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Lace up your walking shoes and grab your camera to capture all the memorable moments when you set off to explore Crete, the cradle of the Mediterranean's early Bronze Age and today a vibrant tapestry of history and traditions, modern cuisine and beguiling scenery.

Your full-day tour begins when you board your comfortable motorcoach at port and journey along the island's rocky north coast to the Palace of Knossos, once heralded as the social, political and spiritual center of Minoan culture.
Located in the hills 15 miles from Heraklion, Knossos flourished from 1900 to 1600 B.C. Step back in time when you explore the famous Minoan Palace, more than 4,000 years old, with your knowledgeable guide. This vast complex over six acres contains over a thousand rooms resplendent with detailed frescoes and artful columns. The splendor and opulence will impress, and it's little wonder that in Greek mythology this was the home of King Minos. In addition to its aesthetics, the palace boasted three sophisticated water systems for irrigation, drinking and sanitation, an engineering feat of its time. Originally constructed in 1900 B.C., the palace was destroyed and rebuilt over five centuries before its final destruction in 1400 B.C. The entire complex lay undisturbed until 1878, when unbelievably a merchant discovered the ruins. Almost 29 years later, English archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans spearheaded the excavation and restoration of the palace. 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 filling your camera with incredible pictures, proceed to the motorcoach and relax, enjoying the scenery as you travel into the foothills of Heraklion to a traditional winery that still produces wines in the centuries-old tradition. Upon arrival, you'll learn of the Minoans' successful cultivation of grapes and the wine industry they created throughout the Mediterranean. Discover in an entertaining multimedia presentation on the history of wine making how some of the grapes that flourished on these hillsides 4,000 years ago are still being nurtured today. An informative tour of the cellar and the production area concludes with a wine sampling accompanied by authentic Cretan nibbles.

After tasting the fruit of the vine, reboard the motorcoach and relax on your drive to the village of Arolithos, where a delightful cooking demonstration and lunch await.

Arolithos is an unusual, re-created village – an open-air style museum built by a local family to mirror a traditional village and evoke memories of the region's past. You'll find charming craft shops, a taverna and a locale café. At lunch, the chef will entertain you with a traditional cooking demonstration before you enjoy the cuisine accompanied by local wine.

Satiated, enjoy your return drive through the streets of Heraklion. Your guide will point out such iconic sights as the Platia Eleftherias, the city's largest square, as well as the massive fortified walls that date back to 961 A.D. Arrive at port with a camera filled with memories after this exceptional day.