying for meals—soon, there won’t be anyone left to serve you! After a short wait, we take off at 7:45 p.m. (20 minutes late) in an Aegean Airbus A321. Free in-flight meal service isn’t bad either! We land in Heraklion around 11:15 p.m. We pick up our rental car (a red Seat Ibiza) at the airport and head straight to our apartment, located 2 km from the city center. Thanks to the GPS, we find it quickly. It’s a beautiful, fully renovated apartment with all the comforts and well-equipped. On the table, there’s wine, bottles of water, jam, coffee, etc. Given the late hour, we won’t stay up long.

Monday, 09/09: To enhance our breakfast, Michelle and Monique set off to find a bakery nearby. They return with croissants and donuts—yum... Then we head to the west coast. The highway follows the coastline, but we prefer taking the old road to Malia, our first stop. We visit the major archaeological site of this Minoan city under the hot sun. The site covers a vast area, but the ruins aren’t very evocative except for a few beautiful amphorae scattered around. The explanations in a small house at the entrance are interesting and help us better understand the organization of the ancient city with its different districts. From there, we head toward the nearby mountains to see the thousand-year-old plane tree in the village of Krasi. We take the opportunity to enjoy an excellent lunch of moussaka and delicious gemista at the Krassopsychia taverna in the village center. Pleasant surprise: the prices are still reasonable, with a bill of 70 € for four, including wine and water. The friendly tradition of complimentary dessert and glasses of raki continues—great! We’ve set the bar high right away! Let’s hope the rest lives up to it! On the way back toward the Lassithi Plateau, we stop at the Kardiotisa Monastery perched high on the mountain to enjoy a magnificent view of the entire region. Just a little further, we arrive at the Lassithi Plateau: the presence of small windmills used to pump water from the ground is the typical feature of this plateau. We complete a full loop around the plateau, passing by numerous orchards and vegetable gardens that occupy the entire space. At the end of the plateau, we once again cross mountain passes via winding roads that bring us near Agios Nikolaos. Our apartment is located about ten kilometers further south in Amoudhara. The owner, who was notified, waits for us and shows us her superb apartment, whose large terrace overlooks the entire Mirabello Bay. She then gives us valuable information about the different beaches in the area. Dinner will be frugal, given our hearty lunch in Krasi!

Sunset over Mirabello Bay

Tuesday, 10/09: A bit of a gray sky when we wake up around 8 a.m., but the sun will soon triumph over the scattered clouds. For our first swim, we opt for Voulisma Beach, even though our host warned us it was a bit “crowdy.” That’s understandable given the beautiful emerald color of the sea and the lovely curve of the beach. To avoid the big crowds, we move toward the eastern part of the beach, accessible via a steep staircase. The water is very warm, and this first dip is very pleasant. Before returning to the apartment, we stop at the bakery to buy spinach pies, essential ingredients to accompany our Greek salad for lunch. Of course, everything will be washed down with ouzo, which will remain our favorite drink for the next three weeks—but in moderation!!! A nap is in order after all that effort. In the late afternoon, we drive to Agios Nikolaos, the main seaside resort in Crete. We’re not too enthusiastic about visiting this mass-tourism resort, but the center of Agios, concentrated around the small inner harbor, is pleasant to see despite the plethora of shops and restaurants. We dine a little outside the harbor in the shaded courtyard of the Avli taverna: the oven-baked lamb, squid with spinach, and cuttlefish ink orzo pasta are all highly appreciated. We still stay under a 75 € bill for four.

