Konossos Palace

Best Of Heraklion & Thrilling Knossos 4-H Shore Excursion

Overview

Crete, home of mythical Zeus and the Minoans, gave birth to the first civilization of Europe. Crete is the biggest island of Greece lying right in the middle of the Mediterranean, sea in reach history and glory.

Highlights of Best of Heraklion & Thrilling Knossos 4-h shore excursion

  • +/- 4 hours private shore excursion of Heraklion
  • Visit Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Knossos palace
  • Combines Crete’ modern and historical sites
  • Professional English-speaking tour driver
  • Pickup / drop off at the Venetian lion-guarder port of Heraklion

Description

Description of the cruise shore excursion in Heraklion and Knossos

KnososCreteHeraklionVisit Knossos, the capital of King Minos and the center of the magnificent Minoan civilization is located only a few kilometers south of Heraklion. Searching the keys to the past will travel back in time some 4500 years BC. Knossos Palace is famous around the world for its myths of Europa, the Minotaur, the Labyrinth and Theseus, Daedalus, and Ikarus. In order to understand the future Knossos will open us a window to the most ancient civilization of Europe. Knossos’ architectural feats include several store buildings (first in the world) with light wells and bathrooms, impressive pillars and an ingenious drainage system, aqueducts, irrigation systems, paved roads, and magnificent frescoes. This will impress you and show you advanced beautiful jewelry and a way of life you never thought possible in the dawn of history.

Heraklion, the capital of Crete

Heraklion, the capital of Crete and the biggest island in Greece. Back in 1204 AD, the city of Heraklion was bought by the Republic of Venice. Then the Venetians improved on the ditch of the city by building enormous fortifications most of which are still in place including a giant wall, in places up to 40 m thick, with 7 bastions, and a fortress in the harbor. Time at leisure in Heraklion to explore the city and to see the impressive Venetian buildings and castle, the Cathedral, the fountains, the open street market or if you wish just taste the Cretan cuisine for lunch.

The Archaeological Museum of Herakleion

The Archaeological Museum of Herakleion city is one of the largest and most important museums in Greece and among one of the most important museums in Europe. The museum houses representative artifacts from all the periods of Cretan prehistory and history, covering a chronological span of over 5.500 years from the Neolithic period to Roman times. The singularly important Minoan collection contains unique examples of Minoan art, many of them true masterpieces. It is rightly considered as the museum of Minoan culture par excellence worldwide. The museum, located in the town center, was built between 1937 and 1940 by architect Patroklos Karantinos on a site previously occupied by the Roman Catholic monastery of Saint Francis which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1856.

Note: Walking (approximately 2 miles) in the archaeological site of Knossos will be on uneven ground and gravel surfaces, and inclines and 25 to 35 steps. We recommend Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreens. Passengers may not be allowed to enter the site with big bags/rucksacks. Guests may be required to wait in long lines to enter the popular venues.

Return to your cruise ship pier for embarkation.

More Crete shore excursions here!

Details


Tour Type

Included in the tour

  • Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz vehicle or similar appropriate for the size of your group
  • Your tour will be accompanied by a professional English-speaking driver or escort possessing in-depth knowledge of Greece’s history and culture. They will provide insightful commentary throughout the journey, guiding you until the entrance of archaeological sites and museums. However, please note that drivers are not licensed to accompany you inside these venues.
  • If you desire a licensed state tour guide to escort you within the archaeological sites and museums, providing comprehensive insights and explanations, we can gladly arrange one for an additional cost. These licensed guides are freelance professionals, and their availability is subject to your tour date.
  • When a licensed tour guide or English-speaking tour escort accompanies a group, the professional driver may not necessarily speak English fluently. Their role is focused on providing safe transportation.
  • Pick up and drop off at your hotel in Athens. Extra charge for hotels outside Athens.
  • Pick up and drop off at Piraeus Port or Athens Airport.
  • Pick up and drop off at our terminal: Leof. Andrea Siggrou 37, 117 43 Athens, Greece.
  • Accommodation is based according to availability (for multiple-day tours only)
  • Road tolls and all local taxes

Excluded from the tour

  • Wine tasting fee (for wine tours)
  • Olive oil tasting fee (for olive oil tasting tours)
  • Optional Gratuities
  • Food and beverage
  • Your private chauffeur/guide will discuss a program best suited to your interest and mobile abilities. Option for a professional tour guide with a state license at an extra cost. Read more for the Differences between a Tour Guide and a Tour Driver

Cancellation Policy

Read our cancellation policy

Additional info

  • Dress Code: When visiting religious sites, shoulders and knees must be covered out of respect for the cultural norms.
  • Please review our Terms & Conditions and Frequently Asked Questions
  • Upon booking, an electronic voucher will be emailed to you containing our contact information, tour details, and all necessary instructions. This voucher serves as your ticket and proof of purchase. Please present a printed or digital copy of the voucher on the day of your tour to redeem your activity.
  • City Tax for Hotel Stays: Effective from January 1st, 2018, a City Tax for hotel overnights is applicable and not included in our excursion rates. Clients will need to pay this tax directly at their hotel upon check-out. The amount per room is as follows: 5-star hotel: €4/overnight || 4-star hotel: €3/overnight || 3-star hotel: €1.50/overnight
  • Opening Hours and Entrance Fees for Archaeological Sites and Museums in Greece
  • Entrance Fees for Children from Non-EU Countries: Starting November 1st, 2019, children aged 6 and above from non-European Union (non-EU) countries will be required to pay the full entrance fee for Museums and Archaeological sites. For children from EU countries, the existing rates remain in effect. However, it is crucial to have their passports readily available to prove their nationality.

Persons with Disabilities

  • Due to uneven surfaces, certain sites are not recommended for persons with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair. Such sites are the Acropolis, the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, Mycenae, Delphi and Meteora
  • In all cases, we recommend comfortable flat-solid walking shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen.


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Contact Information

Tour Details

Any bag or item with a single side longer than 50 inches (120 cm), including wheels, handles and packaging is an oversized item.

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