Our Greek Island Cruise 4-16 October 2013: Heraklion, Crete

"The history of the city Heraklion dates from the Neolithic period. The monuments found in the area testify to the rich past of the Minoan, Byzantine and Venetian periods. Today the city has a population of 150,000 people, the fourth biggest in Greece. History lovers can enjoy the main archaeological monuments of Crete like the ancient city of Knossos, the archaeological site of Faistos and the ancient village-town of Arhanes situated near Heraklion."

It was suggested to us by the Tour Information on board that we should visit the Minoan Palaces of Knossos and Phaestos, but as we had decided that we would prefer to relax and take a breather after a few hectic days, I don't have anything to post about what we had seen and as this is a blog about our holiday, it is pointless to expand on Crete if we did not visit specific sites. So this is what we did today starting off with a beautiful sunrise just before sailing into the port of Heraklion.

Sunrise approaching Crete

Well can you believe it! I have come down with a good dose of flu and aches and pains from head to toe. Fortunately with personal pharmacist (my sister) on board, she has started me on a course of antibiotics to try and knock this unwanted intruder. Fortunately this is an island where we have not had anything planned so I have been horizontal most of the day while the others have lurked around the pool.

Pool deck mid-ships


I managed to find myself a possie at the back in the shade and slept all morning!

Dave took a trot into the town after lunch and took a few photos.

We always try to take a photo of the name of the island we are on as very often when one looks at photos weeks and months later, you cannot remember where on earth you were!

The Old Harbour

A high speed hydrofoil ferry

The Ottoman Vezir Mosque (1856), built on the site of the church of St Titus, and now the basilica of St Titus.

A floating restaurant

The rest of the family tried their hand at croquet which must have been great fun.

Croquet

Tonight was a "formal evening" so it was out with the glad rags - dress suits for the men, and did they look so swish, and elegant evening dresses for the ladies! Here are some photos at dinner.