Silversea Luxury Cruises To HERAKLION

Explore the scenic ancient countryside and mountains of Crete during this full-day journey to Kera's Monastery and the Lassithi Plateau.

Kera's Monastery

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 70-minute transfer to the Kera Monastery. Here, guests will enjoy a guided walking tour at Kera's Monastery, or 'Kardiotissa'. Built in the 17th century and dedicated to the Virgin of Kera, this structure is adorned with lovely Byzantine icons and 14th-century wall paintings.

Lassithi Plateau

Next, you will continue on through wooded villages to the Lassithi Plateau. Upon arrival, lunch is served as you admire the breathtaking views and photo opportunities of the surrounding mountains, which are dotted with over 100 picturesque windmills for which the area is famous. Following your visit, re-board your coach for the approximate 40-minute drive to Malia.

Malia Archaeological Site

Here, guests will visit the third largest palace of Minoan Crete after Knossos and Phaistos. It occupies approximately 7,500 square meters / 80,000 square feet at the edge of a fertile valley near Hersonissos in Northern Crete. The palace's proximity to the sea was important in the development of the site into a cultural hub for its ancient inhabitants. It was first built around 1900 BCE, a time of feverish development for the entire island population. It subsequently followed the same cycle as the other palaces of the time, and it was destroyed by unknown reasons around 1650 BCE before it was immediately rebuilt.

After your visit at Malia, re-board the coaches for the return drive to Heraklion to rejoin the ship.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking (for approximately 500 meters / 0.3 miles, lasting one hour) with over 30 stairs to negotiate at the entrance of the monastery. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight clothing, and bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses from the ship. The tour sequence may vary to avoid overcrowding. Shorts are not permitted inside the monastery, and ladies must have their shoulders covered before entering.

Explore Heraklion at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Participation is limited to 2 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

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Explore Heraklion at your leisure during your half-day sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Participation is limited to 2 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Heraklion at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Participation is limited to up to 8 guests per van for comfort. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Heraklion at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Participation is limited to up to 8 guests per van for comfort. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore the storied past of the Palace of Knossos during this scenic and informative, half-day sightseeing excursion to Heraklion.

Palace of Knossos

Depart the pier for the brief drive to Knossos, the ancient capital of the great King Minos. Constructed around 1900 B.C., the original Palace of Knossos was destroyed by an earthquake about 200 years later, then rebuilt on a grander scale. Knossos was devastated again with the eruption of the volcano in Santorini around 1500-1450 B.C. Despite this blow, people continued to live here for another fifty years until a fire swept throughout the city circa 1400 B.C.

Upon arrival, take a guided tour through the fantastic ruins of the ancient palace complex, which served as the administrative and religious centres for the whole region. Along the way, see the living quarters of the king, queen and members of the royal court, rooms for state occasions, the theatre area, store rooms, and potters' workshops. Following the tour of the

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Following your tour, re-board your coach and proceed to the Heraklion Archaeological museum to further discover the ancient civilization. After approximately 60 minutes, the tour will conclude with a brief transfer back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves approximately a half-mile (800 metres / 0.5 miles) of extensive walking on uneven surfaces, and steps to climb while exploring the palace grounds. Comfortable walking shoes, preferably with rubber or non-slip soles, are recommended. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Wear light-weight clothing and bring sun protection. The tour sequence may vary to avoid overcrowding.

Discover the diverse topography, ancient traditions and distinct flavours of Crete during this tour of this historic island.

Thrapsano

Depart the pier for the approximate 45-minute drive to the village of Thrapsano. En route, witness an island of contrasts amidst Crete's eclectic blend of cosmopolitan chic, harsh, barren landscapes and lush, wooded expanses. Thrapsano is renowned throughout Crete as the central village for traditional pottery workshops. It still produces traditional storage jars, or 'pitharia', and has changed little since Minoan times. During your visit, observe the local potters at work.

Peza

Next, re-board your coach for the brief drive to the village of Peza, the centre of one of the most important wine-producing areas in Crete since Minoan times. Upon arrival, see the traditional vineyards, visit a winery and sample some of the local vintages. Afterward, re-board your coach and continue on past the village of Myrtia en route to Achanes.

Archanes

Upon arrival, take a walking tour through this beautiful and picturesque small town. Along the way, stroll along paved, narrow lanes and see expansive olive groves and vineyards, restored Neo-Classical buildings painted in warm colours, the beautiful Church of Panagia, and traditional cafes. Your visit concludes with a traditional snack at a local tavern before commencing the brief drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking, and is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Wear light-weight clothing and bring sun protection. The tour sequence may vary to avoid overcrowding. Participation is limited.