Knossos Palace and Heraklion city tour from Chania

Highlights

• Knossos Palace archeological site dating back to the bronze age
• Learn about the history of the lost Minoan civilization
• Professional archaeological tour guide to lead you through the sites

All about the trip

Visit Knossos, claimed to be Europe’s oldest city! Here you will discover the incredible ancient sites dating back to the Bronze Age. Transport back in time and witness Knossos Palace and a Labyrinth that dates back a millennium. The rustic island of Crete has been the coveted gem of the world's most powerful empires.

On this tour, it will begin by our English-speaking guide picking you up from your hotel. From there our guide will go over the itinerary of the day and what to expect while out on your excursion. The first stop on the tour will be to enjoy a traditional Greek breakfast abundant in fruits, locally made marmalade, toast, and cold cuts. After we are energized and ready to leave, we will head to the Palace of Knossos.

The entrance fee for the Knossos Palace is 15€ (children up to 12 years pay 8 €); to be paid upon arrival of the site. Once we’ve entered our professional archaeologist-guide will lead you on a two-hour tour. Learn about the myth of the Minotaur and the mysterious Labyrinth that caged the creature inside. The site of Knossos was discovered in 1878 and excavation began in the year 1900; lasting for 35 years. The ancient artifacts found at this site are in the main exhibition today. Here you will see restored frescoes, pottery and throne room.

After we have finished at Knossos, we will then journey to the capital of Crete, Heraklion. While you’re in the city center you have two hours of free time to explore the city on your own. Here you can visit the Historical Museum of Crete, Basilica of St. Titus or the Venetian loggia each site represents an interesting time of Crete’s vast history. If you prefer people watching, enjoy a lovely lunch in the Lions Square surrounded by beautiful Venetian and Ottoman architecture.

Once the two hours of free time comes to an end, make your way back to the meeting point. There is an option to stop and enjoy a refreshment before hopping back on to the tour bus. We will then head back the starting point of the tour in Chania and drop you off at your hotel.

Join us for an incredible sightseeing tour in an ancient city rife with culture and a rustic atmosphere!

What is included in the price

• Bus drive round trip
• Tour guide

What is not included in the price

• Personal expenses
• Entrances
• Boat fees
• Meal

Instructions

Please note that entrance to the Knossos Palace and Archeological museum is an additional 15€ for adults to be paid to the guide at the start of the tour for your convenience. Children below 18 are free of charge. Seniors over 65 years old are half price.

For approximate hotel pick-up times, see the itinerary.

Covid-19 health and safety measures:

Any passenger should not attend the excursions if they have the following symptoms: fever, cough, breathing difficulties, sore throat, loss of taste or smell.

Before entering the bus please use the provided hand sanitizer and keep social distancing. We will also take instantly your temperature which has to be below 37,5 C according to the Department of Health to enter the bus. Any other temperature is not allowed.

Kindly bring your own mask and wear it during the bus ride.

In case you feel unwell during the tour or have any symptoms please contact our staff to help you out.

All our staff have completed the Covid-19 seminar at the University of Crete and have certification of approval.

All our staff are doing regular cleaning and disinfecting on all our buses according to the regulations of the Department of Health. The airconditioning system is also cleaned with products from the well known certified company WURTH.

This activity is organised by Elafonissos Travel, Irinis 219, Kato Galatas, Chania, Crete, 73100, Greece, +30 28210 33500, elafonissostours@gmail.com.