Heraklion City, Walking Tour, Old Market & Knossos Palace

Heraklion City captivates visitors with its blend of history and culture. A guided walking tour takes you through the iconic Knossos Palace, where you’ll uncover the remnants of the Minoan civilization. From intricate architecture to vibrant frescoes, this experience offers a rich understanding of the past. But the exploration doesn’t end there – the tour also immerses you in the lively atmosphere of the city center, including the bustling Old Market. With its Venetian Harbor and delectable local fare, Heraklion showcases a modern charm that complements its historical significance. Prepare to be swept away by the city’s captivating duality.

Key Points

This tour offers a guided exploration of Knossos Palace, the center of Minoan civilization, and a 3-hour walking tour of Heraklion’s highlights, including the Venetian Harbor and Old Market.
The tour duration is 6 to 8.5 hours, with pickup from 17 convenient locations and transportation provided in an air-conditioned bus.
Visitors can explore the historical landmarks without transportation worries, as the package includes guided tours and city exploration.
The tour is available in multiple languages, including English, French, German, and Polish, catering to a diverse audience.
Cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours for a full refund, making the tour flexible and accessible.

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Tour Overview and Pricing

The Heraklion City Walking Tour is an engaging activity that typically lasts 6 to 8.5 hours, priced at $38.77 per person.

Travelers can explore Knossos Palace, the famous Minoan archaeological site, with a guided tour.

The tour also includes a 3-hour guided walk through Heraklion’s vibrant city center, where visitors can browse the lively Old Market, visit the Venetian Harbor, and enjoy free time for shopping and dining.

Cancellations are permitted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and there’s no upfront payment required to reserve a spot.

The tour offers convenient pickup from 17 locations across the region.

Itinerary and Highlights

The Heraklion City Walking Tour offers an immersive exploration of the region’s rich history and vibrant culture.

The tour begins with pickup from 17 convenient locations, ensuring easy access for visitors. The main stops include the iconic Knossos Palace, where guests will embark on a guided tour to uncover the fascinating Minoan civilization.

In Heraklion’s city center, the tour provides 3 hours of guided exploration, allowing ample time to wander the Venetian Harbor, Old Town, and lively Old Market.

Highlights include free time for shopping, visiting the food market, and the option to tour the Archaeological Museum.

Throughout the experience, guests will appreciate the expert guidance and insights provided.

Transportation and Accessibility

Transportation to and from the tour sites is provided, with pickup and drop-off services included.

The tour operates with an air-conditioned bus, making it comfortable for participants. Pickup times are based on the location of your accommodation, and details will be provided via email after booking.

The tour is also wheelchair accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience.

With the transportation provided, you can focus on exploring the historical landmarks and experiencing the vibrant city of Heraklion without having to worry about getting around.

Inclusions and Additional Costs

The tour package includes transportation services, an expert-guided tour of Knossos Palace, and a guided exploration of Heraklion’s city center.

All applicable taxes and legal charges, as well as public liability insurance, are also covered. However, there are additional fees for certain attractions. The Knossos Palace ticket costs €15, and the Archaeological Museum ticket costs €12 (or a combined ticket for both is €20).

Visitors should come prepared with comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. Pets aren’t allowed on the tour.

The tour is available in English, French, German, and Polish.

Important Information and Recommendations

Visitors should come prepared with comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen for the Heraklion City Walking Tour.

Pets aren’t allowed on the tour.

The available languages are English, French, German, and Polish.

Based on 11 reviews, the overall rating is 3.9/5, with transportation rated 2.5/5 and value for money rated 4/5.

The tour includes transportation, guided tours of Knossos Palace and Heraklion, all applicable taxes, and public liability insurance.

Additional costs include the Knossos Palace ticket (€15) and the Archaeological Museum ticket (€12 or €20 for a combined ticket).

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Overall, customers have provided a mixed review of the Heraklion City Walking Tour. The tour has an overall rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars based on 11 reviews.

While the value for money was rated 4 out of 5, the transportation aspect received a lower score of 2.5 out of 5.

Customers have praised the guided exploration of Heraklion’s highlights, including the Venetian Harbor, Old Town, and lively Old Market.

However, some have noted issues with the timing and organization of the tour.

Prospective travelers should consider these reviews when deciding whether the Heraklion City Walking Tour is the right choice for their Crete experience.

Pickup Locations and Duration

The tour kicks off from 17 conveniently located pickup points, ranging from popular resort areas like Sisi and Hersonissos to the city center of Heraklion itself.

Travelers can be picked up from their accommodations in Agia Pelagia, Karteros, Gazi, Piskopiano, and many other nearby locations.

The tour duration is between 6 to 8.5 hours, allowing ample time to explore the highlights of Heraklion, including a guided tour of the iconic Knossos Palace and free time to wander the lively old market.

The pickup time will vary based on the location, and details will be provided via email upon booking to ensure a seamless start to the adventure.

Minoan Civilization at Knossos Palace

The guided tour of the famed Knossos Palace provides a captivating window into the Minoan civilization, one of the earliest advanced societies in Europe.

Visitors explore the remarkably preserved ruins and uncover clues about the sophisticated Minoan culture that flourished on the island of Crete around 2000-1400 BC.

The tour highlights the palace’s intricate architecture, vibrant frescoes, and iconic Minotaur myth.

Though potential ticket wait times may occur during peak hours, the in-depth guided experience brings the Minoan legacy to life, leaving travelers with a deeper appreciation for this influential ancient civilization.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Combine This Tour With Other Activities in Crete?

Yes, you can combine this tour with other activities in Crete. The tour’s flexibility allows you to add or adjust it to fit your overall itinerary and interests during your time in the island.

What Is the Minimum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour has no minimum group size. Travelers can book the tour individually or as a group. The tour provider accommodates both small and large groups on this excursion.

Do Tour Guides Provide History Commentary in Multiple Languages?

The tour guides provide commentary in multiple languages, including English, French, German, and Polish. This allows the tour to cater to a diverse range of participants and ensure everyone can fully engage with the historical information.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour description doesn’t mention an option to extend the duration. However, travelers could inquire with the tour operator about the possibility of adding extra time or activities to the standard tour itinerary for an additional fee.

Are There Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

The tour offers discounts for children under 12 and seniors over 65. Children under 6 can join the tour for free. Specific pricing details aren’t provided, so customers should inquire when booking to determine any available discounts.

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Recap

The Heraklion city walking tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the Minoan civilization at the iconic Knossos Palace. Coupled with the vibrant atmosphere of the Old Market, this immersive experience provides visitors with a rich understanding of the city’s remarkable history and modern charm. Whether seeking cultural exploration or simply soaking in the local ambiance, this tour is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Heraklion.