Reader Trips
11th-18th September 2018
Rick Stroud, author of Kidnap in
Crete, his tale of the wartime kidnap of German General Heinrich Kreipe, writes: ‘Crete is a wonderful destination – a land of heroes, mountain ranges and fertile plains where sheep graze among olive trees, and the air is filled with the scent of thyme. Nearly 4,000 years ago, the island was home to the Minoans, whose legendary king, Minos, has been linked to the palace at Knossos.
‘Fought over and occupied throughout its history, Crete has a rich architectural and artistic heritage. The Cretans are patriots who will die fighting for their island, and were last called on to do so in the Second World War.'
Rick will take readers to the pivotal sites of the famous kidnap. We will stay at the exclusive Hotel Veneto in the old Venetian quarter of Rethymnon (www.veneto.gr).
Thursday 18th October – Arrive at Rethymnon
– Depart Gatwick with Easyjet at 16.40, EZY 8763; arrive Heraklion 22.40. Transfer to Hotel Veneto for late dinner at the award-winning Veneto Restaurant.
Friday 19th October – Chania
– A visit to Maleme airfield, where German parachutists landed in one of the first airborne attacks in history, in May 1941; then Gonia Monastery. Lunch and time to explore Chania.
Saturday 20th October – Rethymnon
– Explore Rethymnon's weekly market, the Old Quarter, and have coffee on the harbourside. In the afternoon visit the Venetian fortress or do some shopping.
Sunday 21st October – Knossos and Cretan Wine Country
– An early start to visit the 4,000-year-old Minoan palace of Knossos followed by a relaxing lunch in Elia and Diosmos's Olive-mint restaurant at Skalani. After lunch we will have a gentle afternoon in Archanes, with a tasting of impressive Cretan wines.
Monday 22nd October – Heraklion
– Visit the Archaeological Museum and Venetian city walls. We will pause at the place where SOE Major Patrick Leigh Fermor ambushed General Heinrich Kreipe.
Tuesday 23rd October – Psykro and Diktean Cave – Lunch at Elounda
– Visit the Diktean Cave – said to be Zeus's birthplace. Elounda for lunch and a boat trip and walk around Spinalonga island.
Wednesday 24th October – Phaistos and Gortyn
– After Knossos, Phaistos is the most important Minoan palatial city. After lunch we head to the ancient Roman capital of Crete, Gortyn.
Thursday 25th October – Depart for home
– Depart Heraklion on Easyjet EZY 8762, 13.55, arriving Gatwick 16.00.