General

 

This half day tour from Agios Nikolaos or Elounda area first visits Knossos Palace which is the most visited place of Crete and the birtplace of minoan civilization.  It contains the largest of the Minoan palaces that has been partially restored. Excavated in the early 20th century by the great English archaiologist Arthur Evans. The ruins and rebuilt parts belong to the last and largest Minoan Palace, the origin of the myth of labyrinth of Knossos.

Continue the half day tour with a visit to the capital of Crete, Heraklion. The town of Heraklion is the largest urban centre of Crete, the capital of the region of Crete and the economic centre of the island.

Afterwards you will watch a 40 minutes’ performance in a stone-build open air theatre. The Minoans worshiped the mother goddess symbolizing the blossoming of nature, fertility and wellbeing. The male Deities had the role of a son or husband of a Goddess and were associated with the Bull, a symbol of mental and physical strength. They worshiped the trees-especially the olive tree-birds, animals, mountains, snakes and as symbols of power and worship they had the double ax, the horns of the Bull, the Greek cross, etc. Imagine an afternoon where these habits, traditions and customs come back to life and where you can get a small idea of the Minoan Religious and Cultural events of over 4000 years ago!

Highlights

  • Visit Ancient Knossos Palace
  • Visit the capital of Crete
  • Wonder around the town of Heraklion
  • Admire the famous monuments of Heraklion
  • Walk through the streets of Daedalos
  • See the Fountain of Lions & the Loggia
  • Enjoy a 40 minutes’ performance

Inclusions:

  • Transportation by luxury vehicle
  • English professional speaking guide

Exclusions:

  • Entrance fees (15 Euro p/p)
  • Gratuities (optional)
  • Personal expenses

Additional Info:

  • The tour can be arranged also in other languages upon request and availability. There is complimentary pick up for this tour. Please advice your hotel in Agios Nikolaos or Elounda. The bookings are accepted if they are made at least one day prior of the tour (until 16:00).