Crete and the Palace of Knossos

Day 12 – Crete and the Palace of Knossos

Crete

Friday, 27 September 2013

Woke up moored at Aghios Nicholaos in Crete. The Cretan coastline is very hilly and Aghios Nikolaos is a lovely little town which was much quieter than Santorini.

Our shore excursion today was to the Palace of Knossos, about 75 minutes away by bus. We knew it was going to be crowded when we saw our 6 buses lined up waiting for us. However, there were dozens more buses when we got to the archeological site. The crowds made if difficult to get around, particularly as we had to line up in the sun to see the only piece of original fresco on site. There were also very long queues to the ladies toilets.

The palace was certainly worth seeing

but the excursion highlighted the best and worst things about a cruising holiday. We have a choice of shore excursions which are covered in the cost of the cruise so you have the option of seeing places that you haven’t been to with an authoritative guide. But with so many people on tours, you feel like you are being herded through sites such as Knossos. As an independent traveller you can go choose to get up early to avoid the worst crowds as we did at the Acropolis.

A cruise ships brings its own crowds and, when they are several cruise ships docked in one place, tourists take over the place, swarming in like locusts. So however charming the setting you always have the overlay of other tourists.

Returning to the ship for late lunch then out again to explore the town and buy some souvenirs. Despite the several cruise ships in town, it didn’t feel nearly as crowded as Santorini! It could even be a nice place to spend a couple of days!

Afternoon tea on board ship is becoming a ritual and today we also participated in the tea time trivia questions. But we draw the line at bingo! Then back to our room to watch our departure from Crete, ordering room service champagne and crisps and nuts for a night in.

Went out again later to purchase some deodorant in the ship’s shop, then did 8 laps around the top deck or a mile, and put on a load of washing.

We should sleep well tonight!

	Palace of Knossos [Map]		Copy of a fresco [Map]
	Views from Palace of Knossos [Map]		One wing of the palace [Map]
	Unique reconstructed upside down columns [Map]		Urn at Palace of Knossos [Map]
	Original fresco in situ which we lined up to see [Map]		Outisde our cruise shop [Map]
			Ready for a night in [Map]