
Minoan Path: Knossos Palace, Winery Visit, Lunch at Archanes
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 12 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Minoan Path: Knossos Palace, Winery Visit, Lunch at Archanes worth booking?
Minoan Path: Knossos Palace, Winery Visit, Lunch at Archanes is a 5-hour experience in Heraklion, Greece, from $242 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 12 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 58 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (12)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $242 per person
Experience the epitome of personalized luxury as our expert local drivers guide you through the captivating landscapes of Central Crete. Begin your journey with an exclusive visit to the Palace of Knossos. Immerse yourself in the labyrinthine wonder of the palace ruins, appreciating the intersection of myth and history. Let our service arrange for a Private Archeologist, for an extra charge, to transport you to a bygone era, where every moment is a seamless blend of culture, history, and the unparalleled beauty of Crete. The adventure continues in the enchanting valley of Peza, where a renowned winery awaits to tantalize your taste buds with divine aromas and flavors of Cretan indigenous varieties. Next, explore the magical village of Ano Archanes, a place touched by royalty and known for its charming streets and local culinary treasures. Delight in a meal cooked with love and care, savoring the authenticity of Cretan cuisine.
What you get
About this experience
Experience the epitome of personalized luxury as our expert local drivers guide you through the captivating landscapes of Central Crete. Begin your journey with an exclusive visit to the Palace of Knossos. Immerse yourself in the labyrinthine wonder of the palace ruins, appreciating the intersection of myth and history. Let our service arrange for a Private Archeologist, for an extra charge, to transport you to a bygone era, where every moment is a seamless blend of culture, history, and the unparalleled beauty of Crete. The adventure continues in the enchanting valley of Peza, where a renowned winery awaits to tantalize your taste buds with divine aromas and flavors of Cretan indigenous varieties. Next, explore the magical village of Ano Archanes, a place touched by royalty and known for its charming streets and local culinary treasures. Delight in a meal cooked with love and care, savoring the authenticity of Cretan cuisine.
What's included
Included
- Lunch
- Private transportation
- Alcoholic beverages
- Bottled water
- All Fees and Taxes
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Tour Guide at Knossos Palace
- Admission Fee to Knossos Palace
What you'll see and do
The Palace of Knossos
Knossos is the main Bronze Age archaeological site at Heraklion, a modern port city on the north-central coast of Crete. The site was excavated and the palace complex found there was partially restored under the direction of Arthur Evans in the earliest years of the 20th century. The palace complex is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete. It was undoubtedly the ceremonial and political center of the Minoan civilization and culture. In order to purchase tickets online for the archeological site of Knossos visit the official e-ticketing service of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports at www.etickets.tap.gr
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Peza
You will arrive at the Winery in Peza Area. A host will welcome you and inform you about the winery and its services. A tour of the winery will follow, including a product presentation, cellar, and the museum corner. Outside of the main building and under a beautiful pergola, you will taste some of the most famous wines on the island and all over Greece. A guided tasting of 5 different types of Cretan wines. Dive into the Cretan wine culture by tasting the most iconic local varieties and our signature estate blends. (Available with this Booking)
90 minutes here
Archanes
You will be welcomed by the Head Chef of Traditional Cooking Classes. She has prepared for you an amazing meal with traditional delicacies, a meal you will not be able to find in any taverns around the island. Full of flavors and aromas, executed with few secrets.
90 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Options you can book
Pick-up from Heraklion Area
Wine Tasting Duration: 5 hours Traditional Lunch at Archanes Premium Vehicles Pickup included
Pick-up from Elounda Area
Winery Visit: Winery Tour Cellar Tour Wine Tasting of 5 Indigenous Varieties Private Tour Duration: 8 hours Four course Meal: Traditional Lunch prepared and served by a local cook at her venue in Archanes Village Premium Vehicles Pickup included
Pick-up from Rethimno Area
Winery Visit: Winery Tour Cellar Tour Guide Wine Tasting of 5 Indigenous Varieties Private Tour Duration: 8 hours Four-course meal: Traditional meal prepared and served by a local cook at her venue in Archanes Village Premium Vehicles Pickup included
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
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- LocalTrips4U "Experience True Crete"
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 12 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
8 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Small groups
5 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
12 verified traveler reviews for Minoan Path: Knossos Palace, Winery Visit, Lunch at Archanes. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing Knossos Palace excursion with exception wine tasting and tour and traditional lunch. Best tour on Crete!
Our experience was amazing. Our family of 4 were picked up close to our Rythenmo VRBO and dropped off at Knossos Palace (minor charge to enter), picked up for fabulous winery tour provided by the wine maker (December tour has its advantages), and lastly to a wonderful traditional lunch and honey Raki (better with honey). We were dropped off in Rythenmo. This may remain an all time favorite family excursion for a long time. Very reasonable rate considering the round trip transportation and private winery tour. and tasting. You will not be disappointed.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your glowing review! We're thrilled to hear that your family had such an amazing experience on the Minoan Path tour. It sounds like the combination of exploring the historic Knossos Palace, enjoying a private winery tour, and savoring a traditional lunch made for a truly memorable day. We're glad you appreciated the convenience of our door-to-door service from Rethymno and that the winery visit, especially with the personal touch of the winemaker, was a highlight for you. December tours do have their unique charm, and it’s wonderful to hear that the honey Raki added a special touch to your meal. We’re honored that this might be one of your all-time favorite family excursions, and we’re so happy we could be part of your Crete experience. We hope to welcome you back for more adventures in the future!
via Tripadvisor
The food, the flexibility, and the landscapes were amazing.
Our tour required flexibility because the palace unexpectedly closed half the day we were arriving. This company was on top of it; texted with me and we agreed to change the order, add a beach, take out the winery, add an olive oil tasting. The oil was the best we had tasted in the Greek islands so far. I was glad the tour company was able that last minute. The beach we got to relax at for a couple hours was in a beautiful resort area. We didnt want to leave. Then the meal in the village was truly authentic, service was great. Glad we picked this tour.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your time on the Minoan Path tour, despite the unexpected closure at Knossos Palace. Flexibility is key for us, and we're glad we could adjust the itinerary to make sure your experience was still unforgettable. It sounds like the beach and olive oil tasting were wonderful alternatives, and we're delighted you enjoyed the meal in the village as well—there's nothing like authentic Cretan cuisine! We appreciate your kind words and are happy that you chose us for your tour. If you ever find yourself back in Crete, we'd love to show you even more of the island's hidden gems. Safe travels and thank you again for your glowing review!
via Viator
Great Experience - totally recommended!
We had a lovely Trip to knossos, the Titakis winery and a very cute Little town, where we hab lunch. We were picked up by our driver Aggeliki, who was very sympathic and nice. We had very nice conversations during the car Ride. The tour in knossos was Self Guided. After that the wineyard was exeptionell Great. We had a private tour, just the Tal of us and a wine tasting of 5 different wines. The lunch in a small town was delicious. All the people we met were very friendly. We would recommens doing that Trip! 5 Stars!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your fantastic review! We're delighted to hear that you had such a memorable experience on the Minoan Path tour. It's wonderful that you enjoyed visiting Knossos Palace, the Titakis winery, and the charming town for lunch. We're especially glad to hear that Aggeliki made your trip even more enjoyable with her friendly demeanor and engaging conversations. Your positive feedback about the self-guided tour at Knossos, the exceptional private winery visit, and the delicious lunch is greatly appreciated. Thank you for recommending our tour, and we hope to welcome you back to Crete for more adventures in the future! Safe travels!
via Tripadvisor
Be careful when booking.
