Crete is almost a country in itself. Lying between Europe, Africa and the Near East, it is the crossroad between east and west. It is the land of the legends of Minos, the Minotaur, Ariadne and the labyrinth. Flourishing in the second millennium BC, the Minoans created the first great palace civilization and culture of Europe.
Day 1:
Fly to Heraklion. Visit the palace of Knossos, excavated by Sir Arthur Evans. Continue with a visit to the Archaeological Museum which has the largest collection of Minoan Art. Overnight at a resort area in Hersonisos, near Heraklion.
Day 2:
The drive through vineyards and olive groves and through the rich agricultural plain of Messara is a marvel in itself. Matala is a charming resort with rock-cut tombs on its cliffs. Overnight at Hersonisos.
Day 3: :
The site of Gournia gives one the opportunity to see a Minoan settlement.
Kritsa is a lovely village and we visit an 11th century church with exquisite and well preserved frescoes. Lunch at picturesque Aghios Nikolaos
Day 4:
Santorini is one of the most spectacular and dramatic landscapes in all of the Aegean. Sailing into the caldera is a most memorable experience.
Day 5:
Visit Akrotiri, a l7th century BC town, destroyed by the eruption of the volcano and the new Museum with finds from the archaeological site. View the architecture and the sunset from picturesque Oia.
Day 6:
Fly to Athens.
Special Features
- Lecture on the ancient and recent history of Crete.
- Lunch with Cretan specialties in Heraklion.
- Lunch with Santorini specialties at the village of Pyrgos in Santorini.
- Visit a special pottery workshop at Fodele, the village of El Greco, in Crete.
- An expert accompanies the tour.
- A booklet for each participant with the History of Greece and Crete.