Crete Shore Trip & Knossos Palace from Heraklion (Iraklion) Port
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover the best of Crete on this top-rated shore excursion, perfect for cruise passengers docking at Heraklion Port. Begin your journey with a visit to the legendary Palace of Knossos, where a local expert will bring the history of the Minoan civilization and the myth of the Minotaur to life. Then, explore Heraklion’s charming Old Town at your own pace—shop, dine, or soak in the rich culture. Designed to fit your cruise schedule, this tour offers a seamless, stress-free experience from port to return. Book now for an unforgettable blend of history, culture, and local flavor in Crete.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not recommended for travelers with mobility issues
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Round-trip transfer to/from Heraklion Port
Guided Tour of Knossos Palace and Heraklion Old Town (admission not included in tour price)
Full refund if your ship cannot dock
Private Tour (if option is selected)
Guaranteed return to ship on time
Professional local English-speaking tour guide
Modern, comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
24/7 Customer support, assistance with other arrangements and tours
Knossos Palace
Private Tour (if option is not selected)
Additional Entry Fees (none will be required for the tour)
Food and drinks
Gratuities
What To Expect
You will be picked up at the Heraklion Port by an air-conditioned vehicle. From there, you will embark on a memorable journey, starting with a visit to the historic Knossos Palace.
The Palace of Knossos
At the Knossos Palace, you'll experience an in-depth guided tour of this iconic archaeological site. Learn about the palace's rich history of the ancient Minoan civilization. Visit the majestic Throne Room, view the striking frescoes, and explore the legendary tales of the labyrinth and the Minotaur.
Options
Private Full-Day Tour
Private Tour : This tour includes a private guide and vehicle for the duration of 6 hours.
Duration: 6 hours: This tour last approximetly 6 hours.
Knossos & Heraklion Tour: This option covers a visit to the Knossos Palace and the Heraklion City, with a private local guide, driver and vehicle.
Private Half-Day Tour
Private Tour : This tour includes a private guide and vehicle for the duration of 4 hours.
Duration: 4 hours: This tour lasts approximetly 4 hours.
Knossos & Heraklion Tour: This option covers a visit to the Knossos Palace and the Heraklion City, with a private local guide, driver and vehicle.
Shared ShorEx
Shared Tour - without Knossos
Knossos Palace closed: Please note the Knossos Palace will be closed so instead this tour will also visit Arolithos.
Arolithos: Traditional Village, where you can visit the Folklore Museum, explore Cretan craftsmanship, and enjoy live Cretan music
Shared Tour
Reviews
14 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Palace of Knossos and Heraklion
Joe B,
Jun 22, 2025
- Viator
5.00Excellent and thorough tour. Knowledge guide. Guided tour of the Palace of Knossos and city of Heraklion.
Minoan Majesty
Rindy B,
Jun 18, 2025
- Viator
5.00Without a great guide, this area is impressive but you do not understand the importance of this amazing archeological site of the ancient world!
Perfect for a short day trip
alissa k,
Jun 16, 2025
- Viator
5.00Maria, our guide, was wonderful. I would do a longer version of the tour in the future for a longer experience at the Palace and time in old town. But I feel we still got a pretty full experience in this shorter timeframe.
Our guide was wonderful....
Jinny J,
May 9, 2025
- Viator
5.00Our guide was wonderful. She took great care of us and always found a place in the shade for us to stand as she told us about the ruins.
Easter in Crete!
Chelsea B,
May 3, 2025
- Viator
4.00Our tour guide and driver were fantastic. Since it was Easter the palace was closed it was made very clear before booking that the tour would be different. Instead of the Palace tour, we would see Folk dancing at the second stop. Not a problem as it was a huge holiday and they were very transparent. Our guide gave us the schedule when we got to the second stop and unfortunately the only restaurant was reservation only with a prix fixe menu as it was Easter, which was nothing that could have been foreseen by the tour operator. So we grabbed snacks at a shop to wait for the folk dancing show an hour later. Except when that time came they would not let our tour watch the folk dancing show, only the cruise specific tour. Our tour operator argued to the best of her ability as we had been promised as part of our tour this, and they wouldn’t budge. So we left. That was a huge bummer, and part of the reason I wouldn’t give this specific tour 5 stars.
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