PRIVATE: Skip-the-Line Palace of Knossos with Wine Tasting & Lunch

What you'll do Discover the vineyards and ancient architecture of Knossos, on a private full-day Crete journey, with a light lunch and wine. Begin your journey of Knossos by meeting your guide at your hotel in Heraklion, where you will be greeted by your guide who will take care of you throughout the day. Head straight to Knossos, where you will visit the ancient Minoan Palace, an important city in antiquity that supported continuous life from the Neolithic era to the 5th century. According to tradition, Knossos was the seat of the wise king Minos. Learn about the archeological site's fascinating myths, including the famous labyrinth and the minotaur legend, and that of Daedalus and Icarus. Next, head into the Heraklion mainland, which is known for its vilana, kostifali, and vidiano indigenous Cretan grapes. Crete's winemaking tradition dates all the way back to antiquity, and Cretan winemakers have consistently produced outstanding, award-winning wines. Taste some of these flavorful wines at a family-owned organic winery, where you'll enjoy six different wines along with local nibbles. Next, tuck into a delicious local lunch in a cozy, traditional, family-owned tavern that serves home-grown and freshly made delicacies from farm to table. This is your chance to sample truly authentic Cretan cuisine. Then, explore a typical village in Archanes as you wander its narrow lanes, and discover a world concealed from time. Here, savor the local liqueur called raki before heading back to your accommodation in Heraklion. Additional information Please email us upon booking to confirm your pick up point and time. Email: cretelocaladventures@gmail.com  WhatsApp: +306980679166 Duration 5 hours Language English Highlights Walk through the ancient architectural wonder of the Palace of Knossos with an expert guide Visit a family run winery and taste award-winning Cretan wines Tuck into a delicious mezze-style lunch at a traditional tavern Explore village life in Archanes and learn about the region's history from your local guide Inclusions Local English, French, and German-speaking guide Hotel pickup and drop-off Transportation Light lunch 4 glasses of wine/wine tasting (fresh orange juice for children) The food provided should be more than enough to allow you to skip lunch! Exclusions Knossos entrance fee (approx. €15); note that entrance tickets are not included in the tour fee. We save you time by buying entrance tickets in advance so you can skip the lines. Also not included are additional food and drinks, souvenirs, and personal shopping, plus tips/gratuities for your guide. Local impact — How you help the local community by joining this tour: On this tour, you visit 100% local, family-owned businesses and meet vendors at a local market who sell their own and Cretan-only products. All of the food you sample during your tour is sourced from local villages, farmers, and stock-breeders of Crete. As part of your tour, you will have lunch in a locally-run tavern that serves traditional Cretan dishes.