After meeting your professional guide on the pier, you will depart Heraklion and begin a scenic drive to the east end of the island and the Mirabello mountains, approximately two hours away. A photo stop will be made to see the world famous island of Spinaloga, a small rocky island that has protected the harbor of ancient Olous and Elounda Bay since antiquity. It once was home to the most powerful fortresses of the Venetians, with walls built in 1579 that can still be seen today. After the Turkish conquest of Crete, Spinaloga was a refuge for many Christians who fled there to escape. From 1912 to 1958, the island served as a sanatorium for the lepers of Crete.

Your drive then continues inland to the Church of Panagia Kera (Our Lady Kera). It was built in the 13th and 14th centuries and it is the most important Byzantine-era church on the island. It is dedicated to the Virgin and the Saints Anthony and Anna and adorned with many important Byzantine frescoes of the 14th and 15th century. There are also 14 scenes portraying the secret life of the Virgin Mary after Christ’s Crucifixion and Resurrection. Because of its continuous building over several centuries, the church also serves as a timeline of sorts, as the frescoes exhibit the development and trends of the Cretan school of painting through the centuries. Then, drive to the mountain village of Kritsa, a magnificent traditional village, which sits on the side of a rocky hill at an altitude of more than 1,230 feet above sea level. It is one of the most picturesque towns in Crete, and its approximately 2,000 inhabitants keep the old Cretan customs and traditions alive. The town is considered one of the most important centers of the Cretan folk and weaving art. You will have approximately one hour to explore on your own through the narrow streets before starting your drive back to Heraklion.

After meeting your professional guide on the pier, you will depart the commercial port area and drive through the town of Heraklion. Along the way you will have glimpses of its bustling narrow pedestrian streets and market areas. South of Heraklion, you will come upon one of Crete’s finest archaeological sites: Knossos, the ancient capital of the great King Minos and the largest and most spectacular of Minoan Palaces.

The original Palace of Knossos was constructed around 1900 B.C., but a few hundred years later, an earthquake destroyed it. In its place, another palace was built on an even grander scale. In 1900, restoration, undertaken by Sir Arthur Evans, which was controversial at the time, offered great insight into the complexity of Minoan life nearly 4,000 years ago.

You will take a private tour of the Palace of Knossos ruins that consist of four wings, spread out from a central court, a complex that once served as the administrative and religious center for the whole region. As you tour the labyrinthine site, you will see the royal living quarters, rooms where state occasions were held, a theater area, storerooms and workshops, as well as indoor plumbing from more than 3,000 years ago.

Following your tour, you will rejoin your transportation for the return drive to the commercial port of Heraklion town.

The excitement and adventure while in Greece begins as you and your expert, knowledgeable guide leave the port and drive to the Palace of Knossos, the most famous and important archeological site in Crete.

The land this extensive compound was built on has been inhabited since Neolithic times. The first Minoan palace was erected here in 1900 B.C. and subsequently destroyed, and a new one was built in its place. With 22,000 square miles of an intricately planned, multi-story palace to explore, you will have a lot to see and photograph including the famous Throne Room and Royal Villa. Admire the stunning frescoes of the Prince of Crete, learn about King Minos and hear the thrilling legends about the labyrinth and the Minotaur.

From here you will continue to one of the best wineries in Crete to learn all about the local wine production. Enjoy a delicious wine tasting complete with taste bud-tempting succulent olives and Paximadia, a rustic, hard bread that is similar to biscotti.

Conclude your tour with a stop at the village of Arhanes, a modern city that was built over an important hub during Minoan times. You will see reminders of the ancient city through the archeological site and traditional architecture.

This well-rounded 5-hour cultural tour is a must-do for history buffs and for those who want to have a true taste of the ancient life in Crete, reserve your spot today.