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Combine a day out learning about the oldest civilization of Europe with hands-on education about the marine wildlife of the Med to create an experience the whole family can enjoy. Then top it off with a local lunch.

A short motorcoach ride transports you to an ancient time when Crete was the cradle of the Mediterranean's early Bronze Age, back when its capital was Knossos and its centerpiece the famous Minoan Palace.

As the ruins of the 4,000-year-old palace come into view, you'll feel that you've stepped back in time. Disembark at this immense, six-acre complex and begin a walking tour with your knowledgeable guide, who will lead your through the castle and impart its history and fascinating role in Greek mythology. It is said to have once been the home of King Minos, who Greek legend tells held captive a half-man, half-bull Minotaur. As you stroll, every turn reveals another picture-perfect delight, with countless rooms, colorful frescoes, and grand columns that give hint to the size of the palatial structure. Amazingly, the palace was constructed in 1900 B.C. and was rebuilt several times before it was destroyed in 1400 B.C. It lay in ruins until 1878, when a merchant accidently discovered it and then, 25 years later, English archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans unearthed and restored much of what you see today. Younger participants will enjoy learning that, according to Greek mythology, Knossos was designed by Daedalus with such complexity that it was impossible to find your way out once inside, and the architect was held captive by King Minos so that no one would ever be able to duplicate his floor plan.. Be sure to visit the Throne Room, where kiddie visitors will find a child's throne and colorful griffin frescoes on the wall. In the queen's Great Hall, they'll delight in the magnificent dolphin murals, and in the storerooms, the rows of huge storage vessels are always of great interest.

You'll welcome the chance to relax on the 30-minute ride to your next venue, one of the most modern aquariums in Europe, the Cretaquarium. With more than 60 tanks and 2,000 marine organisms, this extensive complex was founded to promote the splendors of Mediterranean sea life. There are 100 colorful observation points and an incredible variety of natural marine life to be found here. With microscopic plankton to large predator sharks, tanks of jellyfish, sea horses and countless species of Mediterranean fish, visitors of all ages will be enthralled. The kids will love dipping their hands into the touch tanks, for an up-close encounter with marine invertebrates.

You'll have worked up an appetite by now, so continue on to a leading taverna for a traditional lunch of local delicacies.
On your return ride, enjoy a sightseeing tour through the streets of Heraklion, Crete's capital city. Highlights include the Platia Eleftherias, the city's largest square; the Venetian Harbor and Koules fortress; St. Titus's church; and the historic gates of the old town, to name a few. Return to port with a camera filled with precious memories.