Heraklion

As we venture into the incredible open-air museum of the Palace of Knossos, our bus tour will take you along the proud Venetian heritage of Heraklion - the Koules Fortress (the stronghold overlooking the Heraklion harbour), the Venetian Loggia (the 17th century administrative and social center), the harmonious Morozini fountain and the 10th century Church of St. Titus. As you explore the Palace of Knossos, considered Europe’s oldest city, you are entering and experiencing the incredible world of the legendary Minoan civilization. The long and winding roads of Crete’s ancient city gradually expose the remarkable art, architecture and daily life of the Minoan people. Breathe in the millennia of history and imagine the legends of Daedalus, Theseus and the Minotaur come to life in the remarkable Hall of the Royal Guard and the Double Axes, the King’s Chamber or the Queen’s Apartment. Enjoy free time to savour the beauty and uniqueness of Crete’s largest city (and the fourth largest in Greece). The city is brimming with an assortment of museums that satisfy every taste- entre, full of busy cafes and elegant shops or retrace the steps of its Venetian rulers at the impressive fortified port, the vast arches and the arsenals.

We begin our bus tour from the port of Heraklion, guarded by its Venetian Lions, and continue beyond the city’s landmarks and limits, on a panoramic drive to Peza, the wine valley of Crete. Over 20% of Greece’s wine production originates from the sun-kissed island of Crete and our drive will impress you with beautiful sights of Crete’s countryside and its 4,000 year old vineyards. As we arrive in Stironas, a small traditional Cretan village located at an altitude of 550m, you will embark upon a complete sensorial experience. The Botanical Parterre, a formal garden nesting a multitude of aromatic herbs and medicinal plants native to the mountains of Crete, will reveal to you some of Cretan cuisine’s secrets and indulge you with fragrances of all kinds. Our final and festive stop will be at the traditional Raki distiller of Stironas, where our host will greet you with pure Cretan wine produced and stored in his cellar and will share with you the secret art of wine producing and bottling. Following the Cretan hospitality, we will be invited to experience a traditional Cretan meal, with all the best natural products, while a group of traditional dancers will make you feel right at home.

The ancient city of Knossos – birthplace of Minoan civilization – is our first stop on this half-day excursion. Your guide will bring to life the history and legends surrounding the wise King Minos, and as soon as you enter incredible Knossos Palace, you’ll be transported to another world. You’ll be led around the apartments and rooms, all spread around the Central Court, towards the jewels in the crown – the Throne Room, the Prince of the Lilies fresco, the imposing Grand Staircase and the Queen’s Megaron. Then, head to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion where exhibits showcase the fascinating history of Cretan culture. Afterwards, we’ll journey to our final stop on the tour, historic Heraklion. Here you’ll set off on a guided walk of the center from Liberty Square to admire wonderful buildings such as the Koules Fortress that guards the Venetian port, the Loggia, Morosini Fountain and Basilica of Saint Mark. You’ll also pass by some of the city’s religious monuments including the Church of Agios Titos, the medieval monastery of Saint Catherine and the Church of Agios Minas, as well as the bustling shopping streets of Dedalou and the 25th August.

From Heraklion port, we’ll travel to the grand ancient city of Knossos – birthplace of Minoan civilization – on this extended bus tour. Take in centuries of history, architecture and art, and learn about the legends of Daedalus, Theseus and the formidable Minotaur as you roam from room to room at Knossos Palace. Step through the remarkable Hall of the Royal Guard and the King’s Chamber breathing in the legendary stories of King Minos. Then drive through poetic Cretan countryside to the traditional village of Thrapsano – known as Crete’s pottery village. Witness ceramic art and traditional pottery being made before your very own eyes and wander around a pretty hillside village suspended in history. Afterwards, you’ll journey along ancient wine routes and soothing landscapes to Myrtia village, just south of Heraklion. Here you’ll find the Nikos Kazantzakis Museum, dedicated to the life and work of Greece’s famous author.

Heraklion’s Venetian era has enriched the city with beautiful architectural structures and edifices that still stand today, representing its rich history. Our bus tour will immerse you into the Venetian heritage of Heraklion and Crete’s ancient glory and also allow you some free time to walk around Heraklion’s old city center, buy souvenirs or enjoy refreshing drinks in a cafe. We will drive by the proud Koules Fortress (the Venetian fortress dominating the harbour) and continue to the stunning Venetian Loggia, the 17th century administrative centre of the island. The masterfully intertwined Doric and Ionic architectural details on its facade are a sample of the refined Venetian architecture and they underline the importance of Heraklion within the Venetian Republic. We will continue towards the Morozini fountain, another masterpiece from the same creator of the Loggia and the Church of St.Titus. As we approach the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion we approach the best Minoan art museum in the world, and one of the finest museums of Greek history and art. Founded in 1883, the museum brings to life over 5,500 years of Greek and Roman history, through its invaluable artefacts. The Minoan collection features exceptional findings from the archaeological site of Knossos, including ancient jewelry, everyday items, religious artefacts and the incredible bull’s head Royton.