There are many amazing places to visit in Crete during your vacation and it’s hard to choose where to start. Sometimes making a choice can be hard when time is limited.
But when it comes to Knossos Palace, a visit to this unique archaeological site cannot be skipped. If you want to better understand the history of the island, or if you believe that discovering the palace on your own is misguiding or incomplete, then check the best Knossos tours for every budget, time frame, and travel style!
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The Best Tours of Knossos in Crete
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– Ticket to Knossos Archaeological Site
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In this article, I bring you some of the most interesting tours and organized trips to Knossos Palace, Crete’s most important archaeological site.
One thing is true, I’ve always advocated for an independent visit to the island, I always encourage you to drive your car and move around trying to explore with as much autonomy as possible.
However, when it comes to such a colossal structure, with so much so to see and understand, it’s also true that Knossos can appear as nothing but a bunch of old stones if you are caught unprepared.
So don’t waste time or moments, and go for a guided visit if you want to learn and take advantage of the experience
These are, in no particular order the best tours you can currently book online.
They are tours for all budgets, travel styles and interests, and the time you want to spend on the tour. Take a look!
Please note that tour prices are subject to variations that do not depend upon us. Thank you.
Best Knossos Tour for Couples
Knossos Palace Skip-the-Line Ticket & Private Guided Tour
From €160 per group up to 2 participants
Rating on Get Your Guide: 4.9/5
Details:
– Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund.
– Mobile ticketing available – Instant confirmation.
– Lasts 1.5 hours and includes skipping the ticket line.
– Languages: English, German, Italian, Russian.
– Private group.
Highlights:
– Fast entry into the Knossos Palace with a pre-booked ticket.
– 1-hour guided tour inside the Knossos Palace.
– Licensed guide.
– Optional private transfer from and to your hotel in the Heraklion area.
Other details:
– The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds.
– Customers are required to bring and wear masks.
Meeting point: Front entrance of the Knossos Palace.
Bring with you: Passport or ID card, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, and water.
Know before you go: If you book the option with the transfer you will be notified by email about the tour and pickup details.
Best Knossos Tour – Value for Money for Groups
Knossos Palace and Heraklion Town: Private Guided Tour
From €490 per group up to 6 participants
Rating on Get Your Guide: 5/5
The tour also includes a sightseeing trip to Heraklion, focusing on the unique Venetian monuments of the town and a visit to the open-air market.
Details:
– Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund.
– Use your phone or print your voucher.
– Lasts 4 hours, with the following starting times 9:00 am, 10:00 am, 1:30 pm, 4:00 pm.
– Languages: English, German, Italian, Russian.
– Private group.
Highlights:
– Detailed guided tour.
– Visit Venetian and Ottoman historic monuments of Heraklion.
– Lunch like a local at the Heraklion Market.
Other details: Customers are required to bring and wear masks.
Meeting point: You will meet your guide in front of the entrance to Knossos Palace by the ticket kiosk. Look for the sign Elissos Traveling Philosophy.
Bring with you: Sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and water.
Know before you go: If you book the option with the transfer you will be notified by email about the tour and pickup details.
Best Budget Tour of Knossos
Knossos Palace: Pre-Booked E-Ticket & Smartphone Audio Tour
From €16 per person
Rating on Get Your Guide: 3.3/5
Skip-the-line ticket and immersive self-guided audio tour on your smartphone. Put on your headphones and experience your surroundings through storytelling.
Details:
– Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund.
– Covid-19 precautions – Special health and safety measures apply.
– Mobile ticketing: Use your phone or print your voucher (valid for 1 day).
– Skip the ticket line – Instant confirmation.
– Optional audio guide (English).
Highlights:
– Skip the line and enter Knossos with your pre-booked entry e-ticket.
– Download, before your visit, a digital audio tour on your smartphone.
– Gain valuable insight into the daily lives of ancient Cretans, following in the steps of a young Minoan aristocrat, at your own pace.
– Gaze out on the imposing view of Mount Juktas and learn about ritualism and pastoral life in Minoan Crete.
Other details:
– Adult entry ticket.
– Self-guided audio tour for your smartphone (Android & iOS) in English.
– Offline content (text, audio narration, and maps).
– Activation link to access your audio tour.
– Customers must bring their own headphones and are required to bring and wear masks.
Best Tour of Knossos & Archaeological Museum
Archaeological Museum & Knossos Ticket with Audio
From €23 per person
Rating on Get Your Guide: 4.5/5
Skip the ticket lines and enter the Palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum with a combo e-ticket. Explore the sites at your own pace with self-guided audio tours.
Details:
– Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund.
