MINOAN ART TOUR – MARCH 2026
12 Days of Art, Culture, and Spring on the Island of CRETE
Discover the Spirit of Minoan Civilization
Join us in March 2026 for a unique journey into the heart of Minoan art and society – Europe’s ancient, vibrant, and possibly last pre-patriarchal culture. Over 12 days, we’ll explore archaeological wonders, hidden villages, and the joyful essence of creation that defined Minoan life more than 3,500 years ago.
This early-spring adventure takes you beyond tourist paths, immersing you in history, art, nature, and the soulful traditions of Crete – all in a small, friendly group of 10–12 participants.
We will enjoy mild weather, almost empty cultural sites – and flower-filled landscapes.
For Whom?
This tour is for anyone seeking creative inspiration and deep cultural insights:
- Artists, musicians, ceramicists
- Actors, designers, painters, illustrators
- Lovers of art, history, and ancient societies
- Educators, group leaders, and curious minds
- Those who know and love Crete – and want more
- Those who do not know Crete yet!
- Everyone interested in meeting new and diverse people and spending quality time together
What Makes This Tour Special?
experiencing all senses
Hands-on pottery workshop in the spirit of ancient Knossos
Cretan cooking class in a mountain village
Natural cosmetics course with a highly professional local expert
Drawing, photography, and music sessions led by Isabella and Mic
Encounters with inspiring local personalities
Immersive visits to modern museums and archaeological sites
All thoughtfully curated by your hosts, Isabella Scherabon and Mic Oechsner – painter, musician, archaeologist, and long-time Crete enthusiasts.
info evening
Friday, June 27, 2025 – 7:00 PM
at MICIS 1040 Vienna
Registration required:
info[at]micis.at
course overview
Inspiration for all senses
Our Highlight!
A very special pottery workshop in the atmosphere of Knossos‘ Throne Room. In part two, the works are painted in historical style and finished in a genuine Bronze Age wood-fired kiln.
We’ll celebrate this with a Minoan Festival, featuring live music and delicious Cretan specialties.
With Myrto and Vassili, two museum-accredited ceramic artists.
Olive oil skincare
Cosmetic workshop for all genders:
First, an introduction on herbalism, a holistic approach to health through herbs.
Then we’ll make fragrant soap and hand cream using precious olive oil.
With Myrto, head of a renowned Greek cosmetics company.
Mediterranean Cooking
Cooking class in a beautiful mountain village with Vivi, whose infectious laugh and delicious non-tourist-menus (with wine) we have been loving for decades.
Drawing with Isabella
Discover the beauty of Minoan frescoes, symbols, and motifs. Drawing and coloring them is a deep, personal way to connect with the secrets of the past.
Music und Photography mit Mic
Since spring, Mic owns a precious lyra – he will introduce the basics of this traditional cretan instrument to everyone interested. He’ll also offer tips for capturing better travel photos.
art ... ?
... if it is perceived as life force, it opens up a whole new world
Art is so much more than facts, dates, and lectures. In Crete, love for art and craft is vibrant – and our local partners embody this spirit!
The Minoan people speak to us through their surviving works. They express rich ideas, bubbling creativity, and a mastery of materials – stone, paint, textiles, ceramics, gold, and bronze. They hint at a culture filled with curious, artistic men and women. And a deep love for nature!
What’s missing? Art, used as propaganda, with rigid aesthetics, or grandiose hero monuments. There are no massive statues, no battle scenes, no triumphs over enemies.
... and we will show you inside
We promise: no dry lectures or museum marathons! Instead, we’ll embrace the playfulness of Minoan artists and allow you to experience this era with all your senses.
And don’t worry – we will stay grounded in solid, up-to-date archaeological knowledge. Our museum guide is highly respected in Crete, and Mic is a classical archaeology student.
Travel Dates 2026
Wednesday, March 18 to Sunday, March 29, 2026
The Journey in Detail
who - isabella scherabon und Mic Oechsner
We’ve been traveling to Crete for over 20 years. As a painter-musician couple, we revere Minoan art and its hints at a peaceful, creative culture. The strong, dignified depictions of women and the joy radiating from the art work draw us back again and again.
It was a special pleasure to meet all the wonderful people who will be part of the journey!
What – Minoan Art on Crete, 2600–1450 BCE
The MINOAN ART TOUR consists of everything, we love about Crete. A journey to explore one of Europe’s last possibly egalitarian civilizations – perfect for lovers of art, history, painting, alternative cultures, nature, music, and delicious food.
Where – Southern & Central Crete
We start our trip in the vibrant village of Sivas, surrounded by blooming olive groves. From there, we’ll visit Phaestos Palace, the new Messara Museum, and more.
Then we travel to central Crete, to explore the most prominent sites: Heraklion’s treasure-filled museum, the legendary palace of Knossos, Malia and more.
How – Lovely accommodation, comfortable travel, excellent food
Spacious apartments in Sivas, and a stylish design hotel in the center of Archanes
Private Mercedes Sprinter 519CDI minibus with professional driver
Expert Tour Guide for key museums and sites
Carefully chosen local restaurants and taverns
Itinerary Overview
Day 1
Arrival
Day 2
Sivas, Kommos Beach
Day 3
Messara Museum, Botano (spices)
Day 4
Phaestos Palace and Agia Triada
Day 5
Kali Limenes beach
Day 6
Vivi: Cretan Cooking Class in Zaros, transfer to Archanes
Day 7
Idols Art Archanes: Pottery Workshop Part 1
Day 8
Myrro Skincare Archanes: Herbalism and Natural Cosmetics Workshop
Day 9
Heraklion Museum, Knossos Palace, Pottery Workshop Part 2
Day 10
Spirit of Greece: Minoan Kiln Festival with food and live music
Day 11
Palace of Malia, settlement of Gournia, Agios Nikolaos Museum
Day 12
Departure
info evening
Friday, June 27, 2025 – 7:00 PM
at MICIS 1040 Vienna
Registration required:
info[at]micis.at
ART PACKAGE – What’s Included
Tour lead by Isabella Scherabon & Mic Oechsner, all 12 days
Info evening covering all questions on content and logistics
Simultaneous German-English translation for guided tours/workshops
All bus transfers with professional transport company (Mercedes Sprinter 519CDI)
Entry to all museums and archaeological sites
Guided tours in two museums and three excavation sites
Minoan welcome basket
Travel picnic packs
Pottery festival with catering and live music
All workshop fees: cooking, cosmetics, Bronze Age pottery
Drawing, music, photography, lyra basics with Isabella and Mic
Accommodation is arranged and booked by us, and then paid on-site.
Flights will be arranged independently – we’re happy to recommend good options.
Limited to 10–12 participants.
We strive to create a harmonious group constellation.
This cultural journey may be certified as further education for relevant professions.
COSTS
Art Package
1.800 Euro + 20% VAT = 2.160 Euro
Accommodation – 11 Nights
€760 per person in a single room
€480 per person in a double room
Flight Example (as of May 2025)
VIE–HER: €190 | HER–ATH: €90 (Aegean Air)
ATH–VIE: €150 (Austrian Airlines)
Booking & Inquiries
To reserve your place or for any questions, write to:
info[at]micis.at
Organization, Webdesign, content: MICIS GesbR Isabella Scherabon – Mic Oechsner
Schikanedergasse 13, A-1040 Vienna, Austria
contact: info[at]micis.at
mobil: +43 699 110 191 75 (Isabella) +43 664 639 44 91 (Mic)