From the port, you will drive west to "Knossos," the ancient capital of the great King Minos. Your guided tour will take you through the amazing ruins of the ancient palace complex, which once served as the region's administrative and religious center. The partially restored palace covers more than 200,000 square feet and was painstakingly excavated by Sir Arthur Evans beginning in 1900. It's considered one of the finest archaeological sites in this part of the world. For a sampling of a different side of Crete, you will continue on to a rustic village not far from busy Heraklion, but centuries behind in both atmosphere and lifestyle. On this portion of the tour, you will discover some of the timeless farming techniques used to produce the healthy ingredients in many traditional Greek dishes. Depending on the time of year, you will observe wheat threshing, grape harvesting, wine production, or honey farming. You might also visit an olive grove. The local village women will demonstrate the time-honored art of hand-producing beautiful lacework, and another craftsman will show how to make sheep bells. At the village taverna, which nestles in a naturally serene setting, lunch will be served. As you dine, your host will explain how the fare is prepared, using only the finest local ingredients. Another local offering, a grape-based Greek beverage called "Raki," will be served in a nearby home.
Please note: This tour includes approximately 3 hours of walking and/or standing, at times on uneven ground. There is also considerable climbing and/or steps and is not considered suitable for wheelchair guests or those with mobility concerns.