Knossos from Chania
Chania, Greece

Knossos from Chania

Outty Ranking 57 3.8 · 5 traveler reviews12 hoursFrom $69
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Outty Ranking

57/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

3.8/5

Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Knossos from Chania worth booking?

Knossos from Chania is a 12-hour experience in Chania, Greece, from $69 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.8/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
57 / 100
Rating
3.8/5 (5)
Duration
12 hours
From
$69 per person

On this excursion you have the opportunity to visit the excavation sites of the Palace of Knossos, built in 2000 BC. Knossos was the prosperous Minoan Capital and the residence of King Minos. Some believe, that the intricate Palace with its many rooms was the mythical labyrinth. By discovering the site not too long ago, archaeologists found the first of all advanced civilisations in Europe.The tour is followed by a visit to the Museum of Heraklion, where you can see the largest collection of Minoan findings from Crete.

What you get

    About this experience

    On this excursion you have the opportunity to visit the excavation sites of the Palace of Knossos, built in 2000 BC. Knossos was the prosperous Minoan Capital and the residence of King Minos. Some believe, that the intricate Palace with its many rooms was the mythical labyrinth. By discovering the site not too long ago, archaeologists found the first of all advanced civilisations in Europe.The tour is followed by a visit to the Museum of Heraklion, where you can see the largest collection of Minoan findings from Crete.

    What's included

    Included

    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • Local Guide
    • Transport by air-conditioned coach
    • All taxes

    Not included

    • Knossos entrance – 20 euro
    • Food and drinks
    • Tips

    What you'll see and do

    1. The Palace of Knossos

      Knossos was the most prominent centre of the Minoan Civilisation, one of the magnificent civilisations of human kind. The renowned ancient city with the palace is the largest and most typical archaeological site ever discovered on Crete. It is located at a distance of 6 km SE of Heraklion amidst olive groves, vineyards and cypress forests. According to tradition, it was the seat of the legendary king Minoa. Apart from being the royal family's residence, it was also the administrative and religious centre for the whole region. The Palace is also connected with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth with the Minotaur, and the story of Daedalus and Icarus.

      120 minutes here · Admission not included

    2. Heraklion

      Heraklion City, the bustling capital of Crete. Here, you’ll have time to explore the charming streets, admire the Venetian architecture, and visit local shops and cafés.

      3 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 45 minutes before departure.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Tue, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 30 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    MTM Experiences

    Know before you go

    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Due to high volume of visitors in high season, the group may visit at first Knossos Palace and then Heraklion city

    Photos

    Knossos from Chania, photo 2Knossos from Chania, photo 3Knossos from Chania, photo 4Knossos from Chania, photo 5Knossos from Chania, photo 6

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    4 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    1 mention

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Traveler reviews

    5 verified traveler reviews for Knossos from Chania. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
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    Nicola_F · July 2026

    Great once they picked us up

    THey nearly didn'y pick us and some other guests up from the meeting point. I had to call several times to get it sorted and we were the last pick up which suggests they came back for us. Not great when we got up extra early and we were exactly where we were supposed to be. Once we got picked up the rest of the day was great and our guide was excellent.

    Response from the operator: We’re sorry for the confusion with your pickup. We’re glad you enjoyed the rest of the day and appreciated your guide. Thank you for your feedback!

    via Viator

    Raymond_S · May 2023

    It was OK

    Meh. I could take it or leave it. This is a 12 hour day which is a bit much. Sadly only 1 of those 12 hours is spent at the ruins of the castle. The bus stops at 8 different hotels all over Chania instead of a couple group meeting points which makes the day longer. The one hour you get at the ruins you practically run behind the tour operator. Maybe other people will have more luck but me personally could not understand our guides broken English which ruined my experience. Find a car and get yourself to Knossos, there are 6 or 8 licensed tour guides standing at the gate all for hire. Actually learn something.

    via Viator

    Alan_A · June 2022

    Knossos Tour

    Driven there very well and the tour guide was very good. The guide managed to tell information in several languages. Very Good, Very Good, Very Good and would advise it to any of our friends. Driven there very well and the tour guide was very good. The guide managed to tell information in several languages. Very Good, Very Good, Very Good and would advise it to any of our friends.

    Response from the operator: Dear Customer, Thank you for the support we are happy to see that you enjoyed the tour provided by MTM DMC. We hope to see you again soon. Regards, MTM DMC Team

    via Viator

    cliffw973 · August 2021

    History enthusiasts think twice

    History enthusiasts think twice Having boarded our coach at 0710 we undertook multiple pick-ups, many off the beaten track and hard for a coach to negotiate, so that we only reached Knossos at 1040. At this point we were horrified to be offered a one-hour tour - and not the THREE hour stop promised on the website - and were then pushed round the site by an elderly, semi-coherent, uninformative guide. When we complained that it was not enough time to see the site the guide called us idiots and said an hour was enough. Hardly very professional! The rest of the trip went better, we had enough time to see the excellent archeological museum (though not any more of Heraklion) and for a pleasant stop at Rethymno, but with all the ridiculous drop-offs were not home until 1930. Only four hours activity in a twelve hour day, and insulted by our guide! With hindsight we should have saved the £160+ for the trip and simply hired a taxi for the day.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    12 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Tue, Sun
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    2
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by MTM Experiences, who run 69 experiences we rank across 13 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 57.3.

    See everything MTM Experiences runs

    Why this scores 57

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)63
    Review evidence (18% weight)30
    Booking momentum (14% weight)22
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)76
    Local standing (8% weight)29
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Knossos from Chania: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Chania.

    How much does Knossos from Chania cost?

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    Prices start at $69 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Chania usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Knossos from Chania take?

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    Plan for about 12 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Chania is not rushed.

    Is Knossos from Chania worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.8/5 across 5 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Chania, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Knossos from Chania?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Knossos from Chania suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Knossos from Chania?

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    Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Chania can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Chania and add a light layer if any part of the 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Knossos from Chania start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Chania within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Chania?

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    On Outty we rank every Chania experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cretan Safari – 4x4 Adventure to Preveli Beach with Lunch, Elafonisi & Falasarna Small Group Tour from Chania w/snacks, Half-Day Rethymno Quad Safari. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Chania?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Chania?

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    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Knossos from Chania?

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    Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Local Guide; Transport by air-conditioned coach; and All taxes. Not included: Knossos entrance – 20 euro; Food and drinks; and Tips. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Knossos from Chania include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 132 listed pickup locations in and around Chania. Be ready about 45 minutes before the start time.

    What languages is Knossos from Chania offered in?

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    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Knossos from Chania?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    What happens to Knossos from Chania if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Chania. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Knossos from Chania?

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    Across 5 reviews averaging 3.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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