CRETE 2017 exploring the original... 1 day excursion with our experts & qualified guides PETASSOS TRAVEL VOYAGEURS EN VUE AGENCE DE TOURISM ALTERNATIF IRAKLIO, CRETE, GREECE www.petassostravel.com 0030-6974330375 pg. 1
Type of excursion Archeological mythological / with an archeologist Duration: 2 days Where? In the surrounding area of Knossos palace & in the mythical island of DIA 40. ARIADNI THE SEA CROSSING AND THE PURIFICATION THE MYTH OF THESEOS AND ARIADNI IN THE PALACE OF KNOSSOS A totally diffe re n t ap proach o f the mo st fa mou s pa lace o f Cre te an d the M inoa n c iviliza tion Trekking A provisional trek of 2-3 hours is included the 1 st day Meal Picnic in nature both days, a meal on the sailing boat the 2 nd day Highlights Travelling in the myth of Thisseus and Ariadni Travelling the 2 nd day by sailing boat Acquanatance with the minoan civilization outside Cnossos palace Exchange with locals Presentation by an specialized archeologist Tasting minoan tastes COST. pg. 2
Princess of Knossos knew her fate. Her future was decided after the help she offered to Theseus - the Athenian prince with whom she madly fallen in love. The two lovers will leave behind the sandy beaches of the island heading to a seagirt just across Crete, Dia. There Theseus has abandoned Ariadne. But the departure of Theseus meant Ariadne s intercourse with Dionysus, the god of wine. For centuries now, every year the same adventure is revived in Knossos Sea, between Dia Island and Crete. Each spring the residents cross the waters celebrating the coupling of their utterly pure goddess (Ariadne) with fruitful Dionysus! PETASOS program invites all hikers to join this celebration. During the tour to places that Ariadne acted you will be able to detect the mystery of the adventure from the sea crossing, to her abundance, and her interaction with the god of fertility. A mystery of the purification of waters and the rebirth of nature! TYPE OF PROGRAMME Historical: Acquaintance with ancient history and mythology (Minoan Era) Naturalist: Tour to the mythical mountain, Zeus tomb one of the most beautiful viewpoints of Crete - and Dia desert island of secret beauty and rare biodiversity. THE TRIP INCLUDES Transport from and to the airport or the port of Heraclion 3 hours hiking on the trails of Giouchtas (OR DRIVIND IN A DIRT ROAD FOR 0H20) Transfers during the tour Pique-nique in nature based on the principle pof the minoan gastronomy A sailing boat the 2nd day for the transfer to Dia island Escort by a specialised and experience archaeologist A manual specially edited by the archaeologist for this programme A meal in the boat the 2nd day Not included in the price Organized tours to archeological sites Entrance tickets to museums, archaeological sites and other places of interest Personal Expenses Anything not explicitly mentioned in the previous paragraph pg. 3
Indicative Itinery The itinerary can be altered for various reasons (e.g. extreme weather conditions). The final decision upon the daily activities is at the discretion of experienced tour/mountain guides of PETASOS, while ensuring the safety of the group. 1st day Knossos Giouchtas Knossos Ports Transfer out with a private vehicle to Anemospilia hiking (optional) to the sanctuary on the top of Giouchtas and sightseeing tour [Time: 3 hours Difficulty level: 2] Visit to the surroundings of the hill of Fourni where we will have the light meal. Return to the hotel, free time 2rd day Crossing Dia / Knossos Gulf Crossing Dia from Panagia bay as to the top of the island Breakfast Arrival at the marina of Heraklion Departure with sailboat Arrival at Panagia port Tour form canyon to the top of Dia [optional] Light snack Sea swimming Lunch on sailboat Departure from the island Return to Heraklion, free time pg. 4
Useful Information Dietary The sailboat meal and snacks are based on the food chain and the local culinary culture standards. All products sourced from local producers in order to ensure high quality. For special diets and peculiarities such as allergies, etc. please, contact in time. Required personal gear: Walking shoes (mountaineering boots) and confortable shoes suitable for sea (sandals, etc.) Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water flask Windproof jacket Swimsuit Backpack Difficulty level explained Based on the PETASOS classification 1: Hiking along a dirt road or trail without large height differences 2: 3: Hiking trail with elevation differences up to 300 meters. Climbing with elevation differences over 600 meters. (For experienced and accustomed to hiking and outdoor activities.) pg. 5
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Responsible traveller... The trips that we in Petassos Travel recommend you, take place in areas that are habitats for very sensitive flora and fauna species. The existence of these species is an indication of a healthy environment and the least we can do is respect it by minimisi ng the signs of our presence during our stay and after our departure. So, we take with us all rubbish or other items that do not belong in the landscape, we enjoy the scents and view of aromatic and other plants, and only photograph them, without removing them. We also avoid fires and smoking. Upon leaving, we leave behind us only footprints and take with us only memories! customs The charm of this land lies in, amongst other things, in the traditional character of the locals which has remained unaltered in all the villages you will have the opportunity to explore. Please, respect these traditional customs by behaving and dressing a ppropriately; the same is true about your contacts with the locals, perhaps forgetting for a moment the habits and customs of your land and letting the discovery of the idiosyncratic Cretans carry you off down the various extensions of their history In the framework of your discrete presence the best way to keep an excellent relationship with the locals, especially in remote villages, is to keep them informed of your plans (camping with or without tents, hiking, etc.). A coffee, a raki at the village caf és, a word with the regulars will reward you with a warm offer of information, interest and very often delicacies! P E T A S S O S T R A V E L TRAVELERS WITH A PURPOSE AGENCY OF ALTERNATIVE TOURISM IRAKLIO, CRETE, GREECE www.petassostravel.com info@petassostravel.com + 30 2810-327222 / 6974330375 Take your hat there s a long journey ahead... Texts: PetassosTravel Photos: Stella Meligounaki (http://stellameligounaki.wix.com/stellameligounaki) / Katerina Vasilopouloy / Chitophoros Baladimas (http://xristoforosm.wix.com/baladimasphoto graphy pg. 7