"Knossos Wine & More" offers travelers a chance to enjoy the wonders of Crete’s Minoan heritage. This private day trip features a guided tour of the renowned Knossos Archaeological Site and a visit to a family-owned winery for wine tasting. Guests can also savor a traditional Cretan lunch, ensuring a well-rounded exploration of the island’s rich culture and flavors. With private transportation and a perfect 5.0 rating, this tour promises an accessible and memorable experience.
Key Points
- This private day trip offers a comprehensive exploration of Knossos Archaeological Site, the Minoan civilization, and a local family-owned winery.
- The tour includes a guided visit to Knossos Palace, a traditional Cretan lunch, and a wine tasting experience.
- Pricing starts from $586.78 for up to four people, with transportation, entrance fees, and other inclusions covered.
- The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it suitable for most travelers seeking a seamless and well-rounded cultural experience.
- Positive reviews highlight the guide’s expertise and the tour’s ability to provide a glimpse into Crete’s rich history and culinary traditions.
Tour Overview and Highlights
This private day trip offers visitors a chance to explore the renowned Knossos Archaeological Site, explore the intriguing Minoan civilization, and savor the flavors of Crete at a family-owned winery and local tavern.
The tour includes a guided visit to the Knossos Palace, wine tasting, and a traditional Cretan lunch. Travelers will enjoy private transportation and the opportunity to enjoy the island’s history, culture, and gastronomy.
With highlights like the iconic Knossos ruins and handcrafted local wines, this excursion provides a well-rounded experience of Crete’s rich heritage.
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Itinerary and Menu
The tour’s itinerary and menu offer a delightful sampling of Cretan cuisine and local flavors. Starters include Ntolmades, stuffed cabbage or grape leaves, Ntakos, a crisp rusk with tomato, olive oil, and cheese, and Tzatziki, a strained yogurt with cucumbers, garlic, and herbs. For the main course, guests can choose from Rooster in Wine, braised in a tomato-wine sauce, Gemista, vegetables filled with rice and herbs, or the layered Moussaka dish. The tour concludes with a sweet treat of Loukoumades, deep-fried honey balls served in syrup.
| Starter Options | Main Course Options | Dessert |
| — | — | — |
| Ntolmades | Rooster in Wine | Loukoumades |
| Ntakos | Gemista | |
| Tzatziki | Moussaka | |
Inclusions and Pricing
The tour includes lunch, coffee or tea, all fees and taxes, and alcoholic beverages. Guests can taste four wines at the family-owned winery.
Entrance tickets for the Knossos Palace and Museum are also included. The price starts from $586.78 per group, accommodating up to four people.
Pickup from the hotel in the Heraklion District is free, though an extra fee applies for other districts. Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before the experience.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with infant seats available. Most travelers can participate, as this is a private tour for the group.
Meeting and Pickup Information
The chauffeur meets guests at their hotel lobby with a sign, as pickup from the hotel in the Heraklion District is included in the tour. An additional fee applies for pickup from other districts.
The meeting point is at DiscoveringCrete.com, located at Dimokratias 29 in Limenas Chersonisou, Greece.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with infant seats available. Most travelers can participate in this private tour for your group only.
Accessibility and Reviews
Is the tour wheelchair and stroller accessible? Yes, the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and infant seats are available.
This private tour is suitable for most travelers, with the experience catered to your group only. The tour has been rated 5.0 out of 5 based on 4 reviews, with praise for the guide’s knowledge and the overall experience.
Travelers have provided positive feedback on the tour’s organization and the quality of the food and wine served. The tour offers a seamless and enjoyable excursion to Knossos, a local winery, and the charming village of Archanes.
Exploring Knossos Archaeological Site
What makes the Knossos Archaeological Site such a captivating destination for visitors? As the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete, Knossos offers a unique glimpse into the Minoan civilization.
Guided tours provide an in-depth exploration of the well-preserved palace complex, including the throne room, the grand staircase, and the iconic frescoes.
Visitors can envision the grandeur of this ancient society, known for its advanced architecture, sophisticated artwork, and complex social structure.
The site’s historical significance and the opportunity to take in a bygone era make Knossos a must-visit attraction on any Cretan itinerary.
Discovering Cretan Winemaking Traditions
Beyond the archaeological wonders of Knossos, the island of Crete is renowned for its rich winemaking traditions that have thrived for millennia.
Visitors can explore these traditions through a guided wine tasting at a family-owned winery. The tour includes sampling a selection of four Cretan wines, learning about the region’s unique grape varieties and production methods.
The experience provides insight into the cultural significance of wine in Cretan society and the enduring legacy of this ancient craft. Tasting these local vintages complements the exploration of Minoan civilization, offering a holistic understanding of Crete’s heritage.
FAQ
Is It Possible to Customize the Tour Itinerary?
Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized. The tour operator is flexible and willing to accommodate special requests or modify the itinerary to better suit the customer’s interests and preferences.
How Long Is the Drive From Heraklion to the Winery?
The drive from Heraklion to the winery is approximately 20-25 minutes. The tour includes private transportation, so the chauffeur will handle the short drive between the pickup location and the winery for a seamless experience.
What Languages Do the Tour Guides Speak?
The tour guides speak multiple languages, including English, as they are highly knowledgeable about the local culture and history. They’ll provide insightful commentary to enhance the experience during the private tour of Knossos and the winery.
Can We Take Photos Inside the Archaeological Site?
Visitors are generally allowed to take photos within the Knossos Archaeological Site, but they should follow the site’s rules and avoid using flash or tripods. The guide can provide more specific guidance on photography during the tour.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Lunch Menu?
The tour menu accommodates various dietary needs. Vegetarian options like Gemista and Moussaka are available, and the Ntolmades starter is suitable for vegans. Guests can request any dietary restrictions when booking the tour.
Sum Up
This private day trip from "Knossos Wine & More" offers an immersive experience that seamlessly combines the rich history of the Minoan civilization, Crete’s acclaimed wine culture, and the region’s delectable culinary traditions. With private transportation, a guided tour of the Knossos Archaeological Site, a winery visit, and a traditional Cretan lunch, this tour promises a memorable exploration of Crete’s captivating heritage.
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