Knossos Palace Skip-the-Line Ticket (Shared Tour Group)
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
Join our small group tour and experience Knossos — now a UNESCO World Heritage Site — where history and myth intertwine. The palace’s labyrinth-like layout brings the legend of the Minotaur to life, while the reconstructed frescoes — like the Prince of the Lilies and the thrilling bull-leaping scenes — capture moments frozen in time.
With a licensed guide, the ruins transform from silent stones into a vivid story. You’ll understand the symbolism in the art, the purpose behind the palace’s design, and how the Minoans lived over 4,000 years ago. It’s like walking the very paths of Minoan royalty.
For the full Minoan experience, you can easily upgrade to include the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion walking tour — even at the last minute. Knossos shows you the ancient city; the museum reveals its treasures, from intricate artifacts to original frescoes found on-site. Together, they complete the story of Europe’s first civilization.
Available options
Private Tour
VIP & Unfiltered: Your guide, your pace, your vibe. Go deeper, ask and explore Knossos your way, a tailor-made adventure.<br/>Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes<br/>Starting point:<br/>WeGuide.gr - Meeting point for guided tours, Knossos 714 09, Greece
Small Group (up to 15 pax)
Comfort & Connection: Travel in comfort with a smaller group and attentive guide. With fewer people, there’s more space to move, time to listen..<br/>Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes<br/>Starting point:<br/>WeGuide.gr - Meeting point for guided tours, Knossos 714 09, Greece
Shared Group (up to 22 pax)
Easy & Enjoyable: Enjoy the company of fellow travelers, gentle pacing, and a lively guide who brings the ancient world to life.<br/>Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes<br/>Starting point:<br/>WeGuide.gr - Meeting point for guided tours, Knossos 714 09, Greece
Semi Private (up to 8 pax)
Leisure & Insight: A calm, carefully curated experience for travelers who prefer peace and personal attention. Ideal for couples or friends..<br/>Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes<br/>Starting point:<br/>WeGuide.gr - Meeting point for guided tours, Knossos 714 09, Greece
Shared Group & City Pick-up
Group up to 22 pax & Pick-up: Group tour for up to 22 participants, including 2-way pick-up and drop-off from Heraklion city center (Astoria Capsis Hotel )<br/>Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes: Experience Knossos in comfort and style. You’ll enjoy a smoother pace, closer interaction with your guide, and more time. <br/>Starting point:<br/>Capsis Astoria Heraklion, Plateia Eleftherias, Iraklio 712 02, Greece
What's included
Headset to hear the guide better, if group size is over 6 participants (7-15 pax).
Original reseller of service - Authorized travel agent.
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Licensed tour guide for a guided tour in a group at Knossos palace.
Entry ticket for the Knossos Palace, general admission fee ( 20 EUR ).
Skip-the-ticket-line service, to avoid the queue at the ticket counter.
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
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.
Knossos, a complex of more than 1500 interlocking rooms, was an astonishing palace, built for a mighty king of the Bronze Age. As you wander through the labyrinthine ruins, you will have the chance to see the original throne of "Minos", the mystifying sanctuaries, the luxurious domestic quarters of the royal family, the once upon a time bursting with Crete’s treasures pantries and the astonishing water-management systems!
Skip-the-ticket-line service !
Licensed tour guide for a 90-minutes guided tour in a small group.
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
129 reviews
5★
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Tripadvisor
4.9
154 reviews
5★
144
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Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
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
During the summer months (June-July-August), Visit Knossos and avoid the crowds and the heat! Unravel the myth of the labyrinth and experience Knossos at its most serene, with the best time being at 17:00 (5:00 PM). Join us for a truly memorable experience!
Knossos Palace – Meeting Information Our check-in operator will be waiting for you by the ticket booth at Knossos, holding a sign with our “Meeting Point” logo. Check-in begins 20 minutes before the tour start time. This is a shared group tour with strict entry time slots. Late arrivals cannot be admitted. If you arrive after your scheduled time, your reserved entry tickets will have already expired and the tour will be considered a no-show. Subject to availability, we will do our very best to assist you in purchasing new entry tickets; however, once the guided tour has started, it may not be possible to join. Arriving by car? Please allow extra time to find parking. We strongly recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before the tour start time, especially for the 10:00–11:00 AM slots, when parking and site entry are busiest. Summer Tip (June–August): The most comfortable time to explore Knossos is 17:00 (5:00 PM), when the crowds and heat are at their lowest. Join us then for a more serene experience as you unravel the myths of the Labyrinth and the grandeur of Minoan Crete.
Please check your location before booking! Knossos Palace is just 5 km (20 min) from Heraklion port/airport — very convenient. It’s not convenient from Chania (Souda port or CHQ airport) — it's 140 km away (2.5 hrs by car). We are based in Heraklion
How to Redeem : Your Guide will redeem this ticket for your entry ticket.
Meeting point
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is the meeting point for guests who choose the “iii. Small Group & Transfer – Transfer from/to Heraklion” option. All other tour options meet directly at the Palace of Knossos entrance.
Important notes
Your Upcoming Knossos Tour – Important Details
We’re excited to welcome you soon! Please take a moment to review the important meeting information below.
Meeting Point:
Our check-in operator will be waiting for you by the ticket booth at Knossos, holding a sign with our “Meeting Point” logo.
Check-In & Timing:
Check-in opens 20 minutes before the scheduled tour start time.
This is a shared group tour with strict entry slots.
Late arrivals cannot be admitted. If you arrive after your scheduled time, your reserved entry tickets will expire, and the tour will be considered a no-show.
Important Notice:
Subject to availability, we will do our best to assist you in purchasing new entry tickets (€20 per adult).
However, once the guided tour has started, it may not be possible to join.
Arriving by Car?
Please allow extra time for parking.
We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before the tour, especially for the 10:00–11:00 AM slots, when parking and entry are busiest.
A free parking area is available just before the Knossos Palace entrance.
Summer Tip (June–August):
For a cooler and more serene experience, the 17:00 (5:00 PM) tour slot is ideal. This is when crowds and heat are at their lowest, offering the most comfortable way to explore Knossos and enjoy the myths of the Labyrinth.
Ticket Redemption:
Your licensed guide will redeem this voucher and provide your official entry ticket upon check-in.
Location Reminder:
Crete has four prefectures: Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Lasithi.
Please ensure you’ve booked the tour closest to your area.
We look forward to guiding you through the fascinating world of the Minoans at Knossos!
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
