Knossos Palace - Private Tour Experience
Active
1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Knossos! What an enchanting place! This is simply a must visit site in Crete if history, culture, and myth are of any interest to you at all. Hire a guide to help bring the place to life. It is harder to get a true sense of the place without the guidance and knowledge of experienced guides. There is signage but it is simplistic and limited only sharing a fraction of what you're actually seeing and why.
A private tour of Knossos Palace is a great way to experience one of the most iconic archaeological sites in Crete with more depth and fewer crowds than a large group tour.
Available options
KnossosGuides
What's included
Original reseller of service - Authorized travel agent.
Headset to hear the guide better, if group size is over 6 participants (7-16 pax).
Entry ticket for the Knossos Palace, general admission fee ( 20 EUR ).
Licensed tour guide for a guided tour in a small group at Knossos palace.
Skip-the-ticket-line service, to avoid the queue at the ticket counter.
All Fees and Taxes (VAT 24% etc).
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Knossos Palace – A Private Guided Experience. What an enchanting place—truly a must-visit site in Crete for anyone fascinated by history, culture, or mythology. To truly appreciate its magic, we strongly recommend hiring a professional Knossos guide. While there is some signage on-site, it only scratches the surface. A licensed guide brings the ruins to life, revealing stories, symbolism, and the fascinating legacy hidden within the stones.
A private tour of the Palace of Knossos offers a deeper, more immersive experience than any large group tour. Skip the ticket lines and walk straight into the heart of Europe's first civilization. Your expert guide will lead you through a 90-minute walking tour, taking you back over 3,500 years into the world of Minoan Crete.
Knossos is more than an archaeological site - it's a journey into myth, engineering, and ancient artistry. Let us guide you through it with insight, passion, and professionalism.
What's not included
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
FR
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.4
5 reviews
5★
4
4★
0
3★
0
2★
1
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.7
12 reviews
5★
10
4★
1
3★
0
2★
1
1★
0
Important information
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
IMPORTANT NOTE : Starting times are strictly kept. There is no exceptions policy.
Check-in begins 20 minutes before the tour start time. Please note that this is a shared group tour, so to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone, we kindly ask that you arrive on time, as late arrivals cannot be accommodated. Your entry tickets are valid only for the scheduled time slot. If you arrive late and miss your entry, you may be required to purchase new tickets (approx. €20 per adult) at your own expense. For those arriving by car: Please allow extra time to find parking. We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before the tour start time.
Meeting point
Main Entrance to the Palace of Knossos, in front of the Ticket Office (Skip-the-Line Entry). Our check-in operator is holding a sign with a “WeGuide – Meeting Point” logo.
Important notes
Meet and greet, our check-in operator, next to the entrance of the archaeological site, by the ticket booth. Check-in begins 20 minutes before the tour start time.
Please note that this is a shared group tour, so to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone, we kindly ask that you arrive on time, as late arrivals cannot be accommodated.
Your entry tickets are valid only for the scheduled time slot. If you arrive late and miss your entry, you may be required to purchase new tickets (approx. €20 per adult) at your own expense.
For those arriving by car: Please allow extra time to find parking. We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before the tour start time.
About Crete
Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and a treasure trove of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. Known as the birthplace of the Minoan civilization, it offers a unique blend of ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, and traditional villages.
Top Attractions
Palace of Knossos
The Palace of Knossos is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and is associated with the mythological Minotaur and the Labyrinth.
Historical
2-3 hours
€15 (included in multi-site ticket)
Samaria Gorge
One of Europe's longest gorges, Samaria is a popular hiking destination known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.
Nature
5-7 hours
€5 entry fee
Elafonisi Beach
Elafonisi Beach is famous for its pink sands and crystal-clear waters, making it one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece.
Beach
Half day to full day
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Dakos
A traditional Cretan salad made with barley rusks, tomato, myzithra cheese, and olive oil.
Appetizer
Vegetarian
Moussaka
A layered dish with eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce.
Main Course
Contains meat
Rakomelo
A warm drink made with rakia (a local brandy) and honey.
Drink
Alcoholic
Popular Activities
Hiking in Samaria Gorge
Scuba diving in Elafonisi Beach
Sunbathing at Balos Lagoon
Wine tasting at local wineries
Exploring the Palace of Knossos
Visiting the Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Snorkeling in Balos Lagoon
Boat tours around Crete
Best Time to Visit
June to August
This is the peak tourist season with warm, sunny weather and clear skies. It's ideal for beach activities and exploring the island's historical sites.
25°C to 35°C
77°F to 95°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Greek
- Widely spoken: English, German, French
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
EET (UTC+2) / EEST (UTC+3 during daylight saving time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Crete is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Use licensed taxis
- • Be cautious of strangers offering services
Getting there
By air
- Heraklion International Airport • 3 km from Heraklion city center
- Chania International Airport • 13 km from Chania city center
By bus
Heraklion Bus Station, Chania Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the most common form of public transport. They are affordable and cover most parts of the island.
Taxis
Available • Apps: TaxiBeat, Beat
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Heraklion Old Town
Chania Old Town
Day trips
Balos Lagoon
55 km from Chania • Full day
A stunning lagoon with turquoise waters and white sand, accessible by car or boat.
Rethymno Old Town
65 km from Heraklion • Half day to full day
A charming old town with Venetian and Ottoman architecture, offering a rich cultural experience.
Festivals
Cretan Festival • June to August
Easter Celebrations • March or April (varies by year)
Pro tips
- Visit smaller towns and villages for a more authentic experience
- Try local street food for a taste of traditional Cretan cuisine
- Explore the island's diverse landscapes, from beaches to mountains and gorges
- Learn a few basic Greek phrases to enhance your interaction with locals
- Consider renting a car for flexibility and to explore remote areas
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
