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Crete: Knossos Palace Small Group Guided Tour with Entry Tickets

Knossos Palace ruins in Heraklion, Crete, showcasing ancient Minoan architecture.
Knossos Palace ruins with tourists on a self-guided audio tour in English, French, and Italian.
Throne room at Knossos Palace, featuring ancient stone seat and frescoes, Crete, Greece.
Knossos Palace ruins in Heraklion, Crete, showcasing ancient Minoan architecture.

Duration

1 hr 30 mins

Open today

08:00am - 08:00pm

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Guided tour

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

    • Take a 90-minute small-group guided tour through Knossos Palace and hear how Minoan myths, rituals, and royal secrets shaped Europe's earliest civilization.

    • Enjoy a relaxed, small-group experience with no more than 16 guests, where you can ask questions, explore hidden corners, and get personalized insights from your guide.

    • See the grand Throne Room where King Minos is believed to have ruled, the Grand Staircase connecting multiple levels, and frescoes depicting lively processions and bull-leaping.

    • Hear fascinating stories of sacred bull-leaping ceremonies, the Palace’s underground storerooms filled with giant pithoi jars, and the dramatic collapse of the Minoans that sparked legends across the Greek world.

    • Fun fact: At Knossos, archaeologists discovered ancient plumbing systems, including flushing toilets, dating back nearly 3,700 years, centuries ahead of their time!

    • 90-minute guided tour of Knossos Palace (maximum 16 guests)
    • Entry to Knossos Palace
    • Expert English-speaking guide
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

  • How do we collect reviews?

    4.8
    186 ratings
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    140
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    • United Kingdom
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    Guests from United States, United Kingdom, France and over 9 countries have loved this experience

    Peter J Chiasson

    Peter

    May, 2025Verified booking

    5/5
    The Guide was friendly, knowledgeable and clear to understand. The palace was amazing to hear of its past come alive thru your guide.
    Hartmut Schmidt-Lewerkühne

    Hartmut

    May, 2025Verified booking

    5/5
    It was a great and impressive experience. This is especially due to the good guide. She was very well informed and up to date.
    Dianna M Montelongo

    Dianna

    May, 2025Verified booking

    5/5
    The hearing devices worked well. Most important, our guide, Katrina, was exceptional with knowledge and clarity throughout the visit.
    Colleen Ann Brule

    Colleen

    May, 2025Verified booking

    5/5
    Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and able to tie the mythology in well with what is know about the life of the Minoans. She brought it all to life!
    Mete Egemen

    Mete

    Jun, 2025Verified booking

    5/5
    Our guide was very knowledgeable...
  • Step into 3700 years of myths and history

    Walk through Europe's oldest city with an expert guide leading the way. From labyrinth legends to hidden royal frescoes, every step at Knossos reveals a new story.

    Getting started

    When you arrive at Knossos Palace, head to the main entrance for a quick security check. Show your printed or digital ticket and a valid ID for entry. During the busy summer months (June to August), you might wait around 30 to 60 minutes, so plan a little extra time.

    Knossos Palace

    The Palace of Knossos is one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world, famous for inspiring the Greek myth of the labyrinth and the Minotaur.

    On this 90-minute small-group guided tour, you'll hear the real stories behind the labyrinth legend, explore the Throne Room where King Minos is said to have ruled, and see colorful bull-leaping frescoes that brought ancient Crete’s ceremonies to life.

    With a smaller group, you’ll have more chances to ask questions, dive deeper into Minoan innovations like light wells and plumbing systems, and enjoy a more personal, immersive experience.

  • Knossos Palace

    Monday08:00am - 08:00pmlast entry 07:45pm
    Tuesday08:00am - 08:00pmlast entry 07:45pm
    Wednesday08:00am - 08:00pmlast entry 07:45pm
    Thursday08:00am - 08:00pmlast entry 07:45pm
    Friday08:00am - 08:00pmlast entry 07:45pm
    Saturday08:00am - 08:00pmlast entry 07:45pm
    Sunday08:00am - 08:00pmlast entry 07:45pm
  • What to bring

    • If you plan to use the audio guide app, bring your own headphones for easier listening while you walk around the ruins.
    • Choose sturdy, comfortable shoes with a good grip, because the rocky paths and ancient stones can be uneven and slippery.
    • A hat, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen are essential, especially in summer, since there is almost no shade across the Palace grounds.
    • Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during your visit, as there are no water refill stations inside the site.

    What's not allowed

    • Flash photography is restricted inside reconstructed areas to help protect the fragile frescoes and ancient wall art.
    • Large bags are not permitted inside the site, so it is best to pack light and avoid delays at security checks.

    Accessibility

    • The site is partially wheelchair-accessible, with a ramped pathway available at the main entrance.
    • If you have mobility concerns, it is best to stick to the main pathways, as about half the site is accessible, and some areas have rough, uneven terrain.
    • There is an accessible restroom available near the main entrance.

    Additional information

    • Expect a wait of about 30 to 60 minutes for the security check, especially during the busy season from June to August.
    • Combine your Knossos visit with the Heraklion Archaeological Museum if you want to see original artifacts like the Snake Goddess statues and the Phaistos Disc.
    • Parking can be limited during peak hours, so plan to arrive early if you are driving or be ready for a short walk from nearby lots.
    • If the Throne Room is crowded when you arrive, consider waiting a few minutes. You will have a much better view and photo opportunity once the space clears.
    • Make sure to seek out the Queen’s Megaron with its beautiful dolphin frescoes hidden within the royal apartments, as it is a highlight many visitors miss.

    Concession eligibility

    • Children and young people (EU citizens): Individuals up to 25 years old from EU member states are entitled to free admission upon presenting a valid ID or passport.
    • Children and young people (Non-EU citizens): Those aged between 6 and 25 years are eligible for a reduced admission fee, while children up to 6 years old from non-EU countries can gain free admission upon presenting a valid ID.
    • Senior citizens: Individuals over 65 years old from Greece or other EU member states are eligible for a reduced admission fee upon presenting a valid ID or passport.
    • Persons with disabilities: Individuals with an 80% disability or more, regardless of nationality, and one escort (if applicable) can access free admission upon presenting a valid disability certificate along with their ID or passport.
    • Greek citizens (special categories): Greek families with many children (with children up to 25 years old, or any age if they have disabilities) are eligible for free admission upon presenting a valid large family certificate and disability certificate (if applicable). Greek unemployed citizens can also receive free admission with a valid unemployment card and ID.
    • Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

    • Please arrive at the meeting point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.

    • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

    Meeting point

    • Redeem at WeGuide.gr - Meeting point for guided tours.

    • Address: Knossos 714 09, Greece.

    • Guide Identifier: Your guide will be holding a logo sign with the “WeGuide.gr – Meeting Point” logo.

    Get directions to the meeting point

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