Full Day Knossos Palace, Local Distillery, Lunch @ Archanes

This full-day tour of Crete’s cultural and culinary highlights immerses visitors in the island’s rich Minoan heritage, olive oil traditions, and distillery practices. It starts at the legendary Knossos Palace, explores captivating olive groves, and visits a local distillery for wine and raki tastings. The experience culminates with a delectable 4-course lunch in the charming village of Archanes. With convenient transportation, refreshments, and cultural activities included, this tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Crete’s history, natural beauty, and renowned gastronomy. Delving deeper reveals even more details about this immersive experience.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Lunch Experiences In Heraklion.

Key Points

• Explore the well-preserved ruins of the legendary Knossos Palace, the crown jewel of the Minoan civilization.
• Discover the traditional Cretan spirit production process at a local distillery, with tastings of wines and raki.
• Enjoy a 4-course traditional lunch in the charming village of Archanes, immersing in the local culinary heritage.
• Visit captivating olive groves and learn about the meticulous process of olive oil production in Crete.
• Experience Crete’s rich history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture through this immersive full-day tour.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This full-day tour offers an immersive experience, taking visitors on a journey through Crete’s rich cultural and culinary heritage.

Starting at Knossos Palace, often considered the crown jewel of the Minoan civilization, the tour then leads to a local distillery where guests can discover the art of producing traditional Cretan spirits.

The day culminates with a delightful 4-course lunch in the picturesque village of Archanes, allowing for a deeper appreciation of the region’s authentic flavors.

Over the course of 6.5 hours, this private group experience with a knowledgeable local guide promises an unparalleled exploration of Crete’s captivating history, natural beauty, and gastronomic delights.

Highlights

The tour commences at the legendary Knossos Palace, often considered the crown jewel of the Minoan civilization, where guests can explore the well-preserved ruins and learn about the ancient Minoan culture.

From there, the journey continues through the captivating olive groves, providing an opportunity to gain insights into the production of Crete’s renowned olive oil.

Next, visitors will be treated to a visit to a local Cretan distillery, where they can indulge in the island’s renowned wines and raki, traditional spirit.

The highlight of the day is a delectable 4-course traditional lunch in the charming village of Archanes, allowing guests to enjoy the authentic flavors and hospitality of Crete.

Inclusions

The tour package includes personal pick-up and drop-off, as well as a professional driver/guide and a 4WD vehicle to transport guests throughout the day.

Mineral water is provided, and a light snack is offered at the distillery. Plus, the tour includes a distillery tour and tastings of the local wines and raki.

Lastly, a delectable 4-course traditional lunch is served in the charming village of Archanes.

The inclusions cover transportation, refreshments, cultural experiences, and a gourmet meal, ensuring a well-rounded and immersive tour for visitors to explore the historical and culinary delights of the region.

Exclusions

While the tour package includes numerous amenities, there are a few exclusions.

Visitors must pay the admission fees to enter Knossos Palace, which cost €15 for adults and €8 for reduced tickets.

Plus, guests who wish to have a private certified archaeologist guide for the Knossos Palace tour will need to pay an extra €100 for a group of up to 4 people.

Lastly, gratuities and personal expenses aren’t covered in the tour price.

Although these exclusions may add to the overall cost, they ensure that guests can fully customize their experience and access the expertise of a professional guide if desired. The tour organizers strive to provide a comprehensive package while allowing for personalization.

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Booking Details

Boasting a flexible cancellation policy, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing guests to book their spot with confidence.

Visitors can reserve their place now and pay later, convenient for planning ahead.

Plus, the tour provides flexibility in start times, with guests encouraged to check availability to find the most suitable schedule.

Finally, the friendly staff ensure a seamless experience, offering pickup from the hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

With these booking details in place, guests can look forward to an unforgettable journey through the rich history and culture of Knossos Palace, local distilleries, and the charming village of Archanes.

Knossos Palace Visit

The tour begins with a visit to the legendary Knossos Palace, the centerpiece of the Minoan civilization and one of the most iconic archaeological sites in Greece.

Guests will have the opportunity to explore the remarkably well-preserved ruins, discovering the grandeur and complexities of this ancient palatial complex that dates back to the 2nd millennium BC.

Led by a knowledgeable guide, visitors will wander through the elaborate network of courtyards, throne rooms, and storerooms, marveling at the intricate frescoes and architectural wonders that offer a glimpse into the advanced society that once thrived here.

The tour provides an immersive experience, allowing guests to step back in time and gain a deeper understanding of Crete’s rich cultural heritage.

Olive Oil Production

After departing the storied Knossos Palace, the tour winds its way through the verdant olive groves that blanket the surrounding countryside, offering guests a firsthand look at Crete’s celebrated olive oil production.

As the guide leads the group through the groves, they’ll learn about the generations-old techniques used to cultivate and harvest these precious olives. Guests will see the groves’ gnarled, centuries-old trees and witness the meticulous process of hand-picking the olives at the peak of ripeness.

The guide will then explain how the olives are expertly pressed to extract the coveted, golden-green liquid that has made Cretan olive oil world-famous for its superior quality and flavor profile.

Cretan Distillery Experience

Next, the tour ventures to a renowned Cretan distillery, where guests are invited to step into the centuries-old tradition of wine and raki production.

The guide leads the group through the distillery’s facilities, explaining the intricate processes that transform the region’s prized grapes and fragrant herbs into these iconic Cretan libations.

Visitors have the opportunity to sample the bold, aromatic flavors of the distillery’s offerings, gaining a deeper appreciation for the skill and craftsmanship behind each bottle. The tasting is complemented by a light snack, providing a delightful sensory experience that showcases the unique character of Cretan spirits.

This stop on the tour offers a glimpse into the island’s vibrant culture and tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour is a private group experience, but the maximum group size is not specified. The tour includes a personal pick-up and drop-off, and a professional driver/guide with a 4WD vehicle.

Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary or Activities?

The tour operator offers flexibility to customize the itinerary and activities based on the group’s interests. Travelers can discuss their preferences with the guide to tailor the experience to their needs within the tour duration.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated for the Lunch?

Yes, the tour provider can accommodate dietary restrictions for the 4-course traditional lunch at Archanes Village. They’ll work with the restaurant to ensure guests with special dietary needs are provided with suitable menu options.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended for an additional fee. Clients can customize the itinerary to include more activities or extend the time spent at each location according to their preferences.

Can We Take Photos Inside the Knossos Palace?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside Knossos Palace, but they should avoid using flash as it can damage the ancient artifacts. Photography is subject to the palace’s rules and guidelines to preserve the site.

Recap

This captivating full-day tour through Crete’s rich history and cultural heritage offers an immersive experience for travelers.

Discover the grandeur of the Minoan civilization at Knossos Palace, venture through idyllic olive groves, and indulge in a delectable traditional lunch.

With a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll uncover the essence of Cretan culture and history, leaving you enchanted by this captivating Mediterranean island.

You can check if your dates are available here: