KNOSSOS PALACE AND HERAKLION TOWN ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

Explore the captivating world of ancient Minoan civilization at the Knossos Palace and Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Visitors can uncover the mysteries of the legendary labyrinth, marvel at intricate frescoes, and explore the island’s Bronze Age heritage. From the sprawling ruins of Knossos to the impressive museum collection, this journey offers a unique opportunity to take in Crete’s rich history. Prepare to be captivated by the enduring legacy of the Minoans.

Key Points

• Comprehensive tour of the Minoan Palace of Knossos, showcasing its vibrant frescoes and architectural features dating back over 5,000 years.
• Guided walking tour of Heraklion city, exploring the Venetian harbor, old market, and architectural marvels of the Old Town.
• Visit to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, which houses an impressive collection chronicling 6,000 years of Crete’s history, including the Phaistos Disc and Snake Goddess figurine.
• Convenient transportation in an air-conditioned bus, with a professional driver and accessibility for wheelchair users.
• Live guides available in multiple languages, along with audio guides for self-paced exploration and understanding.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Tour

This comprehensive tour allows visitors to explore the stunning Minoan Palace of Knossos and discover the vibrant city of Heraklion, the capital of Crete.

Priced from $60.93 per person, the 1.5-day experience includes guided tours, photo stops, and free time.

Highlights include the iconic Palace of Knossos, a walking tour of Heraklion, and an optional visit to the Archaeological Museum.

Transportation, audio guide equipment, and entrance fees are covered, while meals and drinks aren’t included.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, with guides available in multiple languages.

Exploring the Palace of Knossos

The Palace of Knossos, dating back over 5,000 years, stands as a testament to the remarkable Minoan civilization. Guided tours take visitors through the intricate labyrinth of archaeological ruins, where they can imagine the grandeur of this once-thriving metropolis. The palace boasts impressive architectural features, including ornate frescoes, complex drainage systems, and the iconic Throne Room. Exploration of Knossos offers a glimpse into the advanced society that flourished on the island of Crete.

| Site Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Minoan Frescoes | Vibrant wall paintings depicting palace life |

| Throne Room | Ornate chamber where the Minoan ruler held court |

| Labyrinth Structure | Complex layout mimicking a mythical labyrinth |

| Drainage System | Advanced engineering for water management |

| Archaeological Significance | Insight into one of Europe’s earliest advanced civilizations |

Guided Tour of Heraklion City

After exploring the captivating ruins of the Minoan Palace of Knossos, the tour moves on to the vibrant city of Heraklion.

Guests embark on a guided walking tour through the city’s historical landmarks. They’ll stroll along the Venetian harbor, admiring the architectural marvels of the Old Town.

The tour then leads them to Heraklion’s lively old market, where they can browse a variety of local products and souvenirs.

An optional visit to the Archaeological Museum allows guests to delve deeper into Crete’s 6,000-year-old history.

The tour provides ample free time for independent exploration and shopping.

Highlights of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum

As guests step inside the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, they’re greeted by an impressive collection that chronicles 6,000 years of Crete’s captivating history.

Highlights include the famed Phaistos Disc, an enigmatic Minoan artifact from the 17th century BCE. Visitors can also admire the iconic Snake Goddess figurine, a stunning example of Minoan religious iconography.

The museum’s wealth of Bronze Age artifacts provides a window into the advanced Minoan civilization that flourished on the island. From intricate jewelry to meticulously crafted pottery, each piece offers a glimpse into Crete’s rich cultural heritage.

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Shopping Opportunities in Heraklion

While exploring the historic city of Heraklion, visitors can discover a wealth of shopping opportunities that showcase Crete’s vibrant local culture.

Heraklion, a historic city, offers a wealth of shopping experiences that showcase Crete’s vibrant local culture.

The Heraklion Central Market is a bustling hub where vendors sell an array of fresh produce, cheeses, herbs, and olive oils.

For traditional handicrafts, visitors can browse the shops lining the Venetian Loggia, offering handmade pottery, woven textiles, and leather goods.

Other highlights include:

1. Agora, an open-air market featuring artisanal items like jewelry, ceramics, and wood carvings.

2. Local specialty stores selling Cretan wines, raki (a local spirit), and honey.

3. Boutiques showcasing contemporary Greek fashion and design.

4. Outdoor stalls selling local street food and sweet treats.

Transportation and Accessibility

The tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned bus, providing a comfortable and convenient way for visitors to explore the sites.

The professional driver ensures a smooth journey.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for all travelers.

Live tour guides are available in multiple languages, including English, French, German, Italian, Russian, and Polish, catering to a diverse audience.

Audio guides in the same languages are also provided, allowing visitors to explore the sites at their own pace and gain a deeper understanding of the rich history and cultural significance of Knossos Palace and Heraklion Town.

Tour Inclusions and Pricing

The tour offers a range of inclusions to provide a comprehensive experience.

Pricing starts at $60.93 per person, with a duration of 1.5 days and a free cancellation policy.

Priced at $60.93 per person, this 1.5-day tour offers a free cancellation policy for your convenience.

The tour includes:

• Transportation in an air-conditioned bus with a professional driver

• Guided tour of the Knossos Palace and wireless audio guide equipment

• Walking guided tour of Heraklion, including the Venetian Harbor and Old Town

• All legal taxes and liability insurance coverage

Food and drinks aren’t included, but the tour is wheelchair accessible, and live guides are available in multiple languages.

Cancellation Policy and Payment Options

This tour offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This gives travelers flexibility to change their plans.

The tour also provides a reserve now & pay later option, allowing customers to secure their spot without immediate payment. This convenient feature makes booking the tour easier and more accessible.

The combination of a flexible cancellation policy and deferred payment option ensures a hassle-free booking experience for those interested in exploring the historic Knossos Palace and Heraklion Town Archaeological Museum.

Since You Asked

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, food and drinks are not included in the tour. Participants are welcome to bring their own, but they’ll need to purchase them separately. The tour price covers transportation, guides, and entrance fees only.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

Children under 12 and seniors 65+ receive a 10% discount on the tour price. However, food and drinks are not included in the tour, so guests will need to bring their own or purchase from local vendors.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration for an Additional Fee?

Yes, you can extend the tour duration for an additional fee. The tour operator offers flexible options to customize your experience, allowing you to spend more time exploring the sites at your own pace.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Each Location?

The tour allocates 80 minutes at the Palace of Knossos and 3 hours in Heraklion. There’s no option to extend the tour duration, but you can explore the sites at your own pace during the free time provided.

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Knossos Palace?

Photography is allowed inside Knossos Palace, though flash photography is prohibited to protect the ancient artifacts. The guided tour allocates 80 minutes for visitors to explore and photograph the palace’s impressive ruins and frescoes.

Final Words

Knossos Palace and Heraklion Town Archaeological Museum offer a captivating exploration of Crete’s Minoan heritage. Visitors can enjoy the ancient ruins of Knossos, then delve deeper into the island’s history through the impressive artifact collection at the Heraklion Museum. This tour provides a comprehensive understanding of Crete’s Bronze Age legacy and an opportunity to discover the region’s rich cultural treasures.

You can check availability for your dates here: