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

Crete plays an intriguing role in world history. The island was home to the Minoan civilization - an ancient culture that reached its zenith as Egypt's Middle Kingdom flourished in the Nile Valley. Board your motorcoach for a drive along the island's rugged north coast to Knossos, once the political, social and spiritual center of Minoan culture.

Located in the hills south of Heraklion, Knossos flourished from 1900 - 1600 B.C. This remarkable complex of rooms and workshops was once the heart of Minoan society, supporting over 8,000 inhabitants. The palace boasted three sophisticated water systems for irrigation, drinking, and sanitation, while its site took advantage of natural sea breezes. Today, its ruins partially restored, Knossos remains an impressive architectural and social achievement 1900 years before the birth of Christ.

A local merchant discovered the ruins in 1878. The British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans actually purchased the site and conducted excavations from 1900 to 1940. Evans partially restored rooms, buildings, and frescoes based on his findings. Your tour of this fascinating site includes the restored "Throne Room" and the celebrated frescoes including the "Bull-leaping Fresco" in the Court of the Stone Spout and the "Toreador Fresco," painted circa 1500 - 1400 B.C.

After visiting the site of Knossos you'll step off your motorcoach at Eleftheriou Square in Heraklion for some free time to discover the city on your own or perhaps you just prefer to sit and relax in a taverna and enjoy a glass of raki or a cup of kafe.