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
Heraklion Port Passenger Station
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 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 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 ShorEx
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.
Shared Tour
Reviews
23 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Ok
Israel K,
Aug 14, 2025
- Viator
4.00Tour guide was not especially energetic and moved slowly so kind of unexciting and uninspiring. Palace was okay.
Interesting tour with a nice shopping or eating opportunity
Clayton R,
Aug 7, 2025
- Viator
5.00We had a really nice time on the tour. Guide was friendly and very interested in the history. It was very informative, far more than we would have gotten just walking the site ourselves and reading the signs. The end of the tour in the city was equally interesting. We opted to forego the ride back to the port and explored on our own afterwards and walked back as the old town was not very far. On the whole I would recommend this tour!
Great tour
Jill B,
Aug 2, 2025
- Viator
5.00It was great. The guide was great, the bus had good a/c. Lots of walking - should have worn tennis shoes instead of sandals
Great informative tour
Amy P,
Jul 26, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was a great informative tour of Knossos Palace. Our guide was very knowledgeable. We got to have a little time to go shopping and try some food afterwards.
Our tour guide was...
Chrissy H,
Jul 25, 2025
- Viator
5.00Our tour guide was amazing! She pointed out all of the amazing sites. The bus was comfortable. We enjoyed all of the sites.
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