Explore the Palace of Knossos and the mythical Labyrinth on Heraklion city private half-day tour
Heraklion
Book online or call: +44 0800 015 4961
Duration:
5 h
Activity Level:
Easy
Experience:
Unesco, Family, Foodie, Historical, Short Break
Language:
English
Photo permit included
Tour by public transport
Canal Boat tour included
Train tickets included
Suitable for little children
Wheelchair accessible tour
Museum ticket included
Light snack included
Lunch included
Transportation included
Walking Tour
Overview
Enjoy the deep immersion in the history of the origins of Europe as you will travel back in the Venetian and Ottoman period by walking among the ancient monuments. Visit the most important archaeological Crete site such as the Minoan palace of Knossos and the mythological Labyrinth of Homer. Allow yourself to feast on the local pastries like the famous "bougatsa" and "loukoumades".
What's included
- Professional licensed guide
- Pick-up and drop-off
- Public bus or taxi transportation
- Admission tickets to Knossos
- All fees and taxes
- Lunch and drinks
- Private transportation
- Wearing a hat during the tour is recommended
- Sunscreen
Highlights
Agia Ekaterini Church
The church of Agia Ekaterini (Saint Catherine) of Sinaites in Heraklion: The church of Agia Ekaterini (Saint Catherine) of Sinaites is located close to the Cathedral of Saint Minas, in the heart of Heraklion town, and has given its name to the square of Saint Catherine. This square is today a distinguishing part of the town, with cafeterias, playgrounds for children and lots of pigeons. Surrounded by modern buildings and blocks of flats, this stone Venetian church seems out of time.
Agios Minas Cathedral
The Agios Minas Cathedral is a Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Heraklion, Greece, serving as the seat of the Archbishop of Crete. Ιt is dedicated to Saint Menas the martyr and wonderworker, who is the patron saint of Heraklion.
Agios Titos Church
The former 19th-century mosque, now a Greek Orthodox church dedicated to St. Titus.
The church of Agios Titos is among the most important monuments in Crete. It is found on August 25th street, one of the busiest streets of the town. Around the church, there is a lovely square with small cafes and bars.
Bembo Fountain
The Bembo Fountain overlooks the Cornaro Square in Heraklion and was built between 1552 and 1554 by Captain Gianmatteo Bembo, who built the first aqueduct serving the city. The Renaissance fountain bears the coats of arms of Alvise Gritti, at the time duke of Crete. The names of his councillors Giovanni Tiepolo, Giorgio Emo and Pietro Marin are carved on the main side. The fountain originally also had a pediment, but unfortunately this was later removed. The water collection tank is a Roman sarcophagus and the headless statue that decorates the central part is also Roman. The storage cistern originally walled into the rear part of the fountain was removed in 1938 to extend the square.
Church of St. Mark
The Basilica of Saint Mark is one of the most important Venetian monuments in Heraklion.
The Basilica of Saint Mark is directly opposite the Lions Fountain, in Eleftheriou Venizelou Square in the center of Heraklion. Today it houses the Municipal Art Gallery and is open to the public almost all day, every day.
St. Marks basilica is also located at Venizelou square and now used as a lecture hall, exhibitions, other cultural events, and houses the municipal library too. Built by the Venetians in 1239.
The Dukes used to attend the church services and also got buried there. From the entrance of the church, the public herald announced (verbally) the Dukes’ directives to the people.
Heraklion
Heraklion, also known as Iraklio, is a port city and the capital of the Greek island of Crete. It’s known for the Palace of Knossos, just outside the city. The huge archaeological site dates back thousands of years to the Minoan civilization and includes frescoes and baths. Guarding the city’s Venetian port is the 16th-century Koules fortress. Heraklion Archaeological Museum has a large collection of Minoan art.
Heraklion 1866 Old Market
The Old Market street is another place worth the walk-around. Located near a shopping boulevard, it brings a distinct contrast to the modern shiny trade zones — a favourite area for the local people, Herakliotes. Getting to know the Agora is not the only benefit – you can find fresh food, especially vegetables and fruits from a rural garden; you can taste and buy the local brandy as well. The Old Market is the zone to eat Cretan food and feel the spirit of the city. Nearby a traveler will find another beautiful place – Bembo Fountain, set on Plateia Kornarou.
Knossos Palace
Knossos is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and has been called Europe's oldest city. Settled as early as the Neolithic period, the name Knossos survives from ancient Greek references to the major city of Crete.
The palace of Knossos eventually became the ceremonial and political center of the Minoan civilization and culture. The palace was abandoned at some unknown time at the end of the Late Bronze Age, c. 1,380–1,100 BC. The reason why is unknown, but one of the many disasters that befell the palace is generally put forward.
In the First Palace Period (around 2,000 BC), the urban area reached a size of as many as 18,000 people. In its peak, the palace and surrounding city boasted a population of 100,000 people shortly after 1,700 BC.
Lions Square
Eleftheriou Venizelou Square is a square in the city of Heraklion in Crete, named after the Cretan statesman Eleftherios Venizelos. It dates back to the Venetian era and is more commonly known as Lions Square or Leonton Square (genitive), after the Venetian-era Morosini Fountain (popularly called "τα Λιοντάρια", "The Lions") in its midst, which features four lions supporting the main basin.
Morosini Lions Fountain
Bustling, taverna-lined square centered on a 1600s Venetian fountain with 4 water-gushing lions.
The Cretan Labyrinth
In Greek mythology, the Labyrinth was an elaborate, confusing structure designed and built by the legendary artificer Daedalus for King Minos of Crete at Knossos. Its function was to hold the Minotaur, the monster eventually killed by the hero Theseus.
The Koules
The Koules or Castello a Mare ("Fort on the Sea" in Italian) is a fortress located at the entrance of the old port of Heraklion, Crete, Greece. It was built by the Republic of Venice in the early 16th century, and is still in good condition today.
Itinerary
08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00
Your guide will pick you up at Cruise Port terminal. As this tour is mostly a walking tour you will take the bus or taxi to Knossos Palace and it will take about 25 minutes. The bus station is within a few mins walk of the cruise berths.
You will visit an amazing area of 22. 000 sq meters of a prehistoric “city”, the place where the most ancient European civilization started- the palace of Knossos and the residence of the prehistoric Cretan kings.
From Knossos to Heraklion you and guide can simply take the local bus which takes about 15′- 20′ min to the town’s center or take a taxi (taxis are also available from Knossos to Heraklion).
Sightseeing tour of Heraklion old town including a visit to the town’s open-air old market with local specialties, delicacies, and products tasting.
The walking tour of Heraklion ends right near your Cruise Port terminal.
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