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Unveiling Crete's Ancient Treasures in 3 days: From Knossos to Traditional Villages

Activity ID : 4326
Easy
2 days 9 hours 30 minutes
Mar - Nov
For all ages
English, Greek, Italian, Spanish
Reviews

Activity Description

Itinerary:

Day 1 

  • Meet with your guide at Eleftherias Square in front of Astoria Capsis Hotel at 08.30 to start the visit to the Heraklion Archeological Museum, the second biggest in Greece, after the Museum of Athens. The tour begins with the introduction of the oldest findings of Crete from 6000 BC, then of the highlight Minoan palaces of Knossos, Festos, Mallia, and Zakros. The tour continues with objects from cemeteries, shrines, and houses and ends with the Minoan frescoes of Knossos.
  • When we finish with the visit to the Archaeological Museum, at approximately 10.30, we will drive 5km southeast off the city to visit the Knossos Palace which was built from 1700 to 1400 BC. Advanced architectural techniques were used in its construction, and sections of the palace stood up to 5 stories high. Settlements in Knossos date as far back as the Neolithic period. Neolithic remains from around 7000 BC are found throughout Crete. Explore the ruins of the ancient Minoan civilization. Knossos Palace featured 1,300 rooms connected by corridors, and a theater and extensive storerooms, which held large clay containers of oil, grains, dried fish, beans, and olives – often with gold hidden beneath. The site was discovered in 1878 by Minos Kalokairinos. The excavations in Knossos began in 1900 A.D. by the English archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans and his team and they continued for 35 years. After the visit of the site we returned to the hotel at 13:30. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 2:

  • After breakfast at the hotel, at approximately 08.30, we drive to Gortyna, the Roman capital of Crete and Cyrenaica, first inhabited around 3200 BC.
  • After the visit of Gortyna, we drive through the valley of Mesara to visit the archaeological site of Phaistos and its palace, the most important center of the Minoan civilization, and the most wealthy and powerful city in southern Crete.
  • After our visit to Phaistos, we drive to Matala where you will enjoy some free time to swim in the crystal clear waters and have lunch.
  • Finally, we arrive at Zaros, an attractive, refreshingly unspoiled village famous for its spring water, which is now bottled and sold all over Greece, and an ideal base for walkers to explore the beautiful nature. Zaros also has some fine Byzantine monasteries, and delicious farm-raised trout served up in tavernas around town and on emerald-green Lake Votomos which will be visited. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3

  • Breakfast at the Hotel in Zaros. At approximately 09.30 we start our drive to the traditional Cretan village of Vatos, a small village hidden in the green where we find all the elements of its tradition. Walking down the alleys we visit the old school and its fountain as well as the museum with the farming tools and utensils of earlier times. We finish at a cauldron of the village where you make Raki (the famous alcoholic beverage of Crete).
  • Spili is our next stop known for its Venetian snake with a long line of 25 stone lion heads that run cool water from their mouths. Optional lunch at Spili.
  • Then we visit Lampini, the church, and the museum of Panagia. The church is inscribed with a cupola and depicts frescoes of the 12th and 14th centuries. It was an Episcopal church since the village of Lampini once accommodated the seat of the famous Episcopate of Lampis, which had existed since 431.
  • Drive to the Gorge of St. Antonios, and walk through a very nice hiking trail in the gorge with super green and lush surroundings up to the cave of St. Antonios. Late in the afternoon at 18:30, we return to Heraklion at the terminal in front of Astoria Capsis Hotel.  

Important information:

  • Every Monday – Duration 3 days & 2 nights.
  • The reservation can be made no later than 7 days before the day of the activity.

Included

• Air-conditioned Motorcoach
• Hotel accommodation in 3* or 4* hotels during the tour on HB basis (2 nights)
• Hotel accommodation in 2* hotel in Zaros on BB basis 1 night (lunch included that day)
• Professional Guide
• VAT and all legal taxes

Not included

• Pick up-drop off transfer
• Entrance fees to the archaeological sites
• Lunch in the restaurant throughout the tour (60 €)
• Drinks and beverages during the meal
• Gratuities
• Anything that is not specified in the program as included

Do nοt forget

• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Comfortable clothes and shoes
• Sunscreen
• Water
Cancellation policy

Cancellation policy

 

  • Cancellation 72 hours or more prior to the agreed activity starting date. You are automatically reimbursed for the full activity price.
  • Cancellation between 24 hours and 72 hours prior to the agreed activity starting date. You are entitled to a 50% reimbursement
  • Cancellation 24 hours or later are what we call last-minute cancellations. No reimbursements will be effected

 

* If the activity is canceled by the activity provider (due to weather, non-completion of minimum entries, force majeure, etc.), the price of your activity, is refunded in full.


  •  Many activities are based on the weather, so it is recommended that you contact the company before the activity.
  • It is a good idea to be at the meeting point on time, before the scheduled start time.
  • After your reservation it is enough to give your details to the cooperating company so that you can carry out your activity. However, it is recommended that you have the booking confirmed in digital or printed form.
  • Read the benefits of the activity carefully to avoid possible extra charges from additional optional services.
  • Read the cancellation policy carefully before booking.

Location

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Meeting Point

Region: Irakleio

Address: Eleftheria Square Heraklion

Notes: Eleftheria Square in front of the Astoria Capsis Hotel.

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