Knossos Palace & Heraklion Museum

Operated by Crete Transfers Co

This half-day pairs the two essential sights of Minoan civilisation in a single, easy outing from Heraklion. The Palace of Knossos was the ceremonial and political heart of the Minoans, Europe's first advanced civilisation, and the legendary home of King Minos and the labyrinth of the Minotaur. Walking among its restored colonnades, grand staircases and brightly painted frescoes brings four thousand years of history vividly to life. From the throne room and the great central court to the ingenious drainage and storage systems, Knossos reveals a society of remarkable sophistication. The site was excavated and partly reconstructed by Sir Arthur Evans in the early twentieth century, and his colourful restorations help visitors picture how the palace might once have looked at the height of its power. The tour continues to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, one of the most important museums in Greece, where the original treasures from Knossos and other Minoan sites are displayed. Here you can see the actual frescoes, the famous snake goddess figurines, the enigmatic Phaistos Disc and exquisite gold jewellery, gathered in a beautifully presented collection that completes the story begun at the palace. Travelling in a private vehicle means no parking hassle and no waiting for a group; you set the pace and timing, making this an ideal introduction to Crete's ancient past for first-time visitors and history lovers alike.

Highlights

• Private vehicle
• Skip the parking hassle
• Flexible timing