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
643 reviews
from
£68.00
Free cancellation
Language: German
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 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
Read more
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 643 reviews from verified customers


Review categories

Staff

4.5/5

Safety

4.5/5

Service

4.5/5

Value for money

4.2/5


55%
36%
8%
0%
1%

Sort by:

  • G

    Ge Hus

    Verified booking

    4.2

    8 November 2025

    Solo traveller


    77,- € für eine Busfahrt nach Knossos/Heraklion mit Eintrittskarte für Knossos empfinde ich als zu teuer.

  • J

    Joe

    Verified booking

    4.2

    7 November 2025

    Travelled as a couple


    Die Führung in Knossos war gut. Nach der Beschreibung der Tour hatte ich noch eine Stadtführung in Heraklion erwartet, diese war allerdings nur kurz und überblicksmäßig.

  • H

    Hpm

    Verified booking

    4.2

    7 November 2025

    Travelled as a couple


    Reiseleiter sehr kompetent. Viel Wissensvermittlung über die Minoische Kultur und griechische Mythologie. Sehr lebendige Erzählung. Hatte stadtführung Heraklion erwartet, leider nur 3 Stunden Freizeit.

  • A

    Arnd Wöhler

    Verified booking

    5

    7 November 2025

    Travelled with a group of friends


    Eine sehr interessante und spannende Zeitreise in die Vergangenheit, sehr gute Tourleiterin mit hohem Fachwissen, freundlicher Busfahrer , viel Zeit für eigene Erkundungen in Heraklion, also alles in Allem eine wunderschöne Tagestour??????

  • T

    Tourist

    Verified booking

    3

    3 November 2025

    Travelled with family


    Die ausgeteilten Funkkopfhörer haben nicht funktioniert. Der Guide hat viel Wissen gehabt, aber auch viele für Tour überflüssige Sachen erzählt

  • B

    BOB

    Verified booking

    4.2

    1 November 2025

    Reiseführerin hatte ein sehr gutes Wissen. Die griechischichen Legenden, von denen sie erzählt hat, waren sehr unterhaltsam. Die Busfahrer waren auch super.

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