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Offered languages
- English
Visit Knossos – Skip the Line & Step into History!
Soak in the splendor of the legendary Palace of Knossos with a small-group guided tour that brings ancient myths to life. Save time with skip-the-line entry, and dive straight into Europe’s most iconic Bronze Age site.
What You'll Experience:
Explore the majestic ruins of Knossos, once home to the mighty King Minos.
Discover Europe’s oldest throne, stunning frescoes, and royal living quarters.
Marvel at the palace’s advanced drainage systems and sophisticated architecture.
Hear the myths and legends that inspired the tales of the Labyrinth and the Minotaur.
Join us for a deep dive into the past — where history and mythology intertwine.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Check-in start 20 min before tour starting time, in front of the ticket office, where guests can meet their exclusive guide and receive their tickets. Tickets are valid for the selected time slot. Arriving outside this window result in denied entry, necessitating the purchase of a new entry ticket.
Itinerary
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1
Step into the world of myth and history at the Palace of Knossos, the legendary home of King Minos and the mythical Minotaur. This must-visit archaeological site in Crete spans an impressive 20,000 square meters and represents the pinnacle of Minoan civilization during the Bronze Age. Intricately designed workshops, temples, royal apartments, and cult areas. Lavishly decorated frescoes and ceremonial courts used for feasts and public events. Originally constructed just after 2000 BC, the palace was rebuilt in 1700 BC following a devastating earthquake. The second iteration became a monumental, four-story structure and the center of political, religious, and cultural life in Bronze Age Crete for over three centuries. As you explore the labyrinthine ruins, your guide will share insights into the daily lives, rituals, and technological innovations of the ancient Minoans, bringing Europe’s earliest urban culture vividly to life.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Our check-in operator will be waiting for you by the ticket booth at Knossos, holding a sign with our "Meeting Point" logo. Check-in begins 20 minutes before the tour start time. Please note that this is a shared group tour, and to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone, we kindly wish to inform you that entry tickets are reserved for specific time slots. If you arrive after your scheduled time, the tickets unfortunately expire. In that case, we will do our best to assist you with purchasing a new ticket, subject to availability. For those arriving by car: Please allow extra time to find parking. We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before the tour start time.
- Please check your location before booking! Knossos Palace is just 5 km (20 min) from Heraklion port/airport — very convenient. It’s not convenient from Chania (Souda port or CHQ airport) — it's 140 km away (2.5 hrs by car). We are based in Heraklion
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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