An Unforgettable Experience Awaits
The largest of the Greek islands, Crete was a centre of civilization and culture in ancient times which makes it an ideal place to take your Classics students.
Trip Highlights
Discover a dynasty at King Minos Palace in Knossos
See the great royal courts at the Minoan Palace of Phaistos
View the Roman and baroque architecture of Arkadi Monastery
Kournas Village and Lake
Recommended excursions
Palace of King Minos, Knossos
In Greek mythology King Minos dwelt in the Palace at Knossos. This large palace-city is the monumental symbol of the Minoan Kingdom and was the administrative and religious centre of the region. The first palace built in 1900 BC was destroyed by an earthquake then re-built and destroyed again around 1500-1400 BC. The ruined city also includes the homes of priests, officials and ordinary people.
Archaeological Museum, Heraklion
Spanning 5,500 years of Cretan history this is one of the largest and most important museums in Greece. On display are significant finds from the Minoan period including frescoes, pottery, stone carvings, statues and the painted sarcophagus from Aghia Trias.
Gortys
Gortys is the largest archaeological site in Crete and was one of the most important cities in Crete and its capital during the Roman period. Significant monuments are the acropolis and the Odeum where parts of the great law code of Gortyn (6 century BC) are inscribed on four stones. See also the early Byzantine church of St Titus who preached Christianity here with St Paul. The city was destroyed the Saracens in 828 AD.
Minoan Palace of Phaistos
Seat of the mythical Radamanthes, Phaistos was the second most important Minoan Palace-city. The remains of the new and old palace have been preserved. The layout of the palace is identical to Knossos but the Palace is less decorated.
Agia Triada Monastery
The Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) Orthodox Monastery is one of the most impressive in Crete and was built in the 17th century in the Byzantine Cruciform style with three domes. The Museum has a collection of icons and codices and other religious works of art.
Kournas Village and Lake
Lake Kournas, known as Lake Koressia in antiquitiy, is an important natural wetland and the only freshwater lake in Crete. There are two different legends concerning the water nymph said to inhabit the Lake. The unspoilt village of Kournas is 4kms from the lake in the foothills of Mount Dafnomadara (1680 m) and is linked to many battles for freedom from the Turks.
Rethymnon
The old town of Rethymnon with its narrow streets is a mix of Venetian and Turkish architecture. The Fortezza is the Venetian fortress of Rethymnon. The old castle hill is thought to be the site of the acropolis of ancient Rithymna with its Temple of Apollo and Sanctuary of Artemis.
Arkadi Monastery
The Arkadi Monastery was one of the most prosperous monasteries in Crete. In the 19th century it became the symbol of Crete’s struggle for independence from the Turks when many hundreds of revolutionary fighters, woman and children who were sheltering in the monastery together with Turkish fighters lost their lives here during the siege in 1866.
Minoan Palace, Malia
Malia is the third largest Minoan palace in Crete and according to myth this was the seat of Minos’s brother Sarpedon. The first palace was constructed in 1900 BC and destroyed around 1700 BC. Most of the archaeological excavations seen today belong to the second palace built in 1650 BC and destroyed around 1450.
Kritsa, Panagia Kera and Lato
The traditional village of Kritsa with its narrow streets clings to a cliff face at the foot of the Dikti Mountains with views across the olive groves. The village is best known for the nearby famous church Panagia Kera with its wonderful Byzantine frescos and the ancient Dorian City of Lato on a hilltop 3km away- one of the best preserved ancient cities of the Classical-Hellenistic period in Crete.
Lassithi Plateau
The fertile Lassithi Plateau has many small villages and used to be known for its windmills some of which are now being reconstructed. Agriculture was developed here during the Venetian rule of Crete. Traditional agriculture and artisan production of cheese and honey can be experienced at the hands on Lasinthos Eco Park.
Dikteon Cave
A place of cult worship in Minoan times the Dikteon Cave is the legendary place where Zeus was born and hidden to avoid being eaten by his father Cronos. The cave has impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Religious finds from the cave are on display in the Heraklion archaeological museum.
Typical accommodation
Castello Hotel – Heraklion
Why groups like it:
- Modern hotel
- Close to the city walls
- Walking distance to the sea-front and the archaeological Museum of Crete
Facilities:
- All rooms with private facilities, TV, air conditioning, mini fridges and free Wi-Fi
- Top floor restaurant with city and sea views
- Ground floor bar and 24-hour reception
Arkadi Hotel – Chania
Why groups like it:
- Modern comfortable hotel
- Centrally located in one of Chania’s main squares
- Close to the old town walls and the Venetian harbour
Facilities:
- All rooms with private facilities
- All rooms with air conditioning
- 24-hour reception and free Wi-Fi in public areas
Santa Marina Hotel – Agios Nikolaos
Why groups like it:
- Large, modern, comfortable hotel
- Consists of two buildings
- Close to the seafront and walking distance to the famous lake
Facilities:
- All rooms with private facilities, air-conditioning, TV, mini-fridge and hair dryer
- Restaurant with terrace and free Wi-Fi
- Small Seasonal swimming pool (no lifeguard), bar and lounge
Itinerary suggestion
1 Flight to Heraklion (approx 4 hours). Your tour guide will meet you on arrival
2 Coach transfer to your accommodation in Heraklion
3 Evening meal
1 Breakfast and packed lunch
2 Visit King Minos Palace in Knossos
3 Archaeological Museum Heraklion
4 Evening meal
1 Breakfast and packed lunch
2 Depart Heraklion for Gortys
3 Minoan Palace of Phaistos. Agia Triada Monastery. Village of Kournas
4 Evening meal and overnight in Chania
1 Breakfast and packed lunch
2 Depart Chania to Rethymno. Arkadi Monastery
3 Minoan Palace, Malia. Church of Panagia Kera, Ancient city of Lato
4 Evening meal and overnight in Agios Nikolaos
1 Breakfast and packed lunch
2 Lassithi Plateau. Lasinthos Eco Park
3 Dikteon Cave
4 Evening meal and overnight in Agios Nikolaos
1 Breakfast and packed lunch
2 Coach transfer to airport
3 Return flight to the UK
Learning outcomes
Subject focus
Students can:
- Explore what can be learnt from what remains of ancient civilisations, including buildings and artefacts
- Discover legends and place the myths to the location
- Make connections with the archaeological sites and sculptures
- Appreciate the continuing influence of classical civilisations to this day
Student outcomes
Students will have had an opportunity to:
- Make observations of classical architecture
- Place buildings in context, accounting for differences in styles and grandeur
- Understand the roles of institutions and people in ancient history
- Gain an appreciation of the influence of ancient civilisations on the modern world
“
We were exceptionally well looked after. During the booking process, the sales staff were very helpful, very patient, always in listening mode and ever willing to find out crucial details and get back promptly. The operational staff put together a tour that worked seamlessly.
Pangbourne College
Book with confidence
Ready to arrange your next adventure?
Request a quote today. Enter your name and email to begin your no obligation quote tailored to your group and learning objectives.
