Travelling through wonderful scenery highlights of this memorable tour of Eastern CRETE include the ancient Byzantine church of PANAGIA KERA; the
cosmopolitan harbour town of AGIOS NIKOLAOS; the Minoan palaces of KNOSSOS and MALIA; SITIA; the 14th Century TOPLOU MONASTERY;
SPINALONGA ISLAND and the incredibly atmospheric LASSITHI PLATEAU.
Your tour will begin with a visit to the ancient Byzantine Church of PANAGIA KERA. Dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary this wonderful church dates from the 13th century and has some ofthe best preserved Byzantine frescoes on the island.The village of KRISTA is renowned for its localhandicrafts of lace making and embroidery and youwill have to chance to soak up the local atmospherewhile you wander leisurely through the narrow streets. You will then continue to AGIOS NIKOLAOS with its cosmopolitan harbour and interesting Archaeological Museum.
Little was known about the ancient Minoan civilisation until 1894 with the discovery, by British archaeologist Arthur Evans, of the palace at KNOSSOS. Dating from 1900 BC the palace was destroyed by an earthquake in 1700 BC, rebuilt and then finally destroyed in1375 BC by fire and never rebuilt. The site gives a fascinating insight into this ancient and highly developed civilization. Highlights include the Royal Apartments, Throne Room, giant 'pithoi’ storage jars and the Priest-King fresco.
A visit will also be made to the Archaeological Museum in HERAKLION where you will be able to admire the Archaeological Collection displaying some of the greatest Minoan
artefacts anywhere in the world.
A tour will be taken to the Minoan village of GOURNIA and then to the harbour town of SITIA. Historically the town was built up in Venetian times, destroyed and later rebuilt by the Turks. It is a pretty, bustling little town with a lovely waterfront lined with cafés and tavernas. From here you will visit the 14th Century TOPLOU MONASTERY which throughout its turbulent history has had to defend itself against pirates and many other invaders. The monastery was devastated during the earthquake of 1612, rebuilt by the Venetians, but then destroyed again by the Turks during their occupation of Crete.
Belonging to the monastery is the protected palm forest of VAI with its rare flora and fauna, and is thelargest natural palm forest in Europe. The visit to the fascinating small island of SPINALONGA is a must. Fortified by the Venetians in the late 16th century the island rests quietly in the beautiful bay of ELOUNDA. Long after the rest of Crete succumbed to Turkish rule, Spinalonga defended itself successfully against the Turks until 1715. Here there is a well preserved fortress and the ruins of the village give a fascinating insight into what life was like at the time Spinalonga was a leper colony.
Along with Knossos, Zakros and Phaestos, MALIA is one of the four major Minoan Palaces on Crete. The original palace was totally destroyed, but ruins dating back to 1650BC can still be seen today. Nearby is the LASSITHI PLATEAU. This atmospheric green carpeted plateau is surrounded on all sides by the DIKTEAN MOUNTAINS. Excavations have proved that this inaccessible area of land has been inhabited since Neolithic times. This is a place of outstanding natural beauty and in 1293 Venetians forced the population out and built 10,000 white-sailed irrigation windmills. Although very few are in use today, the windmills provide a visual spectacle.
Following your exploration of the many hidden gems of this interesting unspoilt area of Crete you will have the opportunity on your last day to relax and enjoy the excellent facilities at the hotel.
