20 days
Duration
Destination
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Crete small group tour

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Crete Small Group Tour | Learning about the Minoans

This escorted small group tour of Crete is designed around an innovative itinerary that traces the remnants of Minoanculture across the beautiful Mediterranean island. Combining education, a variety of local experiences with a touch of exploration and breathtaking scenery, the magnificent art, architecture and lifestyle of an ancient people long since vanished can be brought to life once again. We will discuss what may have brought about the demise of such a civilisation some 3,500 years ago as this escorted small group tour of Crete takes you to the ancient cities, settlements, and palaces of the Minoans.

Crete is largest of the Greek islands

Situated just over 600 kilometres to the northwest of the great Egyptian city of Alexandria, Crete is the southernmost and the largest Greek island. For thousands of years, the well-positioned and well-provisioned isle has been the focus of the ambitions of those wishing to control the land.

The ancient Cretans are now referred to by archaeologists as the “ Minoans ”, after the labyrinthine nature of the Bronze Age archaeological site unearthed in Crete, and which was probably the origin of the ancient tale of King Minos and the Minotaur.

Knossos was the capital of Minoan Crete, 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 into 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 on Thera (Santorini). A British archaeologist excavated the site in 1900 AD and restored large parts of the palace.

Minoans have been described as the manufacturers of the first luxury goods

Archaeological site work, that we will witness in the archaeological museum, has revealed evidence, dating to the third millennium BC, of a thriving trade network centred on Crete that dealt in tin and copper, the constituent elements for bronze. It is likely that this particular commodity brought great wealth and prosperity to Minoans as they raised their great palaces and expanded their settlements across the entire island. As affluence increased so did trade in other goods, with archaeological site excavations in the ancient ruins by archaeologists pointing to the import of items such as jewellery, wine and luxury foodstuffs. In exchange, the Minoans maintained an established export of ceramics, timber from their cypress forests and even textiles, although the latter leave little trace from so long ago.

On this guided tour, you will be on Crete, the once vibrant hub of a cultural and trade network that radiated out from a thriving Minoan civilisation to influence communities spread around the Mediterranean. There were strong connections with Egypt, the Levant and with mainland Greece. There is also the strong likelihood that the Minoan sphere of trading influence extended westwards to Sicily and Italy.

The life of the Minoans at home revolved around an agricultural lifestyle and their diet was likely much the same as many of the modern people of Crete today. Seafood, vegetables, grains and dairy, supplemented by the ever-present olive and its delicious and functional oilproduced from the local olive grove would have been found on the tables of most households. Wine appears to have been plentiful and the Minoans also enjoyed barley beer. Their houses were comfortable, built from local stone, topped with mud-brick and wood.

Minoan civilisation declined and disappeared some time during the 15 th century BC. Certain scholars point to the eruption of the volcano on nearby Thera, hypothesising that this devastated the cities of the Minoan trading allies thus causing their economy to collapse. Others believe there was an invasion from outside of the island taking over a government possibly riven by internal problems. It remains conjecture as to what actually happened but the influence and the legacy of this great people lives on.

Crete Small Group Tour Itinerary

On this 21-day trip designed for seniors and mature-aged travellers, we will go on wonderful excursions on the Aegean Sea as we wander the palace precincts of Knossos, Malia, Zakros and Galatas. We will consider the influences, the political organisation and the society that provided for such impressive structure and adornment. This escorted small group tour of Crete provides an itinerary the explores east and western Crete. Stroll along the streets of the old townsettlements of Phaistos, Tylissos or Agia Triada and let your imagination take you where it will, as the paved streets and water systems stretch from one side of the town to the other. Marvel at the view from every home and shop across the island settlement of Pseira and think about explanations for its seemingly isolated position. Travel out over the now sunken causeway to Minoan Mochlos and wile away hours exploring its stone-lined streets and alleys. Revel for a time in the legend of Zeus as you look in awe upon the interior of the Dikteon Cave, and view first hand the later Venetian influences around the old harbour precincts of Chania and Heraklion.

This small group tour learning about the Minoans on Crete is bound together by the thread of the Minoans, but we will also be able to learn more about contemporary Cretan life. You will sample Cretan culinary delights made with many of the same ingredients that the Minoans used, and look on while oil and wine is produced by ancient methods before you. You will sail on the blue waters of the Aegean over shipwrecks from across the millennia, but be back in time for dinner and wine tasting at a harbour-side local restaurant surrounding the small ports, or perhaps at a taverna in a local village.

The Crete small group tour is for 21 days staying at 6 different locations. As a small group, you explore and visit 26 different destinations with a tour director (program leader), national and local guides, who share their knowledge about the Minoans with you. The itinerary also gives you time to relax and explore the island on your own.

You can learn more about Greece by reading our country profile. We also publish articles to assist senior travellers with their preparations, such as about the history of Crete history and the history of Santorini , frequently asked question about Greece , Greek civilisation , and the history of Athens . as well as related articles:

This external website is also a useful reference;

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Crete
Crete tours
Old Chania town, Crete island
Crete small group tour
Spinalonga Island, Greece
View of Mirabello Bay, Sitia, Crete, Greece
Church of Toplou Monastery in the northeastern part of Crete, Greece near the famous palm beach of Vai.
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Iraklion, capital of Crete island
Eastern Mediterranean Islands
Eastern Mediterranean
Phaestos ruins, Crete
Panoramic view of Spinalonga and the gulf of Elounda
The venetian fortress built approx. in the 16th century
View of the island of Spinalonga with calm sea.