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

4.5/5
Excellent
Based on 337 reviews
from
$89.00
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.

Read more
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
Read more
Provider
tui-supplier+tui-hellas-ae@musement.com
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

4.5/5

Based on 337 reviews from verified customers

59%
34%
8%
0%
0%

Review categories

Staff

4.6/5

Value for money

4.3/5

Service

4.6/5

Safety

4.6/5

  • Jeffrey Horton

    From United Kingdom - June 2025

    Traveled as a couple

     

    45 - 54 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    Marie our guide was very good, and the good english talks at each place very interesting and informative, we had trouble spotting her sometimes amongs ...

  • Anonymous

    From United States of America - June 2025

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    This experience was absolutely brilliant. Our guide Maria was amazing. She was so knowledgeable and funny! I loved how she linked the facts to Greek m ...

  • Mendip 7

    From United States of America - June 2025

    Traveled as a couple

     

    35 - 44 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    4/5

    Excellent tour guide Maria, very enthusiastic and made Knossos much more interesting than if we had visited by ourselves. The 3 hour each way transfer ...

  • Eunice

    From United States of America - June 2025

    Traveled as a couple

     

    45 - 54 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    Excellent coach transfer from hotel, our guide POPPI was amazing - so knowledgable and the use of the earpiece to hear Poppi on the tour around Knosso ...

  • Dorset lass

    From United States of America - June 2025

    Traveled with family

     

    35 - 44 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    Very knowledgeable guide and headphones great for listening Not enough time in Heraklion

  • Kath

    From United States of America - May 2025

    Traveled as a couple

     

    45 - 54 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    The guide was very good. She was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. We were told to take our passports with us. These were not needed. The guide ...

You might also like

Malia Scene Pass
Attractions & guided tours

Malia Scene Pass

Looking to let loose in Malia? We got you. Bag your Scene Pass for access to the some of Crete's best nights out, including pool parties, beachside raves and more...

free cancellation
Instant Confirmation
Lasithi Plateau tour with Cretan tastings and pottery lesson
Activities

Lasithi Plateau tour with Cretan tastings and pottery lesson

Discover Crete's beauty on a tour across the Lasithi plateau. Explore ancient villages, taste local produce, and experience pottery making.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Private tour of western Crete's highlights from Chania
Attractions & guided tours

Private tour of western Crete's highlights from Chania

Discover Western Crete's highlights on a private tour. Explore Chania, Agia Triada Monastery, and Marathi Beach.

free cancellation
Available in:

en, ru 

Juktas Mount, Raki and wine distillery guided tour
Activities

Juktas Mount, Raki and wine distillery guided tour

Book your spot now for this 7-hour 4x4 tour of Crete including wine tasting and lunch!

free cancellation
Instant Confirmation
Visit a Family-Run Olive Mill with Food Tasting in Heraklion
Excursions & day trips

Visit a Family-Run Olive Mill with Food Tasting in Heraklion

Discover the timeless tradition of olive cultivation at Kleanthi Olive Farm. Immerse yourself in guided tours, learn sustainable practices, witness olive oil production, and indulge in a sensory tasting experience.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Private heart of Crete tour and wine tasting
Excursions & day trips

Private heart of Crete tour and wine tasting

Embark on a journey to the Cretan mountains, where you'll take in breathtaking views, and more with this private experience.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Private guided tour of Crete with Knossos Palace and Lassithi Plateau
Excursions & day trips

Private guided tour of Crete with Knossos Palace and Lassithi Plateau

Explore the iconic Knossos Palace, uncover Minoan history and more on a full day private tour. Create your own ceramic masterpiece in a hands-on workshop.

free cancellation
Available in:

en, ru 

Western Crete small group guided tour
Excursions & day trips

Western Crete small group guided tour

Visit the historic Melidoni Cave, the charming village of Margarites, learn about its traditional pottery-making techniques, Kournas Lake, and more.

free cancellation
Available in:

en, ru 

Eastern Crete and Mirabello Bay guided small group tour
Excursions & day trips

Eastern Crete and Mirabello Bay guided small group tour

Visit Frouni, Aretiou Monastery, the Fisherman village of Plaka, and more - all in one day with an experienced guide.

free cancellation
Available in:

en, ru 

Fourni, Agios Nikolaos, Kritsa guided small group tour
Excursions & day trips

Fourni, Agios Nikolaos, Kritsa guided small group tour

Admire the charming town of Agios Nikolaos. Stop at the breathtaking viewpoint of Spinalonga and marvel at the stunning views of the Venetian fortress.

free cancellation
Available in:

en, ru