This was one full day. We left our hotel at 8a to avoid the cruise ship crowds that will show up at the Knossos archaeological site. This was a wise move as when we arrived we were the first bus, when we left there were at least 30 buses, not to count vans and cars! Now on to The Palace of Knossos - This city of antiquity has been continuously inhabited since the Neolithic period until the 5th century AD. We entered via the West Entrance of the Palace on an original pathway and viewed the original courtyard. The tree here signifies where there was an alter where sacrifices were made. The Minoans worshiped Mother Earth and everything that goes along with that thought process. The Palace has many thrilling legends such as the myth of the Labyrinth with the Minotaur and the stories of Daidalos and Ikaros. You can read about those if Greek Mythology is an interest. One of the most interesting things to me was the road we saw at the end of the tour. This road is the original road built 2200 BC that is believed to be the oldest road in Europe. This road is 52 miles long and connected the palaces of Knossos and Festos (Phaistos) on the south coast.
West Entrance Original Stone Courtyard
Original Stairs
Reproduced Column
Oldest Road in Europe 2200 BC
After the visit to the Palace of Knossos we went to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum where the artifacts from the Palace are housed. There are a lot of police around the museum today. We were told it is because the Environmental Minister of China is having a private tour. His tour isn't really "private" as we see him along with his group in front of us for most of our tour. We are told by our friends on tour with us that know details of Chinese Gov't structure that he is not a very important person in China. Anyway, about our visit. This is an excellent way to visit archaeological sites; to first visit the site and have this perspective to see the original artifacts in the museum. It really gives a comprehensive knowledge of life of the times. One of the most impressive items is the Festos Disc. There are so many amazing finds at this museum you could spend the whole day. At least we had a guided tour and saw the highlights. Though photos are allowed, it is almost impossible to get good photos because of glass and other visitors.
After the museum we had free time for lunch and walking around the area. I found a silver chain for the column pendant I bought in Athens. We had a hamburger for lunch and walked to the famous lion fountain. We were back to the bus by 1:30p and surprisingly everyone was on time.
Fountain of the Lions
We met this big boy - so friendly, talked to his owner. When you stopped petting him he nudged your legs and rubbed around your legs to make you continue. He was really very beautiful with long dark hair and immaculately groomed. A well-loved pet with a disposition like Tony. His owner was eating a sandwich, which he longing looked at but she said he cannot have salt. He is part Schnauzer and part something I did not understand.
From here we headed to the airport for our 40 minute Aegean Airlines flight back to Athens. The stewardess were smartly dressed in suits with pill box hats, makeup, scarf around the neck, very neat and professional. It was like something from the 60's! They even served us with a smile and gave us a candy before take off and a soft drink or coffee mid flight with a little pack of almonds covered with something sweet. Every time we fly something but US carriers we are greatly impressed! After arrival in Athens our luggage was placed on the bus and we headed directly to our seaside drive along the lovely coast to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon. We are all very tired but we solider on for this 50 minute drive. This tour was rearranged because of the Easter week or we would have visited when we were in Athens before. It wasn't too far up to the temple after arrival and we had some outstanding views.
Cape Sounion
One hour on the bus and we were back to the Lycabettus hotel in Athens for our Farewell Dinner at 9p. This would have been our simple welcome dinner and the welcome dinner at the restaurant would have been our farewell dinner but again due to the schedule change for Easter things were changed. That was fine with us. We typically don't eat so late but we ate some of our dinner, and had some wine. Some of our group is leaving as early as 3:30a for the airport, most leave around 9-9:30a I think. We were among the first to say good-bye and goodnight! We just dumped everything in our room and went to bed, closing our eyes just after 11p.
Farewell Dinner
Spanakopita
Chicken - Potatoes - Vegetables
Dessert - Sesame Seed & Honey Shell
Ice Cream and Fruit Glaze
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