Knossos Palace tickets & tours
Full-day tour of Crete’s historic Knossos Palace and Heraklion
'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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Heraklion and Knossos Palace Tour with free time in Rethymnon
Thought to be the cradle of Europe's first civilization, the UNESCO-listed Palace of Knossos is one of the most important ancient sites in Crete. Let an expert bring history to life as you explore the island's most-prized archaeological gem. This trip also includes free time in the resorts of Rethymnon, plus a tour of the Cretan capital, Heraklion. Andreas, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The Minoans were very advanced, and the Palace of Knossos showcases architectural techniques such as multi-storey buildings and a sophisticated drainage system that were ahead of their time.'You'll start the morning in Rethymnon's maze of colourful streets, where you can browse the shops, find a little cafe or head down to the harbour. Curving around the small bay, Rethymnon harbour is as pretty as it is old. The views of the Venetian-era Fortezza and out to sea are a delight. Next up is Crete's capital, Heraklion. Here, you'll enjoy a guided tour of the city's best bits, such as the Venetian lion fountain and the loggia. There'll be some free time to explore at your own pace, too.Last but by no means least, the last stop of the day is a guided visit of the Palace of Knossos. Admire treasures like the throne room, royal apartments, and the fabulous frescoes. The ancient frescoes are particularly impressive, depicting scenes of everyday life, religious rituals, and mythical creatures. You'll also experience the Labyrinth, where legend has it, the fearsome half-man, half-bull creature known as the Minotaur lurked.
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Knossos Palace and Heraklion foodie tour with transportation
Set off on your very own Cretan adventure with a guided tour around the marvelous Knossos Palace and a delicious food tasting experience.
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Private tour of Knossos Palace and Cretan villages from Chania
Discover Knossos Palace and the Cretan villages privately during this VIP tour with pick-up from Chania.
Private tour of Knossos Palace and Cretan villages from Heraklion
Discover Knossos Palace and the Cretan villages thanks to this private tour with guide and skip-the-line accesses to the archaeological areas.
Tour of Knossos Palace and Heraklion museum from Chania
Enjoy a tour of the Knossos Palace and Heraklion museum from Chania onboard of a premium-class vehicle and relax during a traditional Cretan wine tasting.
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Tour of Knossos Palace and Museum with wine routes tour of Heraklion
Discover Knossos Palace and Heraklion museum from Heraklion onboard of a premium-class vehicle and enjoy a traditional Cretan wine tasting.
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E-tickets and audio tours for Minoan gems of Heraklion
Enjoy a visit to the the Palace of Knossos and to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum with a combo e-ticket and 2 audio tours on your phone
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VIP Zeus Cave and Knossos Palace Private Tour from Heraklion and Elounda
Discover Knossos Palace and the Cave of Zeus from Heraklion and Elounda during this tailored-made private tour.
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Private guided tour with Knossos Palace & Heraklion
The ancient Palace of Knossos is Crete's most popular attraction and for good reason – it's absolutely fascinating. Exclusively for you and your party, this private tour takes you to the island's most-prized archaeological gem as well as the Cretan capital, Heraklion. Georgios, one of our local guides, says, 'The best way to visit Knossos Palace is with a private group. This way, you'll have the palace to yourselves, and you'll see it intimately, skipping the long queues.'Built back in the Bronze Age, Knossos was the political and cultural hub of Minoan civilisation, and its palace was said to have been the site of the underground labyrinth that contained the Minotaur – fearsome a half-man, half-bull creature. As your guide explains the myths surrounding the palace and its kings, you'll discover treasures like the throne room and the royal apartments, as well as exclusive rooms designed only for small groups. What's more, your visit directly contributes to the upkeep of this UNESCO-listed palace.It's then time to head to Heraklion, Crete's capital. Georgios says, ‘You'll see some of the few remaining monuments built by the Venetians during their five centuries of rule, such as the famous lion fountain and the elegant Palladian-style loggia.' You'll then have free time to explore the buzzing capital. You could go shopping at the market, walk around the harbour walls or just kick back in a café – with our private tour, you have the freedom to choose.
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Knossos Palace e-ticket with audio tour on your phone
Book your Knossos Palace e-ticket and discover the most iconic attraction of Crete with a compelling digital audio tour on your smartphone.
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The inside story
Seeping in history, mystery, and with a strong connection to Greek mythology, the ancient Knossos Palace is an enigmatic archaeological site located about 20 minutes south of modern-day Heraklion on the Greek island of Crete. Knossos Palace dates back to 1900 BC and is believed to have been the ceremonial and political centre of the Minoan civilization. Knossos is also considered by some to have been the first city in Europe.
Knossos Palace is heavily associated with the Greek myth of the Minotaur, a half-man, half-bull creature imprisoned in a labyrinth commissioned by King Minos and built by famed architect Daedalus. The palace is also connected to the story of Daedalus and Icarus.
