Imagine exploring Crete with an archeologist who’s studied the island’s ancient sites. Better yet, an archeologist with a side gig as an actress.
We completely lucked out with the knowledgeable- and hilarious - Dimitra Pilarinou. We did 6 full-day excursions with Dimitra. She expertly guided us at Knossos and other Minoan sites, Roman ruins, Venetian ports, Greek Orthodox monasteries and village chapels. Dimitra shared fascinating history & stories about each. She even took us on a boat to Spinalonga, the island leper colony made famous by the soapy novel The Island, and shared the island's Venetian, Ottoman, and Cretan history.
But Dimitra also lives in Crete and gave us local insight. She showed us the local food market, guided us to local producers of olive oil, wine, herbal remedies, and the best bougatsa. Dimitra treated us to Cretan cheese pies and recommended restaurants in Heraklion. She even recommended a quiet secluded beach to chill out after our week of packed exploring.
Dimitra’s time, plus a professional driver, is pricey. But entirely worth it if you want a memorable deep dive on the ancient, medieval, and modern history & culture of Crete, with a master storyteller and teacher. She’s fluent in English & Spanish.
Tom
Nov. 9, 2021