Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Design your own adventure during this remarkable walking tour that takes you into the heart of Heraklion and leaves all the exploring up to you. (The tour doesn't include entrance fees or meals). Wear comfortable walking shoes and don't forget to bring a camera so you can show the sights of Heraklion to the folks back home.

After a brief orientation you'll step off your motorcoach at Eleftheriou Square for an approximately four-and-a-half hours to discover the city on your own. Among the cafés and shops on Eleftheriou Square you'll find the beautiful Fontana Morosini Fountain. When it was built in 1628, the fountain was designed to bring drinking water from a nearby aqueduct; today, it's considered one of the city's most important monuments. At the base of the fountain are four lobes decorated with dolphins, tritons, mythical water creatures, and scenes from Greek mythology. But it's best known for its impressive quartet of lions, a symbol of Venetian power, which sit at the fountain's center. Across from the fountain is the Basilica of St. Marco, a temple dedicated to the patron saint of Venice. Built by the Venetians in the 13th century, today, it houses the Municipal Art Gallery.

Are you in the mood to shop? Continue on and you'll find Market Street, a great place to buy items ranging from cheese to socks. Walk up the short hill and discover the 17th century Venetian structures of the Loggia, a place where Venetian noblemen gathered and discussed important issues of the day. Today, the Loggia has been fully renovated and houses the Town Hall. If it's historical treasures you're looking for then you'll enjoy strolling through the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. As one of Europe's most important museums, it's renowned for its extensive collection of artifacts that span the 5,500-year history of the Minoan civilization. From here, it's just a few minutes' walk to the 15th Venetian fortress at the harbor. Built of massive stone blocks, the ground floor is a series of chambers with vaulted ceilings. A walk up to the upper level rewards you with picturesque views of the city. But perhaps you just prefer to sit and relax in a taverna and enjoy a taste of unhurried Greek life. There are plenty of little shaded spots around Heraklion that offer a respite to any thirsty or hungry visitor. Try a small decanter of raki. Sometimes known as firewater, this Cretan distilled spirit is often served with feta cheese, tomatoes, olives, cucumbers or beans. This is not to be confused with the more well-known Turkish anise-flavored hard alcohol drink. Or head to a café and linger over a cup of kafe, a strong Middle Eastern style coffee.

When your excursion comes to an end, you'll meet at a prearranged time for the ride back to your ship, feeling enlightened and charmed by this beguiling city.