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Knossos and Archaeological Museum tour: Uncover Europe's oldest civilization and 15000 artefacts
5.0
41 Ratings
Knosos
Uncover Europe’s oldest civilization and 15,000 artifacts on a small group tour of Knossos and the Archaeological Museum. Explore the Minoan palace, discover thrilling legends, and admire ancient treasures.
Uncover Europe’s oldest civilization and 15,000 artifacts on a small group tour of Knossos and the Archaeological Museum. Explore the Minoan palace, discover thrilling legends, and admire ancient treasures.
Duration:
11 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Knossos Archaeological Site - Knossos, the heart of the Minoan civilization, lies 5 km southeast of Heraklion, in the valley of the river Kairatos. Crete’s most famous historical attraction, he site is considered to be the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on the island and is referred to as the oldest city in Europe. Knossos was first…
- Knossos Archaeological Site - Knossos, the heart of the Minoan civilization, lies 5 km southeast of Heraklion, in the valley of the river Kairatos. Crete’s most famous historical attraction, he site is considered to be the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on the island and is referred to as the oldest city in Europe. Knossos was first inhabited by a Neolithic settlement in the seventh century BC. It stayed inhabited for several thousands of years until it was finally abandoned in 1375 BC after its destruction, which marked the end of Minoan civilisation. In 1878, the first large-scale excavation was undertaken by the wealthy art-lover Minos Kalokairinos, while Crete was still under Turkish occupation. This was followed by the long-term excavations (1900-1913 and 1922-1930) of Sir Arthur Evans, who uncovered the whole surrounding area of Knossos.
What's Included
- Guided tour in Knossos palace (English)
- Local tour leader (English & German speaking)
- Small group up to 15 people
- Audiovisual presentation of Cretan customs on the bus
- USB charging ports in bus
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- On-board WiFi
- Public liability insurance
- Guided tour in Knossos palace (English)
- Local tour leader (English & German speaking)
- Small group up to 15 people
- Audiovisual presentation of Cretan customs on the bus
- USB charging ports in bus
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- On-board WiFi
- Public liability insurance
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Entrance fees
- Entrance fees
- Gratuities
- Entrance fees
- Entrance fees
Additional Information
On this one-day journey, we delve into Europe’s most ancient culture, the Minoan palace of Knossos (tour guided), associated with fascinating tales such as the Labyrinth’s myth featuring the Minotaur and the narrative of Daidalos and Ikaros. We then visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, which is among the most significant museums in Europe,…
On this one-day journey, we delve into Europe’s most ancient culture, the Minoan palace of Knossos (tour guided), associated with fascinating tales such as the Labyrinth’s myth featuring the Minotaur and the narrative of Daidalos and Ikaros. We then visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, which is among the most significant museums in Europe, where over 15000 artefacts await our exploration. Following this, we get an opportunity to roam around Heraklion, where we encounter a Venetian fortress at the harbour entrance, splendid neoclassical structures, Byzantine churches, and numerous fountains. SMALL TEAM of a maximum of 15 participants!!!
- Driving from Chania city centre to Knossos palace lasts about 2 hours (no stops for breakfast/WC)
Location
Knossos Archaeological Site
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(41 Ratings)
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Rbooth72
Sep 27, 2025
Amazing trip to Knossos & the Heraklion archaeological museum, highly recommend - My partner and I thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Knossos & the Heraklion archaeological museum. Our guide Christina was very communicative and helpful and kept us entertained on the long bus journey, we learned lots about the history of Crete and Cretan culture & customs which was very interesting, with Christina also pointing out things along the way such as the American military base and the white mountains. We really appreciated having a tour guide at Knossos as we were able to skip the long queues for tickets and understand what we were looking at throughout the site. We were also provided with refreshments and snacks throughout the trip which was a nice bonus. The museum is definitely one of the most impressive museums we have ever been to & we were very fortunate to have been able to visit. We got to explore Heraklion city a little too which was lovely. Overall we would highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to visit Knossos & the museum! :)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nicolegw591bs
Sep 20, 2025
Amazing! - Christine and Thanos ran an amazing excursion to Knossos Palace and Heraklion. From the moment I booked the tour, Christine was communicative and helpful. My husband and I wanted to leave from Heraklion city centre to go the Heraklion airport rather than travel back to Chania and they were very accomodating. 10/10 would recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Harveyh396
Sep 6, 2025
The best way to see the History of Crete! - We had such a great day on this tour and got to see some amazing history at both Knossos palace and the archeological museum in Heraklion.
