'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.

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

Important to know

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

What people say about this experience

4.3/5

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Based on 1176 reviews

All ratings (1176)

5 stars (590)

50%

4 stars (423)

36%

3 stars (128)

11%

2 stars (25)

1 star (10)

P
Paul S
Traveled as a couple
November 9, 2025
4.6
United States of America
The guide for Knossos was very knowledgeable and the pace was just right, given that it wasn't very busy on the day we selected. The time allowed for on our own exploring at Knossos was just right. Our guide gave us a good orientation of Heraklion so that we could easily navigate for our own selected place for lunch (not included) and the archaeological museum.
M
Mark
Traveled with family
November 3, 2025
5
United States of America
Very good guide price could have been a bit less
M
Michelle
Traveled with family
November 3, 2025
3.8
United States of America
Popi was amazing, so knowledgeable and very friendly. Not just at the palace but regarding the island as well. It was a very informative.
B
BB
Traveled with family
November 1, 2025
5
United States of America
Our guide Popi and driver Yanis were very helpful, Popi was extremely knowledgeable and we really enjoyed the trip and also enjoyed having free time to spend in Heraklion.
A
Allan
Traveled as a couple
October 31, 2025
4.2
United States of America
This was a really lovely day out. Obviously it's really busy and there's lots of pick ups and drop offs but still glad we did it and the time in the capital was great. The guide didn't pay attention and lost lots of us walking to the church. Luckily another person saw where she went and we eventually caught up. It was pointed out to her what happened but she was oblivious. Dispute this it was a good day and I'd recommend the trip to you.
J
Jo from Solihull
Solo traveler
October 30, 2025
3.4
United Kingdom
Tour guide was knowledgeable however she walked very fast and became out of range with headset. She also lost about 10 of her party in Heraklion because she went up a side street and didn’t wait for us to catch up

The guide for Knossos was very knowledgeable and the pace was just right, given that it wasn't very busy on the day we selected. The time allowed for on our own exploring at Knossos was just right. Our guide gave us a good orientation of Heraklion so that we could easily navigate for our own selected place for lunch (not included) and the archaeological museum.

Very good guide price could have been a bit less

Popi was amazing, so knowledgeable and very friendly. Not just at the palace but regarding the island as well. It was a very informative.

Our guide Popi and driver Yanis were very helpful, Popi was extremely knowledgeable and we really enjoyed the trip and also enjoyed having free time to spend in Heraklion.

This was a really lovely day out. Obviously it's really busy and there's lots of pick ups and drop offs but still glad we did it and the time in the capital was great. The guide didn't pay attention and lost lots of us walking to the church. Luckily another person saw where she went and we eventually caught up. It was pointed out to her what happened but she was oblivious. Dispute this it was a good day and I'd recommend the trip to you.

Tour guide was knowledgeable however she walked very fast and became out of range with headset. She also lost about 10 of her party in Heraklion because she went up a side street and didn’t wait for us to catch up