Mirabello Bay seen from our terrace

Wednesday, 11/09: At 8 a.m., the terrace is already bathed in sunlight, and it’s already quite hot. The small parasol barely gives us enough shade, but we’re not complaining! For our second swim, we head to a tiny beach recommended by our host, just 3 minutes by car from our place. The path leading to it is very discreet, and we don’t find it right away! It’s a small sandy cove with a few welcome tamarisk trees for shade. When we arrive, there are two swimmers, and there won’t be more than five or six in the morning. After lunch and a nap, we head to the beautiful village of Kritsa, just a few kilometers away. It’s too late to visit the beautiful church of Kera Panagia, which is already closed. We settle for the exterior, which is worth a look. The weather is clouding over, and big clouds are gathering. Upon arriving in Kritsa, a heavy shower forces us to take shelter in the Platanos taverna in the village center, and since it’s nearly 7 p.m., we decide to stay and dine there. Good choice—excellent meze: croquettes and stuffed zucchini flowers, gigantes beans, grilled tomatoes and feta, and pancetta as the main dish. The rain stops just as we decide to head back.

Village of Kritsa

Thursday, 12/09: Our terrace faces east, so we get to watch the sunrise around 7 a.m.—it’s truly a beautiful sight we never tire of. Around 9 a.m., we head to the village of Plaka, where boats depart for the island of Spinalonga, located north of Agios Nikolaos. We board the first boat, which sets sail at 10 a.m., and we’re not alone—the boat is practically full. After 10 minutes, we land on the island at the same time as several other boats from Elounda or Agios. Needless to say, there are already quite a few people walking through the streets of the leper village. The visit remains interesting and moving as we read the explanatory panels recounting the island’s history under Byzantine and then Turkish rule, followed by its transformation into a leper colony. As soon as we climb toward the top of the island via more or less maintained paths, there’s almost no one left. The 360° view from up there is stunning.



Spinalonga Island

The heat is now unbearable, and we can’t wait to get back home to have lunch on our terrace and rest. In the late afternoon, we go grocery shopping at the AB supermarket at the entrance of Agios. We had spotted another nice restaurant in our guide, but unfortunately, there’s a different one at the indicated location that doesn’t inspire us. So, we return to the Avli taverna for another dinner just as good as the first.

Friday, 13/09: We repeat yesterday’s successful program: a swim in our little cove, lunch on the terrace, a nap, and then, in the late afternoon, we discover another nearby village, Kroustas, nestled in the olive groves near Kritsa. Much less touristy than Kritsa, it’s mostly inhabited by locals, especially the elderly who are enjoying the cool air on their chairs—if you can call it cool given the still-high temperatures in the late afternoon! We then return to visit Kritsa, which we hadn’t been able to explore due to the rain. Dinner at a taverna in the village center at a very reasonable price.

Saturday, 14/09: Today, we move to our new base further east. We start with a high viewpoint at the Faneromeni Monastery, which overlooks Mirabello Bay. The monastery itself is of little interest as it’s under renovation with excessive concrete work. We continue to the village of Kavoussi to see another exceptional tree after a few kilometers on a dusty, bumpy track. It’s an olive tree said to be about 3,200 years old—impressive, and the countryside is very beautiful. It’s time to find a place for lunch. We find one in the charming little port of Mohlos, where a few tavernas surround a very nice small beach. Our choice falls on the Bogazzi taverna, where we enjoy fried fish. To reach our new base in Zakros, we still have to drive through the mountains before reaching Sitia, Paleokastro, and finally Zakros. The region is beautiful, with olive groves and rows of wind turbines taking advantage of the strong wind near the northern tip of the island. In Zakros, we’re greeted by our very friendly host. Here too, we have all the comforts and a beautiful terrace overlooking the village. The apartment has reversible air conditioners, but the overly simple instructions leave us puzzled. Thinking we’ve set it correctly, we realize a little too late that it’s blowing hot air over 30°C! After numerous attempts and testing several confusing programs, we finally succeed! Dinner on our new terrace.

Sunday, 15/09: This morning, we get up early to hike in the “Gorge of the Dead” while it’s still cool. The sky is blue as usual! We park in the nearest parking lot and start our descent via a beautiful path winding through the olive groves. A little further on, the landscape opens up, and the path, now a stony trail, begins the descent to the dry riverbed. On either side of the riverbed rise beautiful reddish cliffs.





