The Best of Crete
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Port
Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece
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Activity Level
Strenuous Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$210
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 8 hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
From the town of Agios Nikolaos, you'll drive 45 miles westward along the north coast of this rugged island to Heraklion and Knossos -- the ancient capital of the great King Minos.
You will visit the renowned archaeological site of Knossos. A guided tour will take you through the fantastic ruins of the ancient palace complex, which served as the administrative and religious center for the whole region. The restoration, undertaken by Sir Arthur Evans, though criticized by some, helps the visitor to both visualize the palace as it was and understand its labyrinthine complexity.
From Knossos, your journey continues to the modern village of Arolithos, built in a typical style of architecture so that it reads like an old village. As you enter the town on foot, follow the cobblestone streets to the popular art/folklore museum. Along the way, you'll pass numerous shops where artisans produce crafts such as woven textiles, paintings, mosaics and even bread. At the village square you'll stop for lunch at a local restaurant and take in the views of the traditional church nearby.
Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes.