Flowers of Crete
Flowers of Crete
5
Multi-day Tours4WD, ATV & Off-Road ToursFood ToursNature & Wildlife Tours
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Full view
About
Day trips and holidays in all parts of Crete to discover rare and beautiful wild flowers in idyllic locations far from the beaten track, with artist and writer Julia Jones, President and Founder of the charitable trust Flowers of Crete,dedicated to protection and conservation of the native flora of the island. Trips can be tailor made for guests preferred interests and abilities. Choose from high mountains, sacred caves, Minoan shrines and sanctuaries, remote tavernas, wild flowers, birds of prey and much more. Experience secret and wonderful areas that most people will never get to see. Please enquire for more details. Although based in Elounda, mountain private trips are offered all around the island. Please ask for details.
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5.0
53 reviews
Excellent
52
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Simon C
Wilmslow, UK3 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Excellent trip yesterday in the Katharo mountains with Julia Jones our wonderful guide. She took us to a range of sites off the beaten track to find many beautiful plants including several endemic species including numerous orchids. Perhaps the loveliest for me was Orchis pauciflora. We loved the varied habitats and Julia entertained us to coffee and lunch stops along the way. A unique and memorable experience with Julia to be highly recommended.
Written 8 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Keitht
Gloucester, UK9,582 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
We had arranged a day out with Julia and had explained where we wanted to go. When she arrived she said she had gone out the previous day to 'recce' the route and it was impassable due to the heavy rain over winter and suggested an alternative. Our main requirement was simply to get out into the wilds so that was no problem. We're actually grateful that Julia had checked as otherwise I would have been the one removing rocks :-)
90% of the day was spent away from main roads, with the majority being on rough tracks, and we absolutely loved it. With the exception of Thripti, where we stopped for lunch, I don't think we saw any signage. We had a lovely, simple, lunch at a taverna in Thripti. Just a few side dishes and the biggest pork chop I have ever seen - and the tastiest.
Colin worked very hard for us and never once let us down. Colin being Julia's much loved Suzuki Vitara :-)
90% of the day was spent away from main roads, with the majority being on rough tracks, and we absolutely loved it. With the exception of Thripti, where we stopped for lunch, I don't think we saw any signage. We had a lovely, simple, lunch at a taverna in Thripti. Just a few side dishes and the biggest pork chop I have ever seen - and the tastiest.
Colin worked very hard for us and never once let us down. Colin being Julia's much loved Suzuki Vitara :-)
Written 13 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Willis H
Carlisle, UK33 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
A day out with Julia is simply not enough, I had to wait until we had completed our second trip with her before I felt it fair to write a review, and yes she is worth every penny. It is pointless trying to give an impression of what you will get from Julia as she endeavours to tailor a unique experience suitable for you, We were treated to a multitude of visual delights ranging from the botanical to the panoramic. Facets of Crete were opened up to us, all done with a cheerful charisma that is seldom encountered amongst most stuffy academicals. She has a wide knowledge of the flora of Crete and a way of showing you things that leaves you eager to learn more, we had little surprise moments with her repeatedly throughout both trips, some planned, some by pure chance and all were enchanting. If you get the chance to be taken somewhere to eat I would heartily recommend all the places she can take you. Cretan cuisine is an experience that is only enhanced by visiting some of the out of the way tavernas that Julia will find for you en-route to your next eye opening wonder.
Crete is a marvel of rare and Diverse plants (And creatures) that are a wonder to see with Julia as your guide and mentor for the day, So get off the beaches and head for the hills, A whole new Crete awaits you
Crete is a marvel of rare and Diverse plants (And creatures) that are a wonder to see with Julia as your guide and mentor for the day, So get off the beaches and head for the hills, A whole new Crete awaits you
Written 6 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
judy
1 contribution
May 2019 • Couples
We had a day trip with Julia last week which will stay in our memory. It was like being out with an old friend and we chatted non stop. Her trusty 'Colin' the 4 by 4 had an appearance that was deceptive! He coped admirably with the off road terrain and it was great feeling the breeze and the smell of the flowers. Much better than a posh air conditioned jeep!And oh! the flowers. Although the orchids were over mostly, the swathes of others replacing them were stunning especially the sweet wild gladioli. We have just made her recipe for fig leaf ice cream and it comes highly recommended! A great day!
