Destinations
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Crete 20 – 27 April 2010
Island birds and flowers in the cradle of civilisation.
Crete is a magical and mysterious island. Home of Europe’s earliest civilisation, influenced by many nations, yet it retains its own identity and culture of which its people are justifiably proud.
The island’s position in the Mediterranean has not only played a crucial role in its history but is an important migration route for birds on their way north in spring. Crete in April is free of crowds, the days can be warm and the hillsides are full of flowers.
This, the largest and most southerly of all the Greek islands, is dominated by a backbone of mountains through which cut many deep gorges. These are as spectacular as they are rich in wildlife, be it migrant birds, nesting vultures or endemic wild flowers.
Wildlife and history are difficult to separate on Crete, with many important archeological sites also rich in both plants and birds. We shall sample Minoan ruins and, perhaps, spend some time in the old Venetian port of Rethymnon.
We are based at the small and friendly Sophia Hotel in the fishing village of Plakias on the south coast. It is ideally placed for local walks and excursions and has an impressive backdrop of gorges and mountains.
Plakias Bay from the Gio Ma taverna (Ivan Nethercoat).
Now have a look at the painting of Plakias beach by Honeyguider Jean Connor
here
Lammergeier (Roger Tidman)
Dragonarum
There are pictures of the Hotel Sophia - or Sofia - on its website here, though the words are in German. Click on 'hotels'.
Our transport on Crete is arranged by Ariadne of the locally-based holiday and travel service company www.authentic-crete.gr
