Best of Heraklion : Knossos – Arch.Museum – City Tour

Uncover the captivating history of Crete with the "Best of Heraklion" tour. Explore the grandeur of Knossos Palace, a legendary Minoan site, and explore the Heraklion Archaeological Museum‘s unparalleled collection of Minoan artifacts. As you stroll through the city’s charming historical center, you’ll witness the architectural influences of Venetian, Byzantine, and Ottoman cultures. With expert guides providing in-depth insights, this tour promises an enriching experience that will leave you eager to discover more about Crete’s remarkable past.

Key Points

• Explore the ancient grandeur of Knossos Palace, the legendary home of King Minos and the mythical Labyrinth of the Minotaur.
• Discover the historical significance of Heraklion’s city center, including its Venetian, Byzantine, and Ottoman architecture.
• Uncover the treasures of the renowned Archaeological Museum, featuring exceptional Bronze Age collections and the iconic Phaistos Disc.
• Experience a guided tour led by licensed experts, providing in-depth insights into Heraklion’s history and cultural significance.
• Convenient transportation options with hotel pickup and alternative meeting points, as well as a local bus ticket to the city center.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Knossos Palace

As visitors approach the magnificent Knossos Palace, they’ll be struck by its ancient grandeur and the rich history it represents.

The palace, once home to the legendary King Minos, offers a glimpse into the enigmatic Minoan civilization. With skip-the-line entry, guests can explore the intricate architecture, ornate frescoes, and the mythical Labyrinth where the Minotaur was said to roam.

Guided by knowledgeable experts, visitors will uncover the palace’s secrets and gain a deeper understanding of this iconic archaeological site that has captivated the imagination of people for centuries.

Discovering Heraklion’s Historical City Center

After exploring the grandeur of Knossos Palace, the tour moves on to discover Heraklion’s historical city center.

Participants will stroll through the city’s Venetian, Byzantine, and Ottoman architecture. The guide will provide insights into the city’s history and cultural significance, including notable figures like El Greco and Nikos Kazantzakis.

Guests will have free time to relax and enjoy local cuisine between visits.

The city tour starts at 12:30 PM from Liberty Square, and participants must use local bus transport to reach the Archaeological Museum for the final part of the tour.

Uncovering the Treasures of the Archaeological Museum

The tour now moves to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, renowned for its exceptional Bronze Age collections.

Participants embark on a 1.5-hour guided exploration of the museum’s highlights. The guide delves into the significance of the Minoan civilization, bringing to life the artifacts that shed light on their advanced culture.

Visitors marvel at the exquisite Phaistos Disc, the mysterious inscribed clay tablet, and the iconic Bull-Leaping Fresco.

The museum’s comprehensive exhibits captivate all who enter, offering a comprehensive understanding of Crete’s illustrious past.

This museum visit completes the immersive journey through Heraklion’s remarkable history and heritage.

Guided Experience With Licensed Experts

The tour is led by licensed guides who provide a small group experience, giving participants in-depth insights into Heraklion’s rich history and cultural significance.

Guests learn about notable figures like the artist El Greco and author Nikos Kazantzakis. Guides offer free time between visits, allowing travelers to relax and grab a meal.

The tour covers the ancient Minoan palace of Knossos, the acclaimed Archaeological Museum, and Heraklion’s historic city center featuring Venetian, Byzantine, and Ottoman architecture.

Reviewers praise the guides’ wealth of information and mindblowing journey through history.

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Transportation and Meeting Points

Pickup for the tour is available from hotels in Heraklion’s city center.

Alternatively, participants can meet at Eleftherias Square near the Archaeological Museum.

The tour starts at 9:00 AM at the Knossos Palace entrance.

The city tour portion begins at 12:30 PM from Liberty Square, and the museum tour starts at 2:00 PM.

A local bus ticket from Knossos to the city center costs €2 but isn’t included in the tour price.

Participants must arrange their own transportation between the different sites on the itinerary.

Traveler Reviews and Ratings

Based on the tour details provided, the Best of Heraklion Tour has received positive feedback from travelers. Reviews highlight the expertise of the guides, with one reviewer praising "Maria" for her wealth of information, and another mentioning "George" as very knowledgeable across all three sites. Travelers have described the experience as "mindblowing" and a "walk through history." However, the value-for-money rating is slightly lower at 3.8/5, while transportation is rated higher at 4.7/5.

| Ratings | Score |

| — | — |

| Overall | 4.6/5 |

| Transportation | 4.7/5 |

| Value for Money | 3.8/5 |

Preparation and Restrictions

Travelers are recommended to wear comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a sun hat, and bring sunscreen for the Best of Heraklion Tour.

Smoking and bringing large bags or luggage are prohibited. Participants can join the tour either from the city center or the Knossos Palace entrance.

The meeting point at Knossos Palace is at 9:00 AM, while the city tour starts at 12:30 PM from Liberty Square, and the museum tour is at 2:00 PM.

Travelers are responsible for arranging their own transportation between the tour stops, as the local bus ticket from Knossos to the city center isn’t included in the tour price.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The tour policies do not allow participants to bring their own food and drinks. It’s recommended to purchase any refreshments at the designated stops during the free time provided by the guides.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention senior or student discounts. However, many similar tours in the area do offer reduced prices for these groups. It’s worth checking with the tour provider to see if any discounts are available.

Is the Tour Available in Languages Other Than English?

The tour is available in multiple languages besides English, including Spanish, French, and German. Customers should check with the tour provider for language options when booking to ensure their preferred language is offered.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Lunch During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a dedicated lunch break, but guides provide free time between visits for participants to relax and have meals at their own pace. The total tour duration is 6 hours.

Can I Take Photos and Videos During the Tour?

Participants can take photos and videos during the tour, but guides may provide guidelines on when and where photography is permitted, especially within sensitive archaeological sites. Visitors should respect any restrictions to ensure the preservation of the venues.

The Sum Up

The "Best of Heraklion" tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore Crete’s captivating history. From the grandeur of Knossos Palace to the wealth of artifacts at the Archaeological Museum, visitors are immersed in the island’s rich cultural heritage. Guided by experts, the tour showcases the architectural influences that have shaped Heraklion’s city center, providing a comprehensive understanding of this remarkable destination.

You can check availability for your dates here: