Day 10 – Thursday, October 24: Crete & Santorini
Today was another perfectly sunny day, with temps once again around 70. The Greek islands are known for its blue skies and beautiful islands. The morning began with a full buffet breakfast once again. We then all met on the 9th deck where we read from Titus 1 and 3 as we prepared to leave the ship at 7:30.
Crete
Once we disembarked the ship, we met our two local guides and boarded our buses. The excursion here on the island of Crete first took to the Knossos excavations. Here we saw the archaeological discoveries of the Minoan civilization. They were probably one of the forerunners of the Philistines. Most suggest Caphtor (in Jeremiah 47:4, Amos 9:7) is the ancient island of Crete, while they were called the Sea Peoples by the Egyptian Pharoah, Ramses III in the late 13th-12th century BC.
As for the Minoans, this people group dates back to about 2,000 BC (about the time of Abraham). At Knossos we saw the restored palace area, with many frescoes and other ruins. Biblically in the New Testament, it was Paul who left Titus here on this island, giving instructions on appointing church leaders in the towns (Titus 1:5ff). Also, Paul himself would have sailed around the lee of Crete (Acts 27:7) on his way to Rome. They found refuge from the wind in the port called Fair Havens on the southern side of the island.
Before leaving the island we enjoyed some free time walking around the shops and stores at the town square of Heraklion. A few of the ruins from the Venetians can be sen here as well. Some of us bought olive oil (since Crete is well known for having the best!). Many also enjoyed the beautiful blue waters down at the port area. We boarded back on the bus that took us back to our ship.
“The Greek islands continue to ‘awe’ us with their beauty. Saving the best and most scenic island to last, we visited Santorini this afternoon. It was a special experience. Sunsets here are always amazing!”
Santorini
After re-boarding the ship, we enjoyed lunch and some free time before gathering once again on the top deck at 3:30 The approach into the port of Santorini was incredible. Most of the city is perched high on the edge of this ancient volcano. It most likely erupted around 1550 BC (some suggest 1453 BC) and brought an end to the Minoans living here.
About a third of the group purchased the excursion ticket that went to the far side of the island (Oia, where the classic blue dome houses are). After taking our turn taking the tender boats once again in order to get to the port, the rest of us either took the cable car to the top of Thira while others walked up the steep donkey path. It is about a 750 foot climb.
The view from the top was breathtaking! No words can adequately describe it! Santorini is the most picturesque islands! At the top of Thira, we all took the time to explore on their own, with many enjoyed dinner as the sun set to the west over the “bowl” of the volcano below (now all water).
We returned back to our tender boats on our own by 9 p.m. Once back on board the ship, during the night we set sail back to the Laurion Port of Athens. We anticipate docking tomorrow morning by the time we wake up.
Day 11 – Friday, October 25: Athens, Acropolis, Mars Hill, the Plaka, Overnight in Athens or Flight to Rome