Our tour guide Christine was warm, very helpful and had lots of great info to share with us - from Cretan traditions to restaurant recommendations. Our driver Thanos took great care getting us safely to each destination. You are looked after very well on this trip. Can’t recommend enough!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brucei482
Aug 11, 2024
Best tour one day tour in Crete - Arguably the best tour guides on Crete, Christine and driver Thanos. Informative commentary throughout the day where we learnt about the island,its food and customs. Small group tour, plenty of water (it was hot), palace definitely the visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Conniefrancesz
Jul 24, 2024
The best way to see Knossos! Comfortable and efficient 😄 - This was honestly one of the best full day tours I had in Crete. I have a fear of long bus trips but the two hours going in the mini bus, I was completely entertained by Christine, information about with Cretan culture and information about Cretan mythology. Full ac and wifi too. We were a small group of about 12 people. At Knossos, we had an excellent guide who truly was very knowledgeable and made sure that we had shade when possible. We got to visit the Archeological Museum (lots of interesting things to see) and had the option of going on a walking tour of with Christine in Heralkion or on our own; we chose the second option and had time for lunch. We supplied with cold bottles of water by our wonderful driver and even Cretan sweet cheese pies. On our way back on the bus, we even learn some Cretan phrases. Christine was excellent from the time I booked - confirming twice the pickup point via email to the tour itself - knowledgeable and very helpful.
If you want to actually appreciate Knossos, go on this tour😁
Review provided by Tripadvisor
_g9509fr
Jun 30, 2024
A Remarkably Enjoyable and Well-Organized Trip" - The exceptional service provided by all parties during our excursion enhanced the experience, making it even more enjoyable and relaxing. The attention to detail, professionalism, and friendly demeanor of the staff truly stood out. This was undoubtedly one of the best-organized trips we have ever taken.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jaron_r
Jun 24, 2024
I cannot recommend this tour enough. - Love this tour operator. Christine's communication with us, from booking to pick up, was exceptional. The guided tour was well-paced and educational, as was the walk through the city. Our teenage children are still raving about what they learned and saw at the Palace of Knossos; it was their favorite part of our trip to Crete.
Review provided by Viator
Maryann_d
Oct 2, 2023
WELL DONE KNOSSOS TOUR - What an amazing trip! Our bus arrived on time and we were greeted by the most pleasant driver and tour guide. The bus was clean and well kept. Our driver, Thanasis was great. We felt very safe throughout the drive as he adhered to speed limits.
Our tour guide Christine was amazing. She was funny, informative and provided a thoughtful presentation regarding Crete. She gave an overview of the culture, foods, customs and the mythological history.
Once arriving at Knossos Palace, a tour guide walked our group through the palace and gave detailed information along the route.
This was an absolutely thorough guided tour. The tour guides provided cold water and snacks as well. I highly recommend this tour!
Review provided by Viator
Lindseypm
Sep 24, 2023
Excellent and Interesting Tour - We were collected in Chania at a really convenient place near our hotel. Christine was our guide, and together with our driver, made sure the journey to Knossos went smoothly and enjoyably, making sure we had enough water and that we were always comfortable, as well as telling us more about Crete.
Our guide at the Palace at Knossos and at the museum in Heraklion was knowledgeable and so enthusiastic. I learned so much about Minoan history while also enjoying the beautiful weather. We had some free time in Heraklion which was much appreciated.
Overall, I would genuinely recommend this tour as a way to see Knossos and Heraklion.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pavp88
Sep 24, 2023
A well organised and informative tour - A well organised and informative tour covering the Minoan civilization. Our tour guide was excellent and I learned a lot. A great activity for those interested in learning about this civilization and seeing some spectacularly preserved ruins and artefacts.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
