Exploring the rich cultural heritage of Crete, the Archaeological Museum & Knossos Palace Guided Tour offers an immersive half-day journey into the island’s Minoan past. From the impressive Heraklion Archaeological Museum to the renowned Minoan Palace of Knossos, this tour provides visitors with an opportunity to uncover the architectural marvels and historical significance of these iconic sites. Guided by knowledgeable experts, you will explore the intricate details that have captivated historians and archaeologists alike. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about Crete’s ancient wonders, this tour promises an enlightening experience that will leave you eager to…
Key Points
- This half-day guided tour allows you to visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and explore the Minoan Palace of Knossos, both located near Heraklion.
- The tour lasts 5 hours and includes transportation, a professional guide, and entrance fees, with a starting price of $114.18 per person.
- Highlights include learning about Minoan civilization, seeing Neolithic artifacts, and discovering the architectural features of the Knossos Palace, which dates back to 1700-1400 BC.
- The tour is suitable for adults, children, and infants, but not recommended for individuals with mobility impairments due to the walking requirements.
- Customer feedback indicates the tour offers good value and safety, but some suggest more time for site exploration to improve the overall experience.
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Tour Overview
What does the tour overview entail?
The guided tour lasts 5 hours and covers the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and Knossos Palace. It’s priced from $114.18 per person and offered in English, Italian, and Spanish.
Visitors meet the guide at the terminal of Cretan Spiti Travel in Eleftherias Square. They can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and there’s a reserve now, pay later option.
The tour includes an air-conditioned motorcoach, professional guide, entrance fees, and VAT. It’s suitable for adults, children, and infants, but not for those with mobility issues.
Participants should wear comfortable shoes.
Tour Highlights
The guided tour takes visitors to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, the second largest in Greece. Here, they’ll learn about findings dating back to the Neolithic period, over 6,000 years ago.
Next, the tour explores the Minoan Palace of Knossos, built between 1700 and 1400 BC. Guests will discover the architectural techniques and features of this ancient site, including its 1,300 rooms and storerooms for oil, grains, and olives.
The excavation of Knossos began in 1900 by Sir Arthur Evans, providing historical context to this remarkable archaeological treasure. The guided experience offers an in-depth look at these two significant Greek landmarks.
Itinerary Details
The tour begins at 8:30 AM when guests meet the guide at the terminal.
They’ll then depart for the Knossos Palace, located 5 km southeast of Heraklion, at 10:30 AM.
The tour explores the archaeological site, including the impressive Minoan palace that dates back to 1700-1400 BC.
Guests will discover the palace’s architectural features, such as its 1,300 rooms and storerooms for oil, grains, and olives.
At 1:30 PM, the group will return to the terminal.
The 5-hour tour includes an air-conditioned motorcoach, a professional guide, entrance fees, and VAT.
Participant Information
Participants of all ages can enjoy this guided tour, which is suitable for adults aged 13 to 99, children aged 3 to 12, and infants 2 and younger.
However, the tour isn’t recommended for people with mobility impairments. Comfortable shoes are advised, as there’s a fair amount of walking involved.
Unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed on the tour.
Customer Feedback
Customers have provided generally positive feedback on the guided tour, awarding it an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars. The tour received strong marks for safety (4/5) and service (4/5), as well as its organization (4/5). However, the value for money was rated slightly lower at 3 out of 5.
| Feedback Metric | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 4/5 |
| Value for Money | 3/5 |
| Safety | 4/5 |
| Service | 4/5 |
| Organization | 4/5 |
One reviewer suggested allowing more time for exploration at the sites, indicating the tour could be improved by providing a more relaxed pace.
Exploring Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Heraklion Archaeological Museum, the second-largest in Greece, houses an impressive collection of artifacts and findings dating back to the Neolithic period.
Visitors can expect to discover:
- Exquisite Minoan art and pottery, including the famous Bull-Leaping Fresco and intricate gold jewelry.
- Exhibits on the development of writing, from early Cretan scripts to the Linear B tablets deciphered by Michael Ventris.
- Fascinating insights into the daily life, rituals, and funerary practices of the Minoan civilization, considered Europe’s first advanced Bronze Age society.
The museum’s knowledgeable guides provide context and bring these ancient wonders to life, enriching the overall exploration of Crete’s captivating history.
Discovering the Minoan Palace of Knossos
After exploring the impressive Heraklion Archaeological Museum, the guided tour moves on to the highlight of the day – the captivating Minoan Palace of Knossos. Excavated by archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans in the early 1900s, the palace dates back to 1700-1400 BC and offers a glimpse into the sophisticated Minoan civilization. Visitors can discover the architectural marvels of Knossos, including its sprawling layout of over 1,300 rooms and advanced features like drainage systems and storage facilities. The tour provides historical context, allowing guests to better understand the significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Layout | Over 1,300 rooms and storerooms |
| Architecture | Advanced drainage and storage systems |
| Significance | UNESCO World Heritage Site |
Practical Information
The tour begins with a convenient meeting point at the Terminal of Cretan Spiti Travel, located in front of the Astoria Capsis Hotel on Eleftherias Square.
The tour is suitable for a range of participants, from adults to children as young as 3, but not recommended for those with mobility impairments. Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and aren’t allowed to bring unaccompanied minors.
The guided tour includes:
- Air-conditioned motorcoach transportation.
- A professional guide to provide historical context.
- Entrance fees to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and Knossos Palace.
With a duration of 5 hours and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this guided excursion offers a comprehensive exploration of Crete’s ancient Minoan heritage.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
The tour information doesn’t specify whether participants can bring their own food and drinks. It’s best to check with the tour operator to determine if this is allowed or if there are any restrictions on outside items.
Is There a Dress Code for Visiting the Sites?
There’s no strict dress code, but visitors should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for exploring the archaeological sites. Visitors should avoid wearing items that could get caught or damaged in the historical structures.
Are Photography and Videography Allowed During the Tour?
Photography and videography are generally allowed during the tour, but visitors should check with the guide for any site-specific restrictions. Some areas may prohibit flash photography or filming to preserve the artifacts and structures.
How Accessible Are the Sites for People With Disabilities?
The tour sites are not very accessible for people with mobility impairments. The tour is not suitable for those with mobility issues, as the itinerary involves significant walking and climbing. Visitors should consider their physical abilities before booking this tour.
Is There a Recommended Age Range for Children on This Tour?
The tour is suitable for children aged 3 to 12. Infants aged 2 and younger are also allowed. However, the tour is not recommended for people with mobility impairments as the sites may not be fully accessible.
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Recap
The Archaeological Museum & Knossos Palace Guided Tour offers an immersive half-day experience into Crete’s captivating history. Guests can explore the renowned Heraklion Archaeological Museum and the iconic Minoan Palace of Knossos, led by knowledgeable guides who provide insights into the sites’ architectural marvels and historical significance. With comfortable transportation and a family-friendly atmosphere, this tour provides an engaging way to discover Crete’s rich cultural heritage.