TRAVEL WITH FRIENDS IN 2013
Islands of Aphrodite and Zeus
CYPRUS – RHODES – CRETE
with Christopher Allen
21 September – 5 October 2013 (15 days)
Tour
leader
Islands of Aphrodite
and Zeus
Explore the history, civilisations and cultures of the most interesting of the
islands of the Eastern Mediterranean: Cyprus, Rhodes and Crete.
Where East meets West, these four islands are rich in history, ancient and
modern, from the great Minoan states to the early Christian saints, from the
Byzantine emperors to the Knights Templar, from the Venetians to the British.
With Mediterranean expert Christopher Allen enjoy an in depth exploration
of 10,000 years of history, civilisation, archaeology, art and architecture. At the
same time, you will also discover some of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes,
natural and man made, and enjoy the relaxed lifestyle, delicious cuisine and
warm hospitality of these glorious islands.
Christopher Allen
Dr Christopher Allen is an
art critic and historian who
graduated from the University
of Sydney and lectured at
the National Art School in
Sydney. He is currently Head
of Art at Sydney Grammar
School. Christopher is the
author of many books, his
most recent Jeffrey Smart:
unpublished paintings 19402007 (Melbourne, Australian
Galleries) was published in 2008.
He was art critic of the Financial
Review and is now national art
critic for The Australian.
At a glance
•Leisurely stays in Cyprus, Rhodes and Crete
•Cross the ‘Green Line’ from Greek Cyprus into Turkish Cyprus
•Visit the Minoan sites of Knossos, Gournia, Malia and Gortyn
•See the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite
•Exclusive stay at Kapsialiana Village, a historic village converted into a hotel
Rhodes
RHODES
Chania
Kapsialiana
Village
Lindos
Heraklion
Kyrenia
CRETE
Paphos
Coach
Flight
Note: Map is just a guide.
CYPRUS
Nicosia
Limassol
Larnaca
Itinerary
Fri 20 September 2013
Depart Australia
Suggested departure on Emirates via Dubai. Overnight in flight.
Sat 21 Sep
Arrive Larnaca – Limassol
Late morning arrival in Larnaca on Emirates. Transfer to the hotel
in Limassol. Limassol emerged out of two of the most important
ancient city kingdoms, Amathus, to the East and Kourion to the
West. Today Limassol is a bustling holiday resort, the second largest
city of Cyprus and the island’s main port.
Tonight join Christopher Allen and fellow travellers for a welcome
briefing and dinner. D
Sun 22 Sep
Limassol / Paphos
Start your exploration of Cyprus with an excursion to Paphos. Visit
the medieval castle of Kolossi and the archaeological site of Kourion,
which was an important city kingdom, noted particularly for its
magnificent Greco-Roman theatre originally built in the 2nd century
BC. The House of Eustolios consists of a complex of baths and a
number of rooms with superb 5th century AD mosaic floors.
Stop at Petra tou Romiou, the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, the
Greek goddess of love and beauty.
On arrival in Paphos visit St Paul’s Pillar, where St Paul was
allegedly tied and scourged 39 times before he finally converted his
tormentor, the Roman governor Sergius Paulus, to Christianity.
After lunch at a restaurant in the old port, see the beautiful mosaic
floors dating from the 3rd to the 5th centuries AD, depicting scenes
from Greek mythology, in the villas of Dionysos, Aion and Theseus.
Finish with a visit of Agia Paraskvi, a 9th century Byzantine church
with beautiful wall paintings and a five-domed basilica in the form of
a cross. B L
Floor mosaics at Theseus House, Paphos
Mon 23 Sep
Limassol – Nicosia
After breakfast depart Limassol and travel to Nicosia, the capital of
Cyprus. The city is divided between two ‘states’ – the north under
the domain of ‘Turkish’ Cyprus and the south, ‘Greek’ Cyprus.
En route visit the Neolithic site of Choirokitia, a UNESCO World
Heritage site. On arrival in Nicosia see the Farmagusta gate and
the Venetian fortification walls. Agios Ioannis (St John’s Cathedral)
was built in 1662 within the courtyard of the archiepiscopal palace
with 18th century murals illustrating important moments in Cypriot
religious history.
After lunch in Laiki Yitonia, a traditional neighbourhood within the
city walls, enjoy free time to explore the area. Continue with a visit
to the Cyprus Museum with its priceless collection of antiquities
from the Neolithic Age to the early Byzantine period.
Late afternoon check-in to your hotel in Nicosia. Evening at leisure.
B
L
Tue 24 Sep
Nicosia / Kyrenia
Today cross the Green Line (passports required) – the border
between the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Cyprus state. The
Green Line divides the two parts of the island and is permanently
manned by UN forces.
Enjoy spectacular views as the road winds its way up and over the
Pentadaktylos Mountains.
Bellapais, one of the island’s most mesmerising villages, features
the fascinating ruins of Bellapais Abbey, built in the 12th century by
exiled Augustinian monks. See Kantara Castle, one of three castles
thought to have been constructed by the Byzantines following the
Arab raids on the island. Kyrenia Castle dates back to Byzantine
times and has served the Byzantines, Crusaders, Venetians,
Ottomans and British. Return to Nicosia in the afternoon. B L D
Petra tou Romiou, Paphos
Wed 25 Sep
Nicosia – Larnaca – Rhodes
After breakfast transfer to Larnaca airport. Stop at one of the
most impressive sights in the town of Larnaca, the church of Ayios
Lazaros, built in the 9th century to house the reputed tomb of
Lazarus, the man raised from the dead by Jesus.
Afternoon flight from Larnaca to Rhodes. Transfer to the hotel
located within easy walking distance of the old town of Rhodes.
Thu 26 Sep
B
D
Rhodes
This morning discover Rhodes’ old town on a walking tour. The
UNESCO World Heritage Site is the oldest continuously inhabited
medieval town of Europe. Walk along the medieval Street of the
Knights, which was constructed over an ancient pathway that led in
a straight line from the Acropolis of Rhodes to the port. Visit the
Palace of the Knights and the Rhodes Acropolis.
After lunch visit the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes, housed
in the mediaeval building of the Hospital of the Knights. The most
interesting galleries are those containing the collection of sculptures
from the archaic, classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods. B L
Fri 27 Sep
Rhodes / Lindos
Morning at leisure to further explore the old town of Rhodes.
Afternoon /evening excursion to Lindos. See how this entire city is
guarded by medieval walls which were constructed by the knights
of St John in the 13th century. Within them stands the ancient
Acropolis of Lindos, on the brink of a precipice 400 feet above the
sea. Proceed on foot uphill, to the great staircase leading from the
Hellenistic Portico to the Acropolis and Temple of Athena.
Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in Lindos before returning to Rhodes
city. B D
Sat 28 Sep
Rhodes – Heraklion
Morning at leisure. Afternoon transfer to Rhodes airport for the
flight to Heraklion. Crete is not just Greece’s largest island, but
arguably its most fascinating and diverse. Its remarkable history is
evident across the island. B D
Sun 29 Sep
Heraklion
After breakfast embark on a walking tour of the old town of
Heraklion. See the Morosini Fountain in Lion Square, the Venetian
Loggia (town hall) and the Church of Agios Titos, dedicated to
the patron saint of Crete (Titus of the Bible), who introduced
Christianity to Crete.
The Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes
Visit the 15th-century Church of St Katherine. During the 16th and
17th centuries, this church housed the Mount Sinai Monastery
School, where Domenico Theotokopoulou is alleged to have
studied before moving on to Venice and Spain where he became
known as El Greco. The church houses a small museum of icons,
frescoes and woodcarvings.
Visit the outstanding Archaeological Museum. Unique in its record
of the Minoan civilisation, the museum houses the findings and
treasures from all archaeological sites of Crete. B L
Mon 30 Sep
Heraklion
Today’s excursion will be along the north coast road with its
‘corniche’ type landscape and stunning views to Gournia. Here see
the most complete excavation of a Minoan town. This important
site dates from 1550-1450BC and consists of a town overlooked by
a small palace. There are the remains of storage rooms, workrooms
and dwellings.
Continue to the large Minoan Palace site at Malia. First built around
1900BC it was destroyed around 1650BC before being immediately
rebuilt on the ruins of the original palace.
Travel up to the mountain village of Kritsa, one of the most
picturesque in Crete. The people of Krista still keep the old Cretan
customs and traditions and the town is considered one of the most
important centres of the Cretan folk and weaving art. Close by
is the ancient church of Panagia Kera, with its unique Byzantine
frescoes from the 14th and 15th centuries. B L
Tue 1 Oct
Heraklion
Morning at leisure followed by an afternoon visit to Knossos.
The palace itself was a multi-story structure with many
floors, innumerable corridors and colonnades, excavated and
reconstructed by Sir Arthur Evans in 1900. It was the political,
economic and religious centre of the glorious Minoan Dynasty.
Wed 2 Oct
B
Heraklion – Kapsialiana Village
Excursion to the south of the island. Start with a visit to the remains
of the city of Gortyn, which once rivalled Knossos and was later the
chief town of the Roman province of Crete. Among the remains
are an amphitheatre and a circus. Across the road are the ruins of
the Basilica of St Titus from the 6th century AD.