Gorge of the Dead

The trail winds its way through this narrow gorge with difficulty. It was in the many caves visible halfway up the slope that the Minoans buried their dead, hence the name “Gorge of the Dead.” The gorge opens onto a beautiful small pebble beach. A swim is welcome after this hike that made us sweat. The hike took us 1 hour and 25 minutes, and a little less on the way back. Meanwhile, Monique did some shopping and prepared an excellent lunch. In the late afternoon, we go down to dine at Platanakis, a taverna in the small village of Kato Zakros.

Monday, 16/09: This morning, we explore the northern part of the east coast near Palekastro. We start with a dip at the beautiful Hionia Beach near Palekastro. The water is still just as nice, but a light breeze is blowing—not enough to spoil our fun! Seeing all the wind turbines lining the ridges, it’s no surprise.

Grocery shopping in Palekastro and return to Zakros. A little rain in the late afternoon and an excellent dinner at Iannis Mitsakakis’ Taverna in Adravastis. These are the kind of small tavernas we love—unpretentious, a few tables on a terrace, a warm welcome, a short menu guaranteeing freshness, tasty dishes prepared by the server’s mom, and a light bill. What more could you ask for!

Tuesday, 17/09: We head back toward Palekastro to do some shopping, but it’s also the road to the Toplou Monastery. There, we see a collection of magnificent icons dating from the 15th to the 20th century. We can also admire drawings of Orthodox religious architecture. We continue toward the Mavros Akrotiri headland to enjoy the view of the sea and rocky capes. On the way back to our place, we make a small detour to see the famous Vai palm grove. Meh... As for Vai Beach, it’s filled with paid umbrellas and sunbeds, and there are so many people that we flee. Plus, having to pay for parking is another reason to snub this trendy beach. We prefer our Hionia Beach, which we already appreciated the other day. In the late afternoon, Pat and I start the trail that begins at Kato Zakros Beach heading south. The poorly marked path crosses a plateau of sharp limestone. The paint and cairn markings are no longer very visible, and with dusk approaching, we turn back toward Kato Zakros. Dinner at the Platanakis taverna—less good than last time.

Wednesday, 18/09: To avoid the scorching sun, Pat, Mimi, and I get up earlier than usual to hike the Hohlakies Gorge. At this early hour, the sky is quite cloudy, and it’s drizzling. When we arrive in the village of Hohlakies, we park in front of a small chapel, the start of the hike. The sky is now completely clear. The trail starts among the olive groves, then after passing through a gate, we descend into the gorge filled with large rocks. We’re alone in the world, and the landscape is magnificent. A few wild goats clinging to the cliff watch us from above. After 1 hour and 15 minutes, we emerge onto the wonderful Karoumès Beach. A pleasant swim, then back to civilization! A walk in the late afternoon in Zakros to discover the beautiful springs route. Dinner in Adravastis.

Thursday, 19/09: Another move: Before heading to our next stop, we make a detour to see the beautiful Keratokampos Beach and can’t resist a swim in the still-warm, clear water. We continue our journey via Ziros, then reach the south coast and have lunch at the Stephi taverna in Ferma—excellent meal! The south coast is quite urbanized and has much less charm than the east coast we’ve just left! The numerous plastic greenhouses are partly to blame. We stop for groceries in Ierapetra. Around 3 p.m., we arrive at our destination in the small perched village of Anatoli. Our lodging is at the top of the village, and from the path leading to it, we have a magnificent view of the coastal plain, unfortunately overloaded with plastic greenhouses. It reminds us of the landscapes of El Ejido in Andalusia.

View of the Ierapetra coast from Anatoli

Friday, 20/09: A walk and discovery of the hamlet of Anatoli. There are few services—a tiny grocery store, a taverna, and that’s it. Fortunately, the traveling baker arrives and honks. We take the opportunity to buy fresh bread. Leaving the village, we take a path that should lead us to the hamlet of Drygies. The landscape is beautiful. We walk through a lovely pine forest before arriving at the hamlet. The path continues to a taverna that’s closed today, with a superb terrace overlooking the coast. Luckily, the owner arrives and informs us that the taverna will be open next Sunday and that we can enjoy barbecued meat. Noted! We head back to Anatoli via the small paved road with, fortunately, very limited traffic. Lunch on our terrace, then a dip in our private pool! The water is noticeably cooler than at the beach. Dinner at the village taverna: there’s only one menu—meze starters, souvlaki, water, wine, and bread—all for 35 €! We think we’re dreaming—was there a mistake? No.

