Knossos is is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and has been called Europe's oldest city and the most visited monument in Crete. We have created three unique experiences for you to choose from.
EARTH & FIRE – PREMIUM CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
Immerse yourself in the Bronze Age
Tour Highlights
· Skip the ticket line, see Knossos with an expert guide
· Explore Crete’s scenic lush interior
· Visit a famous artisan for a private pottery class
· Work on a Minoan pottery wheel
· Taste fine wines from little known ancient local varietals
· Savor a delicious home hosted lunch
Overview
Explore the vast palace of Knossos, Crete’s most popular Bronze Age site, with an adept history and archaeology expert. Knossos was the residence of legendary king Minos and in the same area, according to the popular local myth, was the Labyrinth, the maze-like lair of the ferocious Minotaur, a beast, half man, half bull that fed on human flesh. The complex was excavated in the early 1900’s by the British scholar Arthur Evans and underwent in the 1930’s a large-scale reconstruction, which helps visitors comprehend in depth various aspects of Europe’s earliest Civilization, although in recent years it’s subjected to a certain amount of academic criticism. Browsing this multi-storey structure that had, in its’ heyday -ca 1500 B.C.- more than 1000 interconnected rooms(!) you will admire wall paintings of exquisite quality, impressive cellars with huge clay wine vats still in situ, the ruler’s elaborate alabaster throne, colorful marble floorings, alabaster staircases and an extremely sophisticated grid for fresh water and sewage! Upon conclusion of the site tour, follow your guide into Crete’s less known scenic interior, in an area lush with vines and olive groves. In a typical Cretan village you will be introduced to Vassilis Politakis, a contemporary local potter who’s invested years of hard work to understand and recreate the traditions and methods of Bronze Age pottery. Vassilis, whose expertise is supported by the British School at Athens (BSA), the American Study center of Aegean Prehistory (INSTAP-EC) and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum began a pioneer research in 2010 and has created since a series of exact museum copies and adaptations in collaboration with the Greek Ministry of Culture. To enjoy peace of mind at work and create an intimate environment for private visits Vassilis has installed an ancient pottery wheel he replicated himself, based on scientific finds in excavations, in a 19th century farmhouse, in a small olive grove in an area known since ancient times for its’ excellent quality of clay. The artifacts made here are fired in a kiln, that was built following ancient standards, in all-night long firing sessions, in the very same way our Minoan ancestors used to work! Here you will enjoy the unique opportunity to be Vassilis’ apprentice for a few hours and create your own masterpiece according to the ancient methods. Upon conclusion of the master class, a delicious lunch, homage to authentic Cretan cuisine will be hosted in the shade of a grapevine, reward for a day’s hard work. Savor local flavors wisely paired with fine Cretan wines and feast like an ancient potter in a gorgeous setting. Upon conclusion of this fulfilling educational day bid your hosts farewell and transfer privately to your lodgings.
Included tour features
· Pick up & return private luxury transfers
· Fluent English-speaking expert guide
· Admission fees to all sites and venues
· Private Ancient Pottery Class
· Wine tasting, lunch, beverages, water
· All applicable taxes
Not included
· Expenses of personal nature
· Gratuities (left to your sole discretion)
We advise:
· Comfortable shoes, sun block, sunglasses, hut, camera
Duration: 8 hours (approx.)
2. PALACE OF KNOSSOS and Archaeological Museum
Tour Highlights
· Skip the ticket line and tour Knossos and the Museum with an expert guide
· See the original alabaster throne of King Minos
· Admire the original frescoes and elaborate artifacts in the Museum
· Explore the historical center of Heraklion with your guide
· Savor a delicious light lunch in a local tavern
· Opt for some free time in town if you wish to.
