Crete (Souda Bay), Greece

The Palace of Knossos

Explore the Homes of Ancient Royalty Venture into the Cretan countryside to see a legendary palace and sample traditional flavors. Begin your journey with a drive by motor coach to Knossos, center of the mysterious Minoan civilization that flourished between 2600 BC and 1100 BC. Between 1900 and 1905, British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans led major excavation works, revealing more about this ancient culture. Upon arrival, explore what remains of the once-sprawling Palace of Knossos—the legendary royal residence of King Minos, where Greek mythology says that Minos’s wife Pasiphaë gave birth to the Minotaur, half bull and half man, and where Theseus destroyed the beast. With your guide, view the Royal Quarters and the Throne Room with its antechamber. Then, return to your coach and head to a local tavern, where you will be treated to a traditional three-course Cretan lunch before returning to your ship. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.