Knossos & Village Life

Combine mythology at the archaeological site of Knossos with a taste of old village life and Greek snacks at the preserved settlement of Arolithos. From the fortress-dominated harbor of Heraklion, your day starts with a drive to the archaeological site of Knosos; the Palace of Knossos was the largest and most spectacular of Minoan palaces. It was the court of the legendary King Minos, father of the mythological Minotaur, half-bull, half-man. The original palace was built around 2,000 B.C., and after being destroyed by an earthquake, was replaced with a more complex one, which strongly resembled a labyrinth. It will take you about 1 1/2 hours to visit the highlights of this incredible site. Continue to the very interesting traditional settlement of Arolithos. In this village, you'll have the opportunity to see how people lived in the past. Walk through the narrow, colorful alleys leading to the main square where, under the shade of a plane tree, you can taste various Greek snacks, refreshments, wine and the local spirit aperitif raki. Afterwards, you may stroll around the narrow streets of Arolithos and get acquainted with a typical Cretan village.