Traveling from Homeric times to Byzantium

For over 100 years the world has been discovering the Cretan civilization that began as far back as the Neolithic period. Visitors will already be familiar with the big Bronze Age sites, such as Minoan Knossos. There have also been recent discoveries, such as ancient Eleftherna, that from 2016 will be open to the public, and will take us as far back as the Homeric Times. Leading Guests invites you to visit this outstanding archaeological site nestled in the foothills of Mount Ida, where you will get to know the secrets of the new « Knossos » of Crete. Daily program Our professional guide and minibus will pick you up from the hotel shortly after breakfast. After a 45 minute drive through lovely olive groves, we will arrive at the village of Eleftherna. Here, the guided tour of the impressive site, situated deep in the valley, begins. Further on from the village stands the new and unique archaeological museum of Crete, the museum of Eleftherna. We continue our excursion, heading South across the Valley of Amari, with its stunning views, to arrive at the entrance of the ravine of St. Antony and its sacred cave. Here we also find the taverna “Forest,” embraced by lush vegetation. After our rich in tastes Cretan lunch we continue our day with a visit to one of the dozens of Byzantine churches of the Valley. The wall paintings of the interior of these 13th century churches, decorated by local artists, are sure to impress and delight you. A coffee, soft drink or why not liqueurs in the home of a local family will be the best way to see off our excursion. We return to our hotel full of bright images, knowledge, and memories of a distinct aspect of Cretan culture.

Traveling from Homeric times to Byzantium

For over 100 years the world has been discovering the Cretan civilization that began as far back as the Neolithic period.
Visitors will already be familiar with the big Bronze Age sites, such as Minoan Knossos. There have also been recent discoveries, such as ancient Eleftherna, that from 2016 will be open to the public, and will take us as far back as the Homeric Times.
Leading Guests invites you to visit this outstanding archaeological site nestled in the foothills of Mount Ida, where you will get to know the secrets of the new « Knossos » of Crete.

Daily program

Our professional guide and minibus will pick you up from the hotel shortly after breakfast.
After a 45 minute drive through lovely olive groves, we will arrive at the village of Eleftherna. Here, the guided tour of the impressive site, situated deep in the valley, begins. Further on from the village stands the new and unique archaeological museum of Crete, the museum of Eleftherna.

We continue our excursion, heading South across the Valley of Amari, with its stunning views, to arrive at the entrance of the ravine of St. Antony and its sacred cave. Here we also find the taverna “Forest,” embraced by lush vegetation.
After our rich in tastes Cretan lunch we continue our day with a visit to one of the dozens of Byzantine churches of the Valley. The wall paintings of the interior of these 13th century churches, decorated by local artists, are sure to impress and delight you.
A coffee, soft drink or why not liqueurs in the home of a local family will be the best way to see off our excursion.

We return to our hotel full of bright images, knowledge, and memories of a distinct aspect of Cretan culture.

Personnalized experiences

A local guide

On-demand quotation