Visit Knossos and the Valley of Zeus

Crete’s ancient wonders await those who seek to uncover its legendary past. Visiting the Palace of Knossos, one can explore the ruins where the Minotaur’s labyrinth once stood, marveling at the vibrant frescoes and iconic throne room. Just beyond lies the Valley of Zeus, a picturesque landscape believed to be the birthplace of the mighty god. Here, visitors can enjoy Crete’s rich culture and history, a journey that promises to captivate the senses.

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Key Points

Explore the mythical home of the Minotaur at the Palace of Knossos, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing the advanced Minoan civilization.
Discover off-the-beaten-path locations in Crete, indulge in local olive oils, wines, and traditional delicacies, and learn about the island’s rich culinary heritage.
Savor authentic Cretan culture through a 2-hour tasting experience of local wines, cheeses, and snacks in a picturesque setting.
Enjoy a personalized small group tour with flexibility to cater to individual interests and meaningful interactions with locals.
Convenient hotel or port pickup, guided tour at Knossos, and all inclusions, such as entry fees and tastings, provided in the tour package.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Mythical Palace of Knossos

What makes the Palace of Knossos so captivating? It’s the mythical home of the Minotaur, a legendary creature with the head of a bull and the body of a man.

Visitors can explore the labyrinthine ruins and imagine the grandeur of this Bronze Age palace. The guided tour offers insights into the advanced Minoan civilization that flourished here over 4,000 years ago.

Highlights include the throne room, frescoes, and the iconic double-headed axes. Skipping the ticket line ensures you maximize your time at this iconic archaeological site on the island of Crete.

Looking for more options in Archanes? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Discovering the Hidden Gems of Crete

After exploring the captivating Palace of Knossos, the tour heads off the beaten path to uncover Crete’s hidden gems.

Over the next 2 hours, visitors will:

Over the next 2 hours, visitors will indulge in Crete’s renowned olive oils, wines, and raki, and savor local cheeses and garden-fresh delicacies.

Indulge in a tasting of Crete’s renowned olive oils, wines, and the traditional spirit raki.
Savor an array of local cheeses and garden-fresh delicacies.
Gain insights into the island’s rich culinary heritage and sustainable farming practices.
Immerse themselves in the authentic atmosphere of a charming, off-the-grid location away from tourist crowds.

This intimate, small-group experience allows travelers to truly connect with Crete’s unique culture and flavors.

Taking in the Local Culture and Tastings

Where does the tour take visitors after exploring the captivating Palace of Knossos?

The tour travels to a hidden gem, where guests enjoy 2 hours of wine, cheese, and local snacks tasting. They experience authentic Cretan culture through olive oil, wine, raki, and garden product tastings.

The small group tour provides a personalized experience, allowing guests to enjoy the local flavors and traditions of the island.

Tastings take place in a picturesque setting, giving visitors a chance to savor the unique tastes of Crete and learn about its rich cultural heritage in an intimate setting.

Personalized Small Group Experience

The small group tour size ensures a personalized experience, allowing guests to enjoy the local culture.

This intimate setting enables deeper connections with the guide and fellow travelers.

Key benefits of the small group tour include:

Exclusive attention from the knowledgeable guide
Flexibility to cater to individual interests
Ease of movement and navigating through sites
Opportunities for meaningful interactions with locals

The small group format cultivates a relaxed and enriching journey, giving travelers a genuine glimpse into the authentic Cretan way of life.

This personalized approach elevates the overall tour experience.

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Convenient Transportation and Pickup

Guests will be conveniently picked up from their hotel or the port in Heraklion city for this tour. The travel time to the iconic Palace of Knossos is only 20 minutes by car. After the guided tour, guests will be transported to a hidden gem location for 2 hours of wine, cheese, and local snacks tasting. Finally, the tour will return to Heraklion in 15 minutes.

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There's plenty more to explore in Archanes

Special Cretan Cooking Class at Archanes (Transfer Optional)

Tour Inclusions and Highlights

This tour offers a comprehensive experience, beginning with a guided exploration of the legendary Palace of Knossos – the mythical home of the Minotaur.

Visitors will then venture off the beaten path to experience authentic Cretan culture through:

Venture off the beaten path to experience authentic Cretan culture through local product tastings and a personalized small-group setting.

Olive oil, wine, raki, and other local product tastings.
A small-group setting for a personalized experience.
Skip-the-line access to the Knossos Palace.
Roundtrip transportation from Heraklion city, including hotel or port pickup and drop-off.

The tour is inclusive of all entry fees, tastings, and a knowledgeable guide, making it an exceptional value.

Important Considerations

Although this tour is generally suitable for most participants, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind.

Pregnant women and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions should avoid this tour.

Bringing drinks into the vehicle isn’t allowed, and audio recording is prohibited.

Guests should clarify their pickup point in Heraklion city to ensure a smooth transfer to the Knossos Palace.

These guidelines help ensure a comfortable and memorable experience for all participants.

Adhering to the tour’s policies will contribute to the overall success of the excursion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour is a small group experience, with the group size limited to ensure a personalized experience. The maximum group size is not explicitly stated, but it’s described as a "semi-private tour (small group)".

Do I Need to Bring My Own Water or Snacks?

The tour includes local olive oil, wine, raki, and snack tastings, so guests don’t need to bring their own water or snacks. However, it’s recommended to bring any personal items or medications you may need during the 4-hour excursion.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

The tour itinerary can’t be customized, but the small group size allows for a personalized experience. Guests should clarify their pickup point and can’t bring drinks or record audio in the vehicle.

Is There Wi-Fi Available During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t provide Wi-Fi access during the activities. You’ll need to rely on your mobile data or find public hotspots in Heraklion if you need internet connectivity throughout the experience.

Can Children Participate in the Wine and Raki Tastings?

Children are not allowed to participate in the wine and raki tastings on this tour. The tour is designed for adult participants only and does not accommodate minors for the alcohol-related activities.

The Sum Up

Visiting Knossos and the Valley of Zeus offers an unparalleled journey through Crete’s ancient history and mythology. Explore the legendary Palace of Knossos, uncover hidden gems, and immerse in local culture – all while enjoying a personalized small group experience with convenient transportation. This tour provides an enriching opportunity to discover Crete’s captivating blend of archaeological wonders and breathtaking natural beauty.