Description
Duration 4 Hours
Pick up points: Hotels Resorts, Airport, Port
If traveling by cruise ship, at the port of Heraklion you will meet your licensed tour guide, will drive to Knossos, the ancient capital of the great King Minos.
Your privately guided tour will take you through the fantastic ruins of the ancient palace complex, which served as the administrative and religious centers for the whole region. It has been restored by Sir Arthur Evans and these restorations, though criticized by some for their modernity, help the tourist to both visualize the palace as it was and understand its labyrinthine complexity. The living quarters of the king, queen and members of the royal court, rooms for state occasions, theatre area, store rooms and potters workshops are all within the palace complex.
For centuries the history of the Minoan culture had passed into the realm of legend and remained a distant memory in Greek tradition and mythology. It was not until the beginning of the last century that the history of Minoan Crete was actually pieced together to reveal that the civilization was not one of myth, rather it was one of the most advanced and important in prehistoric times. The amazing archaeological site of Knossos, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Minos, provides the basis of our knowledge about this civilization named after the king of Crete.
The frescoes unearthed show the refinement of their art and use of color and embody the soul of the peace loving, light-hearted, but also powerful Minoans. The original palace of Knossos was raised around 1900 BC. About two-hundred years later it was destroyed by an earthquake and rebuilt on a grander scale. The final catastrophe occurred around 1450 BC with the eruption of the volcano in Santorini. Despite this blow, people continued to live here until a fire swept through the city around 1400 BC.
After your visit of the Knossos Palace your journey continues to the tradinional village of Arolithos.
The Village Arolithos was intentionally built in the typical architecture of old Cretan Villages.
As you enter the village walking along its cobblestone streets you pass shops where artisans produce crafts such as ceramics, weavings, wood carving and even bread baking using the methods of a bygone era.
A short walk brings you to a small square where you?ll find an authentic Greek coffee shop, where you can enjoy a welcoming drink of Crete known as Raki . Continue on the main square of the village to find its beautiful old church which supported the cultural, political and entertainment center of its inhabitants.
After your visit of Arolithos you return to the port of Heraklion or to your accommodation.
Tour Breakdown-
1- Depart pier and drive to Knossos- 15 Minutes
2- Visit Archaeological site of Knossos – 1 Hour and 30 Minutes
3- Drive to Arolithos – 40 Minutes
4- Visit Arolithos- 1 Hour
5- Return to port- 30 Minutes
Included
Private Vehicle, fuels, tolls (wherever exist), parking fee, English-speaking driver, Professional English or French-speaking guide, insurance covery of the passengers up to ?500,000 in total, VAT and all taxes.
Not Included:
*Entrance fees in archaeological and historical sites, hotel accommodation wherever needed, beverages and meals.
Entrance fee:
Palace of Knossos – per Adult 6 euro
Palace of Knossos – per Child (under 17 with passport) Free
Sundays or Holidays: * Supplement per vehicle 140 euro
* Charge for driver and tour guide based on labor legislation in Greece.
* NOTE: !!! Our Guides are LICENSED and Members of the Union official Guides in Crete.
** NOTE: !!! Our Drivers are Professionals and English speaking.
Important Note:
Please note that not allowed Taxi drivers, Minivan drivers and Bus drivers to do the job of the tour guides, this is prohibited by Greek law.
The tour guide profession is protected by the Greek legislation
Our Company from its establishment until now, works only with official, professional, licensed tour guides.
Please note that in case you may wish to book a private tour through our website, in no way means that you are obliged to follow the exact route of showing the proposed tour.
You have the ability to change the order of the sites, to remove or add attractions, provided it does not exceed the time duration and distances that you have already booked.
We are flexible to any changes that you may wish during your private tour, our aim is your complete satisfaction.
Our drivers and our licensed tour guides are at your disposal in order to provide you with the best service.
If you are interested in booking this Private Tour please fill in these details that follow and you will be informed of the pricing details.
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