Crete: Knossos Palace and Archanes With Wine Tasting Tour

Crete’s rich cultural heritage beckons travelers to explore its renowned sites. The "Knossos Palace and Archanes With Wine Tasting Tour" promises an immersive experience, taking visitors through the legendary Minoan civilization and the charming village of Archanes. From the architectural wonders of Knossos to the delightful wine tasting, this tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into Crete’s captivating past and present. Whether you’re a history buff or a wine enthusiast, this journey through the island’s treasures may just leave you wondering what other secrets Crete holds.

Good To Know

• Comprehensive 7-hour tour that includes Heraklion Museum, Knossos Palace, Lyrarakis Winery, and Archanes village, providing an immersive experience of Cretan history and culture.

• Tour priced at $467.60 for up to 3 participants, with discounts available for specific groups, and a flexible cancellation policy.

• Highlights include exploring the legendary ruins of Knossos, discovering the archaeological treasures at Heraklion Museum, and savoring Cretan wines and cuisine.

• Includes private air-conditioned transportation, licensed guide, and all entry fees, ensuring a seamless and comfortable experience.

• Tour operator promotes environmentally sustainable practices and accessibility, making it a responsible and inclusive choice.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This Crete: Knossos Palace and Archanes with Wine Tasting tour is priced from $467.60 per group (up to 3 participants) and lasts 7 hours.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking driver, a private air-conditioned van, and entry fees for the Knossos Palace and Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

Discounts are available for seniors from EU countries and young adults from non-EU countries.

The tour offers a comprehensive experience, allowing visitors to explore the rich history of Crete, taste local wines, and savor traditional cuisine.

Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and reservations can be made with no upfront payment.

Itinerary Details

Visitors begin their journey at the Heraklion pickup location, where they’ll spend 1.5 hours exploring the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

Next, they’ll visit the ancient ruins of the Palace of Knossos, seeing its rich mythology and history for another 1.5 hours.

The tour then moves to the scenic Lyrarakis Winery, where guests can enjoy a 45-minute wine tasting and shopping experience.

Finally, the group will spend 2 hours strolling through the charming village of Archanes, sampling Cretan cuisine before returning to Heraklion.

The tour’s highlights include:

1. Discovering the wealth of history at the Heraklion Museum and Venetian Walls.
2. Exploring the legendary Palace of Knossos.
3. Savoring the flavors of Cretan wine at Lyrarakis Winery.
4. Taking in the culture and cuisine of Archanes village.

Highlights

The tour’s highlights immerse visitors in the rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture of Crete.

Guests can explore the legendary ruins of Knossos, the ancient Minoan palace steeped in myth and legend. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum offers a deeper dive into the island’s archaeological treasures.

In the scenic Cretan countryside, a wine tasting at Lyrarakis Winery showcases the region’s renowned vintages.

Wandering through the charming village of Archanes, travelers can savor the local cuisine and soak up the authentic atmosphere.

Throughout the journey, the tour provides an engaging and comprehensive introduction to Crete’s captivating heritage and natural beauty.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking professional driver, and a private air-conditioned van.

Fuel, tolls, taxes, and handling charges, as well as complimentary water, are also provided.

The tour offers a licensed guide and covers the entrance fees for the Knossos Palace (€15) and Heraklion Archaeological Museum (€12).

However, personal expenses, tips, gratuities, meals, beverages, and alcohol aren’t included.

Some discounts are available for specific groups, but valid identification is required.

Customers are advised to bring comfortable shoes, a hat, a camera, and water.

Key inclusions:

1. Hotel pickup and drop-off
2. Private air-conditioned transportation
3. Entrance fees to Knossos Palace and Heraklion Museum
4. Licensed guide

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Important Information

Discounts are available for some groups, but valid identification is required to claim them. Specifically, people over 65 from EU countries and under 25 from non-EU countries are eligible for discounted entry fees.

The tour is accessible, but visitors should check in advance for any specific needs. The tour operator promotes environmentally sustainable practices and is Climate Neutral Certified.

Guests should come prepared with comfortable shoes, a hat, a camera, and water. This tour offers a comprehensive Cretan experience, blending history, culture, and local flavors in an eco-friendly manner.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum showcases an impressive collection of artifacts from the ancient Minoan civilization.

Visitors can expect to be captivated by:

1. The iconic Snake Goddess figurines, exuding an aura of mysticism and power.
2. The intricate gold jewelry and ornaments, showcasing the Minoans’ unparalleled craftsmanship.
3. The Phaistos Disc, an enigmatic clay tablet whose inscriptions continue to baffle scholars.
4. The stunning frescoes and wall paintings, offering a glimpse into the vibrant and sophisticated Minoan culture.

With a 1.5-hour visit included in the tour, guests can enjoy the rich history and culture of Crete at this world-renowned museum.

Palace of Knossos

Towering over the lush Cretan landscape, the Palace of Knossos captivates visitors with its rich history and legendary past. Once the ceremonial and administrative center of the Minoan civilization, this archaeological site offers a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Crete. Visitors can explore the intricate network of courtyards, staircases, and chambers, marveling at the sophisticated architectural design and vibrant frescoes. The site’s striking features include:

Feature	Description
Throne Room	Ornate chamber with a carved stone throne
Maze-like Layout	Winding pathways and hidden rooms
Bull-Leaping Frescoes	Depictions of the thrilling Minoan sport
Lustral Basins	Specialized pools for purification rituals
Workshops	Evidence of advanced Minoan craftsmanship

Immersing oneself in the Palace of Knossos is a truly captivating experience, transporting visitors back to the glory of the Minoan era.

Lyrarakis Winery and Archanes Village

After exploring the ancient ruins of Knossos, the tour takes visitors to the Lyrarakis Winery, nestled in the scenic Cretan countryside.

Here, guests indulge in a 45-minute wine tasting, sampling the family’s award-winning vintages. The winery’s scenic setting provides the perfect backdrop for this oenological experience.

Next, the tour ventures to the charming village of Archanes, where visitors spend two hours exploring the quaint streets, tasting traditional Cretan cuisine, and seeing the local culture.

Key highlights include:

1. Sampling Lyrarakis Winery’s exceptional wines in a picturesque countryside setting.
2. Strolling through the narrow alleyways of Archanes, a quintessential Cretan village.
3. Indulging in the flavors of authentic Cretan cuisine.
4. Soaking in the vibrant local atmosphere and culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The maximum group size for this tour is up to 3 participants. The tour price is $467.60 per group, allowing a maximum of 3 people to join this excursion.

Are There Any Additional Costs for the Wine Tasting?

The wine tasting at Lyrarakis Winery is included in the tour price. There are no additional costs for the wine tasting portion of the tour.

Is Photography Allowed at the Archaeological Sites?

Photography is generally allowed at the archaeological sites, though visitors should check with the tour guide or site staff for any restrictions. Visitors are encouraged to capture the ancient ruins and landscapes during their exploration.

Can We Purchase Souvenirs at the Lyrarakis Winery?

Yes, visitors can purchase souvenirs at the Lyrarakis Winery during the wine tasting portion of the tour. The winery offers a selection of locally produced wines, as well as other Cretan products available for purchase.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour’s standard duration is 7 hours, but you can extend it for an additional fee. Contact the tour provider to inquire about options to customize the itinerary and lengthen the tour.

The Sum Up

This immersive Cretan tour offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and local flavors. Visitors will explore the Minoan legacy at the Knossos Palace, explore the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, savor regional wines, and indulge in traditional cuisine. With seamless transportation and expert guidance, it’s an ideal experience for those seeking to uncover the rich heritage of Crete.

You can check availability for your dates here: