Tour Overview
Crete, the cradle of European civilization, an island of myths and legends where Asia and Africa meet. Here, about 4,000 years ago, the first great European civilization developed. It was named the Minoan civilization after the mythical King Minos, son of Zeus and Europa. Numerous excavations have yielded a great deal of information about this period, but much of the life of the Minoans remains a mystery. Come and explore!Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Santorini- Heraklion, CreteMake your way to the ferry terminal to board the hydrofoil to Heraklion, Crete. When you arrive an iExplore Representative will meet you and drive you to your hotel. Located on the beach, close to the city of Heraklion and the archaeological site of Knossos, the Hotel Movenpick is an ideal base to explore the island of Crete. All the rooms have been recently renovated are tastefully appointed and feature modern furnishings. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore Crete on your own or to relax and enjoy the many amenities offered by the hotel
Overnight: Heraklion Day 2: Heraklion
After breakfast today your guide will meet you at the hotel for a half-day panoramic sightseeing tour of Heraklion and Knossos. There was a city named Heraklion on Crete as early as the Minoan epoch. Greek Mythology tells us that it was here that Heracles performed the 7th of his 12 deeds: the slaying of the fire-breathing Cretan bull. The Greeks probably named the city in honor of their hero. Begin at the market place where the usual oriental atmosphere makes an interesting experience. The market street leads to Kornaros Square with its lovely Turkish well house and the Bembo Fountain. If you turn right just before the end of market street, you will find yourself at the city’s handicraft center. Here the quaint shops are huddled together as they were 100 years ago in the time of the guilds. On Dedalou Street, one of the few pedestrian only streets in the city, there are shops to suit every taste. This street leads to Venizelou Square, which is the epicenter of Heraklion. On the east side of Venizelou Square is Agios Markos Basilica. This church with three aisles is the oldest Venetian Basilica on Crete and impressively illustrates the history of the island. It was built in 1239 in honor of the patron saint of Venice. Visit the Archaeological Museum. Here in one single museum is the ultimate documentation of the Minoan civilization. Here you will see the traces of a culture, which made a substantial contribution to Crete being labeled the “Cradle of European civilization”. Then we visit the Palace of Knossos. Here the archaeological apogee of the Golden Age of Minoan culture can be seen. It is believed that there were 1,300 rooms arranged on four stories and that about 80,000 people once lived here. Around 1450 BC all the palaces were destroyed by the eruption of the volcano on Santorini and only the Palace of Knossos was rebuilt, possibly by Mycenaean invaders. But in 1400 it too disappeared and with it the whole Minoan civilization. Whether it was due to an earthquake or battle is unclear.
Overnight: Heraklion Day 3: Heraklion
Enjoy a full day at leisure for independent explorations or to relax.
Overnight: Heraklion Day 4: Heraklion- Depart
Today you will be driven to the airport for your flight home.
