Private Knossos and Heraklion History and Culture City Tour

7–8 hours Free cancellation Private tour

Private Knossos and Heraklion History and Culture City Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Explore Knossos & Heraklion on a private tour, with personalized guide, photo stops, and rich history

Explore the Knossos Palace: You’ll have the opportunity to explore the labyrinthine ruins of the Knossos Palace, the most important archaeological site of Minoan Crete and the oldest city in Europe, at your own pace, without the crowds typically found on larger group tour

Historical Journey through Heraklion: As you visit Heraklion, you’ll experience a unique mix of ancient history and modern culture, discovering Venetian and Ottoman landmarks like the Koules Fortress and the Lion’s Fountain, while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

Photo Stops: Throughout the tour, including key locations like the Koules Fortress and the Knossos Palace, there will be ample opportunities to stop and take photographs, allowing you to capture the most beautiful and memorable moments.

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At a glance

Duration: 7–8 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–7
Operated by: Transfer-crete.com

Ages: Adults (1–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Hygiene Amenities Provided
Included: Complimentary Bottled Mineral Water
Included: USB Charging Ports Inside the Vehicle
Included: Private Transportation in a Comfortable Van or Suv
Included: Private Local Driver-Guide Fluent in English
Included: Pick-up & drop-off from from selected hotels/ Harbor / meeting points

Not included

Not included: Pick-Ups Outside the Designated Area
Not included: The entrance ticket to the Knossos archaeological site,which costs approximately 23 euros per person

Itinerary

1
The Palace of Knossos

1 h 30 min Admission not included
Knossos archaeological site represents the center of the Minoan civilization and the capital of Minoan Crete. The main site of interest is the Palace of Knossos, where you can see:

-the Great Palace; it is the largest of the preserved Minoan palatial centers and contains the royal quarters, workshops, shrines, storerooms, repositories, the throne room, and banquet halls.
- the Little Palace, where it was found the famous Bull's Head made of steatite. It is exhibited in the museum of Knossos.
- the Royal Villa.
-the House of the High Priest.

-the Caravan Serai, where it was the entrance to the palace. It served as the public baths.
- and the Royal Temple Tomb-Sanctuary, which it is considered to have belonged to one of the Last Minoan Kings.
Venetian Walls and Tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis

40 min Admission not included

The Venetian Walls were part of the fortress of the city. The city was called Candia by the Venetians. Two of the city gates have survived among the centuries, Chania and Kainouria. Take time to walk outside and around the walls. At the southwestern corner of the City Walls, you will find the Tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis (1883-1947), the local author of "Zorba the Greek" and "The Last Temptation of Christ". One of the most important Greek authors through time. Take your time and enjoy the panoramic view of the city center and the beautiful sea.
Cathedral of St. Minas

30 min

The Cathedral of St. Minas, is dedicated to the Patron Saint of Heraklion. It suffered from the battles of the past great damage and it took 30 years to be rebuilt. Right next to the imposing Cathedral it is a smaller and older St. Minas church and on the nearby square you can visit the former church of St. Ekaterini, where nowadays byzantine ecclesiastic treasures and icons are exhibited.
Morosini Fountain

15 min

Morozini’s fountain or Four Lion Square was constructed during the Venetian Era to cover the needs of Candia, the capital city of the island. Today it is the meeting point for the locals surrounded by various shops ready to serve coffees, ice-creams and other delicacies. Opposite the Fountain, you can see the Basilica of St. Mark, one of the most important buildings from the Venetian times which now hosts the Municipal Art Gallery and is open to the public almost all day, every day.
Loggia

15 min

The Venetian Loggia is in the center of Heraklion city. It was constructed by Francesco Morosini during the Venetian rule. It is an impressive building of the Venetian times that has survived through time and today hosts the Town Hall of Heraklion.
Castello del Molo (Koules)

30 min

The Venetian Fortress Koules, also known as Castello a Mare or Rocca a Mare by the Venetians, stands proudly at the entrance of the Venetian Harbor. Its primary purpose was to protect the city. Enjoy a photo stop to capture its impressive architecture and scenic views.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meeting point at the parking lot, at the exit of the cruise ship.
Meeting/Pick-Up Point: Just outside the hotel reception or, for cruise passengers, outside the main port building.

You can specify our meeting point

End point

Meeting point at the parking lot, at the exit of the cruise ship.
Meeting/Pick-Up Point: Just outside the hotel reception or, for cruise passengers, outside the main port building.

You can specify our meeting point