The treasures of Knossos unveiled: from Hersonissos through Archanes' vineyards

Crete is home to Knossos, the largest archaeological site on the island, believed to be Europe’s oldest city. On this scenic driving tour from just outside bustling Hersonissos to Knossos, via Archanes, I’ll share the history and culture of the areas you pass through, along with some insights into life in Crete today.

You’ll hear the story of how – in 1878, when Crete was still under Turkish occupation – the wealthy art lover Minos Kalokairinos discovered parts of Knossos’ west wing, and unearthed many pithoi vases. You’ll also find out how, after enlisting the help of the archaeologist Arthur Evans, a 35 year-long large-scale excavation followed and, with it, evidence of a Minoan civilization emerged. This work would forever change the face of Crete, and play a major part in the rise of tourism.

On this driving tour through Crete and its vineyards, you’ll also have the opportunity to:

• Visit the town of Archanes, an important Minoan settlement where recent excavations have revealed its rich and fascinating history
• Explore Knossos, the oldest Neolithic site on Crete where the first indication of human activity on the island can be traced
• Learn about Knossos Palace, a monumental symbol of the Minoan civilization, where the 34 cm tall statue of the Snake Goddess was found
• Stop in Myrtia, where the village square houses the Nikos Kazantzakis Museum, built for the acclaimed author of Zorba the Greek, who identified himself first as Cretan and, second, Greek
• Admire the many thousands of local fish species at CRETAquarium Thalassokosmos, an underwater display built on the site of the former American air force base
• Get a taste of traditional Cretan winemaking at the Wine Museum of the Union of Crete, and see the oldest Minoan wine press at Vathypetro, south of Mount Jouchtas, where the contours of Zeus’ face shape the mountain
• Find out about the pattern that paintings in Greek Orthodox churches usual follow in the village of Episkopi
• Hear a few of the 250 different Cretan musical instruments on display at the Labyrinth Musical Workshop, founded by the English musician Ross Daly in 1982

During this four-hour driving tour, you’ll have the option of exploring the town square of Archanes on foot, or making a day of it by lingering at any of the stops en route. The tour ends at Karteros, where you can enjoy its wonderful sandy beaches, or watch the sunset with the low-flying airplanes from Heraklion Airport overhead. Or you may wish to return to Hersonissos to discover the ancient history of this seaside resort in your own time.