These adventures are designed for the body, mind and soul, perfect for those who seek revitalizing vacations.

DAY 1:

Our trip officially begins 10:00am on the first day at the Heraklion Airport where The Northwest Passage staff will meet you at the airport. We will then enjoy a scenic drive across Crete down to the beach town of Matala on the south coast. There will be a kayak outfitting session followed by welcome drinks while viewing the incredible sunset. Over dinner at an authentic Greek taverna, we will review the itinerary for the week and answer whatever questions you may have.

DAY 2:

After breakfast, we will outfit everyone with paddle, PFD and sprayskirt, then head to the beach for our basic kayaking instruction session. The protected bay in Matala provides us with an ideal introductory location, surrounded by the famous caves - legendary homes to Joni Mitchell, Cat Stevens, Bob Dylan and others in the 1960s. Following our morning paddle session, we will paddle to two neighboring beaches, Red Beach and Kommos Beach. After enjoying lunch at Kommos Beach we return to Matala for cliff-jumping into the bay and our highly recommended Sunset Hike. The day ends with a great meal (as always) and a chance to experience the Matala nightlife.

DAY 3:
We’ll get an early start today as we transfer by van to 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.

DAY 4:
As the ascending sun brightens the cliffs along the bay, we will kayak from Agia Roumeli to Agios Pavlos for our cappuccino stop. The small 10th Century Byzantine chapel built in honor of St. Paul is a remarkable site and a classic photo opportunity. From Agios Pavlos, we’ll continue along the coastline to Marmara Beach, one of our tastiest lunch stops offering additional cliff-jumping opportunities from the wind-carved marble rocks. We then paddle to the water-access-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 all past participants. We won’t ruin the moment by saying any more now- you’ll just have to see for yourself!

DAY 5:

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 into 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 the Turkish fortress overlooking the harbor followed by dinner at another of the excellent bayside tavernas.

DAY 6:
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. 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!

DAY 7:
Heading out from Plakias, our next stop is Palm Beach, where Cretan palms line a picturesque stream which joins the sea. An optional short paddle up the inland freshwater creek provides a glimpse of river turtles and local birds. 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 mileage for the day 20+ miles!). In the evening, we will celebrate with a final dinner overlooking the harbor at Agia Galini.

DAY 8:
Those wishing to complete the paddling circle may choose to launch early in the morning and paddle across the bay from Agia Galini into Matala (approximately 8 miles in an open water crossing). Others will sleep a little later and 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, giving time for a visit the renowned Heraklion Archaeological Museum before catching late afternoon flights back to Athens.

***This itinerary is subject to change. As with all adventure travel, some activities are dependent on appropriate wind and water conditions. But fear not -we have many alternative activities available in case the weather is not cooperative.***

DAY 1:
Matala: No matter which route you take to get to Heraklion, the trip will officially begin at 10:00 a.m. at the Heraklion airport. We will meet you at the airport in the arrivals section, and set off for Matala where you settle into your room and have lunch. During the afternoon there will be a kayak outfitting session followed by welcome drinks while viewing the incredible sunset. Over our first delightful dinner together at an authentic Greek taverna, we will review the itinerary for the week and answer whatever questions you may have.

DAY 2:
Matala: After breakfast we hold an introductory kayak lesson, and then immediately put the new skills to use as we paddle to the world famous Red Beach. Along the way we explore the beautiful coastline and poke inside some cavernous sea caves. After lounging, swimming and maybe grabbing a drink on Red Beach, we paddle over to Kommos Beach to enjoy a seaside lunch. We then paddle back to Matala, capping off today’s kayak mileage at seven. After landing our kayaks, the afternoon is yours to lounge on the beach, explore the area trails or go cliff jumping in Matala Bay! This evening we hike up a seaside hill for an unparalleled view of the Cretean coast, and watch the sky blaze through the color spectrum as the sun slips beneath the horizon. 

DAY 3:
Matala: After breakfast you have the option to hike amongst the hills and beaches, or paddle along the headlands, bluffs and coves to the very beautiful Vathi Beach. We return to Matala for lunch, and spend the afternoon checking out the ancient Roman catacombs, swimming, cliff jumping, hiking and/or paddling.

DAY 4:

Roumeli: After an early start and hit the road for the Samaria Gorge, Europe’s deepest gorge and one of the world’s most astounding natural wonders. After reaching the top of the Samaria Gorge we have lunch and stock up on hiking snacks. We hike the gorge through pine forests, across mountain streams and between towering canyon walls. Words cannot capture the majestic beauty of this incredible place. You simply have to hike it to believe it! We stay the night in Roumeli, the seaside town at the bottom of the gorge that is only accessible by trail and by boat. Tonight we enjoy well deserved cold drinks and maybe a dip in the sea before dinner.

DAY 5:

Loutro: After breakfast our fleet of kayaks await us. We paddle first to Agios Pavlos, a 1,000 year old Byzantine chapel that marks the spot where St. Paul was shipwrecked. We linger on the beach at the nearby taverna to enjoy a cappuccino before setting off for our lunch stop, Marmara Beach. Again, we relax at Marmara, taking time to snorkel, lay out and do some more cliff jumping. We then paddle on to Loutro, our home for the next three nights. Loutro, like Roumeli, is another beautiful south coast town that is only accessible by hiking trail and by boat. We settle into our rooms at Loutro and then head off for dinner. We can even go for a starlight paddle in the stunning protected bay.

DAY 6:
Loutro: Today we have the option to hike on the world famous E4 trail, hike the Aradena Gorge or paddle to some of the area's beaches. Sweetwater Beach is a very popular beach approximately one hour away by kayak or trail. This smooth stone beach is known for the freshwater springs that gurgle up through the rocks onshore. Sweetwater is also a great place to grab a snack and a coffee before going on to the town of Chora Sfakia or back to Loutro for lunch. Dinner is on your own tonight, and options abound.

DAY 7:

Loutro: It's hard to believe but we've already come to our last full day of the trip. So we make sure to pack it full of adventure. If you fancy a challenge, and didn't hike the Aradena Gorge the day before, we highly recommend this full-day hike down an awe inspiring natural wonder. Along the way you'll pass traditional Cretan villages and a bluff-top monastery with panoramic views of the sea and surrounding mountains. Of course the sea offers unlimited kayaking adventure possibilities as well if you choose to paddle instead. This evening we go for another sunset hike, stopping to admire the seascape from the ruins of a Venetian fortress. Afterwards we celebrate the memories we've made at our farewell dinner.

DAY 8:
After breakfast, we will hike or take a short paddle from Loutro to the port town of Hora Sfakia and from there, shuttle back to Heraklion. The Northwest Passage plans to have you back to the departures terminal of the Heraklion airport by 4:00 PM on this final day of the program. When booking travel please allow enough time to comfortably navigate check-in and security.

***This itinerary is subject to change. As with all adventure travel, some activities are dependent on appropriate wind and water conditions. But fear not -we have many alternative activities available in case the weather is not cooperative.***

DAY 1:
Our trip officially begins at 5:00pm at the Sea Sound Hotel with welcome drinks and our first fabulous sunset to inaugurate our first night together. Guests who arrive early in the day may choose to hike the scenic and historic footpath overlooking the caldera from Firostefani to the famous town of Oia.

DAY 2:

After a delicious breakfast we will commence our circumnavigation of Santorini beginning at beautiful Caldera Beach on the southwest coast. First we paddle west toward the point of Faros, enjoying a breathtaking caldera view with the cliffs of Santorini on our left and the smaller islands of Thirasia and Nea Kameni on our right. We’ll see the colorful doors of traditional Greek boat houses carved right into the seaside cliff walls. We’ll turn back east along the coast to our cappuccino stop at Pigadia Beach. Our lunch stop is at the historic Akrotiri Beach where we will take some time to visit the ruins of Akrotiri. Our destination for the night is near the southernmost tip of the island of Fira, where our friendly hosts await us in their beautiful villas. After a swim and shower we will visit a fine Santorini winery, perched atop one of the many picturesque cliffs, for wine tasting and one of many caldera sunsets. Afterwards we'll head back to a seaside taverna for dinner.

DAY 3:

After a hearty breakfast by the pool at our hotel, we’ll take to the sea once again paddling north to the world-famous black volcanic sand beach of Kamares, where we'll enjoy a cappuccino stop before ascending by van to the ancient Roman-era site of Thira. We'll explore this fascinating and well-preserved ruin. Tonight we stay in the outskirts of Oia. In this famous cliff-dwelling town where we will stay for two nights, you will have the opportunity to have the quintessential Santorini experience: sunset viewing, jewelry and art shopping, fine food and drink. The white-washed houses and blue church domes we’ll see here have been captured in countless travel photos of Santorini.

DAY 4:

After enjoying breakfast, we will return to the boats to round the northern tip of Santorini. Our destination is charming and energetic Ammoudi Bay, which sits just below our beautiful cliffside hotel in Oia. Walk or ride up to your room for yet another amazing sunset. Tonight you are on your own for dinner and have the opportunity to explore the town, visit the castle, and enjoy the numerous artisan shops and cafes.

DAY 5:
After breakfast we’ll walk down to Ammoudi Bay and begin our day’s journey into the spectacular Santorini caldera. Our first stop is historic Armeni Bay for our morning cappuccino. We’ll admire the intense contrasting colors of the banded cliffs that show the different layers of volcanic materials. The impossibly warm, luminescent sea against the caldera’s sheer cliffs creates an inviting stage for photographs and swimming. We’ll paddle along the interior of the caldera to the Port of Thira for our lunch stop, which provides opportunities for quick shopping and people watching. After lunch we will cross the caldera to the island of Thirassia, a time-capsule of the Greek islands from decades ago. Tonight we stay at the only inn on the island, where our worldly and charming host extends his heartfelt Greek hospitality. From here we can enjoy the glimmering lights of Oia and Thira on the “big” island, and enjoy unique traditional cuisine at a local taverna.

DAY 6:

We’ll circumnavigate Thirassia and have a picnic lunch along the shore. Tonight our sunset hike takes us to the site of a historic monastery with one of the most spectacular views in the Greek Islands!

DAY 7:
We’ll say good bye to Thirassia and make our final crossing back to Santorini. On the way, we’ll explore the "new" volcanic islands which have recently arisen in the caldera. The youngest of these, Nea Kameni, or “New Burnt Island” is only 300 years old and is surrounded by hot springs. After a swim in the volcanic springs that empty directly into the sea, we’ll hike to the core of the volcanic crater and have a hearty picnic lunch overlooking the sea. At last, we’ll make our final crossing back to our launching place at Santorini’s Caldera Beach and enjoy a well-deserved celebratory dinner. 

DAY 8:
Breakfast ends our stay on this beautiful and enchanting island. Final partings and transfers to flights or ferries round out our final day.

***This itinerary is subject to change. As with all adventure travel, some activities are dependent on appropriate wind and water conditions. But fear not -we have many alternative activities available in case the weather is not cooperative.***

DAY 1:

Arrive on Stromboli by early afternoon and meet your guides. Enjoy a stroll through the lovely town center or a visit to the black sand beaches. In the early evening hours, hike along Sciara del Fuoco and admire Stromboli’s stunning volcanic eruptions. The lightshow doesn’t stop there. Enjoy dinner with a perfect vantage point for observing the eruptions.

DAY 2:
After ferrying to the island of Vulcano, get outfitted for your kayaking journey, and explore the beautiful coastline. If you’re ready for more adventure, set out on one of Vulcano’s amazing day hikes before dinner.

DAY 3:
Today you will nearly complete a kayak circumnavigation of Vulcano. This beautiful island is a joy to explore from the water. You’ll stop at beaches along the way to stretch your legs, have lunch in the charming hamlet of Gelso, and luxuriate in Tyrrhenian Sea.

DAY 4:
Today you enjoy beaches on three different Aeolian Islands on a paddle from Vulcano to Lipari to Salina. Set off from Vulcano and explore awesome sea stacks and paddle-through archways enroute to our first beach stop on Lipari. Continue north along Lipari’s west coast through sea caves and rock gardens before making the final crossing to Salina. An amazing full day on the water. 

DAY 5:
Explore the wonderful island of Salina by kayak and foot. Circumnavigate the island by kayak over the course of one or two days (weather dependent), and savor your evenings in the marvelous town of Malfa.

DAY 6:
Complete the circumnavigation of Salina and/or embark on stunning hikes. Challenge yourself by scaling Salina’s highest point, Monte Fassa delle Felci (950m), or take it easier by walking the postcard-perfect coastline of Pollara (set of the film Il Postino).

DAY 7:

Return to Vulcano by kayak and enjoy the final evening together in these awe-inspiring volcanic islands. Soak up the sunset during our celebratory dinner to conclude a week of intrepid adventure.

DAY 8:
We make our way to the ferry terminal on the northeast tip of Vulcano. From there, we will say goodbyes and depart for connections on the mainland.

DAY 1:
The trip officially beginsat 10:00am at the Naples Train Station Stazione Centrale (Piazza Garibaldi), or otherwise by arrangement. From the train station, we will head to Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius, the famous site of the tragic volcanic eruption burying Pompeii and neighboring Herculaneum. We will have a tour of Pompeii, and then shuttle down to Amalfi. There are many options for lunch in Amalfi. You’ll have some free time in the afternoon to explore Amalfi. We’ll get together to enjoy the incredible Italian culture, have a drink and begin to get to know one another. We will review the itinerary for the week and answer whatever questions you may have. 

DAY 2:
After breakfast, we will outfit everyone with a paddle, PFD and sprayskirt, then head across the street to the beach where we will provide basic kayaking instruction. Once we have gained a comfortable level handling our kayaks, the group will head off along the Amalfi coast toward Salerno. Lunch will be enjoyed in Minori or Maiori two neighboring communities offering a taste of life on the Amalfi coast. A wonderful dryland treat is the open air Villa Museum in Minori featuring a well preserved Villa and numerous artifacts revealing the lifestyle along this coast hundreds of years ago. Returning to Amalfi, you will have some free time to relax and soak in the sights. We’ll end the day exploring the famous narrow streets of Ravello.

DAY 3:
We will get an early start as the day’s sea kayaking will take us along one of the most famous coastlines in Italy with our final destination being the enchanting city of Positano. The coastline of Amalfi offers you an opportunity to experience a blend of nature and architecture like no other. The view from the waterline highlights the ingenuity and craftsmanship of Italian building. Your vision will blur as you focus on the wonderment of history displayed along this amazing stretch of coastline. Lunch will be enjoyed at one of the many water access ports along the coast. Arriving in the elegant and cosmopolitan Positano, you will have a chance to explore the steep city streets and wander up into the hillside grabbing a bird’s eye view of the water below. We’ll celebrate our accomplishments with another wonderful dinner experience.

DAY 4:
We will depart from Positano, heading along the coastline to Recommone. Today’s paddle will take you away from the shoreline communities and along a stretch of remote Amalfi coastline. The steep countryside along this stretch offers a glimpse into a region that is untouched by the hand of development. Ancient towers once occupied by the varied world emperors are the only remaining structures. Recommone, our final destination, offers a remote and rural setting. This water access only village is hard to find on most maps but offers true Italian luxury. We plan to spend two nights in Recommone.

DAY 5:
You will wake to find yourself with plenty of options. The day will be structured to provide you with numerous options: take a hike to ancient Turkish ruins, paddle to the nationally protected island of Isca or pull up a beach chair and enjoy the Mediterranean warmth. Marina de Cantone a short half-mile walk or paddle offers lunch options and our first views of Capri. The choice is yours- we will help guide the way. 

DAY 6:
With a full day of exciting paddling ahead, we will depart early from Recommone and head west towards the Isle of Capri. Today’s paddle will take you along the remaining coastline of the Amalfi Peninsula into the open waters of the Gulf of Naples. Your horizon will open and fill with views of Naples, Mt. Vesuvius and of course our final destination, the Isle of Capri. The length of paddling today is 12 miles. Dinner this evening will be on your own. Hotel shuttles will provide transportation to Marina Grande or enjoy a pleasant evening in the quiet and friendly Marina Piccola.

DAY 7:
Today you will explore Capri like no other. Our goal: a complete paddling loop of the Isle of Capri. The reward: breathtaking views, rugged coastline, a glimpse at an island enchanted with Italian romance. We will make sure to include delicious cappuccino stops and as always, a hearty lunch. Dinner will be enjoyed overlooking the Arch de Natural and the breathtaking Amalfi coast. Memories made and stories embellished, we will enjoy our final Italian food and drink experience.

DAY 8:
The trip officially ends on Capri in the morning. You will have the option to board a ferry directly to Naples where a short taxi ride (not included) will drop you at the train station or airport. Those with no time commitments can ferry to Sorrento for transportation back to Naples.

*** This is our intended itinerary. As with any adventure travel, the forces of nature can be unpredictable, causing us to make adjustments and changes to the itinerary. Rest assured that we will have numerous options if changes need to be made. If it is too windy to paddle, various hiking, cultural and historical options will make you glad for the winds. ***