Chania to Knossos and Heraklion: Private day trip

On the surface, Heraklion (also called Iraklio), Crete’s sprawling capital, isn’t the prettiest city. But dig a little and you’ll find a wealth of history and culture. Just outside the city is the Palace of Knossos, the former seat of the Minoan Empire, which was a major player in ancient Greek mythology. At the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, you’ll find Minoan artifacts excavated from the palace and other ancient sites around Crete. The Historical Museum of Crete covers everything after the Minoans, from Byzantine sculptures to WWII battles, and the only two paintings by Crete-born Renaissance master El Greco left on the island. You can also see this rich history around the city - from historic churches and fountains to Venetian walls, and the old harbor guarded by the indomitable Koules Fortress, which held off the Ottomans in the second longest siege in history. All of this is interspersed in a city with a thriving cafe and restaurant scene, which will keep you fueled for you explorations.