tours

Lesvos History & Culture Tour – Holiday

LOCATION

The first travel guide to Greece was written back in the 200 AD and in the 19th century Greece was considered a major stop of the European aristocrats. The country’s most enduring quality is its archaeological sites, but the country is much more than historical sites. Its allure is due to its intangible qualities, the unique blending of its East and West culture, the blue sea, the clear light and the strong character of the past.

Perched on the easternmost edge of the Aegean with whitewashed walls, deep blue sky, olive groves, fig trees, azure Aegean waters, the island of Lesvos is a gem in itself. Steeped in Homeric history and culture, scented by wild fennel and basil, Greece's third largest island now hosts many visitors to Greece.

HISTORY & CULTURE

Mytilini the capital of the island retains many architectural treasures of bygone years as well as the Castle and the remains of the Ancient Mytilini recently excavated. In the town’s fine museums you can learn more about the island's history and you can visit the many ancient sites throughout the island.

Most people know of Greece's “classical” period, but the history of Lesvos goes back two million years as the recent discovery of prehistoric fauna and fish in the area of Vatera shows. Tusks and skeletons of giant mastodons have been found as well as fossilized bones of ancient horses, camels, rhinoceros, and a tortoise the size of a small car. One of the most startling discoveries is that of a family of giant apes of the Paradolichopithecus family, the oldest found in Europe. Archaeological evidence indicates that Lesvos has been inhabited since at least the Neolithic period. During the Bronze Age it had already developed an exceptionally advanced civilization similar to the Trojan and Mycenaean.

The Romans dominated the island in 88 BC. When the Roman Empire was divided into East and West, Lesvos became part of the Byzantine state. The Byzantines neglected the island, so around 1151 it was frequently looted by the Slavs, Saracens, and Russians and was plundered by the Venetians and the Crusaders.

In 1354 Lesvos was ceded as a dowry to the Genoese noble, Francesco Gattelusi, son-in-law of the Emperor John Palaiologos. In 1462 it succumbed to the Sultan Mohamed II, the Conqueror, after stiff resistance. The destruction that followed was terrible. All the young men and women were sent to Constantinople and the largest part of the population was exterminated. In 1821 the islanders were slaughtered again by the Turks as revenge for setting on fire the Turkish fleet at Eressos. On the 8^th of November 1912 the island was liberated by the Admiral P. Koundouriotis who came with a squadron of the Greek fleet led by the battle ship Averoff.

Following the burning of Smyrna (present day Ismir), in 1922 a large number of refugees from Asia Minor came to Lesvos, In 1923, after the signing of the treaty of Lausanne, Lesvos was definitively ceded to Greece. Between 1930 -1939 (a period which is referred to as Lesvian Spring) the island prospered culturally and financially. During World War II the Germans occupied Lesvos on May the 4^th 1941 and left on September the 10^th, 1944.

All these phases have left on the island their heritage in one form or another - architecture, sculptures, paintings, crafts - and in one place or another - on the landscape, in museums, in churches - to be appreciated by even the most casual visitor. Above all, visitors will leave Lesvos with memories of their encounters with the oldest of Greek traditions - the hospitality shown to foreigners. Everyone is made to feel that is personally welcome and appreciated.

ACCOMMODATION

You will be staying at a family owned and managed hotel, the MADONNA Family Hotel in Vatera; it lies in a scenic location with well-kept gardens and only 120 m from the beach. It has a spacious terrace where you can enjoy a relaxing evening drink and a bar. All apartments are comfortably furnished with en suite facilities, radio, TV, air-conditioning and balconies with sea or mountain views. Meals will be taken at local tavernas which feature a selection of traditional home-cooked dishes, using local products.

ITINERARY

Day One: Transfer from the airport, settling in the hotel, orientation to the locality, free time to walk around the village and enjoy the beach at Vatera.