– Covid-19 precautions – Special health and safety measures apply.
– Mobile ticketing: Use your phone or print your voucher (valid for 1 day).
– Skip the ticket line – Instant confirmation.
– Tour lasts about 4 hours.
– Optional audio guide (English).
Highlights:
– Enjoy a hassle-free visit to the top 2 archaeological sites in Crete.
– Learn about the Palace of Knossos and admire the exhibition at the museum.
Other details:
– Entry ticket on your phone valid for one admission within 3 days.
– Two self-guided audio tours for your smartphone in English.
– Offline content (text, audio narration, and maps).
– Free time in the attractions to explore further.
– The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds.
– Customers must bring their own headphones, and customers are required to bring and wear masks.
Meeting point: Your self-guided audio tour can start either at Knossos Palace or the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
What to bring: Comfortable shoes, headphones, charged smartphone, ID, or passport.
Best Knossos Tour for the Family
Knossos Palace: Family-Friendly Mythology Tour
From €95 per person
Rating on Get Your Guide: 5/5
This kid-friendly shared tour is great for anyone fond of Greek Mythology with a touch of Hollywood! Wander along the paths where your mythical heroes lived and acted!
Details:
– Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund.
– Use your phone or print your voucher.
– Duration 2 hours – Skip the ticket line and instant confirmation.
– Live tour guide in English.
– Small group: Up to 10 participants.
Highlights:
– Enjoy a family-friendly shared tour
– Wander and see for yourself the paths where mythical heroes lived and acted
– Explore with an iPad tablet which, through a special app, can see a representation of the site as it was before.
Other details:
Customers must keep their distance in vehicles, the number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds, and customers are required to bring and wear masks.
Meeting point: Hotel pickup and drop-off or site entrance point if otherwise agreed.
What to bring: Entrance tickets for Knossos Palace are not included, bring ID to purchase your ticket. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Best Knossos Tour and Lasithi Visit
From Heraklion: Day Trip to Knossos and the Lasithi Plateau
From €45 per person
Rating on Get Your Guide: 4.1/5
Visit the Dikteon Cave, where Zeus is said to have been born. Continue to the village of Tzermiado and enjoy lunch in an authentic tavern before going to the Keras Kardiotissas Monastery, known for its remarkable murals.
Next, visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos and learn the legend of the settlement at sites such as the Throne Room and Royal Chambers.
Details:
– Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund.
– Mobile ticketing – Use your phone or print your voucher.Duration 12 hours – Starting time 7:45 am – Instant confirmation.
– Pick-up is possible from hotels on the main road of Amoudara, Heraklion, Kokkini Hani, Gouves, Gournes, Anissaras, – Analipsi, Hersonissos, and Malia.
– Transportation by a modern, fully air-conditioned coach.
– Live guide in English, French, and German.
– Customers are required to bring and wear masks Customers will get a mandatory temperature check.
Highlights:
– Enjoy a family-friendly shared tour Wander and see for yourself the paths where mythical heroes lived and acted
– Explore with an iPad tablet which, through a special app, can see a representation of the site as it was before.
Other details:
This tour involves a walk uphill of 300 meters to the cave.
Meeting point: Hotel pickup and drop-off or site entrance point if otherwise agreed.
What to bring: Bring water, a hat, and money for lunch and entrance fees.
Best Tour of Knossos if You’re Staying in Chania, West Crete
Knossos Palace & Heraklion Full-Day Tour from Chania Area
From €46 per person
Rating on Get Your Guide: 4.4/5
One-day bus excursion from Chania to Knossos. Visit the Palace of Knossos, the Archaeological Museum, the city of Heraklion, and more.
Details:
– Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund.
– Use your phone or print your voucher.
– Duration 12 hours, starting time 6:40 am.
– Skip the ticket line and instant confirmation.
– Live tour guide in English or German.
– Pickup included from the Chania area.
Highlights:
– Explore the Knossos Palace, the center of Minoan civilization.
– Enjoy a guided tour by a professional licensed guide.
– Visit the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.
– Stroll through the busy capital of Crete with 2 hours of free time.
Other details:
– Customers are required to bring and wear masks and to fill out travel information.
– Please advise of your hotel name and location in the Chania area at the time of booking let us know; a local partner will email you with pickup details.
Meeting point: Pickup begins earlier than the tour starting time and is done from specific meeting points.
The entry tickets for the Knossos Palace and the Archaeological Museum are not included, and you must pay cash on-site.
Best Knossos Day Tour for Those Staying in Rethymnon
From Rethymno: Knossos & Heraklion Archaeological Museum
From €25 per person
Rating on Get Your Guide: 4.2/5
Visit the Minoan palace at Knossos on a day trip from Rethymno. Also, visit the Archaeological Museum.