Lindos Castle, Rhodes
Kapsialiana Village Hotel
In a peaceful spot in the hilly countryside of Crete, a tiny hamlet
has been transformed into a stylish small hotel. Few of the houses
were standing when architect Myron Toupogianis fell in love
with it back in the 1980s. The hamlet’s raison d’être had been an
olive press worked by the monks, close to the famous Arkadiou
Monastery, but after in 1955 the press stopped operating, most
people left. Myron bought the ruined press, and little by little
acquired the plots of land and houses around it and started
rebuilding them. It was a process that took many years, but the
result is a hotel that combines history, nature, Cretan traditions,
culture and hospitality in the best possible way.
All 17 rooms share the same distinctive decor: stone walls, floors
and arches, wooden beamed ceilings, chunky wooden furniture
with private terraces and bathrooms boasting turquoise and jade
tiled showers.
Meals are served in the charming restaurant and there are two
sitting rooms - one is in the old olive press which doubles as a
small museum. Outside, you will find large terraces, an inviting
pool and views stretching all the way to the sea.
www.kapsialianavillage.gr
View from the terrace
Kapsialiana Village restaurant
Kapsialiana Village
Superior double room, Kapsialiana Village
Kapsialiana Village at dusk
Also visit ancient Phaistos, a city founded by King Minos and
destroyed during the 2nd millennium BC. At the east end of the hill,
laid out in terraces, is a palace similar to the one at Knossos. Built
soon after 1650BC, this palace was destroyed by an earthquake in
about 1450BC, and only fragments survive.
Tour Prices
Per person twin-share
AUD 7,950
The day will end at Kapsialiana Village, your home for the next
three nights. Kapsialiana Village is a 300-year old hamlet set amid
the vast olive groves of the Arkadi Monastery holdings. It has been
converted to one of Crete’s most distinctive hotels, with stylishly
appointed rooms, welcoming lounges and an excellent dining room,
all fashioned out of beautiful old stone houses, and positioned, as if
in a painting, in a quintessentially Cretan landscape. B D
Single supplement*
AUD 800
Deposit per person
AUD 500
Thu 3 Oct
Fitness level
Kapsialiana Village/Chania
Full day excursion to Chania. En route visit the ancient city of Aptera.
With its highly fortunate geographical situation, the city-state was
powerful from Minoan through Hellenistic times, when it gradually
declined. It was destroyed by an earthquake during the 7th century.
Stop at the British and Commonwealth War Cemetery at Suda
Bay before visiting the monastery of Aghia Triada (‘Holy Trinity’),
perched atop a slender pinnacle and accessible only by 140 steep
steps. Hermit monks may have lived here beginning in the 14th
century, but the present monastery was built between 1458 and
1476. Continue to the tomb of the famous Greek statesman
Eleftherios Venizelos with an uninterrupted view of Chania.
Finish with a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Chania housed
in the former Venetian Monastery of Saint Francis. The museum
galleries host antiquities recovered from the city of Chania and the
wider region of western Crete, from the Neolithic to the Roman
periods. B D
Fri 4 Oct
Kapsialiana Village
Day at leisure. Enjoy the facilities of Kapsialiana Village and explore
the surrounding area. Tonight join Christopher Allen and fellow
travellers for a farewell dinner. B D
Sat 5 Oct
Kapsialiana Village – Depart Heraklion
Transfer to Heraklion airport for the flight to Athens (not included
in tour price) connecting with the Emirates flights to Dubai and
Sydney. B
Please contact Renaissance Tours for a quote for an optional
extension to Santorini.
Final payment due
23 July 2013
Tour code
AG1313
*Single travellers may request to share. Please advise at time of booking.
Above average
Please see terms & conditions for fitness level definitions.
Suggested AirlineEmirates
Aegean Airlines fly from Heraklion to Athens connecting
with Emirates flights to Australia.
Please contact Renaissance Tours for fares and assistance
with flight reservations.
Tour prices include
• Accommodation in centrally located 4-star hotels with
private facilities and daily breakfast ( B )
• Meals as per itinerary ( L =Lunch, D =Dinner) including
special welcome and farewell dinners. Wines with dinners.
• Comprehensive sightseeing, visits to galleries and
attractions with Christopher Allen including entrance fees
as per itinerary
• Comfortable air-conditioned coach transportation
• Arrival transfer in Cyprus if travelling on suggested flight
• Economy class flight from Larnaca – Rhodes – Heraklion
incl. taxes (20kg luggage allowance)
• Lectures and talks with your tour leader throughout
• Gratuities for local guides and drivers
• Hotel porterage (one piece per person)
Tour price does not include
• International airfares
• Flight Heraklion to Athens at the end of the tour
• Drinks with lunches
• Items of a personal nature, including telephone, laundry,
taxis etc.
• Airport porterage
• Travel insurance
Your hotels    
Limassol – Londa Boutique Hotel
Nicosia – Holiday Inn Nicosia
Rhodes – Mediterranean Hotel
Heraklion – Atlantis Hotel
Kapsialiana Village Hotel, near Arkadi, Crete
NB. Hotels of a similar standard may be substituted
North entrance of Knossos Palace, Crete
Terms & Conditions
How to Book
Complete, sign and return the Booking Form available
from Renaissance Tours with your deposit and page
one of your passport.
Deposit / Final Payments
Your deposit is due at the time of booking and is
used to pay hotel, airline, performance tickets and/
or other deposits. It is non-refundable in the event
of your cancellation.
Final payment is due 60 days before departure.
Failure to make the final payment by the due date
may result in cancellation of your booking and loss
of deposit.
Payments are accepted in cash and by cheque,
bank transfer, American Express, Diners Club,
MasterCard and Visa. A 3% service charge applies
for payment by American Express and Diners Club.
Cancellation & Refunds
a) Cancellation by You - Cancellation charges will
be applied as shown below, calculated from the
day written notification is received by Renaissance
Tours. In addition to cancellation fees for tours
operated by Renaissance Tours as shown below,
airlines, hotels and other third parties may impose
up to 100% cancellation charges.
60 days or more
59 – 45 days
44 – 31 days
30 – 15 days
Less than 15 days
The above cancellation charges
GST.
Forfeit of deposit
25% of tour cost
50% of tour cost
75% of tour cost
100% of tour cost
include applicable
In addition to the above, cancellation charges
may apply for additional arrangements booked
by Renaissance Tours, such as air tickets, hotels
and travel insurance premium. If the reason for
cancellation is covered by the insurance policy, you
may be able to reclaim these charges.
b) Cancellation by Us - We reserve the right to
cancel a tour for any reason (such as failure to reach
Fresco at the south entrance of the Knossos Palace, Crete
minimum tour participant numbers). Except for
force majeure, we will not cancel a tour less than 60
days before departure. No further compensation
will be paid in the event of cancellation by
Renaissance Tours. A full refund of monies paid for
tour costs will be the full extent of our liability.
Cancellation and/or amendment fees may apply
for additional travel arrangements booked by
Renaissance Tours.
Passports, Visas and Vaccinations
All travellers must be in a possession of a valid
passport – most countries require a 6-month
validity from your date of entry or exit. For some
countries (e.g. China, Vietnam, India, Russia), visas
are included in the tour cost and will be arranged
by Renaissance Tours prior to travel. For other
countries, it is your responsibility to ensure you have
the appropriate visa(s).
You are also responsible for obtaining all necessary
inoculations and preventative medicines as may be
required for the duration of the tour.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of travel that you are covered by
comprehensive travel insurance for international
tours. Your travel insurance can be arranged by
Renaissance Tours.
Fitness and Participation
Most of our tours require a MODERATE level of
fitness.
However, in certain destinations (e.g. Silk
Road, Central Asia, Outback Australia, tropical
destinations) or in certain seasons (eg. mid-winter,
mid-summer) or because of the nature of travel (eg.
remote rail), certain tours will require an ABOVE
AVERAGE or CHALLENGING level of fitness.
If you (or we) have any doubts about your level
of fitness, you may be required to have a doctor’s
appraisal. This would require your doctor to read
the itinerary of your chosen tour, including the
fitness level, and provide you (and us) with a written
confirmation of your ability to participate.
MODERATE
for the overall benefit of the group, all tour members
must possess a moderate level of mobility, including
the ability to:
• negotiate airports and railway stations without
wheelchair assistance
• use combined shower/bath facilities (it is
impossible to guarantee walk-in shower facilities)
• undertake walking tour of 1-2 hours duration,
including using stairs, walking over cobblestones
and other uneven surfaces
• s tand for long periods in museums and other
sites
• embark / disembark coaches, trains and other
methods of transportation without assistance
• handle your own luggage
ABOVE AVERAGE
In addition to the above, tour members must also
be able to:
• Undertake walking tours of 2 – 3 hours
• climb staircases of 100 or more steps
CHALLENGING
In addition to the above, tour members must also
be able to:
• Handle extremes of temperature (e.g. below 0
or above 35 degrees)
• handle extremes of altitudes (e.g. 4000 metres
and above).
You can find the full terms & conditions on the
Renaissance Tours booking form.
They can also be found at
www.renaissancetours.com.au/booking-conditions/
or we would be happy to post you a copy on
request.
Fishing boats at the coast of Crete, Greece
TRAVEL WITH FRIENDS IN 2013
Front: Ruins of an ancient temple, Lindos, Greece
Back: Aghia Triada Monastery, Chania, Crete
Your travel agent is
Renaissance Tours
Level 4, 47 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000
GPO Box 5068, Sydney NSW 2001
ABN 14 069 591 448 Lic. 2TA4526
Toll Free (AU) 1300 727 095
Toll Free (NZ) 0800 403 621
t (02) 9299 5801
f (02) 9299 5805
e [email protected]
w www.renaissancetours.com.au
Brochure effective November 2012