Crete: Knossos Palace & Heraklion City Tour

Crete’s ancient Minoan civilization has long captivated history enthusiasts, and the Knossos Palace & Heraklion City Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in this rich cultural legacy. Exploring the UNESCO-listed Knossos Palace, visitors can uncover the grandeur of Minoan architecture and gain insights into the daily life of this enigmatic civilization. But the tour’s allure extends beyond the palace walls, as it also delves into Crete’s Venetian heritage, showcasing the charming harbor and impressive fortress of Heraklion. With convenient transportation and a tempting olive oil tasting, this comprehensive tour promises to leave travelers with a deeper appreciation for Crete’s multifaceted history.

Key Points

• This 7-hour tour explores the ancient ruins of Knossos Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Venetian heritage of Heraklion city.
• Guided tours provide insights into the Minoan civilization and opportunities to visit royal tombs, the famous Labyrinth, and a Minoan farm.
• The tour includes transportation, professional guides, free pickup and drop-off from 11 locations across Crete, and a 24-hour free cancellation policy.
• Visitors can explore the Venetian Harbor, Fortress of Koules, and local markets in Heraklion, with an option to visit the Archaeological Museum.
• The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to accessibility challenges, and visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes and sun protection.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour, known as ‘Crete: Knossos Palace & Heraklion City Tour,’ offers a comprehensive exploration of Crete’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Priced at a discounted rate of $33.33 per person, the 7-hour excursion is available in English and German and features a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure.

Guests can enjoy convenient pickup from 11 locations across the island, including popular resort areas like Analipsi, Hersonissos, and Heraklion.

With the option to visit the ancient ruins of Knossos Palace, a Minoan farm, and the vibrant city of Heraklion, this tour provides a well-rounded experience that showcases the diverse attractions and traditions of Crete.

Knossos Palace Exploration

Visitors embark on a guided tour of Knossos Palace, where they’ll explore the ancient ruins and learn about the captivating history of Minoan civilization.

The tour includes stops at the royal tombs and the famous Labyrinth, allowing guests to enjoy the architectural wonders of this bygone era.

As they wander through the palace, they’ll gain a deeper understanding of the Minoan people, their way of life, and the significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

With ample opportunities for photos and free time for shopping and sightseeing, the Knossos Palace exploration offers a truly enriching and memorable experience for all visitors.

Minoan Farm Visit

During the tour, visitors get to explore a Minoan farm, where they witness the traditional olive oil production process and sample local Cretan delicacies.

At the farm, guests tour an olive oil mill and learn about the history and significance of olive oil in Cretan culture. They’ll see how olives are pressed and taste the fresh, vibrant oil.

The farm is also filled with Cretan flowers, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the island.

This 50-minute stop provides a glimpse into the agricultural roots of Minoan civilization and offers a chance to appreciate the local produce and craftsmanship that are integral to Crete’s heritage.

Heraklion City Exploration

After exploring the ancient Minoan ruins of Knossos Palace, the tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through the vibrant city of Heraklion, where they can enjoy the city’s Venetian heritage and bustling commercial heart.

Visitors can stroll along the picturesque Venetian Harbor, marvel at the impressive Fortress of Koules, and explore the lively old market and modern shopping districts.

The tour provides an opportunity to discover Heraklion’s diverse cultural landscape, including:

• The city’s well-preserved Venetian architecture and fortifications

• The bustling marketplace, offering a glimpse into local life

• The option to visit the renowned Archaeological Museum, home to a vast collection of Minoan artifacts.

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Transportation and Amenities

The tour provides comfortable, air-conditioned luxury buses for transportation, with a professional driver and multilingual guide accompanying visitors throughout the experience.

Guests are offered free pick-up and drop-off service from various locations, ensuring a hassle-free start and end to the day.

The guided tour includes all necessary transportation, including transfers between the Knossos Palace and Heraklion city.

While tips and individual expenses aren’t included in the tour price, visitors can enjoy the convenience of having a knowledgeable guide handle the logistics, allowing them to fully enjoy the rich history and culture of Crete.

Important Information

Visitors should be aware that the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, as the ancient site of Knossos and parts of Heraklion city may present accessibility challenges.

Comfortable shoes, a sun hat, and sunscreen are recommended to ensure a pleasant experience.

Alcohol and drugs are prohibited during the tour.

Within 24 hours of booking, guests will receive a confirmation email providing details on their pickup location.

The tour’s important details include:

• Accessibility challenges at historical sites

• Need for appropriate attire and sun protection

• Prohibition of alcohol and drugs

Customer Reviews

Satisfied customers have praised the tour’s exceptional quality, awarding it an impressive 5-star rating based on 2 reviews.

Reviewers highlighted the knowledgeable and engaging guide, who brought the ancient Minoan civilization to life during the tour of Knossos Palace. Visitors were captivated by the guide’s expertise, which allowed them to fully enjoy the rich history and architecture of the site.

The Heraklion City exploration also received rave reviews, with travelers appreciating the opportunity to stroll through the Venetian Harbor, visit the iconic Fortress of Koules, and discover the vibrant local market.

Pricing and Availability

Priced at a range of $33.33 to $37.03 per person, the Crete: Knossos Palace & Heraklion City Tour offers savings of up to 10% compared to the standard rate. This 7-hour excursion is available in both English and German, providing flexibility for travelers.

The tour includes free pickup and drop-off service from 11 convenient locations, ensuring a seamless experience. Plus, this tour features:

• Complimentary cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

• Air-conditioned luxurious buses for comfortable transportation

• Professional drivers and multilingual guides to enhance the experience

Exploring the ancient Knossos Palace and Heraklion City has never been more accessible and affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do We Get to Interact With the Local Farm Animals?

The tour does not include direct interaction with farm animals. However, it provides an opportunity to visit a Minoan farm, where visitors can observe and learn about the local agricultural practices and products, such as olive oil production.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour does not offer an option to extend the duration. The itinerary is fixed at 7 hours, which includes guided visits to Knossos Palace, a Minoan farm, and Heraklion city. Extensions or customizations are not available on this particular tour.

Can We Request a Different Pickup Location if Needed?

Yes, you can request a different pickup location if needed. The tour operator provides free pickup and drop-off service from various locations, so they’ll be able to accommodate your request as long as it’s within the designated pickup area.

Is There Any Dress Code Required for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code for this tour, but it’s recommended to wear comfortable, casual clothes and closed-toe shoes. Dressing appropriately for the weather and sun protection is advisable, as the tour involves outdoor sightseeing.

Can We Purchase Additional Souvenirs During the City Exploration?

Yes, guests can purchase additional souvenirs during the city exploration portion of the tour. The itinerary includes free time to explore the bustling old market and modern shops in Heraklion, providing opportunities to browse and buy local products.

Recap

The Crete: Knossos Palace & Heraklion City Tour offers an immersive exploration of Crete’s rich Minoan heritage.

Visitors can discover the ancient ruins of Knossos Palace, taste Minoan-style olive oil, and explore the historic Venetian city of Heraklion.

With convenient transportation and an affordable price, this guided tour is a must-do for anyone seeking to uncover the captivating history of Crete.

You can check if your dates are available here: