The Cyclades
Summary
Explore sacred islands and sprawling ruins
Of the thousands of Greek islands which are scattered over the Aegean Sea, the Cyclades have the most evocative mythology. The archipelago is named for its encircling of the sacred isle of Delos, the legendary birthplace of Apollo and Artemis but its surrounding islands are no less fascinating. From the now unassuming Tinos, which once flourished as a centre for worship to Poseidon in the 5th century BCE, to Santorini, home to one of the most important archaeological sites in the Aegean – the buried Minoan city of Akrotiri. The islands display evidence of settlement from as early as 5000 BCE and had a distinctive culture in the early middle Bronze Age. Obsidian (volcanic glass) was produced here and exported throughout the Aegean, along with lead, copper and marble. Travelling by land and crossing by ferry from port to ancient port, we explore the best of the archaeology there is to see on the archipelago.
What to Expect
- Sail by private charter to Delos and spend the day exploring one of the most important sites in Greece
- Visit the spectacular prehistoric settlement of Skarkos and ‘Homer’s’ tomb on the delightful island of Ios
- Admire the sleeping giants of Naxos, the Flerio Kourous, scattered throughout this beautiful Aegean landscape
