Historical Heraklion City Tour With Knossos Palace & Old Market

Discover the ancient wonders and vibrant culture of Crete on the Historical Heraklion City Tour with Knossos Palace and Old Market. This enriching experience takes you through the legendary Knossos Palace, where expert guides unveil the intricate Minoan history. Then, explore Heraklion’s bustling center, from the iconic Loggia to the charming old market, where you’ll uncover the city’s rich heritage and savor local delicacies. Whether you’re a history buff or a cultural enthusiast, this tour promises to transport you to a world of captivating discoveries. Get ready to be immersed in the captivating blend of past and present that defines Heraklion.

This experience made our list of the 7 Best Historical Tours In Heraklion.

Key Points

• Guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Knossos Palace, exploring its intricate architecture and advanced Minoan civilization.
• Informative walking tour through Heraklion’s historic center, highlighting iconic landmarks like the Loggia and bustling Old Market.
• Convenient air-conditioned transportation provided, with pickup options from various northern Crete locations.
• Moderate physical fitness required due to the walking involved, though the tour is not wheelchair accessible.
• Overall highly rated tour experience, with knowledgeable guides and complimentary snacks, offering value for heritage exploration.

Tour Overview

The Historical Heraklion City Tour combines a visit to the renowned Knossos Palace, the capital of the Minoan civilization, with a guided walk around the central district of Heraklion.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars from 37 reviews, this tour is provided by Cretan Odyssey and includes an air-conditioned vehicle and pickups from various locations in northern Crete.

Travelers will explore the Knossos Palace with a knowledgeable guide and have free time for personal exploration in Heraklion’s old market.

The tour also includes liability insurance coverage, all fees and taxes, and a professional driver.

With a moderate physical fitness level required, this tour offers an insightful look into Crete’s rich history and culture.

Inclusions and Costs

This tour package includes a knowledgeable tour guide, an air-conditioned vehicle, and liability insurance coverage by ALLIANZ.

The tour also covers all fees and taxes, as well as a professional driver. Travelers will enjoy:

• Entrance fees to both the Knossos Palace (€15) and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum (€12)
• Complimentary snacks during the tour
• Flexible cancellation policy, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts

The price for this comprehensive historical tour starts from $38.70 per person, making it an affordable and value-packed experience for exploring Heraklion’s rich heritage.

Pickup Information

For this tour, pickup is available from specific points in several northern Crete locations.

Travelers can be picked up from Sisi, Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, Agkisaras, Piskopiano, Koutouloufari, Gouves, Gournes, Kokkini Hani, Karteros, Amoudara, and Agia Pelagia.

There are also two central pickup points in Heraklion.

The exact pickup details will be provided to travelers via email after booking.

This arrangement ensures convenient access to the tour for participants across Northern Crete.

The tour provider aims to make the experience as seamless as possible by offering a wide range of pickup locations.

Tour Requirements and Limitations

Not all travelers may be able to participate in this historical Heraklion city tour.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though infant seats are available. A moderate level of physical fitness is required, as the tour involves walking around the central Heraklion area.

Plus, the group size can be quite large, with a maximum of 50 travelers. This may impact the personalized experience for some participants.

Ultimately, those with mobility limitations or who prefer smaller group sizes should consider whether this tour aligns with their needs and preferences.

• Not wheelchair accessible
• Infant seats available
• Moderate physical fitness required

Traveler Reviews

Travelers have provided largely positive feedback on the Historical Heraklion City Tour, praising the knowledgeable and engaging nature of the guides. Many highlight the informative nature of the tour and the overall organization of the company. However, some comments note lengthy pickup times and large group sizes as potential drawbacks affecting the experience.

Positive Aspects	Negative Aspects
Knowledgeable and engaging guides	Lengthy pickup times
Informative nature of the tour	Large group sizes
Organized company operations	–

Exploring Knossos Palace

The centerpiece of the Historical Heraklion City Tour is the exploration of Knossos Palace, the ancient capital of the Minoan civilization.

Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, visitors will uncover the grandeur and mysteries of this archaeological marvel:

• Wander through the labyrinthine layout of the palace, marveling at its intricate architecture and advanced engineering.

• Discover the vibrant frescoes and artwork that offer glimpses into the daily life and rituals of the Minoans.

• Gain insights into the advanced administration and infrastructure that supported this sophisticated Bronze Age society.

The guided tour of Knossos Palace provides an immersive experience, allowing travelers to truly understand the significance of this UNESCO World Heritage site and its place in Crete’s rich history.

Guided Walk of Heraklion

After exploring the grandeur of Knossos Palace, the tour ventures into the heart of Heraklion, Crete’s vibrant capital city. The guided walk through the center provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to soak in the local culture and history. From the iconic Loggia to the bustling Old Market, the knowledgeable guide brings the streets to life, highlighting architectural gems and sharing stories of the city’s past. Guests can wander freely, discovering hidden gems and indulging in local delicacies at their own pace. The guided walk offers a well-rounded understanding of Heraklion, complementing the tour’s exploration of the renowned Knossos Palace.

Emotion	Evocation
Curiosity	Uncover hidden gems
Immersion	Soak in local culture and history
Appreciation	Discover architectural marvels

Tour Highlights

This Historical Heraklion City Tour offers a captivating exploration of Crete’s rich history and cultural legacy.

Travelers will begin their journey by visiting the renowned Knossos Palace, the capital of the ancient Minoan civilization. Guided by knowledgeable experts, visitors will uncover the secrets and grandeur of this legendary site.

The tour then transitions to a guided walk through the central Heraklion, allowing participants to:

• Stroll through the charming old market and soak in the vibrant local atmosphere.
• Discover the city’s architectural gems and learn about its storied past.
• Enjoy free time for personal exploration and discovery.

Throughout the experience, travelers will appreciate the convenience of air-conditioned transportation and the inclusion of all necessary fees and taxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Duration of the Tour?

The tour duration is not explicitly stated in the information provided. However, the tour includes visits to Knossos Palace, the old market in Heraklion, and free time for personal exploration, suggesting it’s likely a half-day or full-day excursion.

Are There Any Special Dietary Requirements for the Snacks?

The tour provider does not specify any special dietary requirements for the snacks included in the tour. The snacks are likely standard, basic refreshments suitable for most travelers.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Individual Preferences?

The tour can’t be customized to individual preferences. It follows a set itinerary with a maximum group size of 50 travelers. However, the provider may be able to accommodate special dietary requirements for the snacks upon request.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Participants?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. Infants are welcome, and child seats are available. However, a moderate level of physical fitness is required as the tour involves some walking and exploring ancient ruins.

What Language(S) Are the Tours Conducted In?

The tours are conducted in multiple languages, including English. The company’s website or booking page should provide details on the specific language options available for each tour.

Sum Up

The Historical Heraklion City Tour with Knossos Palace and Old Market offers a comprehensive experience, blending ancient wonders and vibrant local culture. Participants explore the captivating Minoan history of Knossos Palace and explore the iconic landmarks and delectable delicacies of Heraklion’s city center, all within a comfortable, air-conditioned setting guided by knowledgeable experts.