Itinerary |
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Arrive in Heraklion and drive to the Hotel Lato for dinner and overnight.
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Drive to the Archanes valley to visit the attractive displays in the small Archaeological Museum of Archanes which give a good overview of life in the area in the Minoan period. Afterwards, visit the Minoan house at Vathypetro, which gives a vivid picture of country life and has an elaborate tripartite shrine. In the afternoon, the Bronze Age palace at Knossos, pre-eminent amongst the Minoan 'palaces', which continued in use after the other palaces were destroyed in earthquakes at the beginning of the Late Bronze Age. Return to Heraklion for dinner in a local taverna and overnight at the Hotel Lato.
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A short drive south to visit two sites in the region of the fertile Mesare plain. The Minoan 'palace' at Phaistos which an excellent example of the architecture of Minoan Crete and the enigmatic site of Ayia Triadha, originally described as a 'Royal Villa', perhaps a summer residence or country villa for the rulers from Phaistos. Return for a restaurant meal in Heraklion and overnight at Hotel Lato, Heraklion.
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Drive west to the attractive harbour of Chania stopping en route at Aptera with its remains of Greek temple walls, huge Roman cisterns and a villa, a monastery and a Turkish fort. Visit Chania archaeological museum and explore the old town. Return to Heraklion for dinner and overnight at the Hotel Lato.
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Early morning visit to the temporary 'Treasures of Heraklion Museum' exhibition. Travel east to Malia, typical Minoan 'palace' and town, with cemeteries along the seashore. Afternoon visit to the museum in Ayios Nikolaos. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel Istron Bay.
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Early Bronze Age settlement of Vassiliki; well-preserved Minoan town of Gournia, the remains of which are clustered around the sides of a hill which is crowned by a 'palace'. Some free time this afternoon in Ayios Nikolaos. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel Istron Bay.
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Ruins at Chamaizi on a hill in open country; by fishing boat to the small island of Mochlos, once an important Minoan town, fish lunch in a seaside taverna in their delightful harbour. Return to the Istron Bay Hotel for dinner and overnight.
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Return flight from Heraklion.
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