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
Shared Tour
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
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.
Reviews
26 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Not well organised
Terry G,
Oct 19, 2025
- Viator
3.00Guide was a nice lady but not well organised, we wasted so much time at the ticket office whereas I could see other guides buying all their groups tickets at once saving about 30minutes. She also had no idea most of the time if people were missing as they’d gone to the toilet etc and we had to all wait again.
Disappointing
Hector R,
Oct 17, 2025
- Viator
1.00Disorganized at the pick up and the ticket booth at Knossos. Not much to see at the ruins - guide shows you pictures; areas and items, such as frescoes, are reproductions. I fell and injured myself, my wife informed the tour guide, and she continued with the tour and left us behind. You can do the same tour right from the port terminal with fixed prices for taxis. This was the very worst tour I have ever had with Viator- don’t waste your money on this cattle call.
Crete
Sally P,
Sep 4, 2025
- Viator
5.00Tour was well worth the time....A beautiful day with a knowledgeable guide into the history(myth and mystery) of the Minoan Culture. Ruins, landscapes, add in wonderful grapes and olive oil.
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!
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