SKY-CITIES: KAVOUSI
Discover the ancient paths and cities on the peaks of East Crete with an archaeologist
A journey to an area with a hundred of significant archaeological sites and in the dramatic period of 1200 B.C., in a mountainous and wild landscape with an impressive view to the Cretan sea. The tour at Kavousi area aspires to be an escape route from the dangers of the exposed valley to the safety of the naturally protected peaks of the region and then, a descent route in space and time, from the sky-cities to a forerunner of the city-states.
Description
After the decline of the Minoan and Mycenaean civilization on Crete, the island has experienced dramatic upheavals, during the centuries of turning from the 2nd to the 1st millennium B.C., which led many people to seek refuge in the mountains, organizing new defensible settlements in the most inaccessible rocky areas, at the edge of the mountains. The travellers through the excursion series “Sky-Cities” will have the opportunity to visit a number of these ancient settlements.
Itinerary
- Introduction by the sea: the natural and human-made landscape from Minoan period up to now.
- The timeless culture of olive: visiting the ancient olive tree in the valley of Kavousi.
- Up to the mountains: Driving by a 4x4 vehicle in the wild landscape and sightseeing (option 1). A trekking along a circular E4 trail is also possible (option 2)
- Archaeological treasures: tour to the archaeological sites of Vronda, Kastro and / or Azorias (12th-6th BC), at the excavated areas, or from a distance.
Option 1: Not including trekking
- Visiting sites of interest in the area
- Level of difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 5-6 hours
Option 2 : Including trekking
- Visiting sites of interest in the area
- Trekking to Kastro, the highest sky-city of Kavousi, and back (2-4 hours)
- Level of difficulty: Moderate. Not for beginners. Not for people who suffer from vertigo.
- Duration: 8-9 hours
The price includes:
- An experienced archaeologist
- Personal accident insurance, powered by Lloyd's Insurance company
- Thematic booklet
- Walking poles (on request, depending on availability)
- Transport by 4X4 from Kavousi to the sites to be visited and return
- First Aid kit
- Light lunch in nature
- Water (1 lt)
- Third Party Liability
- Taxes
The price does not include:
- Transport from/to your accommodation (upon request)
- Beverages and drinks
- Personal expenses & tips
- Anything not mentioned above
Notes:
* This trip is a private excursion.
* Necessary personal equipment: Sunscreen oil, Hat, Sunglasses │ Trekking or walking shoes │ Small rucksack with your personal items
* (!) Please inform us of any dietary needs/particularities you might have (allergies, intolerances) or other health issues we have to take into consideration.
