This afternoon we enjoy our high-speed ferry (under 2 hours), from the Port of Santorini to Heraklion, the capital of Crete. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by your tour guide and will be transferred to your hotel.

Dinner is on your own and overnight in Heraklion.

After breakfast, we’ll meet the ancient Minoan people of Crete – one of the first civilizations in Europe from 4000 years ago. See the well-restored Palace of Knossos, the centerpiece of their culture.

You’ll be amazed by their technology – especially their water management – before the Romans!

History is very much alive in Heraklion, just as in most Greek cities. We’ll see it all! The central square surrounded by stores and restaurants, dominated by the “Fountain of the Lions” built by Morozini, the Venetian governor in 1628.

We’ll return to our hotel for a free afternoon to relax or explore Heraklion into the night. Enjoy your free evening!

After breakfast, we head east from Heraklion to the municipality of Agios Nikolaos which features the towns of Elounda, and the famous island of Spinalonga. Let’s check it out!

Elounda is just over an hour away. Then, a brief sailing to the uninhabited island of Spinalonga. This tiny islet is a very well-preserved Venetian fortress town. Its later, more tragic history was as the last leper colony of Europe, from 1903-1957. There are no residents and no hotels here. But it’s a big attraction for locals, vacationers, and film makers alike. Of course, you’ll have your camera!

We’ll sail back to Elounda with time for lunch on our own. Then we’ll check-out the center of charming Agios Nikolaos with its many beaches, restaurants, bars and shops.

Don’t miss a small, charming lake called “Voulismeni”, which is located below the cliffs in the city-center. The Goddess Athena bathed here – so you could do worse!

Later this afternoon we head back to our hotel in Heraklion.

After breakfast, we’re sorry to say, it’s off to the short flight to Athens, connecting to your international flight back to the USA.

No tears! We’ll all be in touch with our traveling companions and maybe meet on our next Perillo Tour!