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From the breathtaking archeological ruins spread out across the island to the discovery of a 3500-year-old wine press in the town of Vathipetro, the ancient Minoan culture is still seen and felt throughout Crete.

After boarding your comfortable motorcoach, you're off on a three-and-a-half hour adventure that begins with a walking tour of Knossos Palace and ends with a wine tasting. Remember to bring a camera to capture all the memorable sights. Sit back and enjoy the scenic countryside en route to Knossos, the capital of the Minoan kingdom. At its center was a grand palace that, according to legend, was built by King Minos. Stretched over six acres, the palace is a marvel of camera-worthy delights. 1,300 rooms, corridors of different sizes, walls adorned with colorful frescoes, and graceful columns all add to the grandeur that was once the largest of all Minoan palatial structures. Originally constructed in 1900 B.C., it was destroyed and rebuilt over five centuries before its final destruction in 1400 B.C. The entire complex lay undisturbed until 1878 when a merchant discovered the ruins. 25 years later, the English archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans unearthed and restored much of what you see today.

The first site you'll visit is the West Court, believed to be a ceremonial center and nearby are circular pits called kouloures, which once stored grain. Once inside the palace you'll marvel at the Charging Bull Fresco before continuing on to the impressive Throne Room. Inside the chamber is an alabaster seat built into the wall. Opposite the throne is a magnificent fresco depicting griffins, the mythical beast that had an eagle's head and a lion's body, which symbolized royal and divine power. As you wind your way around the small yet impressive rooms, you may notice that it's not the mysterious labyrinth of Greek legend where the dreaded half-man, half-bull Minotaur lay in wait for its victims but a breathtaking walk through time.

The Minoans not only built grand palaces, they also successfully cultivated grapes, planted vineyards and traded wine throughout the Mediterranean. Discover how some of the grapes that flourished on these hillsides 4,000 years ago are still being nurtured with a visit to the internationally renowned Boutari Winery. After you step off the motorcoach, you'll be led on a tour of the cellar and the production area followed by an entertaining multimedia presentation on the history of wine making. At the end of the tour, you'll be treated to a wine sampling accompanied by an authentic Crete snack.

Then, with the memories you've made on this magical day in mind and the taste of wine on your lips, you'll rejoin your motorcoach for a relaxing return trip to port.