Details:
– Free cancellation.
– Mobile ticketing.
– Duration 8 hours and instant confirmation.
– Live tour guide in English.
– Pickup included.
Highlights:
– Journey back to the days of King Minos at Knossos Palace.
– Learn about the ancient Minoans at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
– Get some free time to shop and eat in Heraklion city center.
Other details:
– All required protective equipment is provided.
– Customers must keep their distance in vehicles.
– The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds.
Meeting point: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, transportation by bus, and guide included.
Best Knossos Tour for Wine Lovers
Minoan Paths and Wine Experience
From €315 per group up to 2
Rating on Get Your Guide: 4.2/5
Walk along the paths of Minos, the king of Knossos, and admire the Minoan civilization. Let your eyes wander over the endless vineyards, following the wine routes and opting to taste exquisite wines at a vineyard chosen especially for you.
Details:
– Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund.
– Mobile ticketing: use your phone or print your voucher.
– Duration 6 hours, starting time 9:30 am.
– Skip the ticket line and instant confirmation.
– Live tour guide in English, French, German, Italian, Russian, and Polish.
Highlights:
– Explore Knossos Palace.
– See the wine region of Peza, the Tuscany of Crete. Head towards the picturesque town of Archanes to begin your journey over the Cretan wine routes. Crete boasts a wine tradition that is 4,000 years old, and if you are a wine enthusiast you may complement your gastronomic experience by taking part in a wine-tasting session at a vineyard of your choice.
– Experience folklore museums and traditional Cretan villages.
More details:
– All required protective equipment is provided.
– The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds.
– Traveler requirements: customers will get a mandatory temperature check.
Meeting point: Hotel pickup and drop-off, wait at your hotel lobby.
What to bring: Sunglasses, sun hat, and comfortable clothes – Please note that no lunch is included on this tour.
Best Tour to Discover Knossos and the Local Crafts
Knossos Palace and Village Pottery Tour & Lunch
From €100 per person
Rating on Get Your Guide: 5/5
See the fantastic Minoan buildings at the Palace of Knossos then visit an old pottery village in the mountains. Learn about Cretan culture and history as you try making your own pottery. Hotel pickup and drop-off and a delicious lunch are included.
Details:
– Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund.
– Mobile ticketing.
– Duration 7 hours, starting time 8:30 am.
– Skip the ticket line and instant confirmation.
– Live tour guide in English, French, German, Russian, and Dutch.
– Small group of up to 15 participants.
Highlights:
– Explore the incredible Palace of Knossos.
– Try your hand at making pottery.
– Drive along beautiful mountain roads.
– Visit an old pottery village in the mountains.
– During the tour, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant with wine or water included. At the end of a wonderful day, start the drive back to your hotel, where you’ll be dropped off.
Other details:
– Hotel pickup and drop-off.
– Professional driver/guide.
– Lunch with wine or water.
– The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds.
Meeting point: Pickup is included from your hotel or villa.
You might enjoy: Discover the Most Stunning Archaeological Sites in Crete.
Best Knossos Tour from the Area of Agios Nikolaos
From Agios Nikolaos: Knossos Palace & Heraklion Guided Tour
From €40 per person
Rating on Get Your Guide: 3.6/5
Join a day trip by bus to the Palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Enjoy a guided tour by a licensed guide and later visit the historical city of Heraklion.
Details:
– Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund.
– Use your phone or print your voucher.
– Duration 9 hours, starting time 9:30 am.
– Instant confirmation.
– Live tour guide in English and pickup included.
Highlights:
– Explore Knossos Palace and see how the Minoans lived 4,000 years ago.
– See artifacts from all over Crete at the Archaeological Museum.
– Discover the town of Heraklion and its fascinating mixture of modern and ancient influences.
Other details:
– All required protective equipment is provided. The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds.
– Transportation in an air-conditioned bus with a guide.
Meeting point: Pick-up begins up to 60 minutes before the stated departure time and it’s only available from specified hotels in the Agios Nikolaos and Elounda areas.
What to bring: Passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen.
Exclusive Group Tour of Knossos Palace
Private Knossos Palace & Archaeology Museum Tour
From €495 per group up to 6 participants
Rating on Get Your Guide: 5/5
Visit the most important archaeological site on Crete, the Minoan palace of Knossos. Afterward, you will explore the Archaeology Museum of Heraklion, which houses the biggest prehistoric exhibition of artifacts in Greece.
Details:
– Free cancellation.
– Mobile ticketing.
– Duration 4 hours.
– Starting times 9:00 am, 10:00 am, 1:30 pm, and 4:00 pm.
– Skip the line and instant confirmation.
– Live tour guide in English.
– Private group.
Highlights:
– Visit the Palace of Knossos, the most significant and impressive monument of the Minoan civilization.
– Explore the Minoan art of Crete.
– Find out about the Minoan civilization, the oldest civilization in Europe.
Other details:
– Safety measures are in place.
– Customers are required to bring and wear masks.
Meeting point: At the site, in front of the ticket kiosk (Elissos Traveling Philosophy).
STAY NEAR KNOSSOS: The Project Suite is a very affordable place to stay, only 2.5 km from the site. Calma Home is perfect for families. Holiday House Heraklion has a beautiful garden to relax in after the visit. For an upgraded stay, take a look at Knossos Palace Secluded Villa.
Best Short Tour of Knossos
Heraklion and Knossos Express Half-Day Tour
From €26 per person
Rating on Get Your Guide: 4/5
Explore the capital of Crete at your own pace on a half-day tour of Heraklion, and then go to the archaeological site of the Palace of Knossos. Learn about the Minoan civilization and marvel at artifacts excavated at the site, including stunning murals.
Details:
– Free cancellation.
– Mobile ticketing.
– Duration 8 hours, starting time 8:00 am.
– Instant confirmation.
– Live tour guide in English, French, and German.
– Pickup included. Transportation by air-conditioned bus.
Highlights:
– See the highlights of Heraklion at your own pace.
– Take a guided tour of the Palace of Knossos.
– Learn more about the Minoan civilization.
Other details:
– The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
– Customers are required to bring and wear masks, and they also get a mandatory temperature check.
Meeting point: Pick-up from the main road, partly from the exit of hotels only from Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, Analipsi, Anissaras, Gouves, Gournes, and Kokkini Chani.
Discover what to wear to visit Knossos (and any other archaeological site!)
Best Tour of Knossos For Those Who Want More…
Heraklion, Knossos & Minoan Culture Show
From €78 per person
Rating on Get Your Guide: /5
Discover the Minoan Palace of Knossos and learn more about the most famous archaeological site of Crete.
Explore the beautiful old town of Heraklion with the well-known Morosini Fountain in Lions Square, the Loggia, and St. Mark’s Basilica.
Experience Minoan culture with a 3D video and dance theater.
Details:
– Free cancellation.
– Use your phone or print your voucher.
– Duration 10 hours: check availability to see starting times.
– Skip the ticket line.
– Instant confirmation.
– Live tour guide in German.
– Hotel pick-up from Agia Galini & Matala.
Highlights:
– After visiting the excavation site see a very special performance. Once more experience Minoan culture with 3D video and traditional dancers wearing original costumes. Eat small appetizers prepared according to traditional
– Minoan recipes to bring history back to life.
Other details:
– Bus transfer.
– Guided tour.
– The entry tickets for the Knossos Palace, the archaeological museum, and the Minoan culture show are included so that you skip the long ticket lines.
– Minoan show and snacks.
What to bring: Comfortable shoes, a camera, and sun protection are recommended.
Best Private Knossos Tour with After-Tour Activities
City Highlights with a Private Driver and Visit to Knossos
From €200 per group up to 3 persons
Rating on Get Your Guide: 5/5
Heraklion is a city filled with history with much to see and do. Take a comfortable drive to the highlights of the city with a private guide and lots of time to explore the historic city.
Details:
– Free cancellation.
– Mobile ticketing.
– Duration 6 hours, starting time 9:00 am
– Instant confirmation.
– Driver, tour in English, and Greek.
Highlights:
– Discover the roots of European culture at the Palace of Knossos.
– Wander around the city of Heraklion filled with monuments and landmarks.
– Feel the everyday lifestyle of the capital city in the lively Old Town.
– Stroll around the numerous cozy cafés and taste traditional Greek cuisine.
– Pickup from the airport, port, or hotel within 30km of Heraklion.
Other details:
– Bottled water, snack.
– Air-conditioned vehicle and Wi-Fi onboard.
– Private transport.
– Customers are required to bring and wear masks.
What to bring: Passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes.
Pickup included:
– Airport pickup: The driver will be waiting for you right after baggage claim holding a sign with your name.
– Port pickup: The driver will be waiting for you at disembarkation holding a sign with your name.
– Hotel: Meet the driver at the reception of your hotel.
Best Guided Tour of Knossos with Local Guide
Knossos Palace: Private Guided Tour with Skip-The-Line Entry
From €125 per person
Rating on Get Your Guide: 4.9/5
Skip the long ticket line to enter the Labyrinth and the Palace of Knossos in your private group with a licensed guide. Unravel the myths and legends surrounding the old site and see the oldest king’s throne in European history.
