Knossos Palace, Heraklion Archaeological Museum and City Highlights Half Day Tour

Hello! I am Elpida. I was born and bred in Crete, where I still reside and work. I am a licensed tourist guide and archaeologist. I have been working as a tourist guide since 2016, collaborating with various local and international agencies, offering group or private tours all over Crete. As I studied Archaeology and History of Art at the University of Crete I had the opportunity to get a thorough knowledge of Minoan Civilization, that has always been my passion. Later on I continued my studies at the University College London, for an MA in Archaeology and Management of Archaeological Sites and I completed my research interests with an MSc at the Polytechnic School of Thessaloniki, Northern Greece, specializing in Protection and Restoration of Monuments, where I discovered my "second academic love", Venetian fortresses! Working for many years as a field archaeologist, I have had the luck to excavate various types of archaeological sites in Crete, dated to all its important historical periods. All these wonderful experiences and understanding of Cretan archaeology I shall be happy to share with my guests and help them feel 'archaeologists for a day' if they are keen on it! A vivid narration and the use of extra visual material on a tablet will help you enjoy and discover Cretan history in a relaxed way. Having lived almost all my life in Crete, both up the mountains in a traditional village and by the sea, in its capital city, Heraklion, Cretan traditions and way of life are actually part of myself. Talking of tradition, food offering is part of our mentality! It is considered unforgivable to let a visitor leave one's house without offering at least a shot of the local alcoholic beverage, raki, with some appetizers!!! So, the plan is to show you how it really feels to live in Crete and inspire you my love for the island, by presenting local traditions and customs and by experiencing local food and beverages almost in every tour! I hope that through my offered tours visitors all over the world shall explore Crete with all their senses, will gain sufficient information to appreciate its history and will build wonderful memories to get back home! Welcome to Crete! I am a licensed tourist guide by the Greek Ministry of Tourism and a member of the Association of Tourist Guides of Crete and Santorini. I am an archaeologist, graduate of the University of Crete, holding an MA from the University College London on Aegean Archaeology and an MSc from the Polytechnic School of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University, specializing on Protection and Restoration of Monuments. I am not a driver. Private transportation can be arranged upon request.