Full-day tour of Crete’s historic Knossos Palace and Heraklion
Excursions & day trips

Full-day tour of Crete’s historic Knossos Palace and Heraklion

4.5/5
Excellent
Based on 339 reviews
from
$89.00
Free cancellation
Language: English
Mobile voucher accepted
Duration: more than 8 hours

This experience meets the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria. By choosing this experience you can protect the places you love, care for the environment and support local communities.

Why you’ll love this…
  • It'll take you right back to the beginnings of European civilisation on a tour of Knossos Palace
  • You'll get fast-track access to the labyrinth of corridors leading to King Minos' original throne
  • The history-steeped streets of Heraklion's city centre are yours to wander on a guided walking tour
  • Heraklion's street markets are the ideal place to haggle over local treats and hand-made crafts
  • Your guide's a proud, local expert when it comes to the history and legends of Crete
What to expect

'The Palace of Knossos is one of the most important archaeological sites in Crete because it's where Europe's first civilisation began,' says Veta, one of our guides. A born and bred local, she knows a thing or two about the legends and myths surrounding the island's most popular attraction. You'll spend the day watching history come to life as you tour the grounds of the palace, before crossing over to Heraklion for some free time in the capital.

Once the hub of Crete's Minoan civilisation, Knossos Palace sits in the heart of what's considered to be Europe's oldest settlement. You'll enjoy a guided tour around its treasures, stopping by the throne room, royal apartments, frescoes and more. And with fast-track access, there's no waiting around in queues.

It's then time to head to Heraklion, the island's capital. See the 17th-century Morozini Lions fountain and the 400-year-old Venetian Loggia – which is still the city hall – during a short guided walk around the city centre. We'll round the day off by taking you to the open markets for some free time. Poke around stalls laden with hand-made trinkets and fresh local produce or stop off for a coffee at a local café for some people watching. Other must-sees include the Koule Fortress and the Church of Agios Titos.

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What's included
  • check Transport
  • check Guide
  • check Admission to Palace of Knossos
  • check Knossos App provided for a 360-degree virtual view of Knossos
  • check Mobile app with city map and audiovisual cultural content and other points of interest
  • check Audio headset guide
What to remember
  • Just so you know, Crete is a large island with many resorts and hotels dotted along the coast. Because of this, the transfer time on this tour could be up to 2.5 hours each way, depending on your hotel's location and traffic conditions on the day
  • Knossos App allows guests to see a 360º and 3D view of the archaeological site
  • There's a donation towards the preservation of Knossos Palace for every excursion sold
  • This is a very popular and in-demand activity. Expect higher levels of attendance during July and August
  • Bring your passport or official EU identification
  • Not suitable for guests with reduced mobility
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Provider
tui-supplier+tui-hellas-ae@musement.com
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 1 day before the experience begins.

What people say about this experience

Excellent

4.5/5

Based on 339 reviews from verified customers

59%
33%
8%
0%
0%

Review categories

Staff

4.6/5

Value for money

4.3/5

Service

4.6/5

Safety

4.6/5

  • The Johnsons

    From United States of America - June 2025

    Traveled as a couple

     

    35 - 44 years old

    Great

    Overall rated

    3/5

    Longer stay at Knossos and a shorter experience at Herculean

  • M1n3vra

    From United Kingdom - June 2025

    Traveled as a couple

     

    45 - 54 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    The guide was very knowledgeable. He passion for the history of Knossos shown through her detailed and in depth descriptions of life there. The past c ...

  • Jeffrey Horton

    From United Kingdom - June 2025

    Traveled as a couple

     

    45 - 54 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    Marie our guide was very good, and the good english talks at each place very interesting and informative, we had trouble spotting her sometimes amongs ...

  • Anonymous

    From United States of America - June 2025

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    This experience was absolutely brilliant. Our guide Maria was amazing. She was so knowledgeable and funny! I loved how she linked the facts to Greek m ...

  • Mendip 7

    From United States of America - June 2025

    Traveled as a couple

     

    35 - 44 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    4/5

    Excellent tour guide Maria, very enthusiastic and made Knossos much more interesting than if we had visited by ourselves. The 3 hour each way transfer ...

  • Eunice

    From United States of America - June 2025

    Traveled as a couple

     

    45 - 54 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    Excellent coach transfer from hotel, our guide POPPI was amazing - so knowledgable and the use of the earpiece to hear Poppi on the tour around Knosso ...

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