Frequently Asked Questions
The thought of traveling can be a daunting experience for many, without ever leaving your own home. Where to go, am I fit enough to do the hike, who will the other hikers be? These are serious questions demanding prompt, accurate answers.
At Alpine Interface, let us be the interface between the idea of your journey of a lifetime and the reality. Our toll-free number, 1-800-368-5056, is your direct link to us. Call us and we should be able to answer all of your questions regarding one of our destinations. We also endeavor to answer all of your emails as quickly as possible, meaning straight away if during business hours.
Below you will find questions most asked by our guests. Our answers are honest and try to shed light on what an Alpine Interface journey is like.
- How will I get to the start of my AI trip?
- Can I change/get money throughout the entire trek? Credit Card payments?
- What if my flights are very early in the morning, or late in the evening?
- What are the trails like?
- What can I expect from the meals / food during our trek in Crete?
- What can I expect from the hotels during our trek in Crete?
- Is the drinking water safe?
- What about bugs/moscitos in Crete?
- What are the beaches like?
- What will the weather be like?
1. How will I get to the start of my AI trip?
Whenever possible, we will pick you up ourselves at Iraklion airport.
If we cannot pick you up with our own vehicle, we hire a transfer taxi to collect you and your luggage and they will drive you to our first night's hotel. In the event that you choose not to meet at a designated meeting point, we will give you the most up-to-date information on how to get to the start of your trip.
2. Can I change/get money throughout the entire trek? Credit Card payments?
As stated in our brochure, we cover the costs of lodgings, meals and entrance fees to sites etc.
We suggest that you bring some cash for internet connections if you need to remain in contact with family and /or business back home.
There are no cash machines in the south so please change money in Irakilon, either with a credit card or in a bank, for the entire trek. Most souvenirs can be purchased in Iraklion at the end of the trip; there are some very nice brands of olive oil and the assorted soaps that can be found in the main city.
3. What if my flights are very early in the morning, or late in the evening?
No matter what time your flight is in the morning or evening, we will get you to the airport on time. In case you arrive late in the evening, a taxi will be waiting for you, bringing you to our hotel in Iraklion. You will have all necessary information such as name and address of the hotel, phone numbers, etc.
4. What are the trails like?
The European 4 trail that we will be taking follows the coast as much as possible with a few exceptions. Due to the nature of the rock on Crete, our shoes and feet will take a beating. Walking poles can be of use but generally are more of a nuisance and are often forgotten after a brief call from Mother Nature.
Some of the trail can be relatively high above the sea, but we will have only one or two spots where some 'scrambling' may be required.
5. What can I expect from the meals / food during my trip in Crete?
As you may well know, Crete has had a long history of invasion that has been both devastating to the population and to the landscape. However, invasion has also brought a variety of influences, from the Romans to the Turks and to more recently, the Germans.
Tourism has also brought changes to Crete, and the Cretan diet, once believed to be the healthiest in Europe, has seen the encroachment of fast food and traditional dishes altered in order to be more palatable for the masses of summer tourist.
Despite all of this, we will have the opportunity to sample some of Crete's classic dishes. Olives and olive oil will be part of every meal, breads, cheeses and fresh vegetables too. The Greek salad and variety of mezedes (appetizers) will accompany our locally produced wines and beers.
Grilled fish and meats are also a staple of Cretan food and we should have a fresh selection on the menu each evening to choose from. The hoteliers are very accommodating and if you require a special diet, please let it be known prior to the start of the trip.
6: What can I expect from the hotels during our trek in Crete?
Our hotel in Iraklion can be compared to any three-star hotel in Europe. It has been completely renovated three years ago, and is modern and comfortable.
The hotels during our trip are basic, but all of them have ensuite bathrooms, most of them fridges, and they are very clean.
In Marmara, we will be staying in little bungalows, and we will be most likely the only ones staying there. It is a stunning little place, very peaceful, just at the edge of the water.
The complext consists of a restaurant and three little double bungalows. There is no electricity in the rooms, and the water is half salt water, half sweet water.
7. Is the drinking water safe?
The tap water in Crete is safe to drink, without any prior treatment.
Springs along the trail are safe as well.
However, there are not many places to fill up water bottles during the trek, except in the Samaria Gorge, where the Cretans have built several fountains to avoid tourists becoming dehydrated.
Therefore, most water will have to be carried from the beginning.
We will let you know each day how much water to bring, and if there is a possibility to fill up water bottles / buy water.
8. What about bugs/moscitos in Crete?
There is of course the occasional mosquito, but they are not really an issue.
There are also no other biting insects such as horse flies or other creepy crawlies.
9. What are the beaches like?
Most of the beaches are pebbles beaches, with the occasional sand beach.
The water is very clear, and in early season a bit cool. Just the right temperature for cooling off after a long hike in the sun. Bring your swim goggles if you have some, and a good book.
We will be able to swim / have a dip in the water on most days.
10. What will the weather be like?
Obviously, this is a very tricky question.
However, we normally encounter a mix of the following:
The climate in Spring and Fall is a transitional period between the 'rainy season' that commences in November and finishes in May. We may have an occasional shower (rain of course) and therefore the temperatures could become rather chilly.
Most of the days are very sunny and it can already/still be quite hot. Luckily, we do get a fairly steady brise off the ocean or the mountains.
