Crete Cruises via Heraklion, Greece

Start planning your cruise and book your excursions from Heraklion

Crete's capital Heraklion, an MSC Mediterranean Cruises destination, is an energetic city with a prolific history.
Admire majestic Mount Yioúhtas as you dock in the harbour and ancient Koules Fortress on the port's western pier. Discover the mythical Palace of Knossos or visit historical monasteries and churches. Crete is a fascinating slice of Greek island life just waiting to be explored!

MSC Cruises excursions offer plenty of exciting things to see including:

· The Palace of Knossos
· The Minoan Palace of Phaestos
· Fodele Village and Rethymno Town

The Greek myth of 'Ariadne's thread, the labyrinth, and the Minotaur' is famous throughout the world.

On a fascinating MSC Cruises excursion you can visit the Palace of Knossos, the ancient site where the legend was born. Built on the ruins of an extensive Neolithic settlement, you'll explore a maze of over 800 rooms. Discover Minoan columns, fabulous frescoes, and the King's throne on a guided tour. Next, visit next the incredible Heraklion Archaeological Museum, home to an impressive collection of Minoan artefacts. View alabaster idols, jewellery, figurines, and the Hagia Triada sarcophagus.

Beautiful Crete is rich with mythology and archaeological sites. On an MSC Cruises excursion, you'll visit the Palace of Phaestos, a jewel of the Minoan civilisation. Drive through dreamy vineyards and olive groves across the Agia Varvara Pass. There, you'll reach the alluvial Messara Plain and the remains of its historical palace. Phaestos overlooks rugged Mount Ida, and its ruins are filled with an assortment of wonders. Discover stone staircases, a central court, a pillar crypt, and antique storage jars.

Visit the rural village of Fodele on an MSC Cruises excursion. Birthplace of the Spanish Renaissance painter El Greco, the village is nestled in a pretty valley rich with orange groves. Enjoy a relaxing wander through the town before travelling to the city of Rethymno. There, you'll admire Byzantine and Hellenic-Roman remains and a 16th-century fortress. Use some free time to browse the local shops or stroll the enchanting alleys. Take in Rethymno's stunning architecture with its Turkish and Venetian influences.