Heraklion City, Walking Tour, Old Market & Knossos Palace

Heraklion City, the vibrant heart of Crete, beckons visitors to explore its rich history and cultural tapestry. A walking tour through this captivating destination offers a seamless blend of ancient wonders and modern charm. From the iconic Knossos Palace, the renowned center of Minoan civilization, to the lively Old Market, this journey promises an immersive experience that unveils the city’s captivating essence. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking to learn about the local fabric, this tour presents an opportunity to uncover the layers that make Heraklion a truly enchanting destination. Prepare to be captivated as you embark on this comprehensive exploration.

This experience made our list of the 15 Fantastic Walking Tours In Heraklion.

Key Points

• The walking tour in Heraklion combines ancient Minoan history at Knossos Palace with exploration of the vibrant city center, including the picturesque Old Market.
• The tour includes a 1.5-hour guided visit to Knossos Palace, providing in-depth insights into the Minoan civilization’s advanced architecture and cultural significance.
• After Knossos, the tour offers 2.5 hours of free time for independent discovery of Heraklion’s landmarks, such as the Venetian Loggia and Lion Square.
• An optional visit to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is available for an additional fee, allowing participants to delve deeper into Minoan art and archaeology.
• The tour provides air-conditioned bus transportation with pickup and drop-off services from various locations, ensuring a comfortable and accessible experience for all visitors.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This walking tour of Heraklion City blends ancient history with modern energy, allowing visitors to explore the capital of Crete at a price starting from $38.12 per person over a duration of 6 to 8.5 hours.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, it offers travelers great flexibility.

The tour includes a guided visit to the iconic Knossos Palace, as well as a walking exploration of Heraklion’s city center, with 2.5 hours of free time for shopping and self-guided discovery.

Transportation is provided via an air-conditioned bus with pickup and drop-off services from various locations across the region.

Itinerary and Activities

Heraklion City, Walking Tour, Old Market & Knossos Palace

Itinerary and Activities

The tour begins with pickup services from 17 locations, including Koutouloufari, Hersonissos, Malia, and more, catering to the convenience of participants. The first stop is a guided tour (1.5 hours) of the iconic Knossos Palace, providing an in-depth look into the Minoan civilization. Next, the tour explores the vibrant Heraklion City Center, with a guided walking tour and 2.5 hours of free time for shopping and self-guided exploration. For history enthusiasts, an optional visit to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is available for an additional fee.

Activity	Duration	Location
Knossos Palace Guided Tour	1.5 hours	Knossos
Heraklion City Center Guided Tour	2.5 hours	Heraklion
Optional Archaeological Museum Visit	Varies	Heraklion
Free Time for Shopping/Exploration	2.5 hours	Heraklion

Transportation and Accessibility

The walking tour of Heraklion City provides air-conditioned bus transportation with pick-up and drop-off services from 17 different locations, catering to the needs of participants.

Pickup times vary based on hotel location, with details provided via email to ensure a smooth and convenient experience. Plus, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for visitors of all abilities.

The transportation for the tour is designed to make it easy for travelers to explore Heraklion’s highlights. The air-conditioned buses provide a comfortable ride, while the convenient pick-up and drop-off locations make it simple to join the tour from various parts of the city.

This attention to accessibility ensures that everyone can participate and enjoy the guided exploration of Heraklion’s historic sites and vibrant city center.

Included Services and Costs

What are the included services and costs for the walking tour of Heraklion City? The tour package includes expert-guided exploration of the iconic Knossos Palace and a walking tour of Heraklion’s city center, providing participants with a comprehensive introduction to the destination. Additional costs apply for entry tickets to the Knossos Palace (€15) and the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion (€12), or a combined ticket (€20) can be purchased. Participants are covered by Public Liability Insurance, ensuring a safe and worry-free experience.

Services Included	Knossos Palace Ticket	Archaeological Museum Ticket	Combined Ticket
Expert-guided tour of Knossos Palace	€15	€12	€20
Walking tour of Heraklion City Center
Public Liability Insurance

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Customer Experience and Reviews

Based on the available reviews, participants have generally given the walking tour of Heraklion City an overall rating of 4 out of 5.

Positive feedback highlights the knowledgeable guides and the care taken to ensure a comfortable experience for participants.

However, some suggestions have been made for improving the group exploration of Heraklion’s city center after the guided portion of the tour. While the tour provides an in-depth look at the Knossos Palace and its Minoan history, there’s a desire for more structured guidance and activities during the free time in the city center.

Visiting Knossos Palace

A major highlight of the walking tour is the guided exploration of the iconic Knossos Palace, the centerpiece of the Minoan civilization‘s legacy.

Participants can expect a 1.5-hour guided tour that delves into the palace’s remarkable architecture, cultural significance, and the insights it provides into the advanced Minoan society that once thrived on the island of Crete.

The knowledgeable guides bring the palace’s history to life, sharing fascinating details about the intricate layout, sophisticated plumbing and drainage systems, and the vibrant frescoes that once adorned the walls.

Visitors can envision the grandeur and sophistication of this ancient complex, considered Europe’s oldest city and a testament to the ingenuity of the Minoan people.

Exploring Heraklion City Center

After exploring the monumental Knossos Palace, the walking tour leads participants on a guided exploration of Heraklion’s vibrant city center, immersing them in the blend of ancient history and modern energy that defines the capital of Crete. The tour takes visitors through the picturesque Old Market, where they can browse local shops, admire the impressive Morosini Fountain, and soak in the lively atmosphere. Participants are then given 2.5 hours of free time to continue their own discovery of Heraklion, visiting landmarks like the iconic Venetian Loggia and the bustling Lion Square. The blend of guided and independent exploration allows travelers to curate their experience in this dynamic city.

Highlights of Heraklion City Center
Morosini Fountain	Old Market	Venetian Loggia
Lion Square	Local Shops	Lively Atmosphere

Optional Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion offers visitors an optional opportunity to delve deeper into the captivating history and artifacts of the Minoan civilization, which once flourished on the island of Crete.

Housing one of the world’s most significant collections of Minoan art and archaeology, the museum boasts an impressive array of ancient treasures, including frescoes, ceramics, jewelry, and iconic Minoan works like the Snake Goddess figurine.

While an additional fee is required to visit the museum, the experience provides a fascinating complement to the Knossos Palace tour, offering a more comprehensive understanding of Crete’s rich cultural heritage.

Visitors can easily include the museum visit as part of their walking tour of Heraklion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type of Clothing Should I Wear for the Tour?

For this tour, comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes and lightweight, weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Bring a light jacket or sweater in case of cooler temperatures. Wear sun protection like a hat and sunglasses, and bring water to stay hydrated.

Can I Take Photographs During the Guided Tours?

Yes, participants can generally take photographs during the guided tours. However, they should be mindful of any restrictions or instructions provided by the tour guides, particularly in sensitive areas like archaeological sites. Following the guidelines helps ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone.

Are There Any Restrictions on Food and Drink During the Tour?

The tour allows participants to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks. However, it’s recommended to avoid consuming large meals during the scheduled activities to fully engage with the tour experience. Snacks and bottled water are generally permitted.

How Accessible Is the Knossos Palace Site for Individuals With Limited Mobility?

The Knossos Palace site is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and flat pathways throughout the historic ruins. Visitors with limited mobility can fully explore this iconic Minoan archaeological site with the assistance of the expert guided tour.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

Yes, discounts are available for students and seniors on this tour. The tour operator offers reduced ticket prices for Knossos Palace and the Archaeological Museum for those who provide valid student or senior ID cards.

Recap

This walking tour offers a comprehensive experience, exploring the rich history and vibrant culture of Heraklion City.

Visitors can explore the ancient wonders of Knossos Palace, then enjoy free time to discover the city’s charming landmarks like the Venetian Loggia and Morosini Fountain.

With guided exploration and personal discovery, this tour provides a perfect blend of historical insight and independent exploration.

You can check if your dates are available here: