Your tour opens at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, widely regarded as one of the most important museums in Greece and the premier repository of Minoan artifacts in the world. Ten exhibition halls present golden jewelry, ceremonial vessels, sculptural objects, and an extraordinary collection of frescoes that capture the dynamism and color of Minoan daily life.

Within the museum, particular attention is given to the Minoan frescoes — the oldest of their kind found anywhere in Europe. These works reveal a civilization deeply invested in nature, movement, and celebration, offering a window into a world that predates classical Greece by more than a thousand years.

You then travel to the Palace of Knossos, the mythological home of King Minos — son of Zeus and Europa — and the setting of the labyrinth said to have housed the Minotaur. The palace complex, which once rose to five stories, reflects an architectural sophistication that continues to astonish archaeologists and historians alike.

The afternoon brings you to the Boutari Winery, where your hosts lead a guided walk through the vineyard, the production area, and the cellar. You will learn about the history of Cretan viticulture, the indigenous grape varieties that define the island's wine identity, and the modern methods that have brought these wines to international recognition.

The tour concludes with a structured tasting of five different Boutari labels, sourced from vineyards across Greece and representing a range of indigenous grape varieties. Each wine is served with a complimentary amuse bouche, offering a complete sensory introduction to both Cretan and broader Greek wine culture.