Crete’s ancient history comes alive on the Knossos Palace & Heraklion City Tour. Visitors can explore the iconic Knossos Palace, a marvel of Minoan architecture, and then discover the vibrant city center of Heraklion. This full-day experience offers a captivating blend of culture and leisure, allowing travelers to explore Crete’s rich past while also enjoying the modern charms of the island’s largest city. At just €41 per person, this tour presents an accessible and enriching opportunity to uncover the remarkable heritage that has shaped Crete’s enduring allure.
Key Points
• The Knossos Palace & Heraklion City Tour is a full-day experience priced at €41 per person, with optional pickup from specified locations.
• The tour includes a guided tour of the Knossos Palace and a walking tour of Heraklion’s historic city center, with free time for exploration.
• The tour features a 1-hour 20-minute guided tour of the iconic Knossos Palace, highlighting its ornate frescoes, grand staircases, and innovative plumbing and drainage systems.
• The walking tour of Heraklion’s city center showcases the historical areas, with free time to explore the old market and visit the Archaeological Museum.
• The tour offers optional activities, such as visiting the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, which showcases artifacts from the Minoan civilization, including the enigmatic Phaistos Disc.
Overview and Pricing
The Knossos Palace & Heraklion City Tour offers an enticing exploration of ancient Minoan and modern Greek culture, priced at €41.00 per person for a full-day experience.
Lasting 7 hours, this tour provides the flexibility of optional pickup from a specified location. Visitors can expect a guided tour of the renowned Knossos Palace, followed by free time for photos and exploration.
The itinerary also includes a guided walking tour of Heraklion’s historic city center, allowing guests to discover its charming streets, old market, and the renowned Archaeological Museum.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, this tour provides an accessible and convenient way to take in Crete’s rich heritage.
Itinerary Details
The tour begins with a morning pickup, where participants are collected from various locations.
Following this, the group embarks on a bus drive of approximately 1 hour to reach the renowned Knossos Palace.
Once there, a guided tour of the archaeological site is provided, lasting 1 hour and 20 minutes, allowing visitors to explore the rich Minoan history.
Afterward, the tour moves to the Heraklion City Center, where a guided walking tour showcases the historical areas.
Visitors are then granted free time to:
- Explore the old market
- Visit the archaeological museum
- Engage in shopping
- Discover the city at their own pace
Morning Pickup
The tour begins by collecting participants from various pickup points in the morning. Guests can choose optional pickup locations for their convenience.
The tour bus then departs for the drive to Knossos, which takes approximately one hour. During this time, travelers can settle in and get to know their fellow participants.
The guide will provide an overview of the day’s itinerary and highlight the key sights and activities they’ll experience at Knossos Palace and in Heraklion city center.
Knossos Palace
After the bus drive, the group arrives at the iconic Knossos Palace, the famed archaeological site that was once the thriving center of the Minoan civilization.
The guide leads the tour through the expansive ruins, sharing insights into the palace’s rich history and impressive architectural features during the 1 hour 20 minute guided tour.
Visitors are captivated by:
- The ornate frescoes adorning the walls, depicting scenes from the Minoan culture.
- The remarkably well-preserved layout, including grand staircases, throne rooms, and storerooms.
- The innovative plumbing and drainage systems that were ahead of their time.
- The opportunity to envision the vibrant daily life that once bustled within the palace’s walls.
With free time to explore and take photos, the group gains a deeper appreciation for the splendor of this ancient Minoan treasure.
Heraklion City Center
Following the visit to Knossos Palace, the tour proceeds to the vibrant city center of Heraklion, where the guide leads the group on a walking tour through the historical areas.
Visitors have free time to explore the old market, browse local shops, and optionally visit the renowned Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.
The museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts and treasures from the Minoan civilization, providing a deeper understanding of the region’s rich cultural heritage.
While the museum visit is optional due to COVID-19 regulations, it’s an opportunity to delve further into the captivating history of Crete.
With ample time for exploration, the Heraklion portion of the tour allows travelers to enjoy the charming atmosphere of the city.
Optional Activities
Alongside the guided tour of Knossos Palace and Heraklion’s historical center, visitors can optionally explore the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, though this must be done independently due to COVID-19 regulations.
The museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts from the Minoan civilization, providing deeper insight into the ancient culture. Some key highlights include:
- Frescoes and wall paintings from Knossos Palace
- The famous Snake Goddess figurine
- Bronze age pottery and metalwork
- The Phaistos Disc, an enigmatic Minoan artifact
While not included in the standard tour, visiting the museum offers an enriching opportunity to dive deeper into Crete’s captivating history and heritage.
Inclusions and Costs
The tour package includes the Knossos Palace ticket, which costs €15, and an optional combined Knossos & Museum ticket, priced at €20.
Plus, the cost of the Whispers audio equipment is €2 per person. These items are covered in the overall tour price of €41 per person.
However, food and drinks aren’t included and need to be purchased separately.
It’s recommended to bring along comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and water to ensure a pleasant experience throughout the 7-hour tour.
With the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, this tour offers flexibility and value for money.
Preparation and Important Information
To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, the tour recommends that participants bring along comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and water.
Final details, including the pickup time and point, will be provided one day before the tour. Preparing for the day’s activities is essential for making the most of this excursion. Participants should keep in mind:
- Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes suitable for exploring the archaeological site.
- Bring sun protection like sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen to shield against the Mediterranean sun.
- Carry a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Review the final logistics provided the day prior to ensure a seamless start to the tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Disabilities?
The tour’s accessibility for individuals with disabilities depends on their specific needs. While the sites may have some accessibility accommodations, it’s best to inquire about specific arrangements when booking to ensure the tour meets the traveler’s requirements.
Can I Customize the Tour to Focus More on Specific Areas of Interest?
The tour is customizable, allowing visitors to focus more on specific areas of interest. Guests can discuss their preferences with the tour operator, who will work to tailor the itinerary to meet their needs and interests.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Students, Seniors, or Large Groups?
Yes, the tour provider offers discounts for students and seniors. Specific rates for large groups may also be available upon request. Customers should inquire about any applicable discounts when booking the tour.
What Is the Typical Group Size for This Tour, and How Much Personal Attention Can I Expect?
The typical group size varies, but it’s usually small enough to allow for personal attention. Expect a guided tour with opportunities to ask questions and explore the sites at your own pace.
Can I Extend My Stay in Heraklion and Get Recommendations for Local Restaurants and Attractions?
You can extend your stay in Heraklion and get recommendations for local restaurants and attractions from the tour company. They can provide suggestions on the best places to eat and explore in the city after your tour.
Recap
The Knossos Palace & Heraklion City Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Crete’s rich history and culture.
Visitors can experience the grandeur of the Knossos Palace, stroll through Heraklion’s vibrant city center, and discover local markets and the Archaeological Museum, all at a reasonable price of €41 per person.
This full-day tour provides a perfect blend of ancient wonders and modern delights, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking to enjoy Crete’s captivating heritage.
