Explore the Minoan Palace of Knossos & Archeological Museum of Heraklion with an expert local guide (professional and licensed).

Explore what were the royal quarters, storerooms, and central court of the palace, the power base of Europe’s first civilization; and hear about the mythical Minotaur that roamed a labyrinth here as your guide explains the site’s history. Explore the Minoan Palace of Knossos with an expert local guide.

During this amazing half-day tour, you will discover all the secrets of the Minoan civilization.

Your tour starts at the Entrance of the Knossos Palace where you will meet your Professional and licensed English-speaking guide, George. George will guide you around the ruins of this magnificent palace of 1500 rooms, the legendary labyrinth-palace of King Minos from the 3500 old throne room to the frescoes room, through the central courtroom, the queen's and king's quarters, following the traces of Minotaur and finally to the oldest theater of Europe.

The Palace of Knossos is the most important archeological site on the island. It is the oldest palace in Europe and one of the four Minoan palaces. It acted as the administrative and religious center of Minoan (Bronze Age) Crete. The legendary king of Knossos was Minos, son of Zeus and Europa. The palace is the labyrinth of Greek Mythology.

George will be glad to reply to all your questions and hopes to pass to you a big part of his love and knowledge for the first European civilization, the Minoan Civilization of Crete.

Your tour continues with the Heraklion Archeological Museum, the best in the world regarding Minoan art as it contains the most notable and complete collection of artifacts of the Minoan civilization of Crete, like the Bullhead Python, the goddesses of the snakes, and the disc of Phaistos. The displays of idols made of terra cotta, marble, and alabaster, as collections of gold, jewelry, ivory, figurines, sarcophagi, and frescoes will give you an insight into this artistic-minded civilization and complement your visit to Knossos.

Prices per tour

- 210.00 Euros (Knossos & Archaelogical Museum of Heraklion Tour)
                                                        &
- 175.00 Euros (Knossos Minoan Palace Tour) for up to 6 people ( extra charge for any extra person)
- PLEASE NOTE: 15% Special Offer during Winter Months (November to March)

Included

Professional and licensed English-speaking guide

Not Included

- Tickets for Knossos and Archaeological Museum of Heraklion (15.00 Euros Knossos and 12.00 Museum).
   Children up to 25 years old and EU Citizens are free of charge. Otherwise, they pay 8.00 Eurso for Knossos and 6.00 Euros for Museum
- The price does not include transportation. You can use a taxi, hire a car, or the local bus to Knossos.
- You are responsible for purchasing any items of a personal nature related to shopping, souvenirs, snacks, and restaurant meals.
- Due to current legislation, tourist guides in Greece are not allowed to pick up/drop off people using private cars or provide transportation. Therefore your guide is responsible only for guiding.

Duration

+/- 4 hrs (The duration is purely indicative. The tour may be shorter or longer, according to your interests/weather conditions/traffic.)

Suggested Start Time

Knossos Palace opens at 8.00 AM, but maybe the best time to visit it is afternoon since there are not many and large groups

Meeting Point

You will meet our guide at the entrance of Knossos at the kiosk of guides

Kid-Friendly

Yes. This tour is suitable for mature children as long as they are interested in archeology and history. They should be supervised by a parent.

Practicalities

Because of the walking at Knossos Palace, comfortable shoes and a hat are recommended.

Cancellation policy 

- 08 days or more before the tour: no penalty
- 07-02 days: 50%
- 01 days or less: full charge

Please Note

- In case the specific tour chosen can not materialize because of weather or other conditions beyond our control, clients will be able to reschedule for another day or will be offered a replacement tour. If the options offered are not accepted by clients, the tour is canceled and is fully refundable.