The Archaeological Landscape of Knossos, the ancient heart of the Minoan civilization, is located just five kilometres southeast of Heraklion, Crete. This area is rich in history and provides an incredible glimpse into the past. For travellers heading from Heraklion, the journey to Knossos is more than just a short drive—it’s a passage through time.

Along the way, key archaeological landmarks highlight the remnants of various historical eras, from Minoan tombs to Roman villas and Venetian fortifications. This route, following both ancient pathways and modern roads, offers a unique perspective on the geographic and cultural context that shaped one of the ancient world’s most influential civilizations.

Pick up: Conference venue at 09:00
Duration (est.): 3 hrs
Price: 45€ / person
Includes: Professional guide, transfer with coach bus & entrance tickets
*minimum participation: 30 pax

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is one of Greece’s oldest and most remarkable museums, and among the most important in Europe. It showcases artefacts from all periods of Cretan prehistory and history, spanning over 5,500 years from the Neolithic to Roman times. Renowned for its exceptional Minoan collection, the Museum is rightly regarded as the premier institution for Minoan culture.

Located in the town center, the Museum was designed by architect Patroklos Karantinos and built between 1935 and 1958 on the site of the former Venetian monastery of Saint Francis, destroyed by an earthquake in 1856. The monastery’s ruins are visible in the garden. The building is a key example of Greek Modernist architecture, with materials and colors echoing the decorative elements of Minoan palaces. The two-storey structure houses extensive exhibition rooms, an audiovisual media room and laboratories.

Pick up: Heraklion Archaeological Museum at 17:00
Duration (est.): 2 hrs
Price: 30€ / person
Includes: Professional guide & entrance tickets
*minimum participation: 30 pax

Heraklion’s rich and diverse past is imprinted on every corner of the city, creating a vivid mosaic of civilizations that have shaped Crete’s capital over the centuries. From ancient walls to vibrant marketplaces, the city reveals layers of Minoan heritage, Venetian elegance, Ottoman influence, and modern Greek identity, all coexisting within its urban fabric. On this walking tour, visitors will trace these influences through key landmarks that define Heraklion’s cultural legacy: the Venetian Walls and Koules Fortress showcase the city’s strategic maritime role; churches like Saint Minas and Saint Titus reflect a deep-rooted Christian tradition; while buildings such as the Venetian Loggia and St. Mark’s Basilica highlight its Renaissance flair. Along the way, bustling streets like 1866, lively squares such as Lion Square, and the Central Market offer a taste of daily Cretan life, while modern voices echo through the city’s street art scattered in narrow alleys.

Pick up: Conference venue at 19:30
Duration (est.): 2 hrs
Price: 30€ / person
Includes: Professional guide
*minimum participation: 30 pax

Explore northeast Crete on a day trip to the picturesque town of Agios Nikolaos and the village of Elounda. From Elounda, take a boat to Spinalonga Island and uncover its layered history.

Once a 16th-century Venetian fortress and later Greece’s official leper colony (1903–1957), Spinalonga offers a unique glimpse into Crete’s diverse past. The teardrop-shaped island in Mirabello Bay wasn’t always a tourist destination, but today it's a must-visit.

As you approach Spinalonga, the scale of the medieval fortifications is striking. Built to defend the strategic bay, the walls still appear impenetrable. Walk the 1.5 km path around the island, beginning at Dante’s Gate - the former entrance to the leper colony - and take in the haunting ruins of this extraordinary site.

Pick up: Conference venue at 09:00
Duration (est.): 6-8 hrs
Price: 85€ / person
Includes: Professional guide, transfer with coach bus, entrance tickets & lunch
*minimum participation: 30 pax