Cyprus, Crete & RHODES

The tour starts at 4.00pm on Sunday 14 September, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Larnaca - Cyprus.

The tour ends at c.2.15pm on Monday 29 September, on arrival to Athens International Airport, in time for late evening departing flights to Australia.

Upon arrival in Larnaca, an included transfer from the airport will transport you to our hotel. In the late afternoon, we meet for an orientation walk of the local area, followed by drinks in the hotel bar and a welcome dinner. Overnight Larnaca (D)

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. Afterwards we contemplate the Church of Saint Lazarus, the highly revered and resurrected patron saint, who was purportedly appointed the first bishop of Larnaca. After a break for lunch, we then enjoy the peace and tranquillity of Salt Lake, and visit the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque and mausoleum. This evening, we enjoy a relaxed dinner together at a local restaurant. Overnight Larnaca (B, D)

This morning we join our coach and travel to the mythical realms of gods and goddesses. Our first stop is 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. We then head up into the majestic Troodos Mountains where we visit the elaborately decorated Timios Stavros Monastery and have lunch together in the traditional wine-making village of Omodos. Afterwards we travel to the picturesque birthplace of Aphrodite, Petra tou Romiou, before arriving in the cultural capital of Cyprus, Paphos. After settling into the hotel, the evening is at leisure. Overnight Paphos (B, L)

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. There 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 before enjoying an evening at leisure. Overnight Paphos (B)

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 a traditional lunch together in the small mountain village of Oikos, 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, before crossing the border and enjoying an evening at leisure in this fascinating city. Overnight Nicosia (B, L)

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)

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, we will enjoy the flavours of Cretan cuisine at one of the many harbourside restaurants. Overnight Chania (B, D)

We depart Chania this morning to visit the village of Rethymnon, one of the most well-preserved old Venetian old towns on the island of Crete, before enjoying lunch in a nearby restaurant. 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. After a short drive we 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 an evening at leisure. Overnight Heraklion (B, L)

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)

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)

We travel to Heraklion airport this morning to board 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. This afternoon is free to rest, shop, or explore the delights of the Old Town and harbour of Rhodes. We meet again this evening, enjoying dinner together at a local restaurant. Overnight Rhodes (B, D)

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)

This morning we venture to the unique nature reserve known as the Valley of the Butterflies, famed for its breathtaking natural beauty. Continuing west, we explore the multi-layered ruins of ancient Kamiros – one of the most prosperous city- states of ancient Rhodes. After time for a break for lunch in the peaceful village of Kritinia, we explore the colourful church dedicated to Saint Pantaleon in the heart of the village of Siana, situated on the slopes of Mount Akramitis. Later, we visit the quaint mountain town of Monolithos before navigating the path to the picturesque ruins of Monolithos Castle, built by the Knights of Saint John to protect the island from attack. Returning to Rhodes Town, we enjoy dinner together in a local restaurant. Overnight Rhodes (B, D)

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 enjoying an evening at leisure. Overnight Rhodes (B)

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, we cool our feet and appreciate the natural beauty of the “Seven Springs” before returning to our hotel this evening for our farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant in Rhodes. Overnight Rhodes (B, D)

Our tour concludes today with a transfer to Rhodes Airport airport late this morning for our flight to Athens, arriving in time to meet the late evening departing flight for Australia. (B)

Hotels have been selected principally for their central location.

• Larnaca, Radisson Blu Larnaca (2 nights)

• Paphos, Elysium Hotel Paphos (2 nights)

• Nicosia, MAP Boutique Hotel (1 night)

• Chania, Hotel Kydon (2 nights)

• Heraklion, GDM Megaron Hotel (3 nights)

• Rhodes, Mediterranean Hotel (5 nights)