The Minoans and the Cretans.
The Minoan is considered the oldest civilization in Europe. It was developed in the island of Crete 5,000 years ago but is still relevant in terms of bioclimatic buildings, sustainable lifestyle, scientific knowledge and gender equality.
During the medieval period, the island was included in the Byzantine Empire and was conquered by the Venetians who ruled it from the 13th until the 17th century. This was the period when Cretan Art flourished, with its best representative being the painter El Greco (Dominikos Theotokopoulos) who was born in Heraklion.
The Cretans developed their own culture. Cretan gastronomy is considered the healthiest in the world. The dances and music are influenced by the centuries of occupation and their fights for freedom. The art gets elements from the ancient Minoans. The new generations continue waving history with ancient threads. One local writer born in Heraklion, wrote about these threads. The writer was Nikos Kazantzakis, nine times nominated for Nobel Prize in Literature, author of Zorba the Greek.
Doucas Tours & Travel organizes a tour all over Crete to the island’s four regions: Heraklion, Lasithi, Rethymno, Chania. The tour includes visits to archaeological sites, historical museums, Venetian castles, medieval monasteries, picturesque ports and traditional villages. The tour provides unique experiences such as visiting Spinalonga – once the island of the lepers and wine tasting at a monastery.
“I felt once more how simple and frugal a thing is happiness: a glass of wine, a roast chestnut, a wretched little brazier, the sound of the sea. Nothing else” by Nikos Kazantzakis
The packages include:
- Accommodation in 3*, 4* or 5* selected hotels, including breakfast.
- Transfers according to the program.
- Organized tours to museums and sites with a licensed tour guide.
- Organized daily excursions and activities.
- Tailor-made Day-by-Day itinerary.
This program applies to Groups and Individuals. Request a suggested itinerary.
