An incredible two-week excursion that introduces our guests to the mysteries and beauties of the southern Mediterranean

*Designates UNESCO World Heritage Site

Day Three 

Today, we are departing for the monastery of Arkadi. Built in the 16th century, it is one of Greece’s major historic landmarks, and is designated as a UNESCO European Freedom Monument. Our next stop is the city of Rethymno. Its old town evokes a glorious Venetian past and the Historical and Folklore Museum shares the culture of the island from numerous perspectives. We spend the evening in Rethymno.

Day Four 

Our tour this day includes Attali Monastery, another monument dating back to the Venetian period. Situated on a hill, it offers a panoramic view over the Sea of Crete. The group moves to a hotel in Heraklion, the island’s capital, where yet another Venetian harbor greets guests.

Day Five 

This morning, we will admire the collections of the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, one of the most important in Europe. Then, we are heading south to the Minoan Palace of Knossos (ca 1500 BCE), considered for UNESCO World Heritage Site registration. Our excursion continues to Archanes archaeological site and traditional village. Later in the day, we return to the city of Heraklion.

Day Six 

On this day, our guests fly with their tour leader from Heraklion (via Athens) to the port city of Larnaca on the island of Cyprus. The city’s monuments (Hala Sultan Tekke, Church of St. Lazarus, Larnaca Castle, etc.) witness an extraordinary blend of cultures. Our guests spend the evening in Larnaca.

Day Seven 

We are travelling to the island’s capital Nicosia. Stopover in the village of Lefkara, famous for its lace embroidery—according to tradition, Leonardo da Vinci is counted among its visitors. Upon arrival in Nicosia, we will transfer to our hotel in the historic district. The rest of the day is dedicated to the discovery of the city’s cultural and architectural heritage with visits to Cyprus Museum, Ethnographic Museum, Old Town–Greek and Turkish sectors. Return to our hotel from the Turkish side.

Day Eight 

Way to the Turkish occupied part of Cyprus. Our visits to St. Hilarion Castle, Bellapais Abbey, Kyrenia Harbor, Famagusta’s „Gothic Mosques,” and to the archaeological site of Salamis provide unique opportunities to better understand the cross cultural history of the island. From Famagusta we are heading back to Nicosia.

Day Nine 

We are departing from Nicosia—our direction: Troodos Mountains. Sts. Barnabas and Hilarion Church, the Peristerona Mosque, the painted churches of Asinou* and Panagia Podithou*, and other fascinating sites round out our time in Mount Troodos. We spend our evening in the picturesque mountain village of Kakopetria.

Day Ten

From Kakopetria we continue our exploration through Troodos Mountains. After a tour of impressive Kykkos Monastery, we arrive in Omodos, another traditional village in the mountains. Then, through Krasochoria valley, we follow the way to the coastal town of Paphos designated as European Capital of Culture for 2017. We spend the remainder of the day in Paphos, and our experience includes a walk on the Promenade and a view of the Paphos Castle by night.

Day Eleven 

This morning, we visit the Archaeological Park of Kato Paphos*, best known for the Tombs of the Kings (4th c. BCE – 3d c. CE). After checking out from the hotel, we are heading towards Kolossi Castle, a Crusader stronghold. On our way, we stop at Yeroskipou, known for its five-domed Byzantine church on the site of goddess Aphrodite’s sacred gardens. We also view Aphrodite’s birthplace, the Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates, and the ancient town of Kourion. And most surprisingly, we cross a British overseas territory, that of Akrotiri and Dhekelia. Our day ends in Limassol. We spend the night at a central hotel.

Day Twelve 

We start our day by visiting the neolithic settlement of Choirokitia*. We continue our way to the airport of Larnaca, and soon after, we fly to the island of Malta. Upon our arrival, we will not miss a tour around St. Julian’s Bay. Our hotel is located in Valetta’s exclusive suburb of Floriana, a blend of Mediterranean charm and British elegance.

Day Thirteen 

Numerous extraordinary sites are explored during this day:  Valetta* and its magnificent Grand Master’s Palace, Tarxien Megalithic Temples*, Hypogeum*, and the three fortified cities of Birgu, Senglea, and Conspicua. Return to Floriana.

Day Fourteen 

Today’s tour include Villa Bologna, a most exquisite stately home, Ta’ Qali, home of local glass blowers, Mdina, the island’s old aristocratic capital, and Mosta known for its marvelous Rotunda. Return to Floriana.

Day Fifteen 

Depart from Malta back to the United States or an additional excursion to the island of Gozo. The Gozo itinerary includes a ferry ride from the Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal to the port of Mgarr. Visits to the island’s fortified capital Victoria, Ggantija Megalithic Temple*, and Calypso’s Cave are included in this excursion, as well as return ferry to Malta. Accommodations at the same hotel in Floriana.

Day Sixteen (for the participants in the tour oF Gozo) 

Transfer to Malta airport and return to the United States.

Tour schedule is subject to change due to local conditions