Overview
Explore the vast palace of Knossos, Crete’s most popular Bronze Age site, with an adept history and archaeology expert. Knossos was the residence of legendary king Minos and in the same area, according to the popular local myth, was the Labyrinth, the maze-like lair of the ferocious Minotaur, a beast, half man, half bull that fed on human flesh. The complex was excavated in the early 1900’s by the British scholar Arthur Evans and underwent in the 1930’s a large-scale reconstruction, which helps visitors comprehend in depth various aspects of the Europe’s earliest Civilization, although in recent years it’s subjected to a certain amount of academic criticism. Browsing this multi-storey structure that had, in its’ heyday -ca 1500 B.C.- more than 1000 interconnected rooms(!) you will admire wall paintings of exquisite quality, impressive cellars with huge clay wine vats still in situ, the ruler’s elaborate alabaster throne, colorful marble floorings, alabaster staircases and an extremely sophisticated fresh water and sewage grid! From Knossos it’s a brief transfer to Heraklion’s historical center, where you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the Bronze Age via a private guided visit of the awe-inspiring collection in the Archaeological Museum. The mysterious Disc of Phaistos, the famous bee-pendant from Malia and the voluptuous snake goddess of Knossos, are only some of the artifacts of this unique collection that includes more than 9.000 objects! Admire exquisite jewelry, elaborate clay vessels, seal stones, Linear A and B tablets, weapons and sarcophagi from various significant Bronze Age sites of Crete and conclude the visit with the museum’s highlight, the original frescos from Knossos. Replenish your energy after this educational morning in a local restaurant typically proffered by locals and after lunch follow your guide on a pleasant walking tour of Heraklion’s Old Town. Your explorations will include the famous Morosini Fountain, the church of st. Titus, the Venetian Loggia and San Marco’s Cathedral among numerous Greek, Venetian and Ottoman monuments. At the end of the day you will be transferred privately to your lodgings..
Included tour features
· Pick up & return Private luxury transfer
· fluent English-speaking expert guide
· admission fees to site and museum
· light lunch, beverages, water
· all applicable taxes
Not included
· Expenses of personal nature
· Gratuities (left to your sole discretion)
We advise:
· Comfortable shoes, sun block, sunglasses, hut, camera
Duration: 8 hours (approx.)
3. Mythical Kings, Ancient olive trees, Old vines
Tour Highlights
· Skip the ticket line, see Knossos with an expert guide
· See the original alabaster throne of king Minos, admire the Griffin fresco
· Explore Crete’s scenic lush interior
· Taste fine wines from little known ancient local varietals
· Taste olive oil in an olive grove
· Savor a delicious lunch at a local handpicked location
Overview
Explore the vast palace of Knossos, Crete’s most popular Bronze Age site, with an adept history and archaeology expert. Knossos was the residence of legendary king Minos and in the same area, according to the popular local myth, was the Labyrinth, the maze-like lair of the ferocious Minotaur, a beast, half man, half bull that fed on human flesh. The complex was excavated in the early 1900’s by the British scholar Arthur Evans and underwent in the 1930’s a large-scale reconstruction, which helps visitors comprehend in depth various aspects of the Europe’s earliest Civilization, although in recent years it’s subjected to a certain amount of academic criticism. Browsing this multi-storey structure that had, in its’ heyday -ca 1500 B.C.- more than 1000 interconnected rooms(!) you will admire wall paintings of exquisite quality, impressive cellars with huge clay wine vats still in situ, the ruler’s elaborate alabaster throne, colorful marble floorings, alabaster staircases and an extremely sophisticated fresh water and sewage grid! From Knossos transfer into the island’s less known interior, to discover a beautiful setting of gentle slopes and hills covered with olive trees, vines, flowers and herbs. In one of the most acclaimed wineries of Crete you will have the opportunity to taste premium wines, exploring a wide range of both little known ancient local varietals, as well as very interesting expressions of international ones, cultivated in Crete for more than half a century. Your guide will then take you to a rural village for a delicious lunch made with organic and local products.
Included tour features
· Pick up & return private luxury transfers
· Fluent English-speaking expert guide
· Admission fees to all sites and venues
· Wine tasting, lunch, beverages, water
· All applicable taxes
Not included
· Expenses of personal nature
· Gratuities (left to your sole discretion)
We advise:
· Comfortable shoes, sun block, sunglasses, hut, camera
