Private tour in Chania Vangelis S
5.0
(5) reviews
11 hours
30 minutes
1
11 hours
30 minutes
1
Vangelis S.
5.0
Guide rating
55
Reviews
Tours delivered
9 hrs
Avg. response time
Your Guide: Professional Bio I was born and raised in the Old City of Chania, Crete. I am a professional mountaineer and mountain instructor with an IFMGA certification. Throughout my professional career, I have had the honor of guiding people of all ages, from beginners to experienced mountaineers, as well as well-known public figures such as politicians, journalists, and artists. The Prime Minister of Greece, Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has on occasion entrusted me with his personal safety for mountain climbing, hiking, and ski tours. Professional Experience I have over 30 years of experience as a mountain guide, having worked for companies and organizations such as: Trekking Plan Outdoor Activities & Mountain Services The North Face Europe (3 years) Various tourist offices and Alpine Clubs For the past two years, I have also served as a hiking leader instructor at the DIEK public school in Chania. I have summited well-known peaks in the Himalayas, including: Baruntse (7,161m) Mera Peak (6,470m) Island Peak (6,186m) Tharpu Chuli (5,800m) Naya Kanga (5,844m) I have also worked as a mountain guide in Greece, France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Nepal, Tibet, Pakistan, and the western USA. Credentials & Expertise Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education and Sport Science from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Mountaineering and Ski Touring Instructor for the Hellenic Federation of Mountaineering & Climbing UIAGM/IFMGA Candidate for Professional Mountain Guide French Avalanche Rescuer Training Member of the Alpine Clubs of Chania, Athens, and the French Club Alpin de Chamonix My Philosophy My love for nature, mountains, and adventure began in childhood. At 12, I took my first alpine skiing lessons, and at 14, I started competing in ski and road cycling races. For me, engaging in mountain activities is not just a hobby, but a way of life that I want to share with people. Through contact with the wild beauty of the mountains and as members of a team, we learn to operate with companionship and solidarity, setting and achieving new goals. Safety is of primary importance, which is why I carry a satellite phone and a first aid kit on all my hiking trips. Services I offer weekly programs, daily trips, and courses for all fitness levels and ages, in private small groups or for families. My programs combine safety and enjoyment, as we walk through gorges, on hidden paths, and alongside rivers. I am active in mountaineering, ski touring, rock and ice climbing, hiking, trail running, and swimming. Disclaimer: I am a professional mountain guide, but I am not a licensed guide and will not be able to guide you inside historical monuments.
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Born in Chania, I am an internationally certified IFMGA Mountain Guide. I have led technical expeditions in the Alps and Himalayas, but sharing Crete's rugged beauty is my greatest passion. If you want to experience the true essence of Samaria Gorge with elite safety and local insights—without the exhausting 16km trek—this private tour is masterfully designed for you. IMPORTANT MEDICAL INFO & FOOTWEAR This is a relaxed 6 km walk on mostly flat but rocky terrain. Proper footwear with good grip is mandatory—attempting this trail in simple tennis shoes compromises your safety. If you have minor knee or joint issues, this low-impact route is ideal, but please evaluate your condition before booking. SAFETY NOTE: I carry a professional medical first-aid kit and a satellite rescue beacon. Please notify me prior to the hike of any pre-existing medical conditions or allergies so I can integrate them into our safety plan.
Highly recommended. The boat trip and gorge are beautiful. Easy hike. Perfect day. Restaurant afterwards had great food. Vangilies was excellent guide. He is very experienced mountaineer so he gave us several tips to make the hike easier.
We had a great samarita gorge tour with Vangelis He is a very experience mountain guide who took us through the highlight of Samarita gorge from the opposite direction It was fantastic tour and highly recommend to anyone who wants do avoid the steep downhill part
Great day! Vangelis was a great tour guide and very knowledgeable about the gorge and always made sure that we were okay. It was a long but enjoyable time. The restaurant at the end of the route served us delicious food along with the refreshing homemade lemonade!
We had an amazing time with Vangelis. He was so knowledgeable, not only about Samaria Gorge and the surrounding area, but also about Greek history in general. And the breakfast and lunch spots that he chose were delicious! Vangelis was prompt, kind, and patient. I would not hesitate to book him as a guide again!
Our day at Samaria Gorge was truly wonderful primarily because Vangelis' vast knowledge and experience helped us navigate the day. We particularly appreciated his willingness to tailor the trip to our needs. He was extremely attentive and made sure we were all safe as he guided us through the gorge. Our lunch after the gorge was very delicious and we appreciated the local experience. We all agreed that Vangelis was the perfect guide!
The Relaxed Journey to the Gates Our day begins with a coordinated morning meeting, tailored to your chosen transportation option. After a scenic 90-minute drive through traditional Cretan landscapes, we gather at Chora Sfakion for a brief coffee and photo stop. From there, we board the coastal ferry together to the roadless, picturesque village of Agia Roumeli. Operating from sea level, we begin a gentle, 3-hour walk (6km total) into the bottom of the gorge. The trail rises smoothly to just 150m, shaded by ancient trees and flanked by vertical 2,000m cliffs. Walking at your own pace, we will reach the spectacular "Portes" (Iron Gates)—the narrowest and most breathtaking point of Samaria. After capturing incredible photos, we return to Agia Roumeli to reward ourselves with a refreshing swim in the Libyan Sea and an authentic, home-cooked lunch at a family-run tavern. We board the 5:30 PM afternoon ferry back to Chora Sfakion, returning to your base by roughly 8:00 PM.
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Transportation Options Please review our transportation options below and let me know your preference via the message board after booking: Option A (Turnkey Service - up to 4 people): I will personally secure and drive a modern, comfortable vehicle for your group. The cost is a flat 150€ (covering full-day rental, commercial insurance, and fuel), payable directly to me on-site. Option B (Your Rental Car): If you prefer to use your own rental vehicle, we will meet directly at your accommodation. Option C (VAN Service - more than 4 people): For larger groups requiring a spacious private VAN, the service and pricing will be customized and quoted upon request based on your exact group size.
Chania, Greece
Regardless of the transportation option you choose, we will always meet directly at your hotel or accommodation. Note: Exact pickup times and coordination will be fully confirmed through the message board after booking.
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11 hours
30 minutes
1
11 hours
30 minutes
1
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% deposit!
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