Knossos Minoan Palace & Heraklion City Center

Knossos Minoan Palace & Heraklion City Center - Thumbnail 3

Step into Europe’s first civilization

Itinerary

Pickup from your hotel in Sitia, Makrigialos, Ierapetra, Agios Nikolaos

Bus transfer to Knossos

After completing the hotel pickups, we travel by comfortable bus to the famous archaeological site of Knossos, the largest Bronze Age palace on Crete and one of the most significant archaeological sites in all of Europe.

Knossos Minoan Palace

Our first stop is the magnificent Knossos Archaeological Site, where a professional guide will lead you through the fascinating ruins of this ancient Minoan palace — the largest Bronze Age palace in Crete, dating back over 3,500 years. Explore the iconic ruins, vibrant frescoes, royal chambers, and the legendary labyrinth said to have housed the mythical Minotaur.

1h 30m

Bus transfer from Knossos to Heraklion center

After exploring Knossos, we board our comfortable bus for a short drive to the vibrant city center of Heraklion — the bustling capital of Crete with a rich history stretching from the Minoan era through Venetian rule, leaving behind impressive fortresses, fountains, and charming architecture.

20m

Guided walking tour in Heraklion center

Your professional guide will lead you through the historic city center, exploring lively streets, Venetian monuments, and the colorful Old Market, full of local products and authentic Cretan life. Stop at the iconic Morosini Fountain, built in 1628 and decorated with four marble lions, before visiting the elegant Venetian Loggia — a 17th-century building where Venetian nobles once gathered, standing today as a symbol of the city's rich heritage."

40m

Free time to explore Heraklion

Enjoy approximately 2 hours of free time in the heart of Heraklion. Stroll along the famous 1866 Street — the city's main market street — for souvenir and local product shopping, or explore the boutiques and shops around Lion's Square. Sit down for a traditional Cretan lunch at one of the many tavernas nearby, or relax with a coffee at one of the charming cafés surrounding the Morosini Fountain. A perfect opportunity to soak up the authentic atmosphere of Crete's vibrant capital.

Return from Heraklion

After a memorable day exploring the wonders of Knossos and the vibrant city of Heraklion, we board our comfortable bus for the return journey, dropping you off directly at your hotel.

Transfer back to your hotel

What's Included

Inclusions

Experienced tour guide throughout the excursion.
Hotel pick-up and drop-off with comfortable air-conditioned bus.
Licensed professional guide for the guided tour at Knossos.
Guided walking tour with a licensed guide through Heraklion’s historic center, visiting the old market, Lion’s Fountain Square and the Venetian Loggia.

Exclusions

Entrance fee to Knossos Palace: €20 per person. Free for EU citizens under 25 years old and 50% discount for seniors over 65.
Lunch in Heraklion and Gratuities are optional and not included.
Audio guide headsets: €2 per person.

Additional info

We recommend wearing sunscreen and a hat, bringing comfortable shoes and a bottle of water.
Pets are not allowed.
Not recommended for people with heart conditions or serious health issues.
This excursion is not wheelchair accessible.

Full Description

Our trip starts from Ierapetra and by bus we will take you to the capital of Crete Heraklion city for a full day! We will be heading to Knossos archaeological area directly and our first stop will be there. You will be offered a guided tour by a professional licensed guide around the magnificent historical sights of the area.

Our guide will describe the great history behind the Minoan civilization, and you will learn about King Minos, famous in mythology for his wisdom and as a judge of the underworld. You will be amazed at how many artifacts are located there from the Minoan civilization. Of course, you can take pictures of the Minoan Palace and all the sights and capture unforgettable memories.

After staying approximately 2 hours in Knossos area, we will take our bus and you will be transferred to the center of Heraklion. We will offer you 30 minutes guided tour around the city center (also from a licensed guide) and also provide 2 more hours free/own time. Great opportunity to visit the history museum located in the city center, but also to go shopping and enjoy your coffee and lunch in the capital of Crete!

Booking Policy

Confirmation policy

The customer receives a confirmation voucher via email within 24 hours of successful booking.

In case the preferred slots are unavailable, an alternate schedule of the customer's preference will be arranged and a new confirmation voucher will be sent via email.

Alternatively, the customer may choose to cancel their booking before confirmation and a full refund will be processed.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before excursion's starting time.
25% payment for cancelling 12-24h before excursion's starting time.
Fully charged for no show, or cancelling less than 12h before excursions's starting time.

Refund policy

The applicable refund amount will be processed within 2-3 business days.