14 DAYS LEGENDS ACROSS CRETE & CYPRUS – BY PROF OLS

Arrival in Nafplio

Arrive 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’s relaxed coastal atmosphere, with its harbourfront promenade, neoclassical streets and gentle Argolic Gulf views.

Corinth Canal, Tiryns & Epidaurus

Visit Tiryns, where massive “cyclopean” 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).

Bassae & Ancient Olympia

Drive 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.

Return to Athens

Travel back to Athens (4 hours, ~320km) and devote the afternoon to the city’s signature. Visit the legendary Acropolis Hill, where timeless monuments rise above the city, embodying the ideals of classical beauty and human achievement.

Fly to Crete: Heraklion Town

Fly to Heraklion and transfer to your hotel. This afternoon, discover the town’s Venetian harbour, fortifications and lively streets, including the old market area and historic squares.

Knossos & Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Spend the day exploring Minoan Crete. Visit Knossos, legendary palace of King Minos, with its multi-level complex, storerooms and restored frescoes evoking Europe’s 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.

Across Crete to Chania

Depart Heraklion for Chania, travelling via traditional Archanes village and the important Minoan sites of Phaistos, set amid fertile Mesara plains. A stop in Rethymnon’s charming old town, with its Venetian harbour and Ottoman lanes, adds further colour before reaching Chania. (Total driving time about 4.5 hours, ~220km)

Explore Chania

Explore Chania, one of Crete’s 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 cafés.

Drive to Chania airport (30 minutes, ~14km) to fly to Athens.

Fly to Cyprus & Explore Paphos

Today, 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’s Pillar and, time permitting, the atmospheric Tombs of the Kings.

Drive 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.

(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.)

Legends of Kingdoms

Discover Limassol’s medieval castle, associated with Richard the Lionheart, and stroll through the restored Old Town with its cafés and boutiques. Then visit ancient Kourion (drive 30 minutes, ~18km), dramatically perched above the sea, to see its Greco Roman theatre, mosaics and stadium.

Troodos Mountains & Byzantine Churches

Head 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.

Nicosia & the Green Line

Travel to Nicosia (1.5 hours, ~70km), Europe’s only divided capital, and visit the Cyprus Archaeological Museum, where treasures from across the island’s 11,000 year history are displayed. Explore the Venetian-walled Old City, including Famagusta Gate and Archbishop’s 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.

Echoes of History: Famagusta & Ancient Salamis

Journey 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

Departure from Cyprus

Depart Nicosia for Larnaca International Airport (50 minutes, ~52km) for your onward flight.