Ancient Palace of Knossos Tour
Heraklion, Greece
Rating: 
Trip Type: Half-day Tours
Duration: 5.5 - 6 hours
Explore the Minoan Palace of Knossos and the nearby city of Heraklion on a 5-hour Crete tour! With an expert local guide, walk around the ruins and excavations of the island’s vast ancient palace (entrance own expense), and learn about the Greek mythological tales that are linked to it. After exploring the labyrinth of corridors and rooms on the Knossos tour, travel into central Heraklion to learn all about Crete’s main town. Relax as you pass sights like the Church of Agios Titos, Koules Venetian Fortress and more.
More About This Activity All Half-day Tours →
Explore the Minoan Palace of Knossos and the nearby city of Heraklion on a 5-hour Crete tour! With an expert local guide, walk around the ruins and excavations of the island’s vast ancient palace (entrance own expense), and learn about the Greek mythological tales that are linked to it. After exploring the labyrinth of corridors and rooms on the Knossos tour, travel into central Heraklion to learn all about Crete’s main town. Relax as you pass sights like the Church of Agios Titos, Koules Venetian Fortress and more.Leave your Crete hotel by air-conditioned coach and travel to the Minoan Palace of Knossos, one of the island’s showstopping historical attractions. The original site is believed to have been built around 1900 BC, but – following an earthquake – it was rebuilt on a grand scale, and lavish royal quarters, shrines, treasuries and storerooms were added around the Central Court.
After paying your entrance fee, head inside to explore the reconstructed site that was brought to life from a series of 20th-century excavations by British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans. As you walk, listen to tales and trivia about the palace’s glory days during the Minoan era – a Bronze Age civilization that made Knossos its capital.
Greek mythology was ingrained in Minoan culture, and the Palace of Knossos featured in many popular tales such as the famous myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. Hear of legends and Greek folklore while exploring areas of the palace like the Throne Room, home to frescoes of the Minoan’s sacred mythical beasts.
Wander through the Central Court and gaze up at sights like the Grand Staircase. See an impressive fresco of rampaging bulls, and explore the corridors and labyrinth-like alleyways that lead to intriguing rooms such as the Theatral Area – a place that may have once existed as a theater.
Then return to your coach for the short journey to central Heraklion. In the comfort of your air-conditioned coach, gaze out at attractions like Koules Venetian Fortress, Lion Fountain (Morosini Fountain) and the Church of Agios Titos on a city tour. Hear fascinating snippets of history about each sight and learn about the city under Venetian rule – an era that influenced the architecture of Heraklion – and enjoy a short break for lunch (own expense) .
After seeing the sights of Crete’s main city, your day trip finishes with a hotel drop-off.
After paying your entrance fee, head inside to explore the reconstructed site that was brought to life from a series of 20th-century excavations by British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans. As you walk, listen to tales and trivia about the palace’s glory days during the Minoan era – a Bronze Age civilization that made Knossos its capital.
Greek mythology was ingrained in Minoan culture, and the Palace of Knossos featured in many popular tales such as the famous myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. Hear of legends and Greek folklore while exploring areas of the palace like the Throne Room, home to frescoes of the Minoan’s sacred mythical beasts.
Wander through the Central Court and gaze up at sights like the Grand Staircase. See an impressive fresco of rampaging bulls, and explore the corridors and labyrinth-like alleyways that lead to intriguing rooms such as the Theatral Area – a place that may have once existed as a theater.
Then return to your coach for the short journey to central Heraklion. In the comfort of your air-conditioned coach, gaze out at attractions like Koules Venetian Fortress, Lion Fountain (Morosini Fountain) and the Church of Agios Titos on a city tour. Hear fascinating snippets of history about each sight and learn about the city under Venetian rule – an era that influenced the architecture of Heraklion – and enjoy a short break for lunch (own expense) .
After seeing the sights of Crete’s main city, your day trip finishes with a hotel drop-off.
« Go Back