Private Palace of Knossos

Private Knossos Palace Tour from Heraklion
Excursion Highlights:
  • Experience ancient civilization with a private tour of the stunning Palace of Knossos, the heart of Crete's Minoan heritage.
  • See King Minos' legendary palace, rebuilt on an even grander scale after its destruction by an earthquake in 1900 B.C.
  • Explore intricate ruins that reveal the complexity of Minoan life, including royal quarters, state rooms, a theater area, and even ancient plumbing.
  • Enjoy the convenience of a customizable departure time to suit your travel schedule, between 7:30 AM and 7:00 PM.
From $146.00/person to $561.00/person (Select "Individuals" below) Price varies based on number of individuals in your group
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Summary
Shore Excursion Size ? Private
Shore Excursion Type Private Sightseeing
Shore Excursion Duration 3 Hours 30 Minutes
Activity Level ? Moderate
Shore Excursion Leaves From ? Cruise Ship Pier
Food/Beverage Provided Not Included
Recommended Dress Comfortable clothing and sensible, flat-soled walking shoes are recommended. Sun glasses and sun screen are suggested.
Restrictions Guests must be able to walk over paved, cobblestone and packed dirt surfaces. Many of these are uneven. There are numerous steps up and down required to tour the ruins.

Private Palace of Knossos

After meeting your professional guide on the pier, you will depart the commercial port area and drive through the town of Heraklion. Along the way you will have glimpses of its bustling narrow pedestrian streets and market areas. South of Heraklion, you will come upon one of Crete's finest archaeological sites: Knossos, the ancient capital of the great King Minos and the largest and most spectacular of Minoan Palaces.

The original Palace of Knossos was constructed around 1900 B.C., but a few hundred years later, an earthquake destroyed it. In its place, another palace was built on an even grander scale. In 1900, restoration, undertaken by Sir Arthur Evans, which was controversial at the time, offered great insight into the complexity of Minoan life nearly 4,000 years ago.

You will take a private tour of the Palace of Knossos ruins that consist of four wings, spread out from a central court, a complex that once served as the administrative and religious center for the whole region. As you tour the labyrinthine site, you will see the royal living quarters, rooms where state occasions were held, a theater area, storerooms and workshops, as well as indoor plumbing from more than 3,000 years ago.

Following your tour, you will rejoin your transportation for the return drive to the commercial port of Heraklion town.

Please Note: This tour offers customized departure times between 7:30 AM and 7:00 PM. If your preferred departure time is not listed, please contact us to place your request.