Details:
– Free cancellation.
– Mobile ticketing.
– Duration 1.5 hours, check availability to see starting times.
– Skip the ticket line and instant confirmation. Live tour guide in English, French, Russian, and Greek.
– Private group.
Highlights:
– Listen to a private guide explain the area’s history.
– See the throne of King Minos and the beautiful dolphin apartment of Queen Pasiphae.
– Unravel the myths and legends surrounding the site.
Other details:
– Private Tour with a licensed tour guide.
– Entrance tickets.
– Customers are required to bring and wear masks.
Meeting point: Meet at the main entrance to the Palace of Knossos, in front of the Ticket Office (Skip-the-Line Entry). Just around the corner after the ticket booth of Knossos, you will see the Coffee shop – the staff will be holding a sign with the supplier’s name on it.
What to bring: Passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, water, passport or ID card for children.
Best Knossos Tour if Your Enjoy Walking
Knossos Palace Skip-the-Line Entry with Guided Walking Tour
From €80 per person
Rating on Get Your Guide: 4.8/5
Skip the ticket line and immerse yourself into the majestic Palace of Knossos with a detailed guided walking tour that takes you 3500 years back in Greek history. Use the same ticket to enter the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion later.
Details:
– Free cancellation.
– Mobile ticketing.
– Duration 1.5 hours, starting times 9:00 am, 11:00 am.
– Skip the ticket line and instant confirmation.
– Live tour guide in English, and French.
– Small group limited to 10 participants.
Highlights:
– Skip the ticket line to enter Knossos Palace and take a tour with a licensed guide.
– Explore the ancient palace, step into the royal residence and see the Minoan king’s throne.
– Be amazed by the House of the Frescoes and its colorful wall paintings.
– Learn about the history of the Minoan Civilization, probably the oldest one on the European continent.
– Use the same ticket to enter the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion when you go to Heraklion city later.
Other details:
– Skip-the-ticket-line service.
– Entry ticket for the Knossos Palace and the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion City (if option selected).
– Licensed tour guide.
– 90-minute guided tour in a small group (English only).
– Customers are required to bring and wear masks.
Meeting point: Next to the entrance of the archaeological site, right next to the “Little Garden” restaurant.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.
So, as you can see, there are endless options to visit the archaeological site, for whatever budget you have Check the one that best suits you and discover the wonderful past of Crete!
Have you ever been to Knossos Palace on an organized tour?
Read more about Crete
- Discover + 45 Most Gorgeous Beaches in Crete (A guide by an insider!)
- A Sommelier’s Guide to Cretan Wines for Wine Lovers
- Where to Stay in Heraklion: Accommodation Guide
- Day Visit to the Gorgeous Gavalas Winery in Heraklion, Crete
More resources to enhance your Crete adventure
Start by checking out my ultimate guide to planning your trip to Crete, packed with helpful essential information. Explore the articles on prices in Crete, common mistakes to avoid, and insider secrets for an unforgettable experience.
Use this comprehensive Crete packing list to ensure you have everything you need. Explore the best places to visit on Crete Island, discover my tours and activities, be amazed at Crete’s incredible beaches, and check out the best times to experience its beauty.
If you are exploring specific areas like Heraklion or Rethymnon, I’ve got detailed guides to help you make the most of your time.
Suggested accommodation in Heraklion
No time to read all my accommodation guides? Check out these hotels in the city:
- Affordable: Rea Hotel in the city center.
- Mid-range: Capsis Astoria in town.
- Luxury: GDM Megaron H. M. Hotel near the port.
- Check also this Heraklion Hotel Guide and this guide to the Best Places to Stay in Crete.
More useful travel resources
- Check out all the digital travel guides I’ve specifically written about Crete. They are affordable and practical to check from your mobile.
- Find convenient ferry tickets with Ferryhopper.
- Welcome Pickups offers a convenient pre-paid airport transfer service, while Discover Cars is the engine I use to find a rental car on the island.
- To book adventures, tours, and cultural experiences, I recommend Get Your Guide.
Hey! Don’t Leave Before You Pin! Pin This Guide to Book a Tour of Knossos For Your Next Crete Trip!
About me:
I have lived in Chania, Crete, since 2016. As a local, I have an intimate knowledge of the Crete. I host culinary and concierge tours and experiences in Crete and write about the island for several travel media. During the last five years, I have helped many travelers plan the perfect holiday in Crete. I co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete and had more glasses of frappe than any regular person could ever handle.