Knossos Palace Skip-the-Line Ticket (Private Guided Tour)

Crete , Greece

Knossos Palace Skip-the-Line Ticket (Private Guided Tour)

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore the legendary Palace of Knossos — Europe’s oldest city and a masterpiece of Minoan civilization — on a private walking tour designed just for you. Enjoy skip-the-line entry, pre-booked and provided directly by your expert guide onsite.

What’s Included:
Private guided tour (your group only – no strangers)
Pre-booked skip-the-line ticket handed to you by the guide
Expert narration on the palace’s rich history and mythological past

Transportation:
Travel in air-conditioned vehicles with a professional driver
Guests are not permitted to drive the vehicle

Pickup available from:
Your hotel anywhere in Heraklion city Crete
Your cruise ship port of Heraklion

For Cruise Ship Passengers:
Please provide the following information at the time of booking (or upon request) to ensure a smooth pickup:

Ship name
Docking time
Disembarkation time
Re-boarding time

Available options

Private tour + Pickup

Pickup included

Private tour

Meet us at Knossos

What's included

Bottled water

Knossos palace entry tickets

Air-conditioned vehicle

Private Guide (ENG)

Parking Fees

What you'll see

Step into the myth and history of Europe’s oldest city on a private guided tour of Knossos — a vast and intricate palace complex featuring more than 1,500 interconnecting rooms. Once the royal seat of the legendary King Minos, Knossos is a marvel of Bronze Age architecture and innovation.

As you wander the labyrinthine ruins, discover:

The original throne of Minos

Mystifying sanctuaries and sacred spaces

The luxurious royal quarters

Vast storage rooms (or “pantries”) for Crete’s prized treasures

Ingenious water-management systems far ahead of their time

The first palace was built shortly after 2000 BC, but was destroyed by an earthquake around 1700 BC. It was quickly replaced with a grander, more sophisticated palace that became the preeminent center of Minoan power for over 300 years.

The second palace boasted:

Monumental architecture

Vivid frescoes

Hundreds of rooms spread across four stories

Specialized workshops

Large courtyards for festivals and ceremonies

In the late 14th century BC, a series of earthquakes led to the final destruction of the palace.

Important Travel Information – Please Check Your Location Before Booking

Knossos Palace is located in Heraklion, in the central region of Crete. Our tours begin in Heraklion city center, where WeGuide.gr is based.

Approximate distances to Knossos:

Heraklion (center, port, airport [HER]): 5 km / 3 miles (~20 minutes by car)

Chania (center, port [Souda], airport [CHQ]): 140 km / 87 miles (~2.5 hours by car)

Rethymnon (center or port): 85 km / 53 miles (~1.5 hours by car)

Lasithi (Elounda, Agios Nikolaos): 75 km / 47 miles (~1.5 hours by car)

Please ensure your location and travel time allow for a comfortable visit before making a booking.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

RU EN IT FR

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Important notes

This message is a helpful reminder for visitors to Crete to consider travel distances before booking tours, especially for sites like Knossos Palace in Heraklion. Since Crete is a large island, travel time can significantly impact your plans. Here’s a quick summary of the distances mentioned:

From Heraklion (where Knossos and WeGuide.gr are located): ~5 km / 20 min by car

From Chania: ~140 km / ~2.5 hours by car

From Rethymnon: ~85 km / ~1.5 hours by car

From Lasithi (Elounda or Agios Nikolaos): ~75 km / ~1.5 hours by car

This means if you're staying outside of Heraklion (especially in Chania), you should plan extra time for travel or consider a local tour in your area instead.

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