12.03.2014
Contents
Круиз на Санторини
Thousands of people visit Santorini every year. tourists, who are attracted here by amazing landscapes and secrets of the ancient stories. The famous oceanographer Jacques-Yves Cousteau called this corner of Greece is mysterious Atlantis, and indeed, Santorini partially echoed the fate of this lost civilizations. Santorini is an island of volcanic origin, and, as It was established by scientists, approximately in 1450 BC. here there was a powerful eruption, after which part of the island sank and was flooded by the sea. Presumably because The eruption caused a tsunami, which is a huge shock wave collapsed on the island of Crete and destroyed the ancient Minoan civilization.
In Santorini itself, around a crater flooded with water high cliffs were formed from frozen volcanic gray lava, red and brown shades. And on their slopes later arose the cities of Fira and Oia, which today are happy to receive tourists from all over the world, surprising them with their beaches with black volcanic sand.
Palace of Knossos and Heraklion
The main attraction of Crete – Knossos Palace, located in the capital of the island of Heraklion. Exactly this the place is associated with the legendary labyrinth of the Minotaur, the story of which we all know from school. According to ancient Greek myths, the greatest architect of the ancient world, Daedalus built for king Minos a labyrinth in which the terrible monster Minotaur was hidden. The Athenians were forced to sacrifice human sacrifices annually until the hero Theseus killed the Minotaur and thus saved them from terrible tribute.
Knossos Palace, found in the last century by archeologist Arthur Evans, identified with the maze, as it has many rooms, halls and transitions located in the height of several floors. The approximate construction time is 1700 BC. Due to the partial reconstruction of some rooms, tourists have the opportunity to see part of the ancient arrangement of rooms, frescoes and even the throne room of the local rulers!
After exploring the ancient history of Crete, sightseeing The program continues with a tour of the city of Heraklion. Most its interesting sights – Venizelos Square, fountain Morosini, the Cathedral of St. Titus and the Venetian Loggia. Thereafter tourists can go shopping or sit in one of the cafes and enjoy a pleasant stay and refreshments.
Tour of the Samaria Gorge
The gorge of Samaria today faces exactly as it was 3 million years ago. Him unique ecosystem and beautiful sheer walls extending to 1250 m inland, make Samara one of the most visited Cretan natural monuments. The length of the Samaria Gorge is 18 km, therefore a walk through it will be a test of physical abilities, and familiarity with Cretan untouched nature. At the end of the way tourists waiting for a reward – sandy beach of the village of Agia Roumeli on the shore Libyan Sea.
a photo: elenase.livejournal.com
Cruise to the island of Spinalonga
Spinalonga Island is located north of the resort. Elounda, in the picturesque bay of Mirabello. Historical peripetias left their mark on this island, which is remote from the mainland. AT their time on Spinalonga, the Venetians built a fortress, later, in period of Turkish domination, here they were hiding from Islamization Christians, and later the Turkish community was organized here.
From the beginning of the last century and until 1975, Spinalonga was leprosarium – a place where people lived with leprosy. However, now all the tragic moments of history are forgotten, and the island with the preserved the remains of the fortress welcomes tourists.
The second point of the cruise route is the city of Agios Nikolaos, located on the other side of the bay – a prestigious resort that sometimes called little Venice (because of the lake located in the center of the old town).
Gramvousa Islands
There are uninhabited islands near the western tip of Crete. Gramvousa. They are worth a visit for at least two reasons: first, it is here that the conventional boundaries of the three Seas – Mediterranean, Ionian and Cretan. Secondly, they glorified in history as a place of refuge for pirates, sailors and Cretan rebels.
After the war of liberation in 1821-1830. were built here several buildings, the ruins of which have survived to this day. In addition, during the tour, tourists can swim in the waters Balos bay where during the honeymoon of prince charles and Princess Diana was stopping the yacht “Britain”.
Cretan evening
“Cretan evening” – this is a pleasant dinner in the Greek outback with all the attributes of a national holiday: the best are waiting for tourists Greek cuisine, dancing, local wine, music, fun and the sea pleasant emotions. Here you can not only see the bright costume performance, but also to take part in it, trying to master the national Greek dances.
Festos-Gortina-Matala
The city of Phaistos in antiquity was one of the main centers of a flourishing Minoan civilization. A century later scientists discovered in its ruins the famous Festsky disc with hieroglyphic writing. The inscriptions on the disc are still not decrypted, and the find itself has become one of the most famous characters Crete (currently the disc is kept in the archeological museum Heraklion).
The next point of the tour is the ancient Roman capital of the island. City Gortyna. Among the picturesque olive groves preserved here remnants of the former greatness of the Roman Empire – the foundation of the temple of Apollo Pythian, Amphitheater, Palace of the Roman Governor, Baths II century BC, circus about 400 m long, the remains of the Basilica of St. Titus
A pleasant end of the trip will be a rest on the beach of Matala, which was one of the most famous centers of hippie culture.
Cretan Waterpark
The best place in Crete, where you can dilute the saturated the excursion program is a local water park. In the territory area of 40 thousand square meters. km collected the best water activities for adults and children: there is a “lazy river” and a “black hole” here, and attraction “kamikaze”, and swimming pools with hydromassage and artificial waves, and small “frogs” for the youngest visitors, and also all the necessary supplies for the rampant baby fun And most importantly – all this – surrounded by the Cretan mountain landscapes and Mediterranean nature.
4X4 safari
Safari in open jeeps is guaranteed to give to all participants a powerful rush of adrenaline and a lot of extreme sensations. In a fascinating safari trip tourists will discover the nature of the island with its canyons, mountains, plateaus and picturesque bays, and after completing the trip, the safari participants will have dinner in cozy local tavern.
photo: teztour.ua
Discover Crete
This tour offers an introduction to real Crete, far away. from tourist tinsel and crowds having a rest. Excursion participants offer a visit to the Cretan hinterland, where the traditional way life goes at its measured pace, where the locals are not working in hotels and restaurants, and in the fields and vineyards.
Journey to the Cretan countryside through the village Arolitos, known for its craft shops, Axos is one of centers for the production of local fabrics, and Anoia with its colorful architecture and glass making workshop. In these places tourists will be able to observe the process of producing olive oil and taste the famous Cretan vodka tsipuro.