Written 2 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you both so much from Colin and myself :-) I am so glad you enjoyed your experience with me and made the fig leaf ice cream! I look forward to meeting you again in the not too distant future, either in the UK or in Crete.
Written 4 June 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Patricia M
1 contribution
May 2019 • Couples
Just returned from an amazing day out with Julia Jones tracking down the beautiful wild flowers, growing in glorious profusion on the mountains around Elounda, Crete. Julia managed to manoeuvre her trusty jeep across mountainous terrain to find just the flower she knew would be in bloom. Her knowledge of the various plants and where they were growing made the whole trip one of exciting discovery. The coffee stop at the little Byzantine church, containing amazing frescos, and lunch at a typical Greek taverna made for an unforgettable experience.
Written 20 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you both so much for taking the time to post your review. It is much appreciated and I am so happy you enjoyed the day. Some of the roads after the winter rains were a little tricky, but Colin always does his best :-)
Written 21 May 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Eclectic M
8 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
Wow what an amazing day spent in the mountains of Crete with the legend that is Julia Jones of Flowers of Crete. Words cannot express what we saw today. Such a privilege to stray off the tourist path and enjoy island life in all its unadulterated gloriousness. Amazing food, generosity of the people we met and of course the stunning beauty of the mountains and the abundance of flowers and grasses and trees. Oh my goodness it was simply breathtaking. A perfect day. One we’ll remember a long time.
Written 18 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your lovely review, guys. It was great fun showing you a little of the Crete I love so much. I hope to see you again sometime. Julia
Written 21 May 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tracy R
Chatham, UK32 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
We recently had a wonderful day out with Julia. We aren’t botanists but appreciate all things flora and fauna. Julia pitched the day just right for us showing us a multitude of wonderful flowers in their natural setting. We had lunch in a local Taverna and Julia even recommended a lovely local white wine which we bought in the supermarket. I thoroughly recommend going to see the flowers with Julia.
Written 17 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much both. It was a pleasure to spend the day with you. I hope you enjoyed the wine! :-) Julia
Written 21 May 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
IonH
London168 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
We had a lovely day out with Julia looking for orchids. As the "orchidiot" in the group, I was a bit worried that the others in our party of 4 -- including my much less than nimble elderly parents -- might get bored or tired, but Julia pitched it just right, managing to keep everyone engaged throughout, showing us a lot of plants without tiring anyone out. Her evident floral expertise is nicely complemented by local geographical and historical information (as well as Lady Gaga gossip!). I'd not given much thought to the "light lunch", but that, too was an absolute treat (probably the highlight of the holiday for the parents).
Written 14 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much, Ian. I really enjoyed meeting you all and showing you some of the hidden treasures of Crete.
Written 16 April 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David B
8 contributions
Apr 2018 • Solo
Despite the dry start to the year, Julia's knowledge of what was in bloom and where made our day a delight which passed all too quickly! We saw orchids, including some of the less common endemic species, together with a wide variety of wild flowers. We enjoyed coffee and lunch along the way and made a new friend, not just a tour guide.
David &a Maureen.
David &a Maureen.
Written 24 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you both so much. Yes I agree that we have made new friends. I really enjoyed my day out with you and hope
we can catch up when I am in the UK.
Written 6 May 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Keitht
Gloucester, UK9,582 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
We had been trying to find a 'Jeep Safari' from Elounda but didn't want to be in the usual caravan of jeeps with dozens of people. Somebody on Trip Advisor suggested contacting Julie despite the fact that we were looking for a more general trip into the interior, rather than something specifically for plants.
Julia did inform us that she would be returning to the UK in early July, but was going to fit us in before she returned. Sadly, not long before we travelled, Julia contacted us to say that she was having to return to the UK early and asked if it would be OK if her colleague Tony took us out instead. That was not a problem for us.
