Exploring the ancient ruins of Knossos and the vibrant city of Heraklion can be a captivating experience. This guided tour offers a chance to uncover Crete’s rich history and cultural heritage. With included entrance tickets, snacks, drinks, and a wine tasting, visitors can enjoy the island’s past and present. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a memorable adventure, this walking and tasting tour promises to provide an insightful glimpse into the distinctive character of Crete.
Key Points
- This tour explores the historic Knossos Palace and the vibrant city of Heraklion, including a guided tour, wine tasting, and transportation.
- The tour is priced at $206.26 per person, with a maximum group size of 16, and is cancellable up to 24 hours before the start.
- Inclusions cover entrance tickets, snacks, drinks, and a wine tasting, with transportation from Heraklion city center and all fees/taxes covered.
- The tour starts at 9:00 am, with pickup options from various locations in Heraklion, and concludes with a visit to Heraklion city.
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and individuals with mobility issues should consider this before booking.
Tour Overview
The tour provides visitors with the opportunity to explore the renowned Knossos Palace and discover the vibrant city of Heraklion through a walking and tasting experience.
Priced from $206.26 per person, the tour accommodates a maximum group size of 16 travelers. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start.
Included are entrance tickets to Knossos Palace, snacks, drinks, and a wine tasting. Transportation from Heraklion city center is provided, and all fees and taxes are covered.
The tour starts at 9 AM, and participants should arrive 15 minutes early for timely entrance.
Into exploring Heraklion on foot? Check out these other walking experiences we've looked at
Inclusions
The tour includes entrance tickets for Knossos Palace, allowing visitors to explore the archaeological site.
Along with the palace entry, the experience provides snacks, bottled water, coffee/tea, and a wine tasting.
Travelers will also receive a transfer from the Heraklion city center and all fees and taxes are covered.
The only exclusions are personal expenses and gratuities.
The only expenses not covered are personal and gratuity costs.
This comprehensive package ensures a hassle-free experience, allowing participants to fully enjoy the ancient Minoan culture and the vibrant modern city of Heraklion.
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points are available, which travelers can select during the booking process.
The tour starts at 9:00 am, and participants are advised to arrive 15 minutes early for the entrance.
The meeting points include:
-
Heraklion city center
-
Knossos Palace
-
Nearby hotels
-
Cruise ship terminal
-
Heraklion International Airport
Travelers will be picked up from their chosen location and transported to the Knossos Palace, where the guided tour begins.
The tour concludes with a visit to Heraklion city, providing a comprehensive experience of the region’s history and culture.
Accessibility and Recommendations
Is the tour wheelchair accessible? No, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. However, it’s located near public transportation.
Infants must sit on laps during the tour. The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.
On the other hand, most travelers can participate in the experience. The tour involves walking and navigating uneven terrain at Knossos Palace, so individuals with mobility issues should consider this before booking.
Reviews and Feedback
A limited number of reviews are available for this tour, with a total of 2 reviews and a rating of 4.5 stars.
Positive feedback highlights the knowledgeable and friendly tour guides.
However, some complaints mention issues with the transition organization between the Knossos tour and city tour.
Feedback suggests:
-
Praise for the informative Knossos Palace tour guide
-
Excellent experience with the city tour guide and local cuisine
-
Concerns about the transition between the two tour components
-
The need for better coordination between the Knossos and city tour
-
Overall, a positive experience despite some organizational challenges.
Hungry for more Heraklion flavors? We've covered these other food and drink spots
- Ecobike Wine Tasting Tour in Heraklion
- Cretan Flavors – Cooking Lessons and Wine Tasting – Small Group
- The Valley of Zeus (Olive Oil, Wine Tasting)-Knossos Palace Tour
- Ecobike Wine Tasting Tour in Heraklion
- Wine Raki Olive Oil Tasting and Pottery – Small Group
- Cretan Flavors – Cooking Lessons and Wine Tasting – Small Group
Exploring Knossos Palace
Situated just a short distance from Heraklion, the legendary Knossos Palace stands as a testament to the ancient Minoan civilization, offering visitors a glimpse into a bygone era. This iconic site, once the center of a thriving Bronze Age culture, features intricate frescoes, elaborate architectural elements, and a labyrinthine layout that captivates the imagination. As part of the tour, guests will have the opportunity to explore the palace’s grand reception halls, royal apartments, and the famous Throne Room, all while learning about the site’s rich history and significance.
| Feature | Details |
| — | — |
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | Designated in 1986 |
| Architectural Style | Minoan palace |
| Highlights | Throne Room, Frescoes, Labyrinth |
| Approximate Size | 150,000 sq meters |
Discovering Heraklion City
After exploring the ancient Knossos Palace, the tour continues to the vibrant city of Heraklion.
