Step back in time and learn about Crete’s Minoan history as you embark on a tour of Knossos Palace and Heraklion City. Get picked from port (or hotel), join our private guide and see the ruins of the great palace, explore the legendary labyrinth, discover the regal Throne Room, and marvel at vibrant frescoes that breathe life into a bygone era. After our visit at the Palace of Knossos next stop is the Archeological Museum of Heraklion in order to complete the ''Minoan Puzzle''. Then, head back to Heraklion for a delightful city tour visiting the Venetian Walls, the Koules Fortress, the St. Minas Cathedral, and much more. A city that stood resilient against a 22-year siege, the longest one in history, a testament to its unwavering strength and endurance.
Castello del Molo, Koules fort ticket not included.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Pick up at Heraklion Port or hotel. Air-conditioned vehicle
✔ Private transportation
✔ Licensed Tour Guide- Approved by the Greek ministry of Tourism
✔ Knossos Archaeological Site and Archaeological Museum of Heraklion tickets included
✖ Snacks and meals
✖ Castello del Molo, Koules Fortress Ticket (4€/person)
✖ Gratuities
Pickup Locations
1. Lili Hotel
2. MariRena Hotel
3. El Greco Hotel
4. Castello City Hotel
5. Karteros Hotel
6. Hotel Irini
7. Metropole Urban Hotel
8. Sofia Hotel
9. Arina Beach Resort
10. Aquila Atlantis Hotel
11. Legacy Gastro suites
12. Arina Beach Resort
13. Sunset Beach Hotel
14. Knossos Beach Bungalows Suites Resort & Spa
15. Unique Blue! Resort and Villas Adults Only
16. Ilaira Hotel
17.
18. Yianna Caravel by Checkin
19. Cicada Suites by ThinkVilla
20. Esperia Hotel
Additional Info: Cruise passengers:
we will be waiting for you at the pier with a sign with your name on it.
Itinerary
1
The Palace of Knossos
Knossos, the heart of the Minoan civilization, lies 5 km southeast of Heraklion. Crete’s most famous historical attraction, it is considered to be the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on the island and is referred to as the oldest city in Europe. After long-term excavations (1900-1913 and 1922-1930), Sir Arthur Evans uncovered the whole Knossos area.
Ticket included.
Duration: 1.5 hours
2
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is one of the largest and most visited museums in Greece. It is home to artifacts from all the periods of Cretan prehistory and history covering a chronological span of over 5,500 years from the Neolithic period to Roman times. It was built between 1937 and 1940 by the architect Patroklos Karantinos.
Ticket included.
Duration: 1.5 hours
3
Venetian Walls and Tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis
The Venetian Walls were part of the city fortress. Take time to walk outside and around the walls. At the southwestern corner, you will find the Tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis (1883-1947), the local author of "Zorba the Greek". One of the most important Greek authors through time. Take your time and enjoy the panoramic view of the city center and the beautiful sea.
Duration: 30 minutes
4
Cathedral of St. Minas
The Cathedral of St. Minas, is dedicated to the Patron Saint of Heraklion. It was built during 1862 and 1895 and is among the largest in Greece with its capacity can reach up to 8000 people. Right next it is a smaller and older St. Minas church and on the nearby square you can visit the former church of St. Ekaterini, where byzantine treasures and icons are exhibited
Duration: 25 minutes
5
Morosini Fountain (Lion's Fountain)
Morosini’s fountain was constructed during the Venetian Era to cover the needs of Candia, the capital city of the island. It is the meeting point for the locals surrounded by various shops. Opposite, you can see the Basilica of St. Mark, from the Venetian times, which now hosts the Municipal Art Gallery and is open to the public almost all day, every day.
*You could rest there for a while, drinking a coffee or tasting some local snacks
Duration: 15 minutes
6
Loggia
Loggia - a Venetian times building that hosts the Town Hall of Heraklion
7
Castello del Molo (Koules)
Ticket not included. Cost: 4€
The Venetian Fortress Koules- also Castello a Mare or Rocca a Mare, according to the Venetians- dominates in the entrance of the Venetian Harbor and its main purpose was the protection of the city
Duration: 30 minutes
Additional info
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
