The Palace of Knossos was the monumental symbol of Minoan civilization and culture, due to its construction, use of luxury materials, architectural plan, advanced building techniques and impressive size.
It was built gradually between 1700 and 1400 BC, and was discovered in 1878 by Minos Kalokerinos and excavated by Sir Arthur Evans in 1900.
The intricate Palace of King Minos slowly unfolds before you, a labyrinth of 1200 rooms at the center of which is an enormous courtyard. The corridors and rooms are lined with beautiful frescoes, many of which have been restored to their former beauty. You will see the Corridor of the Procession, the Horns of Consecration, the Queen’s Boudoir (complete with one of the earliest known flushing toilet systems) and you will hear the Legend of the Minotaur and the Bull Dancers.
Leaving the Palace you are taken into Heraklion at the region of Pateles where you can visit the municipal market known as the “gipsy market” where you can find everything like vegetables, fruits, clothes, shoes and many more in really cheap prices. The atmosphere feels oriental and the screams of the vendors amuses whoever passes.
We then proceed at the Historical center of Heraklion with the Loggia and the Morosini fountain at the “Lion’s Square”. You have enough free time for shopping and lunch before you are taken back to your hotels.
