Minoan Path: Knossos Palace, Winery Visit, Lunch at Archanes

Explore Crete’s captivating Minoan heritage on a comprehensive tour. Start at the legendary Knossos Palace to uncover the mysteries of this Bronze Age wonder. Then, visit a local winery for a behind-the-scenes look at traditional wine production and sample 5 indigenous grape varieties. Savor authentic Cretan delicacies at a tavern in Archanes during a homemade lunch. This 6.5 to 8-hour journey immerses you in the region’s rich culture and flavors. Free cancellation available, and advanced booking secures Knossos Palace tickets. There’s much more to discover about this immersive experience.

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

Key Points

• This 6.5-8 hour tour explores Crete’s ancient Minoan civilization, starting with a visit to the renowned Knossos Palace.
• The tour includes a winery visit with a behind-the-scenes cellar tour and tasting of 5 indigenous Cretan wine varieties.
• Visitors will enjoy a delectable lunch featuring homemade Cretan delicacies at a traditional tavern in Archanes.
• Admission to Knossos Palace, winery visit, and lunch are all included in the tour price of £159.49 per person.
• The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and includes comfortable transportation and a knowledgeable guide.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Description

Exploring the Minoan Path, this comprehensive tour showcases the highlights of Crete’s ancient Minoan civilization, including a visit to the renowned Knossos Palace, a winery tour with tastings, and a lunch featuring homemade Cretan delicacies.

The 6.5 to 8-hour journey takes visitors on an immersive experience, starting with the awe-inspiring Knossos Palace, where they’ll uncover the mysteries of this Bronze Age wonder.

Next, a winery visit offers a behind-the-scenes look at traditional wine production, complemented by tastings of five indigenous grape varieties.

The tour culminates in a local tavern, where guests savor a mouthwatering lunch of authentic Cretan cuisine.

With free cancellation and convenient transportation, this Minoan Path tour provides a seamless and enriching exploration of Crete’s captivating heritage.

Duration and Cancellation

The tour lasts between 6.5 to 8 hours, providing ample time to fully take in the Minoan experience. Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for flexibility in planning their Cretan adventure.

The tour includes:

1. Visiting the iconic Knossos Palace, the legendary seat of King Minos and the heart of the Minoan civilization.
2. Exploring a local winery, including a cellar tour and tasting of 5 indigenous Greek wine varieties.
3. Indulging in a delectable lunch at a traditional Cretan tavern, savoring homemade regional specialties.
4. Traveling in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with a knowledgeable guide throughout the journey.

Highlights

This tour offers a captivating exploration of Crete’s rich Minoan heritage, beginning with a visit to the legendary Knossos Palace. Visitors will marvel at the intricate architecture and vibrant frescoes that provide a glimpse into the ancient Minoan civilization.

The next highlight is a winery visit, where guests can embark on a cellar tour and sample five indigenous wine varieties.

The experience culminates with a delightful lunch at a local tavern, where travelers can indulge in authentic Cretan delicacies made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

This well-rounded tour provides an immersive and enriching experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the island’s captivating history, culture, and culinary traditions.

Inclusions

This tour packs in an array of inclusions to ensure a comprehensive and enriching experience for guests. It provides bottled water, as well as alcoholic beverages for the wine tastings.

Travelers can look forward to sampling five indigenous wine varieties during the winery visit, accompanied by a guided cellar tour.

Throughout the day, guests will travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with private transportation, with all fees and taxes covered.

The tour also includes admission to the Knossos Palace, along with a knowledgeable guide to bring the ancient site’s history to life.

The inclusions for this tour are:

1. Bottled water
2. Alcoholic beverages
3. Wine tasting of 5 indigenous varieties
4. Air-conditioned vehicle with private transportation

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Knossos Palace Admission Fees

Admission fees for Knossos Palace vary, costing €15 for full-price tickets and €8 for reduced-price tickets.

The reduced-price option is available for EU citizens aged 65 and over, students, and children under 18.

Visitors can explore the legendary Minoan palace, which dates back to the 14th century BC and is renowned for its intricate architecture and colorful frescoes.

The admission fee includes access to the archaeological site and a guided tour, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the palace’s rich history and cultural significance.

With advanced booking through the tour package, travelers can conveniently secure their tickets and avoid any potential queues or hassle on the day of their visit.

Winery Visit

Along With exploring the historic Knossos Palace, the Minoan Path tour includes a visit to a local winery, where travelers can explore the rich winemaking traditions of Crete.

During the winery visit, guests can expect:

• A guided cellar tour, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process.

• A tasting of five indigenous Cretan wine varieties, providing a chance to savor the unique flavors and aromas of the region.

• Insights into the grape varietals, terroir, and production methods that contribute to the distinctive character of Cretan wines.

• An opportunity to purchase bottles of the wines sampled, allowing travelers to bring a taste of Crete home with them.

Lunch at Local Tavern

After the winery visit, the tour takes guests to a local tavern in Archanes, where they can savor a delightful lunch featuring homemade Cretan delicacies.

The menu is filled with traditional dishes made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Diners can expect to enjoy a taste of authentic Cretan cuisine, from hearty bean stews to flavorful vegetable dishes, all accompanied by the region’s renowned olive oil and wine.

The setting is warm and inviting, allowing visitors to enjoy the local culture and lifestyle. This lunch break provides a perfect opportunity to refuel and recharge before continuing the exploration of the Minoan heritage.

Price

The Minoan Path tour comes with a price tag starting from £159.49 per person, providing visitors an opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage and natural wonders of Crete.

For this price, the tour includes:

1. Admission to the iconic Knossos Palace, where guests can explore the remnants of the ancient Minoan civilization.
2. A winery visit with a cellar tour and the chance to sample 5 indigenous Cretan wines.
3. A locally-sourced lunch at a traditional tavern in Archanes, featuring homemade Cretan delicacies.
4. Comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and the services of a knowledgeable tour guide.

With its comprehensive itinerary and inclusions, the Minoan Path tour offers an immersive and enriching experience for those seeking to uncover the captivating history and flavors of Crete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour may not be ideal for children, as it focuses on visiting a palace and winery which may not be of great interest to younger travelers. However, the included lunch at a local tavern could be appealing for families.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but it’s recommended to wear comfortable, casual clothing and appropriate footwear for walking. Visitors should dress for the weather and be prepared for the cultural experiences during the tour.

Can Participants With Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated?

Yes, participants with dietary restrictions can be accommodated on this tour. The tour provider is happy to cater to any special dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, when provided in advance.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended. Participants can choose to add extra time to explore Knossos Palace or spend more time at the winery. Additional fees may apply for the extended duration.

Is There a Discount for Larger Group Bookings?

The tour operator may offer group discounts for larger bookings. Customers should inquire about group pricing when making their reservation, as discounts are typically available for parties of 4 or more people.

Recap

The Minoan Path tour offers a captivating journey through Crete’s ancient history and culture.

Visitors can explore the iconic Knossos Palace, enjoy a winery visit, and savor a delectable lunch in the charming town of Archanes.

Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an unforgettable cultural experience, this comprehensive tour promises to transport you back in time and leave you with lifelong memories.

You can check if your dates are available here: