Crete: Mediterranean Dreams

This ride is a fixed-base or semi-fixed-base ride, please read the ride description for more details.

† Explanation of BAC Ride Fee – This fee is not included in the Estimated Cost and is non-refundable once submitted. The Ride Fee for US and Canada is $85 and $150 for all other countries, both are per participant.

Ride Description

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure on the captivating Greek island of Crete, nestled in the eastern Mediterranean and rich in history, culture, and dramatic landscapes. This is a fixed-base international tour based in the seaside town of Kissamos, near the northwest corner of the island, with twelve nights at the Nautilus Bay Hotel, a comfortable beachfront property with a swimming pool and secure bicycle storage.

From this excellent home base, riders will enjoy a wide variety of routes featuring quiet coastal roads, rolling countryside, inland mountain climbs, historic villages, monasteries, and archaeological sites. Riding days typically offer options that vary in difficulty, allowing participants to choose routes that best match their interests and energy level.

Destinations may include ancient ruins at Polyrthenia and Falasarna, historic monasteries such as Moni Gonias and Moni Hrisoskalitissas, the vibrant harbor city of Chania, mountain villages like Elos, and picturesque coastal towns including Sfinari. Optional non-riding activities may include a scenic sailing excursion along the Cretan coast or hiking opportunities such as Samaria Gorge or Irini Gorge (additional cost).

This tour is a repeat of a successful BAC ride offered in 2025, refined and improved based on prior experience.

Health and Safety

Participants are expected to arrive in good health and ready to ride. Should a participant’s health become compromised and place the group’s health or safety in jeopardy, the Ride Leaders will develop and communicate a plan to address the situation. Participants are expected to cooperate fully to support group health and safety and ensure the tour can continue as planned.

Ride Rating 2B

Typical daily rides range from 35–50 miles with 1,500–2,500 feet of climbing. Some routes include sustained climbs, occasional grades over 8%, and narrow mountain roads. Traffic is generally light to moderate. Routes have been previously scouted.

Cue Sheets, Maps, GPS

Cue sheets, maps, and GPS files (Ride with GPS) will be provided for all routes. We will not ride as a “stay together” group, and therefore riders must bring (and be able to use) a navigation device, or be prepared to navigate independently using cue sheets and maps.

Weather

Average daytime highs are approximately 68°F, with nighttime lows around 52°F. Rainfall is typically low during this time of year.

Lodging, Meals & Happy/Social Hours

Participants will stay 12 nights at the Nautilus Bay Hotel, a comfortable beachfront hotel in Kissamos featuring a swimming pool, Wi-Fi, and secure bicycle storage.

Included:

• Daily breakfast
• 10 Happy/Social Hours, each including one beverage (wine, beer, soft drink, juice, or water) and a light snack
• 3 group dinners (drinks typically extra)
• Olive grove tour with lunch and olive oil tasting/pairing
• Sailing excursion along the Cretan coast

BAC Profile Preferences will be used to accommodate dietary and medical needs when possible.

Logistics

• Tour start: April 25, 2027
• First meeting: April 25, 2027 at 6:00 pm at the hotel
• Tour end: After breakfast on May 7, 2027

The nearest airport is Chania (CHQ). Participants are responsible for transportation to Kissamos.

Participants may bring their own bicycles or rent locally. E-bikes and tandems are welcome. Bike boxes may be stored at the hotel.

GETTING TO THE NAUTILUS BAY HOTEL IN KISSAMOS

Flying to Crete
It is best to fly into Chania Airport (CHQ) on Crete, which is the closest airport to our starting and ending hotel. Several airlines, including Aegean Air, regularly fly into Chania.

Preferred Transportation: Bus or Taxi
The Nautilus Bay Hotel in Kissamos is approximately 23 miles (37 km) from Chania Airport. The drive typically takes about 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic.

• Bus (preferred for travelers without bikes):
  The local bus is an economical and reliable option and costs less than $10 USD. The bus arrives in Kissamos, about a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
  Upon arrival at the airport, we recommend checking how long it will be until the next bus departure. If the timing works, the bus is a good option.

