everything ran smoothly. Picked us up where they said they would pick us up, gave us all the tips. the hike is definitely for people who have done hikes before. but it was definitely rewarding at the end when you got to go freshen up in the crystal clear water.

Easy bus pick-up early in the morning so we were one of the first bus loads to enter the park! Our guide, Thomas, gave us a great overview of the day and the points on the trail we should reach at what times. They provided hiking poles to rent fro 6 euros, which was great since I didn't have my own and I recommend using poles--really helps with the downhill and traversing all the rocks. The hike itself was wonderful, even if it was a hot day (37C), the views and the terrain were just so cool! In total it took me just over 4 hours to complete. Because it was so hot I didn't stop for too long at any of the rest points. There was fresh water every km or thereabouts so that all I needed was one refillable water bottle to get me through the whole 16km of the trail. Note, following the end of the trail it's 3km to Agia Roumeli, but it's an easy dirt path there and if you need there is a small concession stand at the park's exit.

I did not get the confirmation about the time for the morning pick up as it was promised in order confirmation (my contact info was 100% right) so I sent email and then I call to get the info myself. They picked up the phone and send the needed info after two try outs. So if you don’t get the info - call. I was a bit upset that I had to eat my breakfast jougurt outside the buss because no food or beverage was allowed in the buss. The guide was treating us like we were empty headed tourists but I understand that ;) The other way everything went as I was expecting. Good and safe buss drive into the mountains. The stop before the final stop at the gate of Samaria was not attempting to eat anything, so better to have breakfast before the journey starts at the hotel. Pick up back was just fine. All I needed was the safe transportation and polls and I got those.