History trips to Crete, Greece

Get ready for a day of culture! Start by visiting the Palace of Knossos - home of King Minos and Cretan labyrinths. This is where Theseus beat the Minotaur according to mythology, so it simply has to be on your agenda!

Afterwards, visit Heraklion Museum for a trip back in time. The museum houses numerous archaeological displays of Crete’s Minoan civilisation, which ruled the island for more than 1,200 years.

Start your third day with a trip to Malia, where your first stop will be Malia Palace. This exciting archaeological site will allow your group to imagine what this Minoan palace would have looked like in 1650 BCE.

Next on the itinerary is Lassithi Plateau, Lasinthos Eco Park and Dikteon Cave, which is the reputed birthplace of Zeus – a popular tourist spot for obvious reasons! Not only is this area spectacular to look at, it’s also been the point of rebellion and revolt from ancient times to WWII.

You’ll be spending the night in Agios Nikolaos, so take some time strolling around this picturesque harbour town before enjoying an evening meal.

Kickstart your morning in the best way – with a stunning drive through the southern mountains via Doric Lato. Your destination will be the archaeological site and monastery of Agia Triada, where your students can explore the beautiful town and its ruins.

Enjoy lunch with a view at the seaside resort of Matala, then visit Gortyn, capital of Roman Crete. This largely unexcavated site features engravings of the old town’s law codes and is set amongst olive groves in the foothills of Mount Ida – a delightful backdrop to learning!

Depending on your preferences, spend another night in Agios Nikolaos or opt for Chania or Rethymno instead.

Today you’ll be spending some time at sea! Why not opt for a cruise on a private charter to Spinalonga (formerly known as Leper Colony)? This is where the story of Victoria Hislop’s best seller ‘The Island’ took place!

If you’d prefer, hop on a boat to either Santorini or Koufonisi, where you’ll be able to explore the breath-taking cities that you’re used to seeing on postcards.

With your feet back on solid ground, enjoy a traditional meal out in Agios Nikolaos, where you’ll be spending another night.

Sit back and enjoy the ride this morning, as you drive west along the north coast to visit the Venetian ports of Rethymnon, Chania and the Commonwealth Cemetery at Souda Bay. The latter is a WWII burial area for victims of the Battle of Crete, including Pendlebury, a British archaeologist executed for espionage. It’s a harrowing yet interesting look into this part of the island’s history.

It’s also worth visiting Kournas Lake and village, a traditional village which is completely unaffected by tourism! This unique area is sure to transport your students back in time for a while.

Spend the night in Chania, a fabulous seaside town that’s worth the visit for the views alone.

Greece is renowned for its olive oil, so it seems fitting to end your stay with a visit to a local olive oil farm! Enjoy learning about the production process and see a 150-year-old oil press in action. On Saturdays, you can even participate in grape treading!

Stock up on some flight-friendly bottles of olive oil before catching your plane home.