All-Day Knossos Palace Tour & Olive Mill Visit

Embark on an immersive journey through the captivating history and vibrant culture of Crete. This all-day tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the ancient Minoan civilization, where mythical legends come alive. Explore the iconic Palace of Knossos, the heart of this sophisticated society, and uncover its fascinating secrets. Venture beyond the palace walls to a traditional olive mill, where you’ll witness the timeless art of olive oil production and savor the rich flavors that have defined Crete’s agricultural heritage for millennia. But the adventure doesn’t end there, as you’ll also have the chance to discover the remarkable artifacts and insights housed within the renowned Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

Key Points

• Explore the iconic Palace of Knossos, the center of ancient Minoan civilization, and learn about its intricate frescoes, advanced architecture, and mythical stories.
• Discover captivating Minoan legends, including the Minotaur, Icarus, Theseus, and Ariadne, that have captivated visitors for centuries.
• Visit a traditional olive mill, learn about Cretan olive oil cultivation and production, and taste the rich, flavorful olive oil.
• Gain insight into the island’s agricultural heritage and the significance of olive oil in Cretan culture.
• Tour the renowned Heraklion Archaeological Museum to learn about Minoan artifacts and the sophisticated culture that flourished on the island.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Highlights

Exploring the iconic Palace of Knossos, the center of the ancient Minoan civilization, is a highlight of the tour. Visitors can discover the captivating Minoan legends, such as the Minotaur, Icarus, Theseus, and Ariadne, as they wander through the palace’s intricate ruins.

The tour also includes a visit to a traditional olive mill, where guests can learn about the cultivation and production of the famous Cretan olive oil. They’ll have the opportunity to taste the rich, flavorful oil and gain insight into the island’s longstanding agricultural heritage.

Plus, the tour features a stop at the renowned Heraklion Archaeological Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Minoan artifacts, providing a deeper understanding of this ancient culture.

Explore Palace of Knossos

Visitors to the Palace of Knossos can enjoy the grandeur of the ancient Minoan civilization, the centerpiece of this captivating tour. The iconic palace, once the seat of power for the Minoan kings, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and sophistication of this long-lost culture, offering guests a glimpse into the lives and legends that unfolded within its walls.

Guests will marvel at the intricate frescoes, the advanced architectural features, and the mythical stories that come alive through the palace’s well-preserved ruins.

Key highlights include:

1. Discovering the labyrinth-like layout and the legend of the Minotaur
2. Exploring the Queen’s Megaron, a highly decorated chamber
3. Admiring the advanced plumbing and drainage systems of the palace.

Discover Minoan Legends

As guests wander through the historic halls of the Palace of Knossos, they’ll uncover the captivating Minoan legends that have captivated the imaginations of visitors for centuries. From the mythical tale of the Minotaur, a half-man, half-bull creature, to the daring flight of Icarus, whose waxen wings melted as he soared too close to the sun, these ancient stories come to life within the palace’s storied walls. Visitors can explore the legend of Theseus and Ariadne, the heroic tale of the Athenian prince who slew the Minotaur with the help of Ariadne’s thread, guiding him out of the labyrinth.

Minoan Legend	Mythical Creature	Story
Minotaur	Half-man, half-bull	Theseus and the Labyrinth
Icarus	Boy with waxen wings	Soaring too close to the sun
Theseus and Ariadne	Athenian prince and Cretan princess	Defeating the Minotaur

Visit Olive Mill

After exploring the legendary Palace of Knossos, the tour moves on to a nearby traditional olive mill, where guests explore the rich history and techniques of olive cultivation on the island of Crete.

At the mill, visitors learn about the three key stages of olive oil production:

1. Harvesting the olives by hand or with mechanized tools.
2. Pressing the olives to extract the precious oil.
3. Bottling and tasting the final product, savoring the unique flavors and aromas.

Guests have the opportunity to witness these processes firsthand and gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and tradition behind this integral component of the Cretan culinary heritage.

The olive mill visit provides a well-rounded experience, seamlessly blending the ancient Minoan past with the enduring agricultural practices of modern-day Crete.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Learn Olive Cultivation

The olive mill tour offers guests a hands-on olive cultivation experience, where they learn the intricate process of harvesting and producing this iconic Cretan product.

Visitors will witness the traditional methods used to cultivate and extract olive oil, from pruning the trees to collecting the ripe olives. They’ll discover how the olives are washed, crushed, and pressed to extract the precious liquid gold.

The tour guides share insights into the history and significance of olive oil in Cretan culture, as well as techniques for evaluating aroma, flavor, and quality. Guests can even sample a variety of olive oils, gaining a deeper appreciation for the art of olive cultivation.

Tour Archaeological Museum

Visitors explore the renowned Heraklion Archaeological Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Minoan artifacts uncovered from the excavations at Knossos and other Cretan archaeological sites.

The museum’s extensive exhibits provide a rundown of the Minoan civilization, showcasing magnificent frescoes, intricate jewelry, religious artifacts, and everyday objects that offer a glimpse into the sophisticated culture that flourished on the island millennia ago.

The tour highlights include:

1. Viewing the iconic Phaistos Disc, a mysterious clay artifact with hieroglyphic symbols that have puzzled scholars for decades.

2. Admiring the exquisite gold Minoan jewelry, such as the iconic Bull-Leaping Amulet, which exemplifies the Minoans’ unparalleled craftsmanship.

3. Exploring the museum’s unique collection of Minoan frescoes, which offer a vibrant visual representation of the Minoan way of life.

Booking & Cancellation

For those interested in booking this all-day tour, the cost starts from €650.00 per group of up to 3 people. Customers can reserve the tour now and pay later, with the added benefit of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

This flexible booking policy allows visitors to plan their trip with confidence, knowing they can adjust their plans if needed. The tour includes admission tickets to the archaeological sites, museums, and the olive mill, as well as the services of a professional driver, air conditioning, WiFi, and phone chargers.

Guests can also enjoy a light meal and a taste of traditional Cretan Raki during the tour. To ensure availability, it’s recommended to check the tour’s calendar for starting times.

Additional Information

Guests should remember to bring a hat and sunscreen to protect themselves from the Mediterranean sun while exploring the historic sites. A camera is also recommended to capture the stunning views and architectural details of the Knossos Palace and the surrounding countryside.

The tour offers flexible starting times, so travelers should check availability to find a time that best suits their schedule.

The tour includes several amenities to ensure a comfortable experience, such as:

• Air conditioning and WiFi in the vehicle
• Phone chargers for staying connected
• Child/infant seats upon request

With these considerations in mind, guests can look forward to an enriching and memorable all-day tour of Crete’s ancient Minoan heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The maximum group size for this tour is up to 3 people. The tour is a private group experience, and the pricing starts from €650.00 per group of up to 3 people.

Are Meals and Refreshments Included Throughout the Tour?

Yes, the tour includes a light meal and Raki (traditional Greek spirit) in a Traditional Kafeneio (coffee house) as part of the inclusions. Refreshments are provided throughout the day during the private group experience.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Suit Personal Interests?

Yes, the tour can be customized to suit personal interests. The tour provider is flexible and willing to adjust the itinerary based on the group’s preferences, ensuring an engaging and tailored experience for all participants.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

The tour does not offer a specific discount for children or seniors. However, the tour includes a child/infant seat upon request, catering to families with young children. Discounts may be available for larger groups or off-season bookings.

What Is the Dress Code or Recommended Attire for the Tour?

The tour does not have a strict dress code, but comfortable, weather-appropriate attire is recommended. Wear lightweight, breathable fabrics and sturdy walking shoes. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect against the Mediterranean sun.

Recap

Enjoy the captivating history and culture of Crete with this guided tour.

Explore the iconic Palace of Knossos, uncover its mythical legends, and visit a traditional olive mill to learn about the island’s agricultural heritage.

Delve deeper into the sophisticated Minoan artifacts and culture at the renowned Heraklion Archaeological Museum, concluding a comprehensive journey through Crete’s enchanting past.

You can check if your dates are available here: