Knossos and Aquarium Tour

ADiscover the life of the ancient Minoans in the archaeological museum. Touch the history at Knossos palace and explore the largest aquarium in the Mediterranean.

Book Now

Main Info

This tour will take you on a journey through water and time. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Heraklion and the city of Knossos. Take a journey back through the ages in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, and discover the magnificent Mediterranean Sea in one of Europe’s largest aquariums.

Knossos was known to be the heart of Minoan civilisation and, according to tradition, it was the seat of the legendry King Minos and the birthplace of the myths surrounding this incredible site. The city of Knossos flourished more than two-thousand years ago through its strong maritime trade and overland commerce with the other great cities of Crete in the Minoan Era. The city was built and destroyed many times through-out its history, but the palace of Knossos is the greatest testimony, as it still stands today with the help of Sir Arthur Evans and his conservation work. The mighty palace of Knossos is what we see today within this magnificent historical site and it’s here where we begin our tour. At the site of Knossos Palace, you will have a chance to explore this large and historic monument by yourselves, or if you prefer a guided tour, there are many options at the entrance. Walk around this breath-taking site and go on a journey through time within the incredible buildings of the palace as well as the surrounding settlements.

After spending around 2 hours at Knossos Palace we will continue on our tour to the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion which is the oldest and considered one of the most important museums in Greece. It houses many artefacts from all periods of Cretan history, covering over 5,500 years. Some of the oldest pieces date back to the Neolithic Period but pride of place is given to the treasures of the Minoan Civilisation and detailed accounts of what historians believed to have happened to the city through-out time.

After an hour in the Archaeological Museum, we will continue our tour to one of Europe’s largest aquariums and educational centres. CRETAquarium prides itself on presenting an impressive biodiversity of Mediterranean Sea Creatures while preserving and researching for future generations. Surround yourself with the many interactive tools and immerse yourself in the underwater homes of these incredible animals. From large predator sharks; colourful jellyfish; Caretta Caretta Sea Turtles; Stingray; and microscopic sea horses; this aquarium has something for all ages.

Departure

Your Hotel/ Accomodation

Departure Time

Between 8:00 am to 9:00 am

Return Time

Approximately 6:00 pm

Included

  • Tour Guide by our English-speaking driver

Excluded

  • Souvenirs
  • Personal expenses

Locations we visit

KNOSSOS PALACE

Knossos is thought to be one of the oldest centres of civilisation in Europe and was once home to the most powerful ruler of the Minoan Civilisation, King Minos. It is believed that this city dates back to as early as the Neolithic Period (7th-4th Millennium BC) and that the palace of Knossos has played a major role in the changing leadership through-out time including the Mycenaeans and the Roman era.

 

The palace of Knossos is believed to have been built, destroyed and rebuilt at least twice within its lifetime. The first palace is estimated to have been built between the 19th-17th Century BC. The second version of the palace (16th-14th Century BC) is believed to have been constructed in much the same way as the first, with the addition of labyrinth style corridors and storage rooms. This is where the Legend of the Minotaur comes from surrounding Knossos Palace. Around the 17th Century BC it is believed that the entire city of Knossos was extensively developed and it has been estimated that the population was around 80,000 inhabitants.

 

In 1450BC, after the partial destruction of Knossos, the Mycenaeans settled within the city but did not rebuild the palace. In 67 BC the city of Knossos was conquered by the Romans and Knossos Palace was named the “Mansion of Dionysus”. The magnificent mosaics you see today, belong to this period. Shortly after the Byzantine times, the port of Heraklion gained more importance for shipping and trade while the palace and the city of Knossos was slowly forgotten and was re-discovered in 1900 by a British Scholar, Arthur Evans. Since the 1900s much of the site of Knossos has been excavated and its this that can be seen today.

 

Discover this incredible site by exploring it for yourself or choose to walk around with a tour guide, many of which are available for a fee at the main gate. Should you choose to have a tour guide as you walk this incredible site, it is sure to enhance your knowledge and understanding of this magnificent city. To walk all of the wonders of this site, it will take you around 2 hours and is sure to submerge you within the abundant history of this undeniable UNESCO World Heritage Site.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is one of the oldest and considered to be one of most important museums in Greece. It is also considered to be one of the most famous museums in all of Europe. It houses many precious artefacts from all periods of Cretan history and prehistory, covering over 5,500 years starting from the Neolithic period to Roman times.

This multi-storey building is known to house the most notable and complete collection of artefacts of the Minoan civilisation in Crete. In 1883, the first archaeological collection of the city was established with a small collection and was backed by private donations. After the excavations from Arthur Evans began in 1900, the artefacts from Knossos and the surrounding area were entrusted to the First Keepers of Antiquities and thus enriched the collection the museum has today.

The museum prides itself on its vast collection of Minoan art but also in telling the story of the Minoan civilisation here in Crete. It houses artefacts from many sites across Crete including; Knossos; Phaestos; Zakros; and Malia. Within the museum today there are many artefacts which tell the story of this once great civilisation. Jewellery, Statues, pottery and everyday items can be found in every part of this museum, bringing to life this long forgotten way of life.

The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is most famous for its impressive collection of Minoan artefacts. The Snake-Goddess; The Prince of Lilies and Bull-Leaping Frescos; The Gold Bee Pendant; The Agia Triada Sarcophagus; Phaistos Discs; and Linear B (ancient Cretan language) tablets. All of these impressive artefacts can be seen within the Museum of Heraklion among many other private collections.

CRETA-AQUARIUM

CRETAquarium is the site of the former US Air Force Base and is now one of Europe’s largest aquariums and educational centres. This aquarium has many interactive activities and gives each visitor a new and different experience with the sea creatures they care for.

CRETAquarium blends their art of conservation and their passion to protect and educate for the future. It provides visitors with a wide variety of species from across the Mediterranean and prides itself on creating such a beautiful and innovative way to showcase and understand each and every one within its care.

The most popular sea creatures within this aquarium are; Sharks; Stingray; Octopus; Caretta Caretta Sea Turtles; Colourful Jellyfish; (and) microscopic sea horses. There is something for all ages and a wonderful day out for the family.

Map

Price

What this package includes:

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Luxury car with
    an English-speaking driver
  • Fuel and tolls
  • All taxes, fees
    and handling charges
  • Water and snacks

Not included:

  • Official tour guide (only on
    request upon booking)
  • Entrance fees
  • Lunch, beverages, and meals
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Extra hours

Price per group (1-3): 320

Price per group (4-6): 360

Price per group (7-9): 390

Tips/Other Information

Entrance fee to Knossos and archaeological museum 15€ for adults, over 65 years old 8€ and children till 18 years old free-Skip the queue and let us arrange your ticket in advance

Entrance fee to aquarium 10€ for adults,6€ for children aged 5-17 and under 5's free

Upon request, we can arrange your lunch break for you and suggest a traditional “taverna” nearby, in order to experience the traditional Cretan cuisine

Upon request, changes to the itinerary may be made providing mileage and time limits are not exceeded.

Book Form

    • No booking or credit card fees
    • Best price guarantee