Heraklion Shore Excursion

This half day Heraklion shore trip includes a private tour at the site of the Minoan Palace of Knossos. Then you visit Heraklion city where you have time for lunch and / or shopping.

After meeting your guide at the pier in Heraklion you will drive to the renowned archaeological site known as Knossos. Your guide will lead you through the ruins of this ancient palace complex, which was the administrative and religious center for the region. Sir Arthur Evans restored the site, though it has been criticized by some for its modernity, the restorations help the visitors to both visualize the palace as it was and understand its complexity. The living quarters of the king, queen and members of the royal court, rooms for state occasions, a theater area, store rooms and workshops are all within the palace complex.

For many centuries the history of the Minoan culture was considered legend and remained a memory in Greek tradition and mythology. It was not until the early 1900s that the history of Minoan Crete was pieced together to reveal that the civilization was not one of myth, but rather one of the most advanced and important in prehistoric times. The amazing site of Knossos, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Minos, provides the basis of our knowledge about this civilization named after the king of Crete.

The frescoes unearthed show the refinement of their art and use of color and embody the soul of the peace loving, lighthearted, but also powerful Minoans. The original palace of Knossos was built around 1900 BC but about two-hundred years later it was destroyed by an earthquake and then rebuilt on an even grander scale. The final destruction of the palace occurred around 1450 BC when a volcano on Santorini erupted and destroyed nearby civilizations. Despite this blow to the culture people continued to live here until a fire swept through the city around 1400 BC.

After visiting this important archaeological site you visit Heraklion city where you have time for lunch and / or shopping.before returning to the pier.