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Private Skip-the-Line Palace of Knossos & Heraklion City Highlights

Tour Highlights

Highlights

  • Dive into Heraklion’s history, listen to stories about its turbulent past, and visit its legendary churches, fountains, and monuments.
  • Explore the unique Palace of Knossos with a licensed local guide.
  • Learn the secrets of the world-renowned Cretan diet by sampling its best products at the local market.
  • Discover the local side of Heraklion through its lesser-known streets, forgotten laneways, and old city walls.
  • Indulge in local flavors like a meze platter and raki or wine.
  • Visit the Palace of Knossos, Home of the Minotaur

Meeting point:

We will be standing next to the statue of a soldier in the middle of Eleftherias Square

Eleftherias Square is the main square of Heraklion, near the Archaeological Museum and opposite the Astoria Hotel.

We will be standing on the square holding a Crete Local Adventures sign.

Statue of Unknown Soldier, Heraklion 712 01. See the Map

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What you’ll do

Bypass the concrete and head straight for the heart of Heraklion. Hit the backstreets and hidden pathways, checking out the highlights, sampling local treats, and discovering all the forces that have combined to make Heraklion the city it is today.

You’ll start off with a freshly brewed traditional coffee paired with a wander through the local market where you can sample local products such as olive oil, local olives, and cheese. In between bites, you’ll have a chance to chat with local shop owners.

Moving on, we’ll walk along 25 August Street admiring some of Heraklion’s major highlights, including St. Titus Cathedral and the Morosini Fountain in the heart of the city. As we continue along the hidden backstreets of Heraklion, your local guide will discuss the city’s history and point out further evidence of how the city has been shaped into the lively place it is today.

Lunchtime is fast approaching, but don’t worry, we have you covered. We’ll delve into mouth-watering recipes called mezedes (local tapas) at a locally loved tavern, and if you feel brave enough, why not try our local delicacy of fried snails?

After filling up on tapas, your licensed guide will lead you to one of the world’s most famous monuments, the Palace of Knossos, without having to wait in the endless lines thanks to our skip-the-line access.

The palace of King Minos in Knossos is one of the most important ancient monuments not only in Crete but in all of Greece. The impressive palace came to light in March 1900, discovered by archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans, despite the first fruitless excavation that was carried out in 1878 by wealthy local Mino Kalokerinos while Crete was still under Ottoman occupation.

The ruins of the palace are awe-inspiring, raising questions about a civilisation lost in time but still visible today. You could visit the site numerous times, always finding something new to be amazed by.

At the end of the tour, we will drop you off in the city centre or back at your cruise ship. Your local guide will give you tips and suggestions for local joints and current festivals to check out.