We were coming off the Sun princess, the biggest ship in the Princess fleet, Having never been to the Greek Islands specifically the island of Crete. Apparently there’s more than one port on that small island. I feel that the tour operator should have known where the sun princess was landing. The tour operator never made sure that we had the right port and I didn’t know we were at the wrong port. The operator wouldn’t make any adjustments to meet us at a later time or to refund our money, terrible business practices and they were very rude through the texts exchanges that we had. Ruined our well planned day.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience. While we understand your frustration, we believe there were some misunderstandings that need to be clarified. Firstly, Crete is a large island with several significant ports, including Heraklion, Chania, and Agios Nikolaos. It's crucial for travelers to verify the exact port of their arrival and departure. Unfortunately, in your case, you were at the wrong port, which was 150 kilometers away from the correct meeting point—a minimum of a 2-hour drive each way. In our conversation through WhatsApp the night before, we mentioned the Port of Heraklion in every single message, including specific references to the Heraklion Port Passenger Station. Our agency provides detailed instructions and confirmations to help clients avoid such situations, and it's important to review these details carefully. Regarding the flexibility of our services, we always strive to accommodate changes when possible. However, making last-minute adjustments can be extremely challenging, especially during busy seasons when schedules and resources are tightly managed. We apologize if our communication seemed rude; that was never our intention. We aim to be clear and professional in our exchanges to ensure all clients are well-informed and can enjoy their planned activities. We regret that this situation affected your experience and are committed to improving our processes to prevent such occurrences in the future.
via Viator
Best guide
Roula is the best! An amazing lady that not only organizes your day perfectly, but also did her best to make the most for you out of the trip! A fun day that covers Knossos Palace, a bonus to quickly see the town and museum of Heraklion after the planned winery visit, ends nicely with a traditional lunch & Thank you Roula, you are a star!🫰🏼
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a fantastic experience on the Minoan Path tour. Roula truly is a gem, and we're delighted that she made your day special and memorable. It's great to know that you enjoyed every part of the trip, from Knossos Palace to the winery visit and traditional lunch. Your kind words mean a lot to us, and we'll be sure to pass them along to Roula. We hope to see you again on another adventure in beautiful Crete!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by LocalTrips4U "Experience True Crete", who run 19 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 51.2.
See everything LocalTrips4U "Experience True Crete" runsWhy this scores 58
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Minoan Path: Knossos Palace, Winery Visit, Lunch at Archanes: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Heraklion.
How much does Minoan Path: Knossos Palace, Winery Visit, Lunch at Archanes cost?
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Prices start at $242 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Heraklion usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Minoan Path: Knossos Palace, Winery Visit, Lunch at Archanes take?
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Plan for about 5 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 Heraklion is not rushed.
Is Minoan Path: Knossos Palace, Winery Visit, Lunch at Archanes worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 12 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Heraklion, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Minoan Path: Knossos Palace, Winery Visit, Lunch at Archanes?
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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 Minoan Path: Knossos Palace, Winery Visit, Lunch at Archanes suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Minoan Path: Knossos Palace, Winery Visit, Lunch at Archanes?
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Around 4 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 Heraklion 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 Heraklion and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Minoan Path: Knossos Palace, Winery Visit, Lunch at Archanes 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 Heraklion 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 Heraklion?
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On Outty we rank every Heraklion experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Knossos - Zeus Cave - Old Traditional Villages-Olive Oil Factory, Knossos & Lasithi Plateau: Zeus Cave, Villages, Olive Oil Tour, Quad Safari: Off-Road Day Tour with Dinner & Transfers. 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 Heraklion?
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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 Heraklion?
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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 Minoan Path: Knossos Palace, Winery Visit, Lunch at Archanes?
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Included: Lunch; Private transportation; Alcoholic beverages; Bottled water; and All Fees and Taxes. Not included: Tour Guide at Knossos Palace; and Admission Fee to Knossos Palace. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Minoan Path: Knossos Palace, Winery Visit, Lunch at Archanes include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 695 listed pickup locations in and around Heraklion. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Minoan Path: Knossos Palace, Winery Visit, Lunch at Archanes 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 Minoan Path: Knossos Palace, Winery Visit, Lunch at Archanes?
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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 Minoan Path: Knossos Palace, Winery Visit, Lunch at Archanes if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Heraklion. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Minoan Path: Knossos Palace, Winery Visit, Lunch at Archanes?
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Across 12 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, the guide, small groups. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
What booking options are available for Minoan Path: Knossos Palace, Winery Visit, Lunch at Archanes?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including Pick-up from Heraklion Area, Pick-up from Elounda Area, Pick-up from Rethimno Area. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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