{"id":70144,"date":"2026-09-08T16:01:25","date_gmt":"2026-09-08T08:01:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/?p=70144"},"modified":"2026-09-09T13:50:17","modified_gmt":"2026-09-09T05:50:17","slug":"14-days-legends-across-crete-cyprus-by-prof-ols-25-oct-07-nov-2027","status":"publish","type":"itinerary","link":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/itinerary\/14-days-legends-across-crete-cyprus-by-prof-ols-25-oct-07-nov-2027\/","title":{"rendered":"14 DAYS LEGENDS ACROSS CRETE &#038; CYPRUS &#8211; BY PROF OLS"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Across the storied waters between Crete and Cyprus, this journey follows the thread of myth and history-from the labyrinthine palaces of the Minoans to the sunlit shores of Aphrodite\u2019s island at the crossroads of three continents. Ancient sanctuaries, coastal towns and mountain villages form a continuous tapestry of Mediterranean civilisation, revealed through leisurely days, refined stays and thoughtful pacing.<\/p>\n<p>From the classical heartlands of the Peloponnese and the Minoan centre of Knossos, the Troodos painted churches and the divided capital of Nicosia, each region contributes its own chapter of gods, empires and enduring faith. Adding a layer of academic depth, Prof. Ols Lafe &#8211; classical archaeologist and esteemed author &#8211; accompanies the tour as our honorary guest leader, enriching the experience with engaging lectures and insightful commentary that bring these landscapes of legend vividly to life.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Across the storied waters between Crete and Cyprus, this journey follows the thread of myth and history-from the labyrinthine palaces of the Minoans to the sunlit shores of Aphrodite\u2019s island at the crossroads of three continents. Ancient sanctuaries, coastal towns and mountain villages form a continuous tapestry of Mediterranean civilisation, revealed through leisurely days, refined [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":70142,"template":"","itinerary-tags":[605],"sub-region":[],"region":[85],"experience-level":[571],"language":[37],"interest":[43],"journey-type":[33],"country":[884,128],"class_list":["post-70144","itinerary","type-itinerary","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","itinerary-tags-new","region-europe","experience-level-history-heritage-culture","language-english","interest-history-culture","journey-type-small-group-journeys","country-cyprus","country-greece"],"meta_box":{"popularity_score":"5","select_brands":[],"hotels_section_title":"","select_hotel":[69698,69705,45164,69718,69724,70131,69730,69740,69746],"faq_content_block":[],"hotel_tour_tiers_title":"","tiers":[{"price_currency":"HKD","price_amount":"109880"}],"intriq_note":"","intriq_inquire_url":"","itinerary_banner":[{"width":150,"height":150,"file":"2026\/08\/14d-legends-across-crete-and-cyprus-by-prof-ols-banner.png","filesize":2522112,"sizes":{"medium":{"file":"14d-legends-across-crete-and-cyprus-by-prof-ols-banner-300x94.png","width":300,"height":94,"mime-type":"image\/png","filesize":57810,"url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/14d-legends-across-crete-and-cyprus-by-prof-ols-banner-300x94.png"},"large":{"file":"14d-legends-across-crete-and-cyprus-by-prof-ols-banner-1024x320.png","width":1024,"height":320,"mime-type":"image\/png","filesize":578265,"url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/14d-legends-across-crete-and-cyprus-by-prof-ols-banner-1024x320.png"},"thumbnail":{"file":"14d-legends-across-crete-and-cyprus-by-prof-ols-banner-150x150.png","width":150,"height":150,"mime-type":"image\/png","filesize":45543,"url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/14d-legends-across-crete-and-cyprus-by-prof-ols-banner-150x150.png"},"medium_large":{"file":"14d-legends-across-crete-and-cyprus-by-prof-ols-banner-768x240.png","width":768,"height":240,"mime-type":"image\/png","filesize":338501,"url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/14d-legends-across-crete-and-cyprus-by-prof-ols-banner-768x240.png"},"1536x1536":{"file":"14d-legends-across-crete-and-cyprus-by-prof-ols-banner-1536x480.png","width":1536,"height":480,"mime-type":"image\/png","filesize":1230188,"url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/14d-legends-across-crete-and-cyprus-by-prof-ols-banner-1536x480.png"}},"image_meta":{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0","keywords":[],"alt":""},"ID":"69789","name":"14d-legends-across-crete-and-cyprus-by-prof-ols-banner.png","path":"\/var\/www\/html\/intriq\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/14d-legends-across-crete-and-cyprus-by-prof-ols-banner.png","url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/14d-legends-across-crete-and-cyprus-by-prof-ols-banner-150x150.png","full_url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/14d-legends-across-crete-and-cyprus-by-prof-ols-banner.png","title":"14d-legends-across-crete-and-cyprus-by-prof-ols-banner","caption":"","description":"","alt":"","srcset":false}],"start_date":"2027-10-25","end_date":"2027-11-07","duration_days":"14","duration_nights":"13","pricing_options":[{"price_label":"Twin sharing","price_currency":"HKD","price_amount":"109880","price_unit":"Per Person"},{"price_label":"Single Supplement","price_currency":"HKD","price_amount":"22480","price_unit":"\/\u4eba\u8d77"}],"promotions_grp":{"promo_title":"Early Bird Offer","promo_description":"First three bookings with deposit (limit to three rooms) will get complimentary upgrade to Premium Room Poolside View in The Landmark Nicosia, Autograph Collection for 2 nights"},"download_itinerary_label":"","download_itinerary_attachment":[],"intro_content":"<p>Across the storied waters between Crete and Cyprus, this journey follows the thread of myth and history-from the labyrinthine palaces of the Minoans to the sunlit shores of Aphrodite\u2019s island at the crossroads of three continents. Ancient sanctuaries, coastal towns and mountain villages form a continuous tapestry of Mediterranean civilisation, revealed through leisurely days, refined stays and thoughtful pacing.<\/p>\n<p>From the classical heartlands of the Peloponnese and the Minoan centre of Knossos, the Troodos painted churches and the divided capital of Nicosia, each region contributes its own chapter of gods, empires and enduring faith. Adding a layer of academic depth, Prof. Ols Lafe - classical archaeologist and esteemed author - accompanies the tour as our honorary guest leader, enriching the experience with engaging lectures and insightful commentary that bring these landscapes of legend vividly to life.<\/p>\n","itinerary_highlight_title":"Itinerary Highlights","itinerary_highlights":"<ul>\n<li>Follow a curated arc of UNESCO-listed sites from Bassae and Olympia to Knossos and Troodos, revealing 3,000 years of Mediterranean heritage.<\/li>\n<li>Led by Prof. Ols Lafe - a respected archaeologist and author-who will offer enriching lectures and historical context on the way.<\/li>\n<li>Enjoy seamless logistics, handpicked luxury resorts and characterful boutique stay, balancing intensive site visits with local culture and culinary discovery.<\/li>\n<li>Most fully inclusive arrangements and accompanied by Intriq\u2019s Travel Concierge.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","itinerary_offer_title":"Registration Closing Date","itinerary_offer_content":"<p>27 Jul 2027 or when tour is fully subscribed.<\/p>\n","offer_button_title":"","offer_button_url":"","outline_section_title":"Itinerary Outline","itinerary_outline_image":[{"width":150,"height":150,"file":"2026\/08\/StepMap-Map-Legends-Across-Crete-Cyprus-By-Prof-Ols-1.jpg","filesize":72241,"sizes":{"medium":{"file":"StepMap-Map-Legends-Across-Crete-Cyprus-By-Prof-Ols-1-300x300.jpg","width":300,"height":300,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","filesize":17509,"url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/StepMap-Map-Legends-Across-Crete-Cyprus-By-Prof-Ols-1-300x300.jpg"},"thumbnail":{"file":"StepMap-Map-Legends-Across-Crete-Cyprus-By-Prof-Ols-1-150x150.jpg","width":150,"height":150,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","filesize":5723,"url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/StepMap-Map-Legends-Across-Crete-Cyprus-By-Prof-Ols-1-150x150.jpg"},"medium_large":{"file":"StepMap-Map-Legends-Across-Crete-Cyprus-By-Prof-Ols-1-768x768.jpg","width":768,"height":768,"mime-type":"image\/jpeg","filesize":75885,"url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/StepMap-Map-Legends-Across-Crete-Cyprus-By-Prof-Ols-1-768x768.jpg"}},"image_meta":{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0","keywords":[],"alt":""},"ID":"70143","name":"StepMap-Map-Legends-Across-Crete-Cyprus-By-Prof-Ols-1.jpg","path":"\/var\/www\/html\/intriq\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/StepMap-Map-Legends-Across-Crete-Cyprus-By-Prof-Ols-1.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/StepMap-Map-Legends-Across-Crete-Cyprus-By-Prof-Ols-1-150x150.jpg","full_url":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/StepMap-Map-Legends-Across-Crete-Cyprus-By-Prof-Ols-1.jpg","title":"StepMap-Map-Legends-Across-Crete-Cyprus-By-Prof-Ols","caption":"","description":"","alt":"","srcset":"https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/StepMap-Map-Legends-Across-Crete-Cyprus-By-Prof-Ols-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/StepMap-Map-Legends-Across-Crete-Cyprus-By-Prof-Ols-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/StepMap-Map-Legends-Across-Crete-Cyprus-By-Prof-Ols-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intriqjourney.com\/hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/StepMap-Map-Legends-Across-Crete-Cyprus-By-Prof-Ols-1.jpg 800w"}],"itinerary_note":"","day_by_day_itinerary":[{"itinerary_day_image":["69790"],"day_title":"25 October 2027 (Mon) Arrival in Athens \/ Nafplio","itinerary_content":"<strong>Arrival in Nafplio<\/strong>\r\n\r\nArrive in Athens and drive to the seafront town of Nafplio (2 hours, ~140km), once the first capital of modern Greece. On arrival, settle into your accommodation and take time to feel the town\u2019s relaxed coastal atmosphere, with its harbourfront promenade, neoclassical streets and gentle Argolic Gulf views.","day_hotel":"69698","meals_included_list":["dinner"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["69794"],"day_title":"26 October 2027 (Tue) Nafplio","itinerary_content":"<strong>Corinth Canal, Tiryns &amp; Epidaurus<\/strong>\r\n\r\nVisit Tiryns, where massive \u201ccyclopean\u201d walls and royal tombs evoke Homeric legends. Next, travel to the engineering marvel of the Corinth Canal (1 hour, ~70km) for a photo stop at the dramatic sea-level cut between the Aegean and Ionian. Drive a bit more than an hour (~70km) to visit the Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its 4th century theatre and exceptional acoustics, before returning to Nafplio (30 minutes, ~30km).","day_hotel":"69698","meals_included_list":["breakfast","lunch","dinner"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["69795"],"day_title":"27 October 2027 (Wed) Nafplio \/ Olympia","itinerary_content":"<strong>Bassae &amp; Ancient Olympia<\/strong>\r\n\r\nDrive deep into the Arcadian mountains to the Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae (2.5 hours, ~140km), the first Greek monument inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The temple, which has the oldest Corinthian capital yet found, combines the Archaic style and the serenity of the Doric style with some daring architectural features. Continue to Olympia (1.5 hours, ~70km), birthplace of the Olympic Games, to explore the stadium and temples.","day_hotel":"69705","meals_included_list":["breakfast","lunch","dinner"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["69796"],"day_title":"28 October 2027 (Thu) Olympia \/ Athens","itinerary_content":"<strong>Return to Athens<\/strong>\r\n\r\nTravel back to Athens (4 hours, ~320km) and devote the afternoon to the city\u2019s signature. Visit the legendary Acropolis Hill, where timeless monuments rise above the city, embodying the ideals of classical beauty and human achievement.","day_hotel":"45164","meals_included_list":["breakfast","lunch","dinner"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["69797"],"day_title":"29 October 2027 (Fri) Athens \/ Heraklion","itinerary_content":"<strong>Fly to Crete: Heraklion Town<\/strong>\r\n\r\nFly to Heraklion and transfer to your hotel. This afternoon, discover the town\u2019s Venetian harbour, fortifications and lively streets, including the old market area and historic squares.","day_hotel":"69718","meals_included_list":["breakfast","lunch","dinner"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["69791"],"day_title":"30 October 2027 (Sat) Heraklion","itinerary_content":"<strong>Knossos &amp; Heraklion Archaeological Museum<\/strong>\r\n\r\nSpend the day exploring Minoan Crete. Visit Knossos, legendary palace of King Minos, with its multi-level complex, storerooms and restored frescoes evoking Europe\u2019s earliest advanced civilization. Continue to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, whose collection includes the original Knossos frescoes, exquisite ceramics and ritual objects that illuminate Bronze Age life on the island.","day_hotel":"69718","meals_included_list":["breakfast","lunch","dinner"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["69798"],"day_title":"31 October 2027 (Sun) Heraklion \/ Chania","itinerary_content":"<strong>Across Crete to Chania<\/strong>\r\n\r\nDepart Heraklion for Chania, travelling via traditional Archanes village and the important Minoan sites of Phaistos, set amid fertile Mesara plains. A stop in Rethymnon\u2019s charming old town, with its Venetian harbour and Ottoman lanes, adds further colour before reaching Chania. (Total driving time about 4.5 hours, ~220km)","day_hotel":"69724","meals_included_list":["breakfast","lunch","dinner"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["69792"],"day_title":"01 November 2027 (Mon) Chania \/ Athens","itinerary_content":"<strong>Explore Chania<\/strong>\r\n\r\nExplore Chania, one of Crete\u2019s most picturesque towns. Visit the Archaeological Museum and stroll through the old harbour quarter with its lighthouse, arsenals and narrow streets lined with boutiques and caf\u00e9s.\r\n\r\nDrive to Chania airport (30 minutes, ~14km) to fly to Athens.","day_hotel":"70131","meals_included_list":["breakfast","lunch","dinner"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["69799"],"day_title":"02 November 2027 (Tue) Athens \/ Limassol","itinerary_content":"<strong>Fly to Cyprus &amp; Explore Paphos<\/strong>\r\n\r\nToday, fly from Athens to Paphos. Explore Paphos Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its exquisite Roman mosaics, including the Houses of Dionysos, Theseus and Aion. Continue to St Paul\u2019s Pillar and, time permitting, the atmospheric Tombs of the Kings.\r\n\r\nDrive around 1 hour (~70 km) to Limassol, a lively coastal city where a palm-lined seafront promenade, atmospheric old town and modern marina create a relaxed yet cosmopolitan Mediterranean setting for your stay.\r\n\r\n<em>(Note: The flight schedule for Nov 2027 has not been published yet. This itinerary is designed based on the 2026 timetable. The program may have to be adjusted according to the actual flight schedule.)<\/em>","day_hotel":"69730","meals_included_list":["breakfast","lunch","dinner"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["69800"],"day_title":"03 November 2027 (Wed) Limassol","itinerary_content":"<strong>Legends of Kingdoms<\/strong>\r\n\r\nDiscover Limassol\u2019s medieval castle, associated with Richard the Lionheart, and stroll through the restored Old Town with its caf\u00e9s and boutiques. Then visit ancient Kourion (drive 30 minutes, ~18km), dramatically perched above the sea, to see its Greco Roman theatre, mosaics and stadium.","day_hotel":"69730","meals_included_list":["breakfast","lunch","dinner"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["69801"],"day_title":"04 November 2027 (Thu) Limassol \/ Troodos Mountains","itinerary_content":"<strong>Troodos Mountains &amp; Byzantine Churches<\/strong>\r\n\r\nHead into the Troodos Mountains, passing pine forests to reach Kakopetria village (1 hour 15 minutes, ~50km) for a walking tour of its watermill and stone houses. Nearby stands the UNESCO-listed church of St Nicholas of the Roof, famed for its 11th century frescoes. Continue to Kalopanayiotis (40 minutes,~30km), a traditional spa village in the Marathasa valley, and visit the monastery of St John Lampadistis, another outstanding painted church complex.","day_hotel":"69740","meals_included_list":["breakfast","lunch","dinner"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["69802"],"day_title":"05 November 2027 (Fri) Troodos Mountains \/ Nicosia","itinerary_content":"<strong>Nicosia &amp; the Green Line<\/strong>\r\n\r\nTravel to Nicosia (1.5 hours, ~70km), Europe\u2019s only divided capital, and visit the Cyprus Archaeological Museum, where treasures from across the island\u2019s 11,000 year history are displayed. Explore the Venetian-walled Old City, including Famagusta Gate and Archbishop\u2019s Palace. Cross the Green Line on foot via Ledra Street checkpoint (passports required) to the northern sector, visiting the atmospheric Buyuk Han and Selimiye Mosque before returning to Nicosia.","day_hotel":"69746","meals_included_list":["breakfast","lunch","dinner"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["69803"],"day_title":"06 November 2027 (Sat) Nicosia","itinerary_content":"<strong>Echoes of History: Famagusta &amp; Ancient Salamis<\/strong>\r\n\r\nJourney into the northern territories to Famagusta (1.5 hours, ~70km), whose well-preserved Venetian walls and Gothic churches bear witness to medieval prosperity and later sieges. Continue to ancient Salamis to walk among colonnaded streets, baths and basilicas. Drive 1.5 hours (~70km) back to Nicosia for a final night in Cyprus","day_hotel":"69746","meals_included_list":["breakfast","lunch","dinner"]},{"itinerary_day_image":["69804"],"day_title":"07 November 2027 (Sun) Departure from Nicosia","itinerary_content":"<strong>Departure from Cyprus<\/strong>\r\n\r\nDepart Nicosia for Larnaca International Airport (50 minutes, ~52km) for your onward flight.","meals_included_list":["breakfast"]}],"promo_pay_terms":"20% deposit at sign up","book_now_url":"","inquire_now_url":"","includes_title":"Includes","excludes_title":"Excludes","includes_content":"<ul>\n<li>Accommodation as stated on twin sharing basis, unless on single supplement, on bed &amp; breakfast basis<\/li>\n<li>Domestic (Athens \u2013 Heraklion) &amp; Regional (Chania \u2013 Paphos) Flights on Economy class as stated in the itinerary*<\/li>\n<li>All transportations and transfers as stated on an air-conditioned vehicle<\/li>\n<li>Service of local English-speaking guide<\/li>\n<li>All entrance fees of sites as stated<\/li>\n<li>Lunches and dinners with beverages in restaurants<\/li>\n<li>All tipping to local guides, porters and other local service staffs<\/li>\n<li>Service of Intriq's Tour Concierge throughout the trip<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>*Business Class upgrades on domestic\/regional flights depend on sector availability. 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