Saturday, 21/09: We discover the beach of the village of Myrtos, a small seaside resort that’s quite touristy but on a human scale. We swim in the western part of the beach, and once again, we’re alone in the water. The best part: warm water and tamarisk trees for welcome shade. There’s even a shower to rinse off! In the late afternoon, Pat and I decide to go for a hike in the Selakano pine forest. To get there, we take a narrow, winding, and poorly paved road after the village of Christos. Plus, at this altitude, we encounter clouds clinging to the mountain, so it’s drizzling, and visibility is reduced. We decide to turn back and return to Anatoli. As compensation, we take the path that passes in front of the lodging and leads us to the Timios Stavros chapel, which crowns the summit of the nearby mountain. We arrive at the summit just in time for the sunset at 7 p.m. Breathtaking 360° panorama and magnificent colors!

Sunset from Anatoli

Sunday, 22/09: This morning, Pat, Mimi, and I go for a hike in the Sarakina Gorge, located about 12 km from Anatoli via a beautiful road winding through irrigated olive groves. We park in the small parking lot before the trail. At the start, the path follows a levada (small irrigation canal) and quickly enters a very narrow gorge flanked by high cliffs. The riverbed is cluttered with huge rocks blocking the passage. No matter—in the technical sections, ropes or ladders allow us to overcome these obstacles with a bit of skill. You can imagine how quickly the riverbed must rise during a storm, given the narrowness of the gorge!

We progress slowly through this magnificent and impressive rocky chaos. At the exit of the gorge, we take another return path that partly follows the paved road. Back in Anatoli, we go to lunch at the Drygies taverna. We sit at the edge of the terrace under a huge tree that covers almost the entire terrace and order grilled lamb dishes prepared according to the ancient “antikristo” method.

Monday, 23/09: Departure for our last stop before Heraklion. We thought about swimming at Tertsa Beach, but it turns out to be less pleasant than expected, with pebbles and an uneven rocky plateau. So, we return to Myrtos Beach, which we know well and suits us perfectly. We head west, leaving the coast a bit. Around 3:30 p.m., we arrive at our destination in the village of Kamilari, near the famous Matala spot. We’ve rented a beautiful, modern, well-equipped apartment with a lovely shaded terrace. The owner is very friendly and explains everything necessary for a good stay. We explore the quite touristy village with its few tavernas, all full of tourists, mostly Germans.

Tuesday, 24/09: Visit to the village of Sivas, well restored thanks to the Germans, who have invested a lot here. We take the opportunity to scout out “friendly” tavernas, then go for a swim at Kalamaki Beach. Apart from a small sandy access, you have to enter the water via a chaotic limestone plateau—proof of this is that Monique trips slightly when entering the water. A group of very unfriendly German women blocks the sandy passage and doesn’t hesitate to push swimmers they deem too close. Back home, lunch, and a nap. In the late afternoon, we drive to visit the nearby Phaistos site. We benefit from very beautiful lighting. From the elevated site, we overlook the Messara Plain with a beautiful view of the olive grove checkerboards highlighted by the late afternoon sun. The site itself is quite vast, but to appreciate it, it’s better to read the explanatory panels placed throughout the different quarters. At this hour, the site is almost empty, and the beautiful light adds charm to the visit.