The walking and tasting tour introduces visitors to the local culture and cuisine. Highlights include:
-
Strolling through the lively streets of Heraklion’s historic center
-
Sampling traditional Greek delicacies and wines during a guided tasting
-
Visiting the city’s central market to browse local produce and handicrafts
-
Learning about the city’s rich history and architecture from the knowledgeable tour guide
-
Experiencing the bustling energy and hospitality of this Mediterranean gem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
No, bringing your own food and drinks is not allowed. The tour includes snacks, bottled water, coffee/tea, and wine tasting, so additional outside items are not permitted.
Is There a Discount for Seniors or Children?
The tour does not offer any discounts for seniors or children. The price is a flat rate per person, regardless of age. Travelers should expect to pay the full tour price for all participants.
Can I Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?
The tour’s duration cannot be extended. However, travelers can inquire about arranging a private tour or customizing the experience to better suit their needs. Extension or customization options may incur additional fees.
Are There Any Language Options for the Tour?
The tour offers language options. It’s conducted in English. Other languages may be available upon request, subject to guide availability. Guests are encouraged to inquire about language preferences when booking the tour.
Is It Possible to Customize the Tour Itinerary?
The tour generally follows a set itinerary, but travelers can customize certain aspects, such as pickup location or dietary requirements, during the booking process. Significant changes to the tour’s structure may not be possible.
The Sum Up
The "Visit Knossos & Heraklion City (Walking and Tasting Tour)" offers a comprehensive experience, blending ancient history and local culture. Exploring the ruins of Knossos Palace and the vibrant streets of Heraklion, guests can enjoy Crete’s rich heritage. With included entrance tickets, snacks, drinks, and a wine tasting, this guided tour provides a well-rounded and memorable adventure for those interested in the island’s captivating past and present.
More Sailing Experiences in Heraklion
- Heraklion: Nature Reserve Full day sailing to Dia Island & Lunch
- Heraklion: Dia Island Private Sailing Cruise with Full Meal
- Private Sailing Trip from Heraklion to Dia island
- Heraklion Private Sailing Catamaran Cruise to Dia with Lunch
- Heraklion Luxury Catamaran Dia Isla -Gourmet Lunch Top Rated
- From Heraklion: Dia Island Private Sailing Trip
More Boat Tours & Cruises in Heraklion
- Heraklion: Nature Reserve Full day sailing to Dia Island & Lunch
- Lygaria: Private Motorboat Cruise with Snorkeling & Swimming
- Spinalonga with Guide, Kolokitha Bay Cruise, Swimming & BBQ
- Heraklion: Dia Island Private Sailing Cruise with Full Meal
- Private Sailing Trip from Heraklion to Dia island
- Heraklion Private Sailing Catamaran Cruise to Dia with Lunch
More Tour Reviews in Heraklion
- Ecobike Tour All in One Historical Tour-Food Tasting-Wine Tasting
- Day trip to Rethymno, Chania & Kournas lake
- Knossos & Lasithi Plateau: Land of Zeus, Villages, Olive Oil Tour
- Road-trip to Lasithi: Vidiani, Krasi, Olive Mill Farm, Lasinthos
- Shuttle Service – Wine Tasting & Tour @ Lyrarakis Winery
- Mythical Escape: Zeus Cave & Knossos Palace with Lassithi Plateau from Heraklion
Still browsing? Here are more Heraklion experiences we've covered recently
- Ecobike Tour All in One Historical Tour-Food Tasting-Wine Tasting
- Day trip to Rethymno, Chania & Kournas lake
- Knossos & Lasithi Plateau: Land of Zeus, Villages, Olive Oil Tour
- Road-trip to Lasithi: Vidiani, Krasi, Olive Mill Farm, Lasinthos
- Shuttle Service – Wine Tasting & Tour @ Lyrarakis Winery
- Mythical Escape: Zeus Cave & Knossos Palace with Lassithi Plateau from Heraklion
- Aquaplus Admission Ticket
- Heraklion: Nature Reserve Full day sailing to Dia Island & Lunch
- Private Tour-Knossos Palace Zeus Cave&Olive Oil Mill from Elounda
- Private Full-Day Knossos-Lasithi Plateau-Cave of Zeus
- Airports/ports Transfers from /to Rethymno (one way)
- Private Traditional Olive Grove and Dragon Fruit Farm Tour