Ancient Islands: Crete & Santorini
April 10 - 19, 2025 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Open
Santorini
Crete has an ancient and fascinating history stretching back into the mists of time. It is said that the mighty Zeus was once enchanted by the beauty of Europa, the daughter of Agenor, king of Tyre. He took the form of a white bull and carried her on his back across the sea to Crete. Here she settled and founded the dynasty that was later named for her son, King Minos—the mysterious and enigmatic Minoan civilization that flourished here between about 1700 and 1400 BCE.
Whatever the truth of its founding, we will come face to face with the evidence of Minoan wealth, power and sophistication as we visit the remains of their fabulous palaces and cities at Knossos, and Festos from our base in the modern capital of Heraklion.
A short fast-ferry ride across the wine-dark sea brings us to the island of Santorini (known locally as Thira). Some say that this island was the model for ancient Atlantis. A volcanic island, it erupted massively around 1500 BCE, literally “sinking beneath the waves.”
Join Discover Europe president, Michael Induni, on this trip to see these Ancient Islands before the crowds of summer have arrived—and before the weather becomes paralyzingly hot.
*Once you have submitted the above registration form with your digital signature, a Discover Europe staff member will be in contact as soon as possible to process your deposit and welcome you to the tour.