Tony duly arrived on time for the trip and asked if we had any preference for where we wanted to go. When we said to take us where he would like to go, I think he felt all his Christmasses had come at once! :-) His recommendation was the Katharo Plateau which he said was less tourist than the Lasithi. When we got going it soon became clear that Tony loves the area, and has a great knowledge about it too. We made numerous stops, none of which we would have found if we had driven ourselves, and had lunch at a tiny taverna run by a gentleman who was amongst the first to discover the fossils of dwarf hippo and elephant some 25 years ago. He took great pleasure in showing us his small but impressive collection, and we were genuinely equally pleased to hear about them.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable day out and Tony was a great guide.
Julia did inform us that she would be returning to the UK in early July, but was going to fit us in before she returned. Sadly, not long before we travelled, Julia contacted us to say that she was having to return to the UK early and asked if it would be OK if her colleague Tony took us out instead. That was not a problem for us.
Tony duly arrived on time for the trip and asked if we had any preference for where we wanted to go. When we said to take us where he would like to go, I think he felt all his Christmasses had come at once! :-) His recommendation was the Katharo Plateau which he said was less tourist than the Lasithi. When we got going it soon became clear that Tony loves the area, and has a great knowledge about it too. We made numerous stops, none of which we would have found if we had driven ourselves, and had lunch at a tiny taverna run by a gentleman who was amongst the first to discover the fossils of dwarf hippo and elephant some 25 years ago. He took great pleasure in showing us his small but impressive collection, and we were genuinely equally pleased to hear about them.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable day out and Tony was a great guide.
Written 20 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, Keith for a lovely review. I am so glad you enjoyed it. Maybe next time you are on Crete we can finally meet up.Julia
Written 9 February 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jenny C
Bimini25 contributions
Hi,
A friend and I are hoping to visit from April 1st to 8th to see the wild flowers in particular, but are having a job finding a hotel that is open then! Can you recommend anywhere near to where you do your tours? Something preferably traditional and simple, not too fancy! And are you available then for tours? We are also interested in sacred sites, in particular to do with the Ancient Minoan Bee cult.
Many thanks,
Jenny
W8005MVSue
Bergen, Norway2 contributions
Hi. We are staying in Elounda until Tuesday 15th May Are you running any walks prior to then?
If so. Do you have a company email address. There are 2 of us who love flowers and walking
Thanks very much
Sue and Nigel
melinda p
2 contributions
Hello again, We arrive in Crete on the 28th september. Will you still be there?
Melinda
Julia J
Burton upon Trent, UK38 contributions
Hi Both, I am so sorry that I missed your enquiry, but I was fully booked this year. If you are over in Elounda in the future and want to get in touch please contact me on 00330 28410 42177.
Alison A
Devizes, UK28 contributions
I am bringing my mum and dad to Crete on 30th March . He is 83 and a little unsteady on his feet and she is 85 but walks well just struggles with hills.
They would both love this trip along with myself. Is this something that would be possible given their ages please.
It is probably the last time they will make it to Crete and I would live to give them this as a present
Elizabeth j
Halesowen, UK20 contributions
My husband and I are coming to Crete, Elounda, on 4 June 2015, just for a week and wondered whether there was any availability for the flowers of crete tours, when they would be and the cost. Any information you can provide would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. Liz
Julia J
Burton upon Trent, UK38 contributions
Hi, Thank you for your interest. I do have available dates for when you are on Crete. The cost of a day trip for two people is £150, which includes collection from your accommodation, morning coffee and lunch in a mountain tavern. The day lasts from 10.00 a.m. to around 4.30 p.m. when we return to Elounda. If you would like to book a day, payment can be made by PayPal or bank transfer into my UK account. Best wishes, Julia
mada102464
Cincinnati, OH39 contributions
My wife and I are in Makrygiolis for 2 more weeks and are very interested in flower day trips. Looks like you run them from Elouda. Would you please let me know what you have available for our time period.
Dates, times,where it goes to, what flowers we shall see, cost etc.
Julia J
Burton upon Trent, UK38 contributions
Thank you for your enquiry, I am so sorry but I am fully booked for the following two weeks. Perhaps next time you come to Crete? Best wishes, Julia