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Overview
As a strategic gateway to the eastern Mediterranean, Crete has been ruled by numerous great powers, from the Minoans, one of Europe’s first civilizations, to the Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman empires. This tour explores Crete’s scenic and cultural highlights, including the Palace of Knossos, an incomparable monument of ancient Minoan society.
Itinerary
Day 1: Fly to Heraklion – Rethymno
Fly from London (regional connections available) to Heraklion with British Airways. Transfer to Theartemis Palace in Rethymno (or similar) for 3 nights. (N)
Day 2: Aptera – Venizelos – Chania
Morning visit to the ancient site of Aptera and meet a beekeeper for an introduction to beehives and their cultivation. Continue to the town of Chania with its Venetian Harbour. Also, make a poignant visit to the Allied Cemetery, which contains Second World War burials. (B)
Day 3: Arkadi – Eleftherna – Rethymno
This morning, visit the fortified monastery of Arkadi. Near Eleftherna, visit the MAE Museum, which has an impressive collection of artefacts from Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt. Continue to Rethymno for a guided city walk. (B)
Day 4: Phaestos – Matala – Heraklion
Drive across the island to the Messara Plain and visit Phaestos, the second Minoan palace. Continue to Matala, a pretty seaside town, where you can enjoy a swim or relax on the beach. Drive to Heraklion, stopping en route at the archaeological site of Gortys. Stay 4 nights at the Aquila Atlantis Hotel (or similar). (B)
Day 5: Knossos – Wine Tasting
Morning drive to the ancient Minoan Palace of Knossos, the center of Europe’s first civilization. According to myth, it was home to King Minos and the site of the legend of Theseus slaying the Minotaur in the labyrinth. Then drive into the Pediados region south of Heraklion, Crete’s most famous wine-producing area. Visit a wine domaine for an introduction to Cretan wine, with a tasting and a traditional lunch. Afternoon at leisure. (B, L)
Day 6: Kera – Spinalonga – Heraklion
Morning visit to the Church of Panagia Kera to view the finest Byzantine frescoes in Crete. Continue to Elounda and take a boat to Spinalonga, a former leper colony. The legacies of Greek, Ottoman, Byzantine, and Venetian occupation over the centuries have left their imprint on this fortified island. Return to Heraklion via the port town of Agios Nikolaos. (B)
Day 7: Heraklion
Morning at leisure to relax by the pool or explore Heraklion’s old town. Afternoon guided visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, with its collection of Minoan treasure. (B)
Day 8: Fly to London
Morning at leisure. Afternoon flight to London with British Airways. (B)