Wednesday, 25/09: Departure for the village of Matala, which doesn’t interest us in itself, having been there during the “hippie” era in 1976. However, going to Red Beach, only accessible by taking a path overlooking this area, appeals to us much more. We park in the large parking lot just outside the village and start our climb, which brings us to a pass from where we can admire this beautiful red-sand beach framed by beautiful cliffs plunging into the sea. The weather is magnificent, and at this early hour, there aren’t many people yet. We swim in the free part located near the cliff on the right when arriving at the beach. The sea is like glass, warm, and without a single ripple—a real treat! After half an hour, we turn back, and now there are many people rushing on this path, not at all made for feet in sandals or flip-flops, yet many vacationers venture out like this! Matala lives up to its image—a trendy place, full of shops, bars, and restaurants. You could be in any seaside resort with a standard global urbanism, lacking particular charm. Back home. In the late afternoon, a walk through the olive groves surrounding Kamilari, then dinner at Evangelina’s, who runs the Minoan Parassies taverna in the middle of the olive groves. Evangelina is quite a character: we came to reserve a table for 8 p.m. when it was only 7 p.m., but since we lingered near her restaurant, she prepares a table for us and urges us to sit down! And there she takes our order, and a little later, the meze arrive, followed by the main dishes. We finish this good dinner with several generous glasses of raki, accompanied by Evangelina’s encouragements, repeating “poya poya bravo bravo” in a loop. We’re in great shape too, by the way! We return in the middle of the night, on foot, fortunately, with the path vaguely lit by our phones...

Thursday, 26/09: This morning, we discover a new beach, Kommos Beach, not far from Kamilari either. It’s a long sandy beach, a small part of which is dedicated to paid umbrellas and sunbeds, and the rest is free. We spot a tamarisk tree to take shelter from the still-hot sun, and once again, we enjoy clear, warm water. The few swimmers spread out easily over nearly 500 meters of beach. In the late afternoon, Pat and I go to admire the sunset from the hill near our lodging. The hill, covered with olive trees, is threatened by a planned housing development of large cubic villas—trends dictate. Concrete never stops...

Friday, 27/09: We thought about leaving the car at the Odiyitria Monastery, the end of the paved road, but since the track descending to the cave remains drivable, we park 3 km further at the junction of the track leading to Kali Limenes Beach. We still have to walk for half an hour on a less drivable track, and then we’re at the entrance of the Farango Gorge. It’s a beautiful, easy hike since we follow the dry pebble riverbed. Before arriving at the beach, there’s a very beautiful small chapel sheltered under a large cliff, beautifully lit at this early hour.



Agio Farango Chapel

A few climbers are scaling the cliff, and about ten swimmers are enjoying the sea. Return to the car under the hot sun. In the late afternoon, we all return to visit the interesting Odiyitria Monastery. Last swim at Kommos Beach and an excellent dinner at the Sigelakis taverna in Sivas.

Saturday, 28/09: There’s an end-of-vacation atmosphere... We pack our bags and head north. A short stop to see the village of Vorri, and a little over an hour later, we arrive in the big city of Heraklion. Since it’s too early to check into the apartment, we park in the city center to visit the famous archaeological museum. It’s indeed a must-see highlight of our stay in Crete. All four of us are amazed by the quantity and quality of the objects presented from the Minoan civilization. After more than 2 hours, we come out without having seen everything, but we’re a bit overwhelmed by all these wonders. Lunch at a nice little taverna very close to the Titus Church. We go to take possession of our apartment—the same as on the way there, still just as satisfying. In the late afternoon, I go alone for a walk in the historic district of the city, passing by the Morosini Fountain, which is bustling with people—some seated at café terraces, others standing and chatting. There’s a lively atmosphere here. A little further on are the Venetian loggia and the Agios Titos Church. I walk down to the old Venetian port to stroll along the jetty and admire the fortifications under beautiful late-afternoon lighting, then return to the apartment. Dinner near our place at Kiriakis, a “chic” restaurant but with very reasonable prices and excellent cuisine.

