CRETE
Crowning the southernmost part of the Aegean, Crete's past is a curious
blend of myth and historical fact. Its terrain is unpredictable, filled
with mountain ranges, serene plateaus, peaceful valleys, and gently rolling
hills that suddenly drop into the sea in some places and gradually descend
in others.
INVADERS
The island of King Minos faced at various times the voracious appetites
of conquerors from mainland Greece, Rome, Byzantium, the Ottoman Empire,
and the Venetians. It was raided by pirates and invaded by armies
who cruised the Mediterranean in search of riches and power.
AGES-OLD
CULTURE
The proof of this in every corner of the land; in Chania, Rethymno, Iraklio,
Lassithi. Finds of long-forgotten civilizations, castles with thick walls
and deep moats, monasteries and churches standing alongside minarets and
mosques, are all testaments to the turbulent past of this corner of Greece.
And the people!!! Proud as the mountains, strong as the waves that beat
upon its shores, yet gentle and generous bearers of age-old traditions
and culture.
ACROSS
THE CENTURIES
This is the birthplace of gods and heroes, divine artists, and inspired
politicians: Zeus and Minos, El Greco, Kornaros, Kazantzakis, Venizelos....From
myth, to antiquity, to renaissance, to modern Greek history, these are
figures who contributed of themselves to what today makes up Crete, Greece
and, to some extent, Western civilization itself.
CRETAN
TREASURES CRUISES
The Minoans who ruled the ancient world
lived on the island of Crete. Here is the most spectacular scenery
above and below the water. There is an abundance of cathedral caverns
underwater that will fulfill all your expectations and more. Crete
is surrounded with many smaller islands that offer the best in diving.
Their names are only known to the locals, but we have included them all
in our seven or ten day itineraries.
Please contact
us for more information.