Knossos Palace Guided Tour – Heraklion City Tour + Market

Exploring the enchanting Knossos Palace and the vibrant city of Heraklion is a must-do experience for any traveler visiting Crete. This guided tour, operated by Platanos Tours, offers an immersive journey into the rich history and culture of the Minoan civilization. With knowledgeable guides fluent in multiple languages, visitors will uncover the secrets of the Knossos Palace and explore the bustling local markets, all while enjoying comfortable transportation and a delicious lunch. Whether you’re a history buff or a cultural enthusiast, this tour promises to leave you captivated and eager to discover more about this remarkable destination.

Key Points

• Comprehensive guided tour of Knossos Palace and Heraklion city, including a visit to the local market, offered by Platanos Tours.
• Tour includes transportation, professional guides, lunch, and entrance fees to Knossos Palace and Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
• Pickup locations available in Heraklion region; 24-hour free cancellation policy applies.
• Mixed traveler feedback, with some reports of delays in pickup times but generally positive experiences.
• Tour not wheelchair accessible but has infant seats; maximum group size of 50 travelers.

Tour Overview

What does the Knossos Palace guided tour offer?

The tour provides visitors with a comprehensive experience, including a guided exploration of the renowned Knossos Palace and a city tour of Heraklion, Greece’s largest city.

Priced from $34.53 per person, the tour is operated by Platanos Tours and includes an air-conditioned vehicle, professional English, German, and Polish-speaking guides, and lunch.

Entrance fees to the Knossos Palace and Heraklion Archaeological Museum are also covered.

The tour departs from several pickup locations in the Heraklion area and has a maximum capacity of 50 travelers.

While most travelers enjoy the competent guides and air-conditioned coach, some have experienced delays in pickup times.

Inclusions

The Knossos Palace guided tour includes several key features that enhance the experience for participants.

Travelers will be transported in an air-conditioned vehicle and have the services of professional guides available in English, German, and Polish. A tasty lunch is provided, and entrance fees to both the Knossos Palace and the Archaeological Museum are covered.

The tour also includes a fuel surcharge, though personal expenses aren’t included. This comprehensive package ensures travelers can fully enjoy the ancient Minoan history and culture of Crete, without worrying about logistical details.

Pickup Information

The tour provider offers pickup from a variety of locations across the Heraklion region, including Malia, Stalis, Hersonisos, Anissaras, Analypsi, Gouves, Gournes, Heraklion, Ammoudara, Agia Pelagia/Lygaria, Fodele, and Sissi.

Customers must mention their hotel name and location when booking to ensure proper pickup arrangements. Confirmation of the booking is received at the time of booking.

The tour has a maximum capacity of 50 travelers and isn’t wheelchair accessible, though infant seats are available.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Cancellation Policy

According to the information provided, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time). Plus, a "reserve now and pay later" option is available for those who need more flexibility. The cancellation policy is straightforward, allowing travelers to change their plans without incurring any fees, as long as they provide notice within the specified time frame.

Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours
Before experience
Reserve now, pay later
Option available

Traveler Experience

Based on the information provided, travelers have had a mixed experience with this tour.

The positive feedback highlights the competent guide, air-conditioned coach, and the interesting visit to the Bee Farm.

However, some travelers have reported delays in pickup time, with one traveler stating they waited over an hour without explanation.

The host’s response to reviews suggests these issues may arise from prior clients’ delays or traffic.

Additional Information

Though the tour is located near public transportation, the accessibility is limited, as it isn’t wheelchair accessible, though infant seats are available.

Most travelers can participate in the tour, which includes stops at the Knossos Palace and the Archaeological Museum.

Guests should note the tour’s capacity, which is a maximum of 50 travelers.

The host’s response to past reviews indicates that occasional delays or traffic issues may arise, but the company aims to address such concerns.

Tour Highlights

The tour offers a captivating exploration of the legendary Knossos Palace, the centerpiece of the Minoan civilization.

Visitors will:

1. Discover the intricate architectural wonders and vibrant frescoes of the ancient palace, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of this remarkable Bronze Age site.

2. Explore the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion, home to an impressive collection of Minoan artifacts, providing a deeper understanding of the island’s rich cultural heritage.

3. Immerse themselves in the bustling local market, where they can interact with friendly vendors and browse a diverse array of traditional Greek products.

4. Enjoy a delightful lunch, allowing them to savor the flavors of Crete’s renowned cuisine and further enhance their cultural experience.

Booking Details

To book the Knossos Palace guided tour, travelers can either reserve now and pay later or proceed with full payment upfront. The tour provider, Platanos Tours, offers pickup from various locations in the Heraklion region. Travelers must mention their hotel name and location when booking. Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and the maximum group size is 50 people. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but infant seats are available.

Pickup Locations	Booking Requirements	Confirmation
Malia, Stalis, Hersonisos, Anissaras, Analypsi, Gouves, Gournes, Heraklion, Ammoudara, Agia Pelagia/Lygaria, Fodele, Sissi	Mention hotel name and location	Received at time of booking
		Maximum capacity: 50 travelers

The cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

The Sum Up

The Knossos Palace Guided Tour combined with a Heraklion City Tour and local market visit provides an immersive experience into the rich Minoan history and culture. Travelers can enjoy professional guides, comfortable transportation, a delicious lunch, and entrance fees covered for both the palace and archaeological museum. Exploring vibrant markets offers a chance to immerse in the local culture, all for a starting price of $34.53 per person.