Heraklion: Knossos Private Guided Tour & Skip-the-Line Entry

Explore the captivating ruins of Knossos on a private guided tour. This comprehensive experience offers skip-the-line access, allowing you to dive straight into the heart of Europe’s oldest palace. With a licensed guide by your side, you’ll uncover the rich Minoan history that’s etched into every stone. From the intricate architecture to the fascinating legends, this tour promises an immersive journey through the ancient world. But there’s more to discover – the details might just surprise you.

Key Points

• Explore the ancient Minoan palace of Knossos with a private guided tour, skipping the ticket line for a personalized 1.5-hour experience.
• Discover the labyrinth, throne room, and dolphin apartment while learning about the history of Europe’s oldest city, dating back to 2000 BC.
• Choose from available tour languages including English, French, Russian, and Greek, with a knowledgeable and enthusiastic licensed guide.
• Enjoy convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, and take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Prepare for your visit by wearing comfortable shoes and bringing sun protection, as larger luggage is not allowed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Details

The Knossos Private Guided Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the ancient Palace of Knossos. Priced at $202.50 per person, the 1.5-hour tour is available in English, French, Russian, and Greek.

Guests will skip the ticket line and be met by a private, licensed guide to discover the site’s labyrinth, palace, and legendary history. The private group experience allows for personalized attention.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and payment can be made later. The tour starts at the main entrance of the palace, and visitors should come prepared with comfortable shoes and sun protection.

Tour Highlights and Itinerary

Explore the Labyrinth and Palace of Knossos, the oldest throne in Europe, and the dolphin apartment of Queen Pasiphae on this private guided tour.

You’ll skip the long ticket lines and meet an exclusive guide who’ll share the history, myths, and legends surrounding this iconic site.

Discover the complex of over 1500 interlocking rooms, including the original throne of Minos and luxurious domestic quarters.

Knossos is Europe’s oldest city, with a first palace built around 2000 BC and a new palace built after a 1700 BC earthquake.

This 1.5-hour tour provides an in-depth look at this ancient wonder.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This private tour of Knossos includes the private guide, entrance tickets, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

The tour doesn’t include:

• Food and drinks

• Gratuities

• Pregnant women

• People with mobility impairments

• Wheelchair users

This tour isn’t suitable for those with limited mobility or expecting mothers.

Visitors should come prepared with comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a small bag or purse, as larger luggage isn’t allowed.

Meeting Point and Important Information

The main entrance to the Palace of Knossos serves as the meeting point, located in front of the Ticket Office near the Coffee shop with the supplier’s sign.

Guests should bring their passport/ID, wear comfortable shoes, and pack sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. Large bags and luggage aren’t allowed.

Visitors can reach the site by local bus or car/taxi, but expect crowds during the summer months.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users.

Thorough preparation will ensure a smooth and enjoyable private guided tour of this historic Minoan palace.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

Customers have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback on this Knossos Private Guided Tour, awarding it an impressive overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 54 reviews.

Customers have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback on this Knossos Private Guided Tour, awarding it an impressive overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 54 reviews.

Reviewers consistently praise the tour guide’s knowledge and enthusiasm, with one guest describing the experience as "fantastic and informative."

Others highlight the tour’s excellent value for money and great local lunch recommendation.

The Knossos tour seems to offer a truly immersive and enriching experience for visitors:

• "Guide was knowledgeable and enthusiastic."

• "Terrific guide, great lunch recommendation."

• "Fantastic and informative!"

• "Highly recommend this tour."

• "Worth every penny."

History and Significance of Knossos

As Europe’s oldest city, Knossos has a rich and storied history dating back to around 2000 BC. The first palace was built during this time, establishing Knossos as a major center of power and culture in the Minoan civilization.

After an earthquake in 1700 BC, a new, more sophisticated palace was constructed – one featuring over 1,500 interconnected rooms, luxurious quarters, and the oldest throne in Europe.

Knossos was the seat of King Minos and the setting for the ancient Greek myth of the Labyrinth and the Minotaur. Today, the site offers visitors a unique glimpse into the grandeur of the Minoan era.

What to Expect on the Private Guided Tour

When visitors join this private guided tour of Knossos, they’ll skip the long ticket lines and be greeted by an exclusive, licensed guide.

The tour delves into the history, myths, and legends surrounding Europe’s oldest city and first palace. Highlights include:

• Exploring the labyrinth-like palace and its interlocking rooms

• Seeing the oldest throne in Europe and the "dolphin apartment" of Queen Pasiphae

• Learning about the site’s fascinating past, from its origins in 2000 BC to its reconstruction after a 1700 BC earthquake

• Gaining insider knowledge from an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide

Throughout the 1.5-hour experience, visitors will uncover the grandeur and mysteries of this iconic archaeological wonder.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Age Restrictions for This Tour?

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments. There are no other age restrictions mentioned in the details provided. Wheelchair users are also unable to participate in this tour.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

No, pets are not allowed on this tour. The tour details state it’s "not suitable for people with mobility impairments," which likely extends to pets as well. Bringing a pet would be disruptive and could interfere with the tour experience.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour duration is 1.5 hours and cannot be extended. Pets are not allowed on the tour. While the standard duration may not be sufficient for some, the private nature of the experience allows visitors to maximize their time at Knossos.

Do You Offer Private Transportation to the Site?

The tour provider doesn’t offer private transportation to the site, but visitors can reach it by local bus or car/taxi. They recommend expecting crowds during the summer and advise bringing comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and water.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Archaeological Site?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside the Knossos archaeological site. However, it’s best to check for any specific restrictions or rules on photography when you arrive. Taking photos helps capture the site’s impressive features.

The Sum Up

The Heraklion: Knossos Private Guided Tour & Skip-the-Line Entry offers an immersive glimpse into ancient Greek history. With a licensed guide, you’ll explore the remarkable Palace of Knossos, Europe’s oldest throne room, and uncover the intriguing Minoan era. Hassle-free entry and personalized attention ensure a comfortable and enriching experience for those seeking to explore the rich cultural heritage of this iconic archaeological site.

You can check availability for your dates here: