Our first excursion of the day was to Heraklion, Crete.
The ancient city of Knossos, with
constant habitation from the Neolithic era until the 5th century
A.D. is beyond doubt the land that “gave birth” to the first civilization of
Europe, the Minoans. The first excavations were begun in 1878 by the Heraklian
Minos Kalokairinos. A bit later (1900-1913 & 1922-1930) the excavations by
the British Sir Arthur Evans were to complete the scientific research, bringing
to light the Minoan palace in its entirety, which was, according to tradition,
the residence of the wise King Minos. The palace of Knossos spreads around the
large Central Court. You will reach the awe-inspiring Throne Room, the fresco
of the “Prince of the Lillies”, the imposing Grand Staircase, the Queen’s
Megaron in the east. Walking through the apartments of the Knossos palace and
observing the finds even as passers-by, you will feel part of this cultural
heritage. We will stop in Heraklion city center on the way back to the ship.
Heraklion was founded in 824 and is an important homeland of many contributors
to Litreature and Art, some examples of which are the Nobel winning poet
Odysseas Elytis, the Renaissance painter Domenikos Theotokopoulos (El Greco)
and the writer Nikos Kazantzakis. Heraklion is also endowed with some wonderful
edifices: the “Koules” fortress, the award-winning Venetian structure of the
Loggia, the Morosini Fountain, the Basilica of Saint Mark, and the church of
Agios Tilos. Starting the walk from Liberty square of Heraklion guests will
pass by the shopping streets of Dedalou and 25th of August and see
the sights along the way.
After a tour of the archaeological area most of our time was
waiting for our turn to see the inside of the palace.
We were dropped off in town and we had lattes in Cafe Bougatsa:
For our last excursion in Santorini we selected Spectacular
Oia Village perched on the Caldera Rim.
First, we head to a traditional
picturesque village where you will have the chance to enjoy the typical
architecture of the island. Then the drive continues to the east, in the
background, you have settlements like Kamari and Monolithos, while you will
pass through Fira, the small traditional villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli
with delicate architecture and beauties, to eventually arrive at the settlement
of Oia. During the entire route, to the west you will have before your eyes the
lace-like caldera, the little islands of Thirasia, Palea and Nea Kameni and an
unsurpassable panoramic view. In Oia you will have time to stroll through the
marble-paved alleys, to gaze at the adorably cute shops, to take pictures, to
become acquainted with the characteristic buildings, carved into the rocks and
the unusual captains’ manors, the settlement Ammoudi at the foot of the
caldera… After your curiosity has been sated of the area which is characterized
as being of “exceptional natural beauty”, your return begins.
This was easily the most beautiful area we visited on our trip.
Even the ride there was beautiful.
Jacob & Jeannie are due to arrive here tomorrow to
continue their honeymoon after visiting the Greek island of Paros.
We had a notice under our cabin door asking us to leave our
packed bags outside our door at 11pm. That was an inconvenience but prompted us
to get organized for our departure.
Hilarious Memes
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