Crete & Santorini

Crete & Santorini

The Lost World of The Minoans

Classical History and Archaeological ToursExperience Tours

Crete & Santorini

The Lost World of The Minoans

Classical History and Archaeological ToursExperience Tours

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Tour Introduction

Although only separated by 120kms of the Sea of Crete, the islands of Santorini and Crete could not be more different: the former a harsh volcanic landscape formed by the caldera that resulted from a cataclysmic eruption of 3500 years previous, whilst the latter consists of dramatic sedimentary and metamorphic mountain scenery famous for its wildflowers. As a result of their strategic position astride East and West, evidence abounds on both the islands of a turbulent history during which control passed from Minoans to Mycenaeans, Romans to the Saracens, Byzantines to Venetians ending with independence from the Ottomans.

Our exploration of these fascinating islands in the company our expert archaeologist combines visits to well-known sites, such as Akrotiri and Knossos, with rarely frequented, but impressive sites, such as Minoan Tylissos and the obscure Dorian city of Lato. Whilst our comfortable and well-appointed four-star hotels provide a great base for forays to a myriad of local restaurants to enjoy wonderful Greek and Cretan culture and cuisine.

Background

The lost world of the Minoans has intrigued people for thousands of years. Europe’s first great civilisation, an advanced society of artisans and skilled civic engineers with a maritime empire so vast it rivalled that of the ancient Egyptians, was inexplicably, and at the height of its power, wiped from the pages of history. The predominant theory regarding that destruction was that it was provoked by something as violent and as sudden as the eruption of the volcano of Santorini. A wave of destruction hurtling across the Aegean Sea.

Ever since Sir Arthur Evans discovered the lost Palace of King Minos in Crete, archaeologists and scientists have been trying to connect the two events. In the summer of 1988, however, archaeologists digging on the island of Mochlos in Crete uncovered architectural and ceramic remains indicating that the civilisation continued to flourish for some 150 years after the eruption in about 1600 BC. With the new discovery, archaeologists find themselves searching for an alternative explanation for the sudden fall of the Minoan civilisation around 1450 BC. If the power of the volcano was not to blame, what then did bring about the demise of the Minoans?

Highlights

  • Staying in wonderful hotels
  • Visit the recently refurbished Heraklion Archaeological Museum
  • View numerous excavation sites
  • Explore the Minoan palace of Knossos
  • See Gournia, the best example of a Minoan town
  • View a preserved Minoan villa at Vathypero
  • Explore the extraordinary Bronze Age site of Akrotiri
  • Visit the excellent Prehistoric Museum of Fira
  • Explore the ruins of Ancient Thera

What's Included

  • Return flights from London (optional)
  • 3 & 4 Star Hotels
  • Buffet breakfast each morning
  • Dinner parties hosted by your expert historian and tour manager
  • Two drinks i,e wine or beer at each dinner and a welcome drink on first evening
  • Dedicated Tour Manager
  • Entrance fees for sites included in itinerary
  • Modern, comfortable, air-conditioned coach
  • Access to the Cultural Experience app
  • Helpful and friendly travel advice
  • The company of like-minded travelers

Itinerary

Day 1 – Depart

Fly London Gatwick to Santorini and/or start tour at our hotel where we check-in for two nights, before an introductory talk, welcome drinks and dinner.

Day 2 – Akrotiri, Pre-Historic Museum of Fira and Emporio

Considered one of the most important prehistoric sites of the Aegean, the volcanically immersed city of Akrotirii has revealed some remarkable artefacts, art, and buildings: none more so than the three-storey so called ‘West House’. In the afternoon we visit the excellent Prehistoric Museum of Fira which houses finds from the Akrotiri excavations including pithoi, jewellery, plaster casts of furniture and wonderful wall paintings removed from excavated houses.

Day 3 – Ancient Thera and Heraklion

The ruins of Ancient Thera are perched atop its mountain from where we gain a stunning panorama of its surroundings. It is exciting to explore its well-preserved streets, randomly climbing steps to discover magnificent views over land and sea. We take the late afternoon catamaran to Heraklion where we check-in to our hotel for five nights.

Day 4 – Knossos, Archanes and Vathypetro

To Knossos, the principal centre of the Minoans, to explore this largest of the preserved Minoan palatial centres, with its hundreds of small, interconnected chambers, conjectured to have been the labyrinth of legend. Lunch is spent amidst the narrow, winding alleys and streets of the rustic market town of Archanes which boasts a small museum housing minor Minoan finds from the cemetery of Fourni and its own Minoan villa. A late afternoon visit sees us at the Minoan villa of Vathpetro isolated on the hillside above the fertile valleys of Archanes.

Day 5 – Phaistos, Agia Triada and Gortyn

Crossing the imposing island spine, we travel south to wonderful Agia Triada where we can walk part of the Minoan road to Phaistos and admire its adjacent royal villa, paved agora and residential buildings. A certain highlight of the tour will be Minoan Phaistos with its royal palaces, wide community spaces, cascading steps, official buildings, seemingly boundless magazines and views across the lush Messara valley. This afternoon we visit the sprawling site of Gortyn to discover a wealth of Roman buildings including its partially restored Odeon and the Byzantine Basilica of St Titus.

Day 6 – Malia, Lato and Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Drive to Malia, the summer coastal home to Knossos. This massive site is as impressive as its winter counterpart but benefits from little reconstruction. This afternoon we explore the remarkably preserved ancient city of Lato, remotely yet majestically situated betwixt two peaks which serve as twin acropolis. We return to Heraklion late afternoon to spend a few hours at its famous archaeological museum which superbly presents major finds from Knossos and other sites including a wealth of pottery, inscriptions, weapons, wall paintings and sculptures, demonstrating the level of sophistication found in the culture of the Minoans. Dinner at your own expense this evening.

Day 7 – Mochlos and Gournia

Travel to the picturesque coastal village of Mochlos from where we take a short boat trip to its eponymous island. Dating from the Early Minoan period, its excavated remains and cemetery have revealed a wealth of constructed tombs. During a relaxing seaside lunch, you may spy archaeological remnants shimmering beneath the surface of the turquoise waters. On to Gournia where we find extensive remains which provide one of the best examples of a Minoan town.

Day 8 – Tylissos

Drive to Tylissos to explore ruins of excavated houses lying quietly amidst Italian Pine Trees, in marked contrast to the crowds at contemporaneous Knossos. At the Museum of Ancient Greek Technology we discover recreated and working ancient technology which suggests that Ancient Greece was on the cusp of an industrial revolution before its decline. End tour and/or return flight to London Gatwick.

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