Sunday, 29/09: Wake-up at 3:30 a.m., quick coffee, and drive to the nearby airport. We leave the car in the parking lot. Already a lot of people at this early hour. Since we don’t have checked luggage, we go straight to security, which goes fairly quickly, then it’s waiting time and takeoff on time in an Airbus A321 for a 45-minute flight to Athens. We take off again in another Airbus A321 with a 50-minute delay to arrive in Zurich at 11:10 a.m. local time. Then we have to take the train to Basel and then the one to Colmar. With fewer Sunday services, we won’t arrive in Colmar until around 4 p.m.

Conclusion All four of us returned very satisfied with this stay in Crete for several reasons: - We found superb beaches with clear, warm water and often very few vacationers. - The few hikes we did were magnificent, especially those where the trails went through gorges leading to deserted beaches. - We greatly appreciated Cretan gastronomy—there were so few disappointments that we can count them on one hand. - All the accommodations we booked turned out to be superb, with the icing on the cake being the very friendly welcome from our hosts. - Generally, contacts with Cretans were always very warm despite the language barrier—we speak a little Greek. - We also appreciated the diversity of landscapes in this eastern part of Crete, with plateaus and mountains with splendid rugged reliefs.

Note: The photo album is available by clicking on this link:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/hfdjQndA5eXkL5k7 Captions are only visible per photo by clicking on the circled “i” in the top right. Budget: approximately 3,300 € per couple for 21 days, including train and flights Budget details per couple: - Flight Zurich-Heraklion: 440 € - Trains Colmar-Basel-Zurich round trip for 4: 442.40 € (221 € per couple) - Accommodation: 2,431 € / 21 = 115.80 € per night for 4 (1,216 € per couple) - Car rental for 21 days: 684 € + 145 € fuel (1,150 km) (414 € per couple) - Restaurants, food, etc.: 1,009 €
27-Day Itinerary in the Canadian Rockies
by Latitudes64 · 2024-11-11 · 13 replies
Hello everyone!

We’re planning a trip to western Canada in September 2025. Here’s the route we’ve mapped out: - Calgary: 2 days - Lake Louise: 4 days, hikes around the lakes (L. Louise, L. Agnes, L. Moraine, L. Emerald) - Icefield Parkway - Jasper: 3 days, L. Maligne, Hot Springs - Fort Fraser - Prince Rupert - Inside Passage by boat - Port Hardy (Vancouver Island) - Port Alberni: 2 days, Cathedral Cove - Ucluelet: 2 days, Tofino - Victoria: 3 days - Crossing to Vancouver - Vancouver: 4 days Total: 27 days.

What do you think?

About the Inside Passage—has anyone here done it? Our only concern is the weather for that boat day between Prince Rupert and the northern part of Vancouver Island. Under clear skies, the landscapes are stunning. If it’s foggy or mediocre weather, well, we’ll have given it a shot! Just know you *have* to book the car passage way in advance.

Thanks for any tips or advice you can share! Cailleurs64
Réservation sur le MSC Grandiosa English translation pending
by BJ06 · 2020-09-23 · 1 reply
Bonjour Désireux d'effectuer une croisière sur le MSC Grandiosa, je ne comprends pas pour le moment les offres sur le site de MSC... d'un côté les disponibilités sur le Grandiosa ne sont que jusqu'à fin Novembre... mais en passant par leur page "Départs MSC Sélection Voyages 5%+5%..." (offre valable jusqu'au 20 octobre), les croisières sur le Grandiosa sont disponibles à la réservation sur plus longues échéances. Faut-il réserver dès maintenant pour profiter de leur offre ou faut-il attendre ? Je sais bien qu'un jour tout se régularisera... Cordialement
Payer une contravention de stationnement à Porto English translation pending
by Nikos07 · 2020-08-30 · 4 replies
Bonjour à tous.

En visitant PORTO je me suis fait verbaliser pour stationnement ( délai dépassé), de retour en France j'ai souhaité payer par virement bancaire et sur l'avis j'ai le site telpark avec un numéro qui quand je le renseigne sur le site ne correspond à rien, et en dessous on me signal que je dois payer via multibanco avec une référence.

Auriez-vous une solution à me proposer afin de régulariser ma situation?

