Private Palace of Knossos

Private Palace of Knossos Tour from Aghios Nikolaos (Heraklion, Fountain of Morosini)
Excursion Highlights:
  • Uncover the ancient secrets of King Minos' capital, Knossos, on this exclusive, private tour of Crete's spectacular Minoan Palace.
  • Glimpse the complexity of Minoan life nearly 4,000 years ago as you tour the Palace of Knossos, rebuilt after an earthquake.
  • Explore the palace ruins, from royal living quarters and state rooms to ancient workshops with indoor plumbing predating modern times.
  • Stroll through the charming old town of Heraklion, and marvel at the fountain of Morosini.
  • Enjoy personalized departure times for your utmost convenience as you experience the best of Crete, along with satisfaction and return-to-ship guarantees.
From $166.00/person to $667.00/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 4 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 town of Agios Nikolaos and head towards the town of Heraklion, approximately 70 minutes away. 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, workshops as well as indoor plumbing from more than 3,000 years ago.

You will then travel to the center of Heraklion for a short walking tour of the old town and the fountain of Morosini. From here, you will rejoin your transportation for the return drive to Agios Nikolaos.

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.