Iconic Mediterranean Treasures

Discover the Venetian influences of the Cretan capital during visits to some of its key landmarks. Join your guide for a short drive to Heraklion’s Old Town, passing the city’s remarkably preserved walls and Old Venetian Harbor; visit the renovated Heraklion Archaeological Museum and learn the history of the Minoan Civilization. Next, take a short stroll to Dimokratias Square (Liberty Square), following the inviting Dedalou pedestrian way toward the city center. At Lions Square, you will have free time to explore on your own, perhaps at the Venetian-era Lions Fountain. You can also stop at the St. Titus mosque-turned-basilica, or at the city’s famed Loggia, a 16th-century Venetian masterwork of arched arcades in the Piazza dei Signori, one of Europe’s best-renovated and best-preserved monuments. After, perhaps linger a while at a café before returning to your ship.

Glimpse deep into the history of Crete, Europe’s oldest recorded civilization, at the sites of Gortyn and Phaistos. The Minoans date back to at least 5000 BC, and Crete was the first fertile land on which they farmed. Begin with a drive to one of the oldest and most influential cities of the Minoans, Gortyn. Visit its acropolis and the Odeum, where the first rule of law was inscribed on stones, the Law Code of Gortyn. You will continue to Phaistos, once the wealthiest and most powerful city in Southern Crete. Walk to the grand Phaistos Palace, considered the finest and most typical of all Minoan Palaces. The Old Palace features relics from Neolithic times. At the New Palace, admire its design around a central peristyle court flanked by shrines, royal quarters and workshops. Return to your ship after time to explore.

Head into the countryside of Crete, visit the fabled palace of King Minos and explore a traditional Cretan village. After a drive amid the island’s scenic splendor, explore what remains of the once-sprawling Palace of Knossos, the legendary royal residence where Minos’s wife Pasiphaë gave birth to the Minotaur, half-bull and half-man, and where Theseus of myth destroyed the beast. With your guide, you will view the Throne Room, a chamber located in the heart of the palace complex that was built for ceremonial purposes during the 15th century BC. Continue to Arolithos, a charming village that provides a glimpse into how the people of Crete once lived. Explore its museum to learn about daily life. Then stroll through narrow, colorful warrens to the main square where you can sample Greek snacks and sip raki, a local spirit, in the shade of a plane tree.

Delve into a quiet and traditional way of life during visits to two of Crete’s most beloved villages. Join your guide for a drive through the island’s unspoiled landscapes. You will soon arrive in the village of Avli, an important agricultural center known for its picturesque beauty and traditional character. Crete’s sweet wines are known throughout the world and you will pass by Avli’s traditional vineyards and visit the winery for a tasting and a sample of locally made products. Afterward, proceed to Thrapsano village, which is renowned throughout Crete for its Thrapsano potters, considered descendants of the Minoans. Artisans here produce the large traditional storage jars known as pitharia, whose design has changed little since the Minoan era. You can take some time to watch the potters at work before you return to your ship.

Immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine as our Executive Chef leads you on an interactive culinary adventure. Journey by mini-coach to the local market to handpick ingredients under the guidance of our Chef. Later this evening, you will dine on regional dishes prepared by our experienced culinary team, using produce from the market. As you and your fellow guests enjoy this delicious creation at The Kitchen Table, you will also observe the art of plating with each dish. From fresh market fare to cooking techniques and elegant presentation, experience firsthand how your ship’s world-class culinary staff brings distinct, local flavors from the market to your taste buds. It is an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind opportunity to shop, interact and dine with the masters.

Explore the labyrinthine corridors of King Minos’s court and highlights of the Venetian-flavored Cretan capital. You will drive with your guide to the Palace of Knossos, where an interesting walking tour reveals what remains of this once-sprawling building. This is the fabled palace where Minos’s wife Pasiphaë gave birth to the Minotaur, half-bull and half-man, and where Theseus of myth destroyed the beast. This site was uncovered in 1893 and took 35 years to excavate. You will view the Throne Room, a chamber located in the heart of the palace complex that was built for ceremonial purposes during the 15th century BC. Large and small pitharia, or storage jars, are sprinkled throughout, providing insight into the artistry of the day. Then, return to Heraklion’s Old Town for a walk past its most compelling sites. You will have time to explore on your own before returning to your ship.

Discover the importance of the Kera Monastery and the Lasithi Plateau. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach through the Cretan countryside to the Kera Monastery. Situated on the northern slopes of Mt. Dikti, this fortified monastery near the village of Kera is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and once housed a precious icon. Tour the stone church, view the Venetian-era frescoes and learn more about its historical significance—it was a base of operations for the Greek resistance during World War II. Travel to the northern edge of the Lasithi Plateau, one of Crete’s most remarkable natural treasures and admire its famous windmills from afar. Continue across the vast open fields of the plateau, passing charming villages en route to picturesque Tzermiado. Here, savor a delicious traditional lunch of Cretan dishes, then return to your ship.

Reward your palate and experience the warmth of Cretan hospitality during a home-hosted visit to a rural farmhouse. Your journey begins with a scenic drive into the rural heart of Crete and a visit to the Minoan Palace of Phaistos, set on a hill of the vast Messara plain. Admire the well-preserved ruins of the Bronze Age archaeological site, before traveling to an acclaimed family-run winery for a sampling of several ancient Cretan varietals and modern wines. Continue to the nearby renovated 19th-century farmhouse, where you will be warmly greeted by your host and enjoy a welcome platter with bread, olives and cheese. Then, take a seat in the shade of an old grapevine for a mouthwatering meal of iconic vegetarian and meat dishes that celebrate the cuisine of Crete, accompanied by local wines. Afterward, your appetite sated, you will return to your ship.

Explore the flavors of the Mediterranean during a hands-on cookery masterclass. Embark on a scenic drive to a farmhouse where you will discover the two key attributes of Crete’s delicious cuisine: seasonal and simple. Under instruction of a local chef, you will start by preparing ladokouloura, or Greek cookies, with coffee or tea. Once these are ready for the oven, you will begin cooking the main course. The chef will guide you through an array of recipes, including appetizers, salads and main dishes, featuring meat and vegetarian options, before finishing with dessert. During your masterclass you will also have the opportunity to sample Crete’s “liquid gold,” extra virgin olive oil, a main staple of the island’s traditional fare. Once the cooking is complete, settle in to enjoy the fruits of your labor, paired with top-quality local wines.