Day Two: Visit to the village of Vrisa and the Natural History Museum.. We will continue to the mountain village of Agiasos, to visit the world famous Church of Panagia Vrefocratousa, the Byzantine-Ecclesiastical Museum, the Folklore Exhibition, the Cultural Centre “Anagnostirion”, the Chapel of the Life Giving Fountain and the Garden of Madonna. We will have lunch at the Taverna Douladeli & there will be plenty of time to visit the renown Manos Bakery and the pottery, woodcarving and textile outlets. We will return to Vatera in good time for a swim & relaxation at the beach.

Day Three:  We reach Kalloni after the famous Wetland with the flamingos. North of Kalloni we will visit the Monastery Limonos with its priceless archives of books and manuscripts, reflecting the historical, cultural and spiritual course of the region, through the years. We will continue to Molyvos where we will have lunch. We will visit the magnificent medieval Castle, the Archaeological Collection and the Public Gallery. On the way back we will go through Petra, where we can visit the chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the "Glykofilousa" = of the sweet kisses and Mansion of Vareltzidena. We will return to Vatera in good time for a swim & relaxation at the beach.

Day Four: Staying close to home we will visit the Temple of Dionysus at Agios Focas. From here we will drive to Skamniudi on the coast of the Gulf of Kalloni to visit the antiquities of the Byzantine era and for those that are expert in under water activities to look out for the sunken harbour wall of Ancient Pyrra. We will have lunch at the harbour taverna in Skamnioudi or at Achladeri. We will visit the Ancient Temple at Messa, & it’s Museum. On our return we will stop at Polichnitos to visit the Women’s Co Operative and sample their products, before a rejuvenating dip at the Thermal Springs, before we return to Vatera.

Day Five: Driving through Kalloni to Xidira we will stop at the only commercial winery at Lesvos, Methymnaeos. It produces a red organic semi dry wine of some distinction. Following this we will visit the Perivolis Monastery and the Ypsilou monastery. The next stop is Sigri with the Petrified Forest and the Natural History Museum.  We will have lunch at Sigri harbour, where we will also be able to see the Castle, and have a swim at the sandy beach. We will continue to Eressos the birthplace of Sappho, the lyric poetess called the tenth muse. We will also visit the small Archaeological Museum. We will continue to Skala Eressos with its long sandy beach for a swim before we continue our journey coastally, enjoying the views of the Gulf of Kalloni, until we return to base.

Day Six: We will be heading to Mytilene where there are several places to visit according to choice: Two Archaeological Museums, the Castle, the Yeni Tzami, the Tsarsi Hamam, the Valide Tzami, The Cathedral of Agioi Theodori, the Church of Agios Therapon (built 1860) and LESVOSHOP where a wide variety of Lesvos and Limnos products can be bought. We will have lunch in Mytilini and then go south to visit the Theofilos & Teriade Art Museums. On our return to Vatera we will visit the restored old watermill “Mylelia”, where durum wheat is still being ground. More than 50 different air-dried organic pastas can be bought on the shop on site and other organic products. There is also an old donkey –powered olive press to see, and a small church of Agios Panteleimon. A very old tree church is near there too.

Day Seven: Free day to spend as you wish, prior to the airport transfer

PS. Festivals and celebrations of various kinds are part of life in Lesvos. Depending on the time of the year & if they match with the dates of this holiday, they will be included in the program.

DATES & PRICES 2006

Early Booking Discount

Book before the 31st of March 2006 and receive 10% discount

Prices are based on 6 – 8 persons groups. Hibiscus Travel reserves the right to cancel the tour if less than six persons apply.

Prices include:

• Airport Transfers & Transportation during the course,
• Seven nights full-board accommodation (Buffet breakfast, lunch or picnic according to location, evening meal at taverna accompanied with local wine).
• Tuition, materials and equipment for the course. We provide clay, glazes and under glazes, table turning wheel, brushes, modelling tools, wooden boards, outdoor kiln.
• Professional Guide
• Fees to Museums

Prices DO NOT include:

• Air fares to Lesvos
• Insurance
• Tips
• Expenses of personal nature

PAYMENTS CAN BE MADE ONLY BY:

• Credit Card (Visa or Master)
• Direct Payment into a GB£ UK Bank Account
• IBAN SWIFT Transfer to a EURO Greek Account

WE CAN ADVICE YOU FOR FLIGHTS TO LESVOS