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

4.4/5
Excellent
Based on 347 reviews
from
£66.00
Free cancellation
Language: English
Mobile voucher accepted
Duration: more than 8 hours
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 Hellas Travel, Tourism and Airlines SA, with Tax Number 094469778 and Travel License Number 0261Ε60000126100
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

4.4/5

Based on 347 reviews from verified customers

58%
33%
8%
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Review categories

Staff

4.6/5

Value for money

4.3/5

Service

4.6/5

Safety

4.6/5

  • Sara

    From United States of America - June 2025

    Solo traveller

    Poor

    Overall rated

    2/5

    The highlight was supposed to be Knossos Palace visit. It was very busy so no fault of the guide, however after her tour there was less than half an h ...

  • Janka

    From United States of America - June 2025

    Travelled as a couple

     

    45 - 54 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    The guide was exceptionally excelent. Concise, understandable and always to the point. Simply great.

  • Len

    From United States of America - June 2025

    Travelled as a couple

     

    55 - 64 years old

    Average

    Overall rated

    3/5

    Knossos palace was much too crowded, why go there on days when you know cruise ships will be arriving? The guide was very knowledgeable but unfortunat ...

  • Sheila

    From United Kingdom - June 2025

    Travelled with a group of friends

     

    55 - 64 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    4/5

    The pick up point for Golden Bay Apartments was Gournes Church which was a 30 minute uphill walk. We took a taxi there but our coach driver kindly to ...

  • Benny

    From United States of America - June 2025

    Travelled as a couple

     

    18 - 24 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    4/5

    Caterina is a very knowledgeable guide, she was always available to answer all questions and told us about of myths, keeping us busy during the bus ri ...

  • Joe

    From United Kingdom - June 2025

    Travelled as a couple

     

    18 - 24 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

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