Crete: Knossos Palace, Winery & Olive Oil Tour With Lunch

Crete, the ancient cradle of the Minoan civilization, beckons with its captivating history and culinary delights. Visitors can explore the iconic Knossos Palace, unravel the myths of the Minotaur, and indulge in the rich flavors of Cretan wine and olive oil. This comprehensive tour promises an immersive experience, transporting travelers back in time while tantalizing their taste buds. But the journey doesn’t end there – a traditional Cretan lunch awaits, offering a true taste of the island’s legendary hospitality.

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Key Points

Explore the birthplace of Minoan civilization at the Palace of Knossos, dating back to 2000 BC, featuring architectural innovations and mythological legends.
Discover the myths of the Minotaur and the Labyrinth, and see the remnants of the mythical maze during the tour.
Marvel at the splendor of the Knossos Palace, with its vibrant frescoes, throne room, and central court showcasing Minoan cultural and religious practices.
Savor the flavors of Crete with a visit to a local winery, tasting renowned wine varieties and premium extra virgin olive oil.
Indulge in a traditional Cretan lunch featuring local specialties, such as dolmades, Cretan salad, and moussaka, accompanied by regional wine.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discover the Birthplace of Minoan Civilization

Although dating back to 2000 BC, the Palace of Knossos is the preserved centerpiece of the Minoan civilization – one of Europe’s earliest and most advanced ancient cultures.

As the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete, it offers a glimpse into the architectural innovations and mythological legends of this lost realm.

Explore the iconic Throne Room, once the seat of Minoan power, and marvel at the intricate frescoes and central courtyard that showcase the Minoans’ artistic sophistication.

Uncover the myths of the labyrinth and the Minotaur that have captivated the imaginations of visitors for centuries.

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Unravel the Myths of the Minotaur and Labyrinth

Beyond the architectural marvels of the Knossos Palace, visitors can uncover the captivating myths that have surrounded this ancient site for centuries. The legendary tale of the Minotaur, a half-man, half-bull creature, is said to have dwelled within the palace’s intricate labyrinth. Guests can explore the remnants of this mythical maze and imagine the treacherous journey of heroes like Theseus who sought to vanquish the Minotaur. The allure of these age-old stories adds an extra layer of intrigue to the Knossos experience, allowing travelers to step back in time and enjoy the rich tapestry of Minoan mythology.

| Myth | Description | Legacy |

| — | — | — |

| Minotaur | Half-man, half-bull creature | Housed in the labyrinth beneath Knossos Palace |

| Theseus | Hero who killed the Minotaur | Navigated the labyrinth with the help of Ariadne’s thread |

| Labyrinth | Intricate maze beneath the palace | Designed by Daedalus to imprison the Minotaur |

Immerse in the Splendor of Knossos Palace

Visitors to Knossos Palace are captivated by its sprawling ruins, which reveal the grandeur of the ancient Minoan civilization.

Guests explore the iconic Throne Room, adorned with vibrant frescoes depicting the Minoan royalty. The Central Court, the heart of the palace, showcases the architectural sophistication of the Minoans.

Wandering through the labyrinthine corridors, travelers uncover the myths surrounding the Minotaur and the Labyrinth. The tour guide provides insights into the Minoan cultural and religious practices, bringing the ancient site to life.

With its well-preserved structures and captivating history, Knossos Palace offers a glimpse into the remarkable Minoan legacy.

Indulge in the Flavors of Cretan Winery

After exploring the grandeur of Knossos Palace, the tour transports guests to a local winery nestled in the Cretan countryside. Here, participants savor the region’s renowned wine varieties, including Vilana and Kotsifali, through an informative tasting. Complementing the wine, guests also discover the rich flavors of premium extra virgin olive oil. Indulging in these quintessential Cretan delights, the experience offers a well-rounded appreciation for the island’s culinary heritage.

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Savor the Essence of Cretan Olive Oil

As part of the Cretan culinary experience, guests on the tour have the opportunity to explore the rich flavors of the region’s acclaimed extra virgin olive oil.

The olive oil tasting allows visitors to:

Appreciate the unique terroir that lends Cretan olive oil its distinctive taste.
Discern the subtle nuances in aroma, texture, and flavor profiles.
Understand the artisanal process of producing premium quality olive oil.
Discover how to select and use the best olive oil for various cooking applications.

This immersive olive oil experience completes the gastronomic journey, highlighting the essence of Cretan gastronomy.

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Delight in a Traditional Cretan Lunch

During the tour, guests have the opportunity to indulge in a traditional Cretan lunch that showcases the region’s celebrated culinary heritage. The meal features a selection of local specialties, including:

| Dish | Description |

| — | — |

| Dolmades | Grape leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, and minced meat |

| Cretan Salad | Fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese |

| Moussaka | Eggplant, ground meat, and béchamel sauce casserole |

| Raki | Traditional Cretan pomace brandy |

Accompanied by regional wine, this authentic lunch provides a flavorful glimpse into the rich gastronomic traditions of Crete.

Important Considerations for the Tour

Travelers should keep a few important considerations in mind when booking this Knossos Palace tour.

Firstly, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

Secondly, pets and smoking aren’t allowed.

Thirdly, dietary requests must be communicated to the local operator at least 48 hours in advance to accommodate any special needs, such as food allergies or vegetarian preferences.

Lastly, participants should bring essential items like a passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, a camera, sunscreen, and water to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Tour Schedule for Each Day?

The tour schedule includes visiting the Palace of Knossos, touring a local winery for wine and olive oil tastings, and enjoying a traditional Cretan lunch. The duration of the tour is 6 hours.

Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?

The tour can be booked for a private group, but the group size is limited to 8 participants. To arrange a private tour, customers should contact the local operator directly to check availability and make the necessary arrangements.

Do I Need to Purchase Tickets in Advance?

For this tour, it’s recommended to purchase tickets in advance. This ensures availability and avoids potential lines or sellouts on the day. Booking early also allows for smooth logistics and planning.

What Are the Tour Options for Solo Travelers?

This tour can accommodate solo travelers. The group size is limited to 8 participants, so solo travelers can join a small group. The tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off, so solo travelers don’t need to worry about transportation.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a stated minimum age requirement. However, it may not be suitable for very young children as the itinerary includes activities like wine tasting that aren’t appropriate for minors.

The Sum Up

Explore the captivating history and vibrant flavors of Crete on this immersive tour. Uncover the myths of Knossos Palace, indulge in renowned Cretan wines and olive oil, and savor a traditional local lunch. This comprehensive experience provides an authentic taste of the island’s rich cultural heritage and culinary delights.

You can check availability for your dates here: