Minoan Crete - History and archaeology

Fly at c. 12.15pm from London Gatwick to Heraklion via Athens (Aegean Airlines). First of five nights in Heraklion.

Please note that our departure flight will be from London Gatwick, while the return flight is scheduled to arrive at London Heathrow. We apologize for any inconvenience, but this arrangement was the best available option. Other solutions would have either resulted in a very late arrival in Crete or involved two stopovers.

The capital of Minoan Crete and centre of the Bronze Age Aegean, Knossos is shrouded in myth both ancient and modern. At its peak it comprised a magnificent palace with courts, religious buildings and mansions. Excavated by Sir Arthur Evans early in the 20th century, his reconstructions not only protect the excavated remains but illustrate the splendour of palatial civilisation. Visit the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion, which houses the island’s largest collection of Minoan art.

At Malia visit the Minoan Palace, the third largest and most provincial on the island. At Gournia, excavations of the Minoan town reveal over 70 cramped houses dotted about the hillside with a mini-palace at the top. Some free time at Agios Nikolaos. It is hoped that the archaeological museum, closed for restoration for some years, will reopen in early 2024 (to be confirmed).

The attractive town of Arhanes possesses remarkable archaeological remains and one of the best excavated cemeteries on Crete, Phourni (this is a closed site and permission for access can sometimes be withdrawn at short notice). The town also has a beautiful museum. Some free time in Heraklion.

A day in the Mesara, a rich agricultural plain along the south coast. Gortyn was the Roman capital of Crete; a famous 5th-century BC inscription has details of Greek law. On a ridge, Phaestos is the second largest Minoan palace. Agia Triada, interpreted as the summer resort for Phaestos, has beautifully sited and architecturally elaborate villas. Fifth and final night in Heraklion.

Drive West to Rethymnon. The imposing fortress overlooking the city was built by the Venetians between 1573 and 1580 as an outpost against the Ottoman empire. The remarkable Minoan cemetery of Armeni – containing over 200 chamber tombs is considered a key archaeological site of the Late Bronze Age. Continue to Chania, the spiritual capital of Crete, a beautiful harbour town with delightful restaurants and artisanal shops, where the following three nights are spent.

One of the most powerful Graeco-Roman city states, Aptera is a huge site with Roman ruins, a theatre and a Turkish fort. View the Commonwealth War Cemetery at Souda Bay. Return to Chania for a walking tour of the old town. Some free time.

The newly renovated Archaeological Museum of Chania opened in 2022. It houses around 3,500 archeological objects, including findings from excavations in several areas of the city that have taken place during the last 50 years. Moni Agias Triadas on the Akrotiri peninsula above Chania was founded in 1630 by Venetian nobles and has some of the finest monastic architecture on the island. Third and final night in Chania.

Fly to London Heathrow via Athens, arriving c. 3.30pm.

The opening of sites on Crete is arbitrary and can be influenced by the politics at the time of the tour. This may mean that at short notice not all sites listed can be visited.