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Crete Full-Day Tour: Knossos Palace and Heraklion

Your comprehensive archaeological discovery of Crete
From US$1,677 privately
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Tour Details
Duration
6 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
  • Knossos Palace
  • Heraklion Archaeological Museum
  • Heraklion
Photos & Highlights
  • An in-depth view into Crete's archaeological sites for first-time or returning visitors
  • Led by a local expert guide
Tour Description
Intrigued by the archaeological splendor of Crete? We’ve drafted a special itinerary for those looking for a deep dive into the must-see archaeological destination in Crete: Knossos Palace. In the company of a local expert, we'll take our time exploring the majestic Bronze Age site of Knossos, the Archaeological Museum, and the charming city center of Heraklion. This tour is a wonderful introduction for those looking to explore Crete through an archaeological lens while getting a taste for the history and mythology of cultural Crete. 
Experts
Rania Rania
Local Guide
Dimitra Dimitra
Archaeologist
Antonia Antonia
Archaeologist
Tatiana Tatiana
Archaeologist
Ioannis Ioannis
Archaeologist
  • Knossos Palace – Delve into ancient Minoan history at Knossos Palace, an archaeological marvel and the legendary center of the Minoan civilization.
  • Heraklion Archaeological Museum – Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Crete at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, home to an impressive collection of Minoan artifacts and historical treasures.
  • Heraklion city center (St. Minas Cathedral, St. Titus Church, Lion Square) – Experience the heart of Heraklion with its iconic landmarks, including the grand St. Minas Cathedral, historic St. Titus Church, and the vibrant Lion Square.
  • Open-air market in Heraklion – Indulge your senses in the lively atmosphere of Heraklion's open-air market, where you can explore local flavors, vibrant colors, and the warm hospitality of the Cretan people.
  • Private expert guide 
  • Private vehicle and driver
  • Admission Tickets
In the morning, we'll join our expert guide in Heraklion and take a short drive to the Palace of Knossos, a site that spans two ancient cultures: Minoan and Mycenaean. Centuries before Plato and Sophocles roamed Athens, an earlier culture thrived on Bronze Age Crete, Greece’s largest island. As we explore and discuss this unique site, we will learn about its foundations, the society that supported it, the world of the Bronze Age Mediterranean in which it flourished, and the story behind the original throne of "Minos". Leaving Knossos behind, we will drive back to Heraklion to spend some time in one of the most important museums in Greece, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. It houses representative artifacts from all the periods of Cretan prehistory and history, covering a chronological span of over 5,500 years from the Neolithic period to Roman times. The singularly important Minoan collection contains unique examples of Minoan art, many of them true masterpieces.

After a morning well-spent in and around Knossos, we’ll take a break for lunch and a treat such as a Greek coffee and the renowned bougatsa pastry from Heraklion. Fueled by tasty Greek food, we’ll spend the last part of our tour exploring the charming capital of Crete, Heraklion, and its numerous historical monuments. From the cathedral of St. Minas to the impressive church of St. Titus to Lion Square and the local open-air market, our expert guide will add color and context to this historical center and architecture dating from the Venetian period (14th-17th century).

At the end of our full-day Knossos and Heraklion itinerary, we will have stitched together an Ancient Minoan, and Greek historical narrative. After having ventured together across a number of sites relevant to the archaeological identity of Crete, our full-day tour will leave us with a deeper sense of the importance of this small Greek island.

NOTE: This tour includes a car service that will pick you up at your accommodation. We are able to accommodate tours starting from Heraklion, Chania or Elounda. Please tell us your hotel or apartment address in the 'Additional Details' box while adding the tour to your shopping cart and select the correct car service at check out.
Is lunch included in this full-day tour?
Your expert guide will select a typical local restaurant for lunch but the cost of the meal is not included in the tour price.  
 
What happens if it's raining?
Our tours happen rain or shine. Our guides are great at adapting their route during changes in weather. 
 
Is this walk suitable for families?
Although it might be a long day for younger learners, we can adapt this day to be more geared towards families. 
 
Where do we meet? Where does the tour end?
The tour starts and ends at your accommodation in Heraklion. Due to the geography of the island, please let us know where you are staying so we can arrange a transfer for you. 
 
Our hotel is in Crete, but not in Heraklion, can we take this tour?
We are able to accommodate transportation from Heraklion, and Chania or Elounda for an extra cost. You can select the correct car service at check out and leave us a note about your hotel address.

If we are staying in Heraklion are we able to start this tour earlier?
Yes, from Heraklion we can start the tour at 9 am if you'd like to begin earlier. If you'd like to do the 9 am start time you can write it in your order details and we'll make that change noting you are staying in Heraklion.
 
Is this tour walking intensive, and/or wheelchair accessible?
This tour is accessible for wheelchairs and people with mobility issues with some adjustments. A part of the Knossos Palace Archeological Site is not accessible to wheelchairs, but the Archaeological Museum is completely accessible. If you have mobility concerns, please feel free to contact us after booking so we can coordinate with our guides to accommodate your needs. 
 
What other tours do you offer in Crete? 
Where You'll Start
(4.83) 14 Reviews

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.

Ioannis was an amazing guide! Knowledgeable, entertaining, friendly and very helpful. We had a great day at Knossos and in Heraklion.
Dimitra was amazing. To be honest, we constructed this part of our holiday around the tour, knowing that Context had a reputation for providing good tours. That being said, Dimitra excelled all our expectations. I say this having visited Delphi, Epidaurus, and Syracuse in the last two weeks. This tour and the information Dimitra provided on the Minoan civilization has capped off our Grand tour. She bought the culture to life for us and filled our minds and hearts with joy, and also respect for this cornerstone of Western civilization. I could not recommend her any higher and intended to inform all my colleagues back home, about both Context, and particularly her expertise as a guide.
Dimitra made our trip to the Palace of Knossos and the museum very special. Thank you !

Embark on an unforgettable journey by choosing amongst our various Tours of Crete. On this full day tour, start at the iconic Knossos Palace and venture through the vibrant city of Heraklion. Our tour is a personalized day full of culture and educational insights that Context Travel is renowned for. Guided by experts passionate about Crete's rich history, you'll explore the ancient ruins of Knossos, and learn about the mysteries of the Minoan civilization.

As you wander through Heraklion, you'll uncover hidden gems and local stories that bring the city's modern and ancient history to life. Our commitment to sustainability ensures that your visit supports the preservation of Crete's cultural heritage.

To deepen your understanding before your visit, check out our blog on the best Greek islands, which provides insightful context and travel tips. We also recommend our online lecture on Greek islands to enhance your appreciation of the region's rich history and culture.

Join us for an experience that goes beyond the ordinary. Book your Crete Full-Day Tour today and immerse yourself in the captivating stories and sights of this remarkable island.