In a nutshell

A journey through time to discover the past of Crete, the cradle of a thousand-year-old civilization and a treasure chest of historical and landscape wonders. From the palace that gave birth to the myth of the Minotaur to the seafront of Agios Nikolaos and a dip in its clear waters.

Main stops

Palace of Knossos
Agios Nikolaos and relaxation time

The programme

We leave Heraklion to head towards the first stop on our excursion: Knossos, the ancient capital of the great kingdom of Minos which, given the size of the area, is thought to have hosted 100,000 inhabitants. A testimony to the ancient Minoan civilization, the original Minoan palace dated back to around 1,900 BC. The latter was destroyed by an earthquake after two hundred years and rebuilt in a much more grandiose way in 1,700 BC. The last catastrophe occurred around 1,500-1,450 BC, when the earthquake caused by the eruption of the Santorini volcano destroyed the royal residences forever. Situated on the top of a hill, from which we enjoy a breathtaking view of the place where the city once stood, the palace is an important testimony to a civilization dating back to 3,000 BC. Brought to light thanks to the excavations of Sir Arthur Evans, the palace is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. We visit the throne room, the warehouses, the central courtyard and the imposing staircase and relive the myth of Minos: it is thought that the palace is linked to the myth of the labyrinth and the Minotaur due to the number of rooms it housed (probably originally there were over 1000).
We return to the coach to end the day in style with a visit to Agios Nikolaos, a splendid tourist resort overlooking the sea. The city delights us with its waterfront, with fascinating artisan shops and typical outdoor venues, where we can have a coffee and enjoy a bit of relaxation. Before returning to the port, we can delight our palate in one of the typical taverns or enjoy the sun and sea on the nearby beach, the perfect conclusion to a day spent among the beauties of an island waiting to be discovered.

Good to know

We suggest wearing comfortable shoes and clothing. This tour is not recommended for guests with mobility problems
This excursion is reserved for guests who are not leaving the ship at Heraklion.