Merci d'avance.
"Débloquage" du Japon à partir du 1er septembre English translation pending
by Vitrival · 2020-08-28 · 17 replies
Je reçois chaque soir sur internet le journal Kampai;enfin une bonne nouvelle:les résidents sont autorisés à sortir ou rentrer au Japon à partir du 1er septembre. Pour les touristes on verra.Je ne désespère pas de visiter le Japon en novembre ou début décembre.Les pessimistes de tout poil sont priés de garder pour eux se qu'ils ont vu dans leur boule de cristal. Merci Vitrival
J’envisage de faire une croisière en juillet 2021 English translation pending
by Kevin29780 · 2020-08-23 · 2 replies
Bonjour,

Moi et mon amie envisageons de faire une croisière pour juillet 2021. Quand on regarde les prix actuellement, ils sont assez élevés (compagnie MSC).

On a un budget de 1500 €. Ma question est la suivante : est-ce que d’ici l’année 2021 et 3 mois avant, on peut s’attendre à une bonne réduction parce qu’actuellement on tourne autour de 849 euros pp.

Les tarifs sont toujours plus cher l’été mais y aura t il des bonnes réduction à votre avis, à quel prix pourrait elle descendre ? Comment ça s’est passé pour ceux qui ont réservé aux dates de février mars l’année dernière pour une croisière en juillet 2019 ? Merci d’avance.
Électrifier son vélo English translation pending
by Jeanmarc66 · 2020-08-21 · 77 replies
Bonjour à toutes et tous . Quelques problèmes liés à l'arthrose (a 67 ans, cela arrive ??..🙂 ), et souhaitant continuer à randonner (France uniquement), j'envisage d'électrifier mon vélo. Aprés avoir pris quelques renseignements, je me dirigerais vers une remorque car mon vélo ainsi équipé ne pourrait plus être sur le porte vélo (grosse batterie de cadre, ou 2 batteries , une sur vélo et une en réserve dans la remorque) et j'envisage de ne garder qu'une voiture. En bref, quels sont vos retours si vous avez fait ce choix. Vous en remerciant, au plaisir de vous lire JeanMarc
Remboursement frais annexes suite à l'annulation de croisière par Costa English translation pending
by Fevrier29900 · 2020-07-16 · 9 replies
bonjour ayant eu un mail de COSTA concernant les remboursements suite à leur annulation ces derniers stipulent qu'il ne rembourse que si vous avez pris par leur biais votre croisière et les frais annexes . quelqu'un a t il eu le meme . merci
"On ne risque pas de se tromper si on ne sait pas où on va" English translation pending
by Camusmonamou · 2020-07-09 · 18 replies
Cette réplique d'Eric Caravaca dans le film "C'est quoi la vie" vous inspire t-elle ?

Karl
Baignade en Ardèche avec des enfants English translation pending
by Mars92100 · 2020-06-07 · 29 replies
bonjour

je cherche des lieux de baignade avec des enfants dans le Sud de l'Ardèche, la dernière semaine de juillet.

Alors j'ai vu qu'il y avait le Pont d'Arc, le cirque de Gens. mais je me doute qu'il y aura du monde là bas.

j'ai par ailleurs vu le forum suivant : https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=9071432;search_string=gorge%20ardeche%20baignade qui m'a donné des infos

bon voilà, ça c'est pour le constat.

De là je me pose plusieurs questions,

est-ce qu'il y a d'autres coins de baignade, facilement accessibles avec des enfants, sans que ce soit trop bondé, à 1h d'Orange max ?

savez-vous si à cause du Covid il y a eu des mesures qui vont être prises pour gérer l'afflux ?

merci pour votre aide

Marcin
Billets d'avion pour voyage aux Seychelles en octobre English translation pending
by Floflo1959 · 2020-05-12 · 6 replies
Bonjour, nous avons annulé notre voyage aux Seychelles prévu en août et hésitons à reprendre des billets pour octobre. Je sais que personne n'est devin mais qu'en pensez vous ?

Advanced search

Your search

More filters

Filters

By member

Display