Cyprus, Crete & RHODES

Day 1 | Sunday 13 September
Arrival in Cyprus
Upon arrival in Larnaca, an included transfer from the airport will transport you to our hotel. In the late afternoon, we meet for an introductory talk in the hotel, followed by drinks in the bar and a welcome dinner. Overnight Larnaca (D)

Day 2 | Monday 14 September
From Roundhouses to Domes
Today we span 8,000 years of history and the evolution of human culture. Our journey through time begins with a visit to the roundhouses of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Neolithic settlement of Choirokoitia, whose ancient remains provide evidence of the key role Cyprus played in the transmission of culture from the Near East to the peoples of Europe, followed by a visit to the village of Kiti, where we find the only church of Panagia Angeloktisti. We then enjoy the peace and tranquillity of Salt Lake, and visit the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque and mausoleum. On return to Larnaca, we enjoy a relaxed lunch in a local restaurant, before we contemplate the Church of Saint Lazarus, the highly revered and resurrected patron saint, who was purportedly appointed the first bishop of Larnaca. This evening is at leisure. Overnight Larnaca (B, L)

Day 3 | Tuesday 15 September
Fertility Deities & Fertile Valleys
This morning we join our coach and travel to the mythical realms of gods and goddesses. Our first stop is the spectacular site of ancient Kourion, defiantly perched on a hillside with sweeping views of the sea. One of the island’s most important city-kingdoms in antiquity, here we find mostly Ancient Roman and Byzantine ruins, with buildings, monuments and other structures still visible today. We then make our way up to the Temple of Apollo Hylates, God of the Woodland and protector of Kourion, an important Greek city-state built by settlers from Argos after the collapse of the Mycenaean palaces. Next, we travel up into the foothills of the majestic Troodos Mountains to visit the elaborately decorated Timios Stavros Monastery, before travelling onwards to the picturesque birthplace of Aphrodite, Petra tou Romiou. We arrive in the cultural capital of Cyprus, Paphos, in the afternoon and after settling in we enjoy dinner together in the hotel. Overnight Paphos (B, D)

Day 4 | Wednesday 16 September
The Rich Tapestry of Paphos
Paphos is a town steeped in multi-layered and interwoven history. First established in the Neolithic period, it grew into a large Mycenaean settlement before transitioning into the Hellenistic centre of the cult of Aphrodite, goddess of beauty and love. To fully appreciate the wonders of Aphrodite’s Sacred City (Nea Paphos), we start our day with a guided tour through the Paphos Archaeological Park. Here we explore its many villas, with their stunning mosaic floors, as well as palaces, theatres, fortresses and tombs. After a break for lunch, we spend the afternoon strolling through the streets of the Old Town. This evening we enjoy a talk in our hotel. Overnight Paphos (B)

Day 5 | Thursday 17 September
Byzantine Icons & Ottoman Influences
The vibrant Cypriot Turkish culture will be clearly visible today as we head north. On departure from Paphos, we meander through the mountains until we arrive at the lavish Kykkos Monastery – founded by an 11th-century Byzantine emperor and home to the famous icon of the Virgin Mary. We then enjoy lunch together before making our way to Nicosia, the divided capital of Cyprus. Nicosia has been the ancient meeting place of merchants and traders from across Cyprus and the Mediterranean for millennia, and today the southern part of the city is the capital of the Republic of Cyprus, while a northern part of the metropolis, separated from the remainder of the city by a “green line”, is home to the Cypriot Turkish community. Upon arrival we will peruse the diverse collection of artefacts in The Cyprus Museum, tracing the long history of civilisation on the island. This evening there is the option to venture across the Ledra Street Crossing Point to explore North Cyprus. Overnight Nicosia (B, L)

Day 6 | Friday 18 September
To Crete
We make the short trip to Larnaca airport in the morning before an afternoon flight to the west coast of Crete, arriving in the picturesque city of Chania. After checking into our hotel, we will enjoy a leisurely orientation walk before dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight Chania (B, D)

Day 7 | Saturday 19 September
The Old Venetian Port of Chania
Chania would undoubtedly be one of the most charming and strategically important portside towns in Greece. This morning, we immerse ourselves in the history of Chania with a guided walking tour, visiting the Venetian lighthouse, and learning more about Crete’s turbulent connection to the sea at the Maritime Museum. After a break for lunch, we have time to explore the maze of colourful narrow streets and stroll around the old Ottoman and Jewish Quarters. Tonight, following a pre-dinner talk in the hotel, we will enjoy the flavours of Cretan cuisine at one of the many harbourside restaurants. Overnight Chania (B, D)

Day 8 | Sunday 20 September
Venetian Old Town & Monasteries
We depart Chania this morning to visit the village of Rethymnon, one of the most well-preserved old Venetian towns on the island of Crete, before taking a short break for lunch. This afternoon we visit the Renaissance influenced Arkadi Monastery, once known as the ‘richest and most beautiful monastery in Crete’. At its peak, it was home to 300 monks who supported themselves by making wine and olive oil from their fertile surrounds. We then travel to the picturesque Margarites Village, renowned for its traditional Cretan Pottery, where we’ll experience a demonstration in one of the local studios. We finally arrive in the historic heart of Heraklion, Crete’s largest city and a fascinating blend of ancient, Byzantine and Venetian history. After checking into our hotel adjacent to the Venetian harbour, we will enjoy dinner together in the old town. Overnight Heraklion (B, D)

Day 9 | Monday 21 September
Lassithi Plateau - Landscapes & Legends
Departing Heraklion this morning, we travel the beautiful mountain routes to the island’s eastern stretches, the rumoured birthplace of Zeus. We marvel at the stone-built windmills of Seli Ambelou, which stand like sentinels on the edge of the wild and windswept Lassithi plateau. After a break for lunch, we enter the liminal zone between earth and the underworld, entering Dikteon Cave, an ancient Minoan cave sanctuary and one of the fabled sites of the birth of Zeus. From here we descend to the coast and enjoy the soft afternoon sun over the mirrored waters of Agios Nikolaus, where, if you believe the legends, Athena and Artemis once bathed. The enchanting lakeside village is also home to the famous statue of Europa and the bull. In the late afternoon we return to Heraklion and have an evening at leisure. Overnight Heraklion (B)

Day 10 | Tuesday 22 September
Minotaurs & Museums
Known in Greek mythology as the capitol of King Minos and home to the Minotaur’s labyrinth, Knossos was once the capital of Bronze Age Minoan civilisation, flourishing from c. 2000 – 1500 BCE. After a leisurely breakfast, we journey back to that Golden Age of Crete with a guided tour through the incredible Palace of Knossos. Controversially excavated by archaeologist Arthur Evans at the turn of the last century, its vibrant ruins and recreated frescoes are still the subject of much debate and discussion. After a break for lunch, we explore the extensive array of artefacts housed in the excellent Heraklion Archaeological Museum, including the fabled Phaistos Disc. The evening is at leisure. Overnight Heraklion (B)

Day 11 | Wednesday 23 September
From Crete to Rhodes
This morning we visit the Fortress Museum, housing a number of exhibits, where we’ll explore the maritime history of Crete and Greece. We’ll take a guided tour of the Museum of Ancient Greek Technology before our coach departs for the beautiful coastal town of Malia. After enjoying lunch together, we’ll visit the Malia archeological site containing the remains of a Minoan palace dating back to c1650 BCE. In the late afternoon we drive to Heraklion airport for our short flight to Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands. The extraordinary history of the island is immediately apparent upon arrival, as you are immersed in a unique cacophony of palaces, alleyways and stone mansions. Overnight Rhodes (B, L)

Day 12 | Thursday 24 September
Medieval Europe in the Mediterranean
Gothic architecture and Crusader tales will be the focus of today as we soak in the wonders of the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Rhodes. On our leisurely guided tour, we stroll down the Street of the Knights, marvel at the Palace of the Grandmaster and absorb the rich cultural heritage of Rhodes in the Archaeological Museum. After a break for lunch,
we walk the ‘Martyr’s Street’ to the famous Cross of Filerimos and enjoy the late afternoon views over the island, before returning to our hotel for an evening at leisure. Overnight Rhodes (B)

Day 13 | Friday 25 September
Highlights of Western Rhodes
This morning we venture west to explore the multi-layered ruins of ancient Kamiros – one of the most prosperous city-states of ancient Rhodes. We then enjoy a relaxed lunch in a traditional guesthouse at the foot of Mount Akramitis in the village of Monolithos. The afternoon is then spent exploring the colourful church dedicated to Saint Pantaleon in the heart of the village of Siana, before navigating the path through Monolithos to the picturesque ruins of Monolithos Castle, built by the Knights of St John to protect the island from attack. Returning to Rhodes Town, the evening is at leisure. Overnight Rhodes (B, L)

Day 14 | Saturday 26 September
Exquisite Symi Island
If the weather gods are kind, we venture by boat this morning to the neighbouring island of Symi. This stunning, rugged island is famous for its pastel-coloured houses and crystal-clear waters. Alternately, if Poseidon is not favouring us, we remain on Rhodes and enjoy a day at a local vineyard for wine tasting and cooking lessons before an evening at leisure. Overnight Rhodes (B)

Day 15 | Sunday 27 September
Dramatic Fortresses
Following breakfast, we travel south to the picture-perfect town of Lindos. Settled for over 4,000 years, the location is characterised by a beach-lined crescent harbour, white-washed houses and a warren of hidden alleys. Towering over the town is the fortressed Acropolis of Lindos, enclosed by battlements constructed by the Knights of St John. We explore the site, including visits to the Temple of Athena and a columned Hellenistic stoa. On our way back to Rhodes Town, we cool our feet in and appreciate the natural beauty of the “Seven Springs” before returning to our hotel. This evening we meet for our farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant. Overnight Rhodes (B, D)

Day 16 | Monday 28 September
Depart Rhodes to Athens
Our tour concludes today with a transfer to Rhodes Airport late this morning for our flight to Athens, arriving in time to meet departing flights. (B)