Excursions & day trips

Full-day tour of Crete’s historic Knossos Palace and Heraklion

from

£67.00

Free cancellation

Language: Dutch

Mobile voucher accepted

Duration: more than 8 hours

Entrance fees included

Fast track

Guided tour

Instant confirmation

Tour with Audioguide

E-Voucher

This experience meets the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria. By choosing this experience you can protect the places you love, care for the environment and support local communities.

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.

What's included

Transport
Guide
Admission to Palace of Knossos
Knossos App provided for a 360-degree virtual view of Knossos
Mobile app with city map and audiovisual cultural content and other points of interest
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

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

Ann
From United States of America - August 2025

25 - 34 years old

Average
Overall rated
3/5

Ce n’est pas un full day car de retour à l’hôtel à 16h. Il a manqué 1h dans Heraklion. Pour le prix, nous aurions pu avoir l’entrée au musée. Guide ch ...
B. Careful
From United States of America - July 2025

Travelled with family

25 - 34 years old

Bad
Overall rated
1/5

Unfortunately I was taken ill the night before our excursion and therefor it was deemed unsafe for me to attend an 8hr excursion and more important fo ...
Eddie
From United States of America - July 2025

Travelled as a couple

35 - 44 years old

Excellent
Overall rated
4/5

We found the whole day a little too long. The tour guide was outstanding, their knowledge and passion were exceptional
Motsch
From United States of America - July 2025

Travelled with family

25 - 34 years old

Excellent
Overall rated
4/5
The Martins
From United States of America - July 2025

Travelled with family

25 - 34 years old

Excellent
Overall rated
5/5

Very enthusiastic guide with in depth knowledge of the site. Scorchingly hot.
Steffi
From United States of America - July 2025

Travelled with family

25 - 34 years old

Excellent
Overall rated
5/5

Unsere Reiseleitung war mega. Hat nicht so viel über Jahreszahlen gesprochen, hat sehr gut die Geschichte die auch dazu gehört erklärt!

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Full-day tour of Crete’s historic Knossos Palace and Heraklion

What people say about this experience

Excellent