Islands of the Cyclades
Summary
Explore sacred islands and sprawling ruins
Of the thousands of Greek islands which are scattered over the Aegean Sea, the Cyclades have the most evocative mythology. The archipelago is named for its encircling of the sacred isle of Delos, the legendary birthplace of Apollo and Artemis but its surrounding islands are no less fascinating. From the now unassuming Tinos, which once flourished as a centre for worship to Poseidon in the 5th century BCE, to Santorini, home to one of the most important archaeological sites in the Aegean – the buried Minoan city of Akrotiri. The islands display evidence of settlement from as early as 5000 BCE and had a distinctive culture in the early middle Bronze Age. Obsidian (volcanic glass) was produced here and exported throughout the Aegean, along with lead, copper and marble. Travelling by land and crossing by ferry from port to ancient port, we explore the best of the archaeology there is to see on the archipelago.
Tour highlights:
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Tour dates & prices
Included in your cost:
- Expert Guide Lecturer
- Professional Tour Manager
- Local travel aboard a private air-conditioned coach
- Meals as per the itinerary, wine and tea or coffee with dinner
- Accommodation
- Entries to all sites as per the itinerary
- All taxes & gratuities
- Field notes