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Private Tour of Knossos: Explore Ancient Crete's Past & Heraklion's Charming Old Town
4.5
6 Ratings
Knosos
Embark on a private tour of Knossos and explore ancient Crete's past. Discover the Palace of Knossos, the Archaeological Museum, and the charming Old Town of Heraklion. Book now!
Duration:
4 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Knossos Archaeological Site - Experience the grandeur of ancient Crete with our private tour to the Palace of Knossos. Our knowledgeable driver will take you back 4,000 years to explore the oldest civilization in Europe. Discover the extensive workshop installations, luxurious rock-cut caves, and tholos tombs that make up this archaeological marvel. As a major center of trade and the economy, Knossos maintained ties with the majority of cities in the Eastern Mediterranean. Don’t miss your chance to witness the magnificence of this monumental palace and learn about the rich lifestyle of the ancient Minoans.
- Heraklion Archaeological Museum - Explore the rich history of Crete with a visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, one of the largest and most important museums in Greece and Europe. See artifacts spanning over 5,500 years, from the Neolithic period to Roman times, and gain insight into Cretan prehistory and history. This is a must-see destination for history buffs and anyone interested in the ancient civilizations that shaped the island.
- Old Venetian Harbor of Heraklion - Explore the fascinating Old Town of Heraklion, located next to the modern center, and discover the past and present of Crete. Wander through the narrow, steep streets and feel as though you have been transported back in time to the centuries of Venetian and Ottoman rule. Admire the aristocratic buildings, churches, and boutiques, and relax in the leafy squares with fountains and bustling cafés. The Old Town is protected by massive defensive walls and features the impressive 16th-century Venetian Fort of Koules along the harbor. Take a stroll along the waterfront and marvel at the fishing boats lining the shore.
What's Included
- Private transportation with an English-speaking driver
- All taxes included
- Optional licensed tour guide service
- Convenient pick-up and drop-off from your cruise ship or hotel
What's Not Included
- Gratuities (optional)
- Entry/Admission fee is not included
Additional Information
Embark on a Private Coastal Tour to the Palace of Knossos, the Archaeological Museum & the Historic Center of Heraklion, in Ancient Crete. Experience the grandeur of the Knossos palace and its trading links with the Eastern Mediterranean. Explore the rich collections of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, representing more than 5,500 years of Cretan heritage. Wander about the delightful Heraklion Old Town, replete with exceptional architecture, shops, and lively cafes. Seize the opportunity to delve into Crete’s past and present in one extraordinary day. Reserve your spot today!
Location
Knossos Archaeological Site
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.5
(6 Ratings)
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Sarah_d
Jul 21, 2023
The Definition of Professional - Maria was a magnificent guide and she structured our tour beautifully. Our group was quite varied in terms of walking ability and attention span, and the day was hot, but she helped us navigate the heat, uneven ground, and crowds at Knossos to give us a sense of the scope and beauty of the site. We then moved to the museum, and with the context she had created at the palace and her knowledge of the collection we moved through it with much greater appreciation than we would have had without her guidance. I LOVED the museum as she presented it.
Next, we had been in communication with the tour agency about perhaps stopping at a beach before returning to the ship, but we hadn’t finalized those details. Maria and Manolis, our driver, were very flexible and helped us arrange the additional payment necessary for the extra stop and choose which part of the beach would be best. After dropping Maria and the non-beach goers at the port, Manolis took us to a lovely reasonably priced spot where we relaxed and then brought us back to the ship in plenty of time. It was a wonderful day.
Review provided by Viator
Harry
Jul 20, 2022
Great day trip around Heraklion and Spinalonga - Our driver was fantastic. Very punctual and professional. He was very flexible with the trip, knowledgeable and spoke fantastic English. Would definitely recommend to everyone.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Una_a
Nov 18, 2021
Very informative - I would highly recommend that if you go to Knossos you also go to Archaeological Museum to help tied in all the history. Our guide Emmanuel, was super knowledgeable of the history and historical facts.
Review provided by Viator
E396jzpeterr
Jul 28, 2019
Great compact tour - We got there early, which I would highly recommend as it was very hot and you will get there before the cruise ship people arrive. We had a small group of around 12~14 and it lasted around 1.5 hours. Our tour guide was called Calypso (apologies if I spelled it incorrectly) and here passion was palpable. she was a teacher and tried to make it interactive and thought provoking for everyone there. The ticket also lets you go to the archaeological museum and you need to go there to make the story complete. Knossos is very thought provoking and the museum will leave you in awe. Just do it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Honor
Aug 12, 2019
Guide was not worth paying 100 euros - Palace of Knossos was definitely worth visiting. There is no labrynth and the museum is not on site. But the Palace of Knossos is cool. Read up on it before coming instead of paying the guide. Also there are signs in both greek and english.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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