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Eastern Mediterranean Islands short tour. During this short tour we experience the immersion of culture and history that the Greek islands have to offer over the course of 10 days. Our educational tour has a limit of 18 people.
While on this small group tour our professional guides join your program leader to share their knowledge as you explore the islands of Greece and learn about the cradle of Western civilization. You visit Santorini, an ancient civilisation destroyed by a volcanic eruption. Subsequently, you travel to Crete with its famous ancient remains of Minoan palaces. Both islands are amazing with their dramatic scenery.
The Eastern Mediterranean Islands short tour begins in Athens, the home of many ancient archaeological sites. Its atmosphere has a mixture 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.
Our next stop on the tour is Santorini, a volcanic island that the Minoans colonised in 3000 BC. The island is possibly 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. Today, the island remains a stunning example of a Cycladic white washed village, clinging to volcanic cliffs above black sand beaches.
Following Santorini we take a short flight to Crete where we stay for the next five days exploring this amazing rocky island. The island is steeped in history both ancient and modern. Crete is the island where the god Zeus was born and where Theseus fought the Minotaur. It also saw the development of the Minoan civilization remembered particularly for the bull leaping frescoes. Finally you spend time with a local guide exploring the ancient Minoan palaces of Knossos and Phaistos.
The Eastern Mediterranean Islands short tour is for the senior or mature couple or solo traveller curious to learn about the ancient civilisation on Santorini and Crete. You can learn more about Greece with our country profile where all the other tour departures are listed as well. Odyssey Traveller also offers a 21-day long version of the tour, Santorini, Crete & Cyprus Tour.
For more details, click the ‘Top 5’ or ‘Itinerary’ buttons above! If you’re keen to experience this tour, please call or send an email. Or, to book, simply fill in the form on the right hand side of this page.
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