Archaeology in Crete

Heraklion’s renowned archaeological museum is our first port of call today. Founded by two Cretan archaeologists in the early 20th century, its impressive collection showcases a host of artifacts from the Minoan civilisation. From here, we’ll continue on to the jewel in Crete’s archaeological crown: the ancient Minoan Palace of Knossos. Believed to be more than 4,000 years old, it’s made up of a staggering 1,400 rooms, halls and passages. As we explore the ruins, we’ll hear tales of the Palace’s complex Labyrinth, home to the half-man half-bull Minotaur –one of the most fascinating stories in Greek mythology.

The small town and palace of Gournia sits on a hillside on the northern coast of the island. Dating from around 1550-1450 BC, it’s one of the most complete excavations of a Minoan town – with the help of our guide, we’ll enjoy a glimpse into what life would have been like in a working town. Our next stop will be the rocky island of Spinalonga, a Venetian fortress that became a leper colony in the early 1900s. Just across the water is the upmarket resort of Elounda, where we’ll enjoy lunch.

Visit the Late Minoan cemetery at Armeni, where more than 200 chamber tombs have been uncovered since the late ‘60s. Jewellery, pottery, bronze tools and carved seal stones have all been discovered here – we’ll be able to see a number of them at Rethymno’s archaeological museum. There’s free time to explore this harbour town afterwards – have lunch in a seafront tavern, wander through atmospheric little side streets and browse for souvenirs of Cretan lace, silver filigree and pottery.

Heading to the south of the island, we’ll explore the remains of Gortyn, a city which once rivalled Knossos and became the chief town of the Roman province of Crete. After seeing its amphitheatre, circus and basilica, we’ll continue to Phaistos, founded by King Minos – you’ll be able to see the remarkable similarities between the palace here and the one we saw at Knossos. We’ll also have the chance to see Matala, an ancient port where the cliffs are honeycombed with caves and burial chambers.

The fertile Lasithi Plateau was once cultivated by the Minoans, and is covered with pear and apple orchards, almond trees and crop fields. A scenic drive leads us across the plateau, where we’ll stop at traditional villages, stone-built Kera Monastery, and the cave said to have been the birthplace of Zeus.