Discover the captivating history of Crete’s Minoan civilization on this full-day tour that takes you through the ancient wonders of Knossos Palace. Explore the remarkable ruins and stunning frescoes that transport you back in time, then dive into the island’s rich cultural heritage with a visit to a local distillery for a taste of authentic Cretan wine and raki. Culminate your experience with a delightful four-course lunch at a charming family-run tavern in Archanes, where you’ll savor the true flavors of Cretan hospitality. With an expert guide by your side, you’ll uncover the secrets that lie within these enchanting destinations.
Key Points
- The tour offers a full-day experience that combines visits to Knossos Palace, a local Cretan distillery, and a traditional four-course lunch in Archanes Village.
- Participants can explore the ancient ruins and vibrant frescoes of Knossos Palace, the center of the Minoan civilization, and learn about olive oil production.
- The tour includes tastings of Cretan wine and raki at a traditional distillery, providing an immersive cultural experience.
- Door-to-door transportation and a small group setting (maximum 4 participants) ensure a personalized and convenient tour experience.
- An optional private guide service is available at an additional cost, providing in-depth expertise on the palace’s history, architecture, and cultural significance.
Tour Overview
This full-day tour combines visits to the iconic Knossos Palace and a local Cretan distillery, offering a comprehensive exploration of Crete’s history and cultural traditions.
You’ll start by discovering the ancient ruins and vibrant frescoes of Knossos Palace, the center of Minoan civilization.
Then, you’ll venture into the olive groves to learn about olive oil production, followed by a tour and tasting at a traditional distillery, where you’ll sample Cretan wine and raki.
The day culminates with a delightful four-course lunch at a family-run tavern in the charming village of Archanes.
With round-trip transportation and a maximum group size of 4, this tour provides an immersive and personalized experience.
Pricing Information
The Knossos Palace and Local Distillery Tour is priced at €5,068 per person, offering a full-day experience that covers the iconic palace, a Cretan distillery, and a traditional lunch.
This tour provides excellent value, with a duration of 6.5 hours and the option for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Highlights include:
- Explore the renowned Knossos Palace and its captivating ruins and frescoes
- Discover the art of olive oil production while strolling through olive groves
- Indulge in wine and raki tastings at a local Cretan distillery
- Savor a delightful four-course lunch at a family-run tavern in Archanes Village
- Enjoy the convenience of door-to-door transportation and a small group setting
Itinerary Highlights
Visitors embarking on the Knossos Palace and Local Distillery Tour can look forward to a captivating exploration of the ancient palace’s ruins and frescoes. After the Knossos visit, the tour takes guests through olive groves, where they’ll learn about the production of the prized Cretan olive oil. The next stop is a local distillery, where they’ll sample the region’s renowned wines and the traditional spirit, raki, right from the barrels. The day concludes with a four-course traditional Cretan lunch at a family-run tavern in the charming village of Archanes, providing a delightful culture.
| Itinerary Highlight | Description |
|---|---|
| Knossos Palace | Explore the ancient ruins and frescoes |
| Olive Groves | Learn about olive oil production |
| Cretan Distillery | Taste wines and raki straight from the barrels |
| Archanes Village | Enjoy a traditional four-course Cretan lunch |
Transportation Details
Pickup is included from your hotel, and you’ll want to wait in the lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
The tour takes place in a small group, with a maximum of 4 people, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience. You’ll travel in a chauffeured premium vehicle with a professional driver and guide who can provide you with insights and information throughout the journey.
The tour includes the following transportation amenities:
- Comfortable and spacious vehicle
- Mineral water available
- Experienced driver with local knowledge
- Efficient pickup and drop-off service
- Small group size for a more personalized experience
Group Size and Amenities
This small group tour caps attendance at a maximum of 4 people, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience throughout the journey.
Along with the comfortable and spacious vehicle, travelers can enjoy complimentary mineral water during the tour. The tour includes a light snack and tastings at the local distillery, where visitors can sample the region’s renowned wines and Raki, a traditional Cretan spirit.
While gratuities and personal expenses aren’t included, the package does cover the admission fees to Knossos Palace, allowing guests to fully enjoy the archaeological wonders of this ancient Minoan site.
With a professional driver-guide at the helm, this tour provides a seamless and enriching exploration of Crete’s cultural treasures.
Knossos Palace Admission
The admission fees for Knossos Palace amount to €15 for full-price tickets and €8 for reduced-price tickets, which are included within the tour package. Visitors can explore the ancient ruins and admire the vibrant frescoes that adorn the palace walls.
Discover the grandeur of the Minoan civilization at Knossos Palace, one of the most renowned archaeological sites in Greece.
Marvel at the intricate architecture and learn about the advanced plumbing and drainage systems used in the palace.
Uncover the myths and legends associated with the site, including the legendary Minotaur and the labyrinth.
Gain insights into the daily life and customs of the Minoan people through the well-preserved artifacts and exhibits.
Set out on a journey through time and learn about the rich cultural heritage of Crete.
Private Guide Option
For visitors seeking a more personalized and in-depth exploration of Knossos Palace, a private guide service is available at an additional cost of €100 for a group of up to 4 people. This service is provided by a certified archaeologist who can offer a deeper understanding of the palace’s history, architecture, and cultural significance. The private guide will lead you through the archaeological site, sharing their expertise and insights, and ensuring you make the most of your visit.
| Features | Private Guide Service |
|---|---|
| Expertise | Certified Archaeologist |
| Group Size | Up to 4 people |
| Additional Cost | €100 |
| Booking | Available upon request |
Booking Assistance
Booking assistance is available for those interested in arranging the private guide service for their Knossos Palace tour. Customers can inquire about this option when making their initial booking, and the tour operator will gladly provide information and handle the necessary arrangements.
The booking assistance includes:
- Providing details on the private guide service, including pricing and qualifications
- Arranging the private guide’s availability and scheduling for the desired tour date
- Ensuring seamless integration of the private guide into the overall tour itinerary
- Facilitating any special requests or customizations for the private guide experience
- Offering guidance and recommendations to enhance the Knossos Palace exploration
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?
Yes, the tour is customizable. Guests can adjust the itinerary to suit their preferences, such as adding or removing activities, or extending/shortening the duration. The tour provider offers flexibility to personalize the experience.
Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?
Yes, there are discounted admission fees for Knossos Palace – reduced price of €8 for children and seniors. The tour price itself, however, does not have any child or senior discounts listed.
How Accessible Is the Knossos Palace Site for People With Disabilities?
The Knossos Palace site is moderately accessible for people with disabilities. While some areas have uneven terrain, the main palace compound has paved paths and wheelchair-accessible ramps. Visitors are advised to inquire about specific accessibility needs when booking their tour.
Are There Any Stops to Purchase Local Handicrafts or Souvenirs?
The tour doesn’t include any dedicated stops for purchasing local handicrafts or souvenirs. However, visitors may find opportunities to browse and shop at the distillery or in Archanes village during the lunch break.
Can I Extend the Tour to Include Additional Sites or Activities?
Yes, the tour can be extended to include additional sites or activities. Travelers can request customized itineraries, such as visiting local handicraft workshops or exploring other archaeological sites, for an additional fee. The tour operator will be happy to accommodate such requests.
Recap
This captivating full-day tour allows you to explore the ancient wonders of Knossos Palace, explore a local distillery, and savor a delightful four-course lunch in the charming town of Archanes.
With a focus on Minoan history, Cretan culture, and culinary delights, this experience offers an immersive and well-rounded exploration of the island’s highlights.
