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

History & Heritage

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

from

$90.00

Free cancellation

Language: English

Mobile voucher accepted

Duration: more than 8 hours

Entrance Fees Included

Fast track

Guided Tour

Instant confirmation

Tour with Audioguide

e-Voucher

Based on our commitment to sustainable tourism, all National Geographic Day Tours meet the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria, and a portion of the proceeds from these tours goes back to the National Geographic Society to fund research and sustainable programs around the world.

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.

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What's included

Transport
Guide
Admission to Palace of Knossos
Knossos App provided for a 360-degree virtual view of Knossos
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

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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

Excellent

4.4 /5

Based on 385 reviews from verified customers

Review categories

Value for money

4.3/5

Service

4.5/5

Safety

4.5/5

Staff

4.5/5

M
Mikey
Verified booking
3.4
October 9, 2025
Traveled as a couple
Knossos was the highlight of the tour although it is a very popular destination and it was very crowded. I don’t think it suits a large group like ours as you are shuffling single file through the crowds and often lose the signal of the guides audio. Quite often the guide in front was talking about something that the last of the group were minutes behind. We had a double decker bus and some of the group had been on for an hour before it picked us up the an 1.5 hrs to the first location.
S
Sara R
Verified booking
4.2
October 7, 2025
Traveled as a couple
Bobi, our guide was absolutely excellent. The facilities at Knossus are not good and this wasn't explained until everyone has been picked up, it was hard to prepare. Also, lots in Heraklion is closed on a Tuesday, not a disaster, but again, helpful to know in advance.
B
Ben
Verified booking
5
September 30, 2025
Traveled as a couple
Guide was excellent, really informative and friendly. It was also great to have time on our own and explore Heraklion. Hard to fit everything in but a great overview of the palace. Coach was good and service pleasant
J
Jane Rose
Verified booking
3.8
September 29, 2025
Traveled as a couple
Guide superb Time spent on coach too long preferable if smaller groups less pickups and drop offs
A
Angela
Verified booking
2.2
September 28, 2025
Traveled as a couple
Not enough time at Knossos palace at all! Our guide rushed us round and we kept loosing her and couldn't hear what she was saying if you got slightly out of range of the listening device. I was very disappointed that we were rushed round. At one point the guide advised us to just go in one room (not the throne room) take pictures and get out as another group was coming, the guide was more concerned about them than us! The Knossos palace is why we went to Crete! Extremely disappointed
A
Andrew & Jacquii
Verified booking
5
September 28, 2025
Traveled as a couple
The guide was extremely knowledgeable and provided detailed information about all aspects of the tour, and everything ran at the published times.

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