Heraklion / Greece

We were docked right at the entrance to the old town in Heraklion but we decided to get a Hop On Hop Off Bus first to get a feel for the place. I had booked tickets to see the Knosses Palace which was on the route. The cruise had an excursion here but doing it this way was much cheaper and we could go at our own pace. As it turned out it was a very good decision, we didn’t have to wait in line to get tickets and I am not exaggerating when I say there were 1,000’s of people there. At least 40 buses were lined up with more coming all the time at 9:30 in the morning. The ruins were extensive and they are recreating some of the areas.
We had to push through the crowds to get out, back on the bus and got out at the back entrance to the old town which was lovely. I had an authentic Greek lunch, mackerel marinated in light soy sauce, creamed avocado and Taramasalata meze. I had to ask the waitress what this sauce was as it was so delicious: It is made from tarama, the salted and cured roe of cod, carp, or grey mullet mixed with olive oil (photo below). Doesn’t sound wonderful but trust me it was!
Neil had mini hamburgers, we love Tapas food, such a great way to eat.
We then visited the Koules or Castello a Mare, a sea fortress located at the entrance of the old port of Heraklion, Crete. We found this far more interesting than the Knosses Palace ruins. The fortress has been restored and we learnt the history of Heraklion as we wandered through the tunnels. 1573-1646: Republic of Venice 1646-1898: Ottoman Empire 1898-1913: Cretan State.
Wandered back to our ship, had a swim to cool down then had dinner with our new American friends, Carol & Kipp. We then attended a concert by a classical guitarist before the heads of departments on our cruise came out to say Hi.Read more