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Heraklion: Historical City Tour & Knossos Palace

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Heraklion
April - October
Thursday, 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 hello@islandspy.gr with your request.

Trip highlights

Knossos Guide people
Explore the legendary Knossos Palace with a professional guide
Heraklion City Hall Venetian building
Walk through the vibrant center of Heraklion and discover its historic landmarks
Cretan Farm Trees Olive oil festival experience in Creete
Visit a traditional Minoan-style farm in Patsides and taste local products
heraklion old market islandspy
Enjoy free time in the Old Market for shopping, coffee, or lunch
Heraklion City Cafeteria
Experience authentic Cretan flavors, including honey, herbs, and local delicacies
bus interior
Travel comfortably with organized pick-up and air-conditioned transport

Overview

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

Step into the vibrant heart of Crete with this immersive full-day experience combining the highlights of Heraklion with the legendary Knossos Palace.

Discover a city where ancient civilizations meet modern life, as you explore Heraklion’s historic center, lively squares, and local markets. Walk through its rich past, shaped by Minoan and Venetian influences, and experience the authentic rhythm of the island’s capital.

The journey continues with a guided visit to Knossos Palace, the heart of the Minoan civilization. Uncover the myths of King Minos and the Labyrinth while exploring one of Europe’s most important archaeological sites.

Perfect for culture lovers, this tour offers a balanced blend of history, local life, and iconic landmarks — all in one unforgettable day.

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

8:30-9:45

Start your day with a comfortable pick-up from selected points near your accommodation. Sit back and relax as we head towards Crete’s most iconic archaeological site.

Knossos Palace – Guided Tour (Approx. 2 hours)

Discover the fascinating world of the Knossos Palace, the heart of the ancient Minoan civilization.
With your expert guide, explore the palace’s impressive ruins, intricate corridors, and vibrant frescoes, while learning about the myths of King Minos and the Labyrinth.
After the guided tour, enjoy some free time for photos and further exploration.

Note: During peak season, short waiting times for entrance may occur.

Minoan Farm Visit – Patsides Village (Approx. 30 minutes)

Continue to the village of Patsides for a visit to a traditional Minoan-style farm.
Discover local production methods, learn about Cretan herbs and beekeeping, and enjoy tastings of pure honey and regional products.

Heraklion City Tour & Free Time (Approx. 2.5 hours)

Arrive in Heraklion, the vibrant capital of Crete.
Enjoy a short guided walk through the historic center, including highlights such as the Venetian harbor and lively squares.

After the guided part, you’ll have free time to:

  • Explore the Old Market
  • Relax at a café or restaurant
  • Visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum (optional)
15:45-16:45

After a full day of culture and exploration, relax on the journey back to your accommodation.

Extra information

Included
  • Pick-up and drop-off from selected locations
  • Transportation in air-conditioned bus
  • Professional driver
  • Guided tour of Knossos Palace
  • Visit to traditional Minoan farm with tastings
  • All Fees and Taxes
Not Included
  • Knossos Palace 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 36
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Enjoyed visiting the island. Guide was very friendly and did a good job of making sure we all made the right connections. Visit included lots of free time. Hotel pick up and drop off was a pleasant experience. Very punctual . Ferry ride was three hours long but atmosphere was nice except very cold. Bring a jacket! Only negative was the ferry ride was completely inside and windows did not allow for view.
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We got to see Mykonos this trip . Only for 5 hours. But it was fun to go. The Ferry goes very fast and is comfortable.had time for meal and sight seeing. A beautiful sunny and warm day. And not crowded compared to summer.
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Lisa A | October 2025
Day trip from Athens to Mykonos: Brilliant service from Mania from start to finish. Very competent, great instructions and paperwork, the day was a treat. We packed so much into our day on Mykonos. Highly recommend Island Spy.
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Linda Lamb | 6 September 2024
Mykonos is a beautiful place and we as a family had a great time. Mania was quite helpful in organizing this trip at a short notice.
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Veejaysp | May 2022
Great experience. The best service I have recieved in Greece. Fully recomendable ++ Special mention to the staff Mania who made our experience the best in class. Thanks
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