For travelers that wish to combine a city tour, with the most visited attraction on the island.
Our tour starts early in the morning with a pick-up from your hotel. Next, we head towards the city of Heraklion to give us plenty of time to enjoy all the area’s highlights. The first stop is the Palace of Knossos, located only a couple of kilometers outside the city center towards the village of Vlichia.
Knossos was one of the great ancient cities of Crete island that together with Gortyna and Kydonia, fought over control and dominance. Knossos was no ordinary city and enjoyed a standard of living that would have been unheard of in other European cities. It featured a sophisticated water and sewer management system and buildings that were adorned with elaborate and colorful decorations, including the well-known Minoan frescoes.
Here is where some of the most popular and enduring myths of Greek mythology occur, including the legendary King Minos, son of Zeus and Europa, and the Minotaur. According to the legend, this half-bull half-man creature lived in a labyrinth, designed by Daedalus, and was killed by Theseus after receiving help from Minos’ daughter Ariadne. King Minos first appears in Homer’s Odyssey and Iliad but was a popular character in mythology for thousands of years. Many years later, in 1900, archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans used the name of King Minos to describe the Minoan civilization that was brought to light.
Of all the things we know about the people of Knossos, the name they used for themselves is not one of them.
Knossos combines mythology, history, culture, and art and is a must-see for all, including families with children. It is recommended to take a guided tour of the Palace and surrounding grounds to better understand the various findings and their significance.
After you visit the Palace of Knossos, it is time to depart for the city of Heraklion for more explorations. We will spot the Venetian buildings and Koules Fortress, built in the 13th century by the Venetians and rebuilt under the Genoese, and make a quick stop at the Tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis.
Our next stop is the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, many of the findings from the Palace are housed here, and the museum is one of the oldest and most beautiful on the island. You will get the chance to see the Phaistos Disc, one of archaeology’s greatest mysteries, and the Minoan snake goddess figures.
After the museum, it is time to explore the rest of the city center and have lunch in some of the most picturesque alleyways of the city.
Every visitor to Crete should experience the beauty and learn the history of Knossos. Best with a licensed guide!
More than 3km of fortifications protect the Old City of Heraklion. The Venetian walls and gates that still stand are the perfect backdrop for discovering more about its past.
A beautiful and modern museum with must-see items, like the famous Minoan Snake Goddess and the Bull-Leaping Fresco, combined with a walk around the Venetian Walls.
The capital of the island boasts numerous activities for visitors to explore, including the Basilica of St. Marks and Morozini's Fountain.
The tour ends in Heraklion unless otherwise agreed.
Prices for this group, vary by group size.
If you have a larger group or require a custom service, please contact us and we will be happy to arrange something for you.
No, our tour packages are transparent, and all costs and fees are clearly outlined. There are no hidden costs. The price you see includes all specified activities and any other mentioned inclusions.
Yes! We can accommodate specific preferences and tailor the itinerary to better suit your interests.
Learn more about our Cancellation Policy.
