Santorini, Crete, Rhodes and Cyprus Small Group Tour | Eastern Mediterranean Islands Tour

We will begin our tour in Athens, a bustling modern metropolis, home to many of the world's most famous archaeological sites. The city is a melting-pot of classical Greek, Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern architecture. Ringed by mountains and conveniently located near Piraeus (its Mediterranean port), Athens epitomises both ancient and modern Greece. Upon arrival in Athens, we will arrive to the hotel individually. We will have a meeting with our tour leader at the hotel, followed by a welcome dinner.

After breakfast we will travel to Santorini. Colonised by the Minoans in 3000 BC, this volcanic island erupted in 1450 BC, forming Santorini’s present distinctive crescent shape. The island is widely believed to be a candidate for the lost kingdom of Atlantis. Originally named Thira by the Dorians in the 8th century BC, it was renamed Santorini in honour of St. Irene by the Venetians who conquered the island in the 13th century. The island remains a stunning example of a Cycladic island with white washed villages, clinging to volcanic cliffs above black sand beaches, best explored when the cruise ships have left. In the afternoon, we will visit the Prehistoric Museum in Fira, which displays archaeological treasures from Ancient Thera, Akrotiri and Potamos.

We will take a morning visit to the town of Oia and lunch at Ammoudi, which is 300 steps below Oia. In the afternoon, we will visit the archaeological site of Akrotiri, which was destroyed by a volcanic eruption circa 1613 BC. Our exploration for the day will end with a visit to the site of Ancient Thera.

We will take a walking tour of Fira. We will visit Agios Stylianos, which is a chapel clinging to the edge of a cliff, and we will visit the Frankish Quarter, which features a maze of arcaded streets. We will then take an excursion to the volcanic island of Nea Kameni in the caldera. In the afternoon, we will visit a winery and explore the fascinating vineyards on Santorini. Because it can get very windy on the island, the residents weave vines into basket shapes low to the ground instead of tying vines to trellises.

In the morning we will take a coach to the airport and fly across to Heraklion, in Crete. We will arrive in Heraklion, in Crete, and transfer to the hotel. Crete is one of the most beautiful and traditional regions of Greece. Although Cretans have fought generations of invaders, they are a people whose courtesy and hospitality to travelers is legendary.

In the morning, we will visit Knossos, which was the capital of Minoan Crete. Knossos was inhabited for several thousand years until its destruction in 1375 BC, which marked the end of Minoan civilization. The palace of Knossos was built circa 1900 BC on the ruins of previous settlements. It was destroyed for the first time along with the other Protopalatial palaces around Crete in 1700 BC, probably by a large earthquake or foreign invaders. It was immediately rebuilt to an even more elaborate complex, and until its abandonment was damaged several times during earthquakes, invasions, and in 1450 BC by the colossal volcanic eruption of Thera. A British archaeologist excavated the site in 1900 AD and restored large parts of the palace. According to Greek mythology, the palace was designed by famed architect Dedalos with such complexity that no one inside could ever find its exit. King Minos, who commissioned the palace, then kept the architect prisoner to ensure that he would not reveal the palace plan to anyone. Dedalos, who was a great inventor, built 2 sets of wings so he and his son Ikaros could fly off the island, and so they did. On their way out, Dedalos warned his son not to fly too close to the sun because the wax that held the wings together would melt. However Ikaros, young and impulsive as he was, flew higher and higher until the sun rays dismantled his wings and the young boy fell to his death in the Aegean sea. The palace is also associated with the legend of Theseus killing the Minotaur. In the aftrnoon, we will visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, which is one of the largest and most important museums in Greece. The museum, located in the town centre, was built on a site previously occupied by the Roman Catholic monastery of Saint Francis, which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1856. The museum’s building is an important example of modernist architecture and was awarded a Bauhaus commendation. The museum's architect, Patroklos Karantinos, applied the principles of modern architecture to the specific needs of a museum by providing good lighting from the skylights above and along the top of the walls, and facilitating the flow of large groups of people. He also anticipated future extensions to the museum. The museum houses representative artifacts from the Neolithic period to the Roman rimes. The museum's Minoan collection contains unique examples of Minoan art, many of them true masterpieces. Later we will take a walking tour of Heraklion, including a visit to the Morosi Fountain, the Bembo Fountain, Venetian Loggia, Agios Titos Church, the Koules Fortress (Venetian), and the if time permits we stop at the local Market.

This morning we will go to the Nikos Kazantzakis Museum, which pays tribute to the important intellectual, author, thinker, philosopher, politician, and traveler, Nikos Kazantzakis, author of "Zorba the Greek." The museum is made up of a cluster of buildings in the central square of the historical village of Varvari, now known as Myrtia. The museum was founded by set and costume designer Yiorgos Anemoyiannis, a pioneering figure in Greek theatre. His fundamental aim was to preserve the author's memory and promote his work and thought. Significant assistance was offered by Eleni Kazantzaki, the author's second wife. The Museum holds manuscripts and notes by the author; samples of his correspondence with major thinkers, politicians and authors of his time; first editions of his works in Greek and other languages; rare photographic material; souvenirs from his travels; personal effects; models, costumes and other material from theatre productions of his works in Greece and abroad; portraits and sculptures of the author; and dozens of foreign-language editions of his works from all over the world. We will stop for a wine tasting and lunch. After lunch, we will visit the Minoan Palace of Malia. This is the third-largest Minoan palace in Crete, built in a wonderful setting near the sea on the road linking eastern and central Crete. This palace, which was first constructed circa 1900 BC, was the mythological seat of Minos’s brother Sarpedon. The palace was destroyed and rebuilt numerous times, and today we can walk around the actual palace, just as it was uncovered by archaeological excavations. Most of the ruins visible today belong to the Neopalatial complex - the second palace - whose rooms are set around 3 courts: the Central Court, the North Court and the Tower Court. The majestic size and complex plan of the palace make it a fascinating place to visit.

We will visit the Minoan Palace at Phaestos. The Palace of Phaestos lies on the east end of Kastri hill at the end of the Mesara plain in Central Southern Crete. To the north lies Psiloritis, the highest mountain in Crete. On the slopes of Psiloritis is the Kamares cave, which was likely a religious or cult centre for Phaestos and the Mesara plain. A very fine pottery style was discovered in this cave from the Middle Minoan period, which has been named Kamares Ware after the cave in which it was found. Kamares Ware has only been found at palace sites like Phaistos and Knossos, suggesting that it was specially produced for whoever was based in the palaces. A couple of kilometres to the west of Phaistos is the important Minoan site of Ayia Triadha. To the south of Phaistos are the Asterousia mountains beyond which lies the Libyan Sea. To the southwest is Kommos, the ancient port of Phaistos, and to the east, the vast Mesara plain which is the single largest fertile area in Crete and was populated with small settlements and distinctive tholos tombs in Minoan times. We will also visit the mountain village of Zaros which is famous for its natural spring water, and see the Moni Agios Nikolaos at the mouth of the Rouvas Gorge.

We will take a full day excursion along the west coast. Our first stop will be Rethymo, where we will visit the Venetian fortress and the Old Quarter, including the Rimondi Fountain and the Venetian Loggia. We will visit Chania to explore Venetian fortifications. We will see the Church of Agios Nikolaos, which the Ottomans converted into a mosque in 1645 until it was returned to an Orthodox Church in 1918. We will also experience the Agora, or covered market. Our final visit for the day will be to the Allied War Cemetery at Souda Bay.

Today we will take a local flight and travel to Rhodes. Rhodes is the capital of the Dodecanese and has been an important centre of civilisation since the 5th century BC. It was part of both the Roman and Byzantine Empires before being conquered by the Knights of St. John, who occupied Rhodes from 1306 to 1522. Ottoman and Italian rule followed, and the island is still rich in cultural history and atmosphere. On arrival we'll enjoy a tour of the city, including entrance to the fortified Palace of the Grand Masters, the impressive Archaeological Museum and a visit to the Acropolis. We end our day with dinner at a local restaurant.

Today we continue our exploration of Rhodes with a visit to Kallithea Springs area, located only a few kilometers from the city. The thermal springs have been popular since the 7th century BC. We'll view the Rotunda build by the italians in the early 1900s and the explore the surrouding area and stunning beach. Lunch will be at a local restaurant today and the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.  

We will explore the ancient city of Lindos and its inspiring acropolis. The afternoon is at leisure and in the evening we enjoy a group dinner at a local restaurant.

Today we visit the ancient city Lalysos, a Doric city that attracted successive invaders over the centuries. Next we will go to the nearby Bee Museum, where we will learn about the history of beekeeping in Rhodes. Next, we will travel on to Petaloudes, the Valley of the Butterflies. We will take a lovely walk along a forest path lined with streams and pools along the way. Our last visit of the day will be to Kamiros to see the ruins of a Doric city on a hill above the west coast. We will see a Doric temple, houses from the Hellenistic period, and the Temple to Athena. In the evening we'll have a group dinner at a local restaurant.

Today we take a flight from Rhodes to Larnaca. On arrival we'll meet our local guide and transfer to Limassol for a walking tour in the area of the Old Port followed by a visit to the Castle. We then continue our journey to Pafos with a stop in Kolossi to visit the Medieval Castle. In the evening we enjoy a group dinner at the hotel.

We have a full day exploring Pafos and visit the ancient city of Nea Pafos, where we will see excavated Roman villas and their beautiful mosaics. We will see the houses of Dionysus, Aion, Theseus, and Orpheus, as well as the theatre, Odeon, and Asklepion. We will also see the Necropolis (Tombs of the Kings) from the Ptolemaic Period. Time permitting we will visit Chrysopolitissa, which is a basilica constructed at the end of the 4th century AD. We stop for lunch at Kourion and later we visit archaeological site which contains remains from Hellenistic, Roman, and early Christian Era.

Today we depart Pafos and travel via Omodos where we will visit the Monastery of the Holy Cross, the oldest monastery in Cyprus. We will also have an opportunity to taste homemade kommandaria, which is a local wine that has been made here for over 4,000 years (even Homer wrote about it!). In the afternoon, we will visit some of the other UNESCO World Heritage listed Byzantine Churches: Archangels Michail, Agios Ioannis Lambadistis Monastery, and Panagia tou Moutoulla. Note for April departures: If your tour dates fall during Orthodox Easter some visit may be impacted by changed opening times or local closures due to the public holidays. More detailed information will be provided closer to departure.    

We will drive to Nicosia, where we can visit the tiny Byzantine church of Panagia tou Araka that has frescoes dating from 1192. In the afternoon we will visit the Cyprus Handicraft Service and watch pottery, woodwork, embroidery, and a range of other skills. Next we will see Kornesios Mansion, which is a building restored in Ottoman style that shows the lifestyle of upper classes in this period. If time permits, we will also visit the Archaeological Museum. Lunch will be at a local restaurant in Nicosia.

In the morning we will enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town to see the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Agios Ioannis Church. We'll also visit the Archaeological Museum, which is the oldest and largest in Cyprus. The museum traces the long history of civilization since prehistoric times. After lunch (own arrangements) we will visit Turkish Nicosia to see the Buyuk Han, the Bedesten, the Mevlevi Shrine Museum, and the Pasha Ethnographic Museum. Dinner tonight will be at our hotel.

We will take a full day excursion to North (Turkish) Cyprus to see the Shipwreck Museum, Salamis ancient site and Famagusta - "Ghost Town". Later in the afternoon we return to the hotel for a group dinner.

Today we will visit the traditional lace makers of Lefkara as well as the Khirokitia Neolithic Site and Larnaka Salt Lake. Next to the lake we will see the Hala Sultan Tekkesi Mosque, which is the burial place of the prophet Mohammed’s aunt. We'll stop at the Archaeological Museum, it was renovated in 2022 and houses a large collection of archaeological finds from the area. We will visit the Lazarus Church and the archaeological site of Kition, and return in time for our farewell dinner at the hotel.

The tour will conclude today after breakfast.