Heraklion Crete

Viking Athens to Rome Cruise

Athens to Heraklion Crete

January 30 2026,

Last night the ship set sail for the island of Crete.  Watching us leave the harbour from our balcony was really magical.  The city lights were reflecting in the water and there was a very nice warm breeze.  We have been on the tour for almost a week but leaving Athens made is seem even more real.  The forecast was for a stormy night and no sooner than we got out side of the Athens harbour than the rocking of the ship began.  It took all night to sail across to Crete and it wasn't until about 7:00 am before the ship finallly docked in Heraklion.  

Herkalion is the capital city of Crete.  It was the capital of the ancient Mycenaean civilisation.  This civilization was dominant about 1300 BC.  The Tour today was a bus tour of the city of Heraklion followed by a guided tour of  the Archaeological museum of Crete.  The bus tour was pretty short but the museum tour was really spectacular.  Although we were in the museum for almost 3 hours we covered less than half of the total museum. The tour covered the Mycenaean period before the Romans arrived around 200 BC.  There were thousands of items on display.  Incredibly detailed jewellery such as the bee broach.  Huge wine serving jugs with beautiful painted decorations.   There was also a wooden model of the Palace of Knossos which was at the center of the city   A short walk after the museum took us through the center of Heraklion past the Cathedral of Heraklion and down to the water front where the city fort, which was built by the Venusians is.  

Back on board in time for a late lunch.  It really does give meaning to the cruise ship saying; " On as a passenger and off the ship as cargo."

Sorry about the bad selfie.  I will have to try for a better one. 

What a great day in Heraklion. 

Terry