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Heraklion: Historical City Tour & Knossos Palace

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Heraklion
April - October
Wednesday, Saturday
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English, German, French
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Plans change and it is totally fine! All bookings can be modified or cancelled with a full refund, 48 hours before the departure date with no extra charge. Send your email to [email protected] with your request.

Trip highlights

Knossos Palace5 Knossos Palace Lasithi Plateau
Explore the iconic jewel of the Minoan civilization in Crete, the magnificent palace of Knossos.
Heraklion City Hall Venetian building
Discover the beauty of Heraklion alongside our knowledgeable guide in a walking tour.
Heraklion Koule Fortress
Wander the Venetian Harbor and Enchanting Streets of the Old Town
heraklion old market islandspy
Explore the Colorful Old Market of Heraklion and do some souvenir shopping
Heraklion City Cafeteria
Enjoy free time to explore at your own pace, or have a lunch at a local tavern.

Overview

Historical Heraklion City Tour with Knossos Palace, Museum & Old Market

Heraklion City Tour. Immerse yourself in the captivating capital of Crete, Heraklion, where ancient history meets modern vitality. Explore with your guide Heraklion's rich historical monuments and delve into its vibrant atmosphere.

Among the highlights of Heraklion city is Knossos, the legendary labyrinth and ancient capital of Minoan Crete, boasting a history that spans over 5,000 years.

This tour offers the perfect combination of exploring the bustling city center and delving into the fascinating Palace of the Minoan Civilization.

Heraklion, often spelled Iraklion or Herakleion, is the largest city and the capital of the island of Crete in Greece. It holds a key position in the historical and cultural landscape of Crete, showcasing influences from various civilizations that have left their mark on the city.

Heraklion has a rich history dating back to ancient times. It was a significant center of the Minoan civilization, and the nearby Knossos Palace is a testament to this era. During the Venetian period, Heraklion was known as Candia. The cityscape still bears traces of Venetian architecture, including the imposing Koules Fortress and the Loggia.

The Venetian Harbor in Heraklion is picturesque, with the Koules Fortress guarding the entrance. It's a popular spot for a leisurely stroll, offering views of the sea and the city.

Today the city center is vibrant, with bustling markets, shops, and cafes. The squares, such as Lion's Square, are popular meeting places

Whether you're interested in history, archaeology, culture, or simply enjoying the Mediterranean lifestyle, Heraklion offers a diverse range of experiences. Exploring the city and its surroundings can provide a deep appreciation for the unique blend of past and present on the island of Crete.

Book now a Heraklion city tour with Island Spy and get best rates!

Duration of trip
Total Duration of the tour: 5,5 - 8,5 hours The trip duration varies depending on the location of your hotel.
Mobile ticketing
Simply present your digital voucher to either the guide or the driver, and they will be ready to assist you accordingly.
Pickup - Available
Pick-up and drop-off services are both included in the price of your booking.​ ​ After making your booking, we will reach out to inform you about the specific location and time for the pick-up that is convenient for your accommodation.​
Free cancellation
Cancel up to 48 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid 19 requirements
Currently, there are no specific requirements for participating. However, if the government's COVID regulations mandate any specific requirements, we will contact you to inform you accordingly.

Tour schedule

7:30-8:50

Participants will be collected from designated pick-up points within the specified time frame. The exact pick-up time will be determined based on the location of your accommodation.

Our first destination is going to be the Magnificent Knossos Palace where we will stay for about 1,5 hours (including both guided tour and free time)

Experience the wonders of ancient Crete as we journey to the legendary Knossos Palace, our first destination. This architectural marvel, dating back an astonishing 5000 years, served as the capital of Minoan Crete. Led by our expert guide, traverse the archaeological site, delving into its rich history and significance. Marvel at the intricate labyrinth and hear captivating tales of its mythical past. Following the guided tour, you will enjoy some free time, allowing you to capture unforgettable moments and absorb the palace's grandeur. Please be mindful of potential ticket wait times, especially during peak hours and high-season months.

Our second destination is going to be the Heraklion City Center Magnificent Knossos Palace where we will stay for about 3 hours (including both a guided walking tour and free time)

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Heraklion, the capital of the region. Embark on a guided walking tour through its historic center, where each corner tells a story of the city's vibrant past. Uncover hidden gems and architectural wonders as you stroll through its bustling streets.

Following the tour, enjoy 2.5 hours of leisure time to explore at your own pace. Explore the bustling old market, and delve into souvenir shopping.

For those inclined towards history, a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion awaits, offering a self-guided exploration of the region's rich cultural heritage (optional).

Let Heraklion captivate your senses, leaving you with cherished memories of its enchanting blend of past and present.

15:00-16:30

Upon the conclusion of the tour, participants will board the buses and head back to their respective points, where they were originally picked up in the morning. The duration of the return journey to each hotel may vary depending on traffic conditions and the individual pick-up locations for each participant.

Extra information

Included
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Travel in comfort aboard our air-conditioned bus, driven by a professionally trained driver.
  • Guided tour in Knossos palace
  • Guided Walking Tour in the city of Heraklion
  • All applicable taxes and legal fees
  • Participants covered by Public Liability Insurance
Not Included
  • Knossos Palace Ticket: 15€
  • Archaeological Museum Ticket: 12€ (Knossos & Museum combined ticket 20€)
  • Food & Beverages
What to bring
  • Hat / Sunglasses / Sunscreen
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Cash or card for entrance fees
Know before you go
  • Your tour guide will be there to assist you during the entire day, except for the hours that you will have your own free time in Heraklion city.
  • Please be aware that visiting the Archaeological Museum in the city center, is optional, and individuals who desire to explore it can do so independently, without accompanying guides.
  • Please be mindful of potential ticket wait times at the Minoan Palace of Knossos, especially during peak hours and high-season months.
Not suitable yet for
  • Wheelchair users
  • People travelling with pets
from 35 €
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Why choose us

24/7 Customer Support
Our team of trusted local agents know their way inside and out! When you most need it, lean on them. No need to wait for a response for days on end, we possess the knowledge, we answer immediately.
Time Saving Search Online
Experience Greece beyond the tourist trail with the best travel tips and recommendations in our arsenal! Why spend your precious vacation time just planning? Let us do the heavy lifting for you!
More Tours, Less Hassle
Don't waste your time scrolling through endless tour listings online! Quit stumbling onto the same tours over and over again! Let Island Spy spy out the best of Greece for you!
Flexible Cancellation Policy
Plans change and it is totally fine! All bookings can be modified or cancelled with a full refund, 48 hours before the departure date with no extra charge. Send your email to [email protected] with your request.

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