Monday 8 October 2018: Exploring the Minoan Civilization
Palace of Knossos
The tour will take us to the Palace of Knossos. The findings that Sir Arthur Evans brought to light, revealed a civilization dating back to 3000 BC.
The walking tour of the excavations takes about an hour and a half, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The Palace of Knossos is situated on the top of a hillside and you will be stunned at the beautiful sight directly below, where the town was located. During the tour we will visit the throne room, the store rooms, the central court and the grand staircase.
Archaeological Museum
Following the visit of the Palace of Knossos, we will take a 15 minutes bus drive to the centre of the City of Heraklion where the Archaeological Museum is located. It is one of the greatest museums in Greece and the best in the world for Minoan art, as it contains the most notable and complete collection of artefacts of the Minoan civilization. The most valuable findings of the excavation campaigns in Crete are in the Museum. Exhibits include for example the Snake Goddesses and the extraordinary Phaistos Disk. For more information please have a look:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heraklion_Archaeological_Museum
Heraklion Old Harbour
After visiting the Museum there will be ample free time for lunch and walk around the old harbour of Heraklion.
The history of Heraklion starts in Minoan era, as it was the port of the legendary palace of Knossos. However, the city in its present location (the old centre) was built in 824 by the Arabs and later expanded and fortified by the Venetians and the Turks, who named it as the Large Castle of Candia. The current name Heraklion was given after the liberation of Crete from the Turks in 1898.
The busses will depart late afternoon and will take us back to Minoa Palace Resort where you can enjoy the welcome and registration cocktail.
Programme
08:30 Departure Minoa Palace Resort
11:00 Visit of the Palace of Knossos
13:00 Visit of the Archaeological Museum
15:00 Lunch (own expenses) and free time in the Old Harbor of Heraklion
17:00 Departure 1st bus back to the Minoa Palace Resort (arrival time approx.. 19:30)
17:30 Departure 2nd bus back to the Minoa Palace Resort (arrival time approx.. 20:00)
18:00 Departure 3rd bus back to the Minoa Palace Resort (arrival time approx.. 20:30)
The cost for this tour will be Euro 50,- per person including bus transfers, guides, entrance fee for the two visits but excluding lunch.
Palace of Knossos
The tour will take us to the Palace of Knossos. The findings that Sir Arthur Evans brought to light, revealed a civilization dating back to 3000 BC.
The walking tour of the excavations takes about an hour and a half, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The Palace of Knossos is situated on the top of a hillside and you will be stunned at the beautiful sight directly below, where the town was located. During the tour we will visit the throne room, the store rooms, the central court and the grand staircase.
Archaeological Museum
Following the visit of the Palace of Knossos, we will take a 15 minutes bus drive to the centre of the City of Heraklion where the Archaeological Museum is located. It is one of the greatest museums in Greece and the best in the world for Minoan art, as it contains the most notable and complete collection of artefacts of the Minoan civilization. The most valuable findings of the excavation campaigns in Crete are in the Museum. Exhibits include for example the Snake Goddesses and the extraordinary Phaistos Disk. For more information please have a look:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heraklion_Archaeological_Museum
Heraklion Old Harbour
After visiting the Museum there will be ample free time for lunch and walk around the old harbour of Heraklion.
The history of Heraklion starts in Minoan era, as it was the port of the legendary palace of Knossos. However, the city in its present location (the old centre) was built in 824 by the Arabs and later expanded and fortified by the Venetians and the Turks, who named it as the Large Castle of Candia. The current name Heraklion was given after the liberation of Crete from the Turks in 1898.
The busses will depart late afternoon and will take us back to Minoa Palace Resort where you can enjoy the welcome and registration cocktail.
Programme
08:30 Departure Minoa Palace Resort
11:00 Visit of the Palace of Knossos
13:00 Visit of the Archaeological Museum
15:00 Lunch (own expenses) and free time in the Old Harbor of Heraklion
17:00 Departure 1st bus back to the Minoa Palace Resort (arrival time approx.. 19:30)
17:30 Departure 2nd bus back to the Minoa Palace Resort (arrival time approx.. 20:00)
18:00 Departure 3rd bus back to the Minoa Palace Resort (arrival time approx.. 20:30)
The cost for this tour will be Euro 50,- per person including bus transfers, guides, entrance fee for the two visits but excluding lunch.
