Glancing through my emails a few days ago I came upon something that really awoke my interest. 'The Knossos Experience', it read. 'For three days, starting Wednesday 1st February 2012 participants will stay steps away from Knossos at the archaeologist's hostel and enjoy expert guidance on the history and archaeology of the Minoans. This is a 'trial run' for a longer program to be offered in the future; a minimal cost of €270 includes all meals, instruction and entrance fees plus a shared room and an up-close look at the famed Villa Ariadne, normally off-limits to the average visitor.' It was this last sentence that really caught my attention.

More years ago than I care to remember I acquired a second-hand book called The Villa Ariadne by Dilys Powell and thus began an interest that continues to this day. It centres around the villa that Sir Arthur Evans built to accommodate himself and the other British archaeologists who excavated Knossos on Crete and it led me to collect a slew of books related to the Villa Ariadne and Crete.

These include John Pendlebury's early handbook on Knossos plus a biography about this charismatic soldier/archaeologist, based in Crete during the fighting in 1941. Then followed Ill Met by Moonlight, the story of how Brit Paddy Leigh Fermor and accomplices captured a German General on Crete during the war - he had been staying at the Villa Ariadne. This naturally led on to The Cretan Runner by George Psychoundakis, who worked closely with the British during the war. The Stronghold by Xan Fielding, who spent three years of the war hidden in the high mountains of Crete, elaborates on this cooperation...you can see how addictive this has become can't you? My bookshelves are groaning; and to actually be able to step on the hallowed ground of the Villa Ariadne is something I have only dreamt about until now.

We know that Greece is in financial trouble at the moment but this trip seems to me to be just the sort of thing that will remind us of just what it is we love about Greece and the Greek people. To spend a few days with like-minded people, led by British School of Archaeology's Don Evely, seems to me to be the opportunity of a lifetime. Talking to Don, there are not enough people to make up this trip at the moment but I am game if you are – we could meet and perhaps chat about property on the island while savouring this incredibly interesting experience?

Of course this doesn't leave much time for planning. Chatting to Don, he mentioned that if these dates aren't convenient he may think of rescheduling this for the autumn - that may be more convenient? More information is available by contacting Don Evely at bsaknoso@otenet.gr or by phoning him on 00 30 2810 231993. You can also email me on carol.dunning@overseasguidescompany.com. It would be SUCH fun to meet up - let's do it!

All the best,

Carol