Minoan Crete: Knossos Palace, Winery Visit and Lunch at Peza Village
- Free cancellation up to 2 days before
- Instant confirmation
- Hotel pickup
- Guided tour in English
About this experience
Private Tour: Knossos Palace, Winery Experience & Traditional Meal in Archanes
Duration: ~7-8 hours
Pick-up Locations: Rethymno, Elounda, Agios Nikolaos, Heraklion Prefecture
Starting Times: 08:30, 09:00, 09:30, 10:00
Exclusions:
Knossos Palace entrance tickets (guests must purchase separately)
Certified Guide for Knossos Palace (optional, available upon request for an additional cost)
📍 Itinerary Overview:
1️⃣ Pick-up & Scenic Drive to Knossos Palace
Guests will be picked up from their accommodation in Rethymno, Elounda, Agios Nikolaos, or the Heraklion region in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
Drive duration varies based on the pick-up point: Rethymno → ~1hr 30min
Elounda/Agios Nikolaos → ~1hr 15min
Heraklion → ~20-30min
Enjoy a scenic ride through the Cretan countryside with insights about Crete’s history, culture, and landscapes.
2️⃣ Visit to Knossos Palace (Self-Guided or with Optional Guide)
Estimated Time: ~1.5 hours
Arrive at Knossos Palace, the heart of Minoan civilization and Crete’s most famous archaeological site.
Guests explore at their own pace (self-guided) or opt for a licensed guide for a more immersive experience (available upon request).
Walk through ancient corridors, royal chambers, and storied frescoes, uncovering myths of King Minos and the legendary Minotaur.
Important: Entry tickets are not included; guests must purchase them online in advance or at the site.
3️⃣ Local Winery Experience – Winery & Cellar Tour + Guided Wine Tasting
Estimated Time: ~1.5 hours
A short drive (~25-30 min) takes us to a renowned local winery in the Peza or Archanes wine region.
Enjoy a winery and cellar tour, learning about Crete’s winemaking traditions, grape varieties, and production process.
Guided wine tasting of 5 indigenous Cretan wine varieties such as Vidiano, Vilana, Dafni, Thrapsathiri, and Liatiko, accompanied by local rusks and cheese.
Guests can purchase wines directly from the winery as a souvenir.
4️⃣ Traditional Cretan Meal in Archanes Village
Estimated Time: ~1.5-2 hours
Head to a traditional, undisclosed local venue in Archanes, a charming village famous for its authentic Cretan hospitality.
Enjoy a full-course Cretan meal, featuring: Seasonal appetizers (dakos, stuffed vine leaves, local cheeses)
Main course (slow-cooked meal, vegetarian options available)
Local wine and raki
Traditional desserts (loukoumades or spoon sweets)
5️⃣ Return Transfer to Your Accommodation