• Taxi (preferred if traveling with a bike):
  A taxi from Chania Airport to Kissamos costs approximately €90.
  If you are traveling with a bicycle, a taxi is strongly recommended, as it is the easiest and most practical option.

• Shared Van:
  If several riders arrive at the same time, you may choose to arrange a shared van and split the cost.

Renting a Car
Renting a car is also an option. Prices are generally reasonable, and parking is available at the hotel. Roads on Crete are well maintained, with a main highway running across the island as well as many scenic back roads.

Ferries
If you plan to travel elsewhere before or after the tour, you may consider driving to Heraklion (about 2.5 hours) to catch a ferry to popular islands such as Santorini.

Cost & Administration

Estimated Tour Cost: $2,900 per person

Included:

• 12 nights lodging
• Breakfasts
• Happy/Social Hours
• 3 group dinners
• Olive grove tour with lunch and olive oil pairing
• Sailing excursion

Not Included:

• Airfare
• Transportation to Kissamos
• Bicycle rental
• Optional activities

Payment Schedule:

• Deposit: $1,450 due at sign-up
• Final payment: $1,450 due February 1, 2027

Tour costs may be adjusted prior to final payment due to exchange-rate changes.

Singles & Solos Policy

It is recommended that singles who want a roommate try to find their own. However, after receipt of the initial deposit, a single rider without a roommate will be placed on the ride and given until January 1, 2027 to find one. If no roommate is found, the rider may either withdraw (refund subject to BAC policy) or pay the solo supplement of $700 and remain on the tour.

The solo supplement is due by January 1, 2027 and may be paid by Zelle or check. The Ride Leader will assist with matching singles when possible.

EU European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)

ETIAS will be implemented approximately six months after the EU completes its Entry/Exit System (EES), anticipated sometime in 2026, though timelines remain uncertain. When implemented, ETIAS will require short-term travelers to apply online, pay a small fee (approximately €7), and receive authorization, typically within 96 hours. The authorization will be valid for three years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first.

BAC will continue to update participants as requirements evolve.

Cancellation Policy

The BAC Ride Registration Fee and Payment Processing Fees are not refundable unless the entire tour is canceled because the number of participants registered is less than the minimum established for the tour. Refunds of tour payments will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped. The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour’s remaining participants will not incur any additional cost as a result of cancellations. If the canceling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time. If the canceling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report are completed. If a single participant cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped the canceling roommate may also be liable for the solo supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour. BAC encourages members to purchase trip cancellation insurance.

Ride Participant Responsibility

Please remember that BAC Ride Leaders are volunteers, and successful tours depend on participants providing much of their own support. Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health, and ready to complete the required daily riding on well-maintained bicycles. Participants should read the ride description carefully, respond promptly to Ride Leader requests, and assist with tasks such as happy hour setup and cleanup when asked.

Insurance Statement

BAC maintains two insurance policies: a) United States, and b) Foreign (all other countries). Both the U.S. and Foreign policies are considered secondary policies to your personal medical insurance policy. They are subject to a $1000 deductible and may not cover all expenses related to an accident. Copies of the current policies are located under the “Docs” tab on the BAC website.

Before participating in any BAC tour, you should assess whether your medical and travel insurance coverage is sufficient. While touring in the U.S, the BAC insurance includes coverage for injuries due to accidents during the bike trip. Members’ personal insurance will need to cover medical emergencies such as sudden and unexpected illness (i.e. treatment for unexpected illnesses, including Covid, are not covered).

While touring internationally, i.e., outside of the U.S., BAC maintains Foreign accident insurance to assist with expenses related to accidents, medical emergencies (including sudden and unexpected sickness), and repatriation. Insurance will apply door-to-door for treatment and travel for a maximum of 90 days overall. Coverage extends to a limited period spanning the published BAC trip dates, allowing for side trips occurring before and after the BAC ride; the limitation period is 7 days before or after the published BAC trip dates. The policy covers the cost of treatment for Covid and other unexpected illnesses, but not quarantine.

Sign-Up

To register, use the sign-up links above this Ride Description. After preliminary acceptance, participants will be asked to digitally accept the Release of Liability and pay the tour deposit and non-refundable BAC Ride Registration Fee by credit card. An $85 domestic or $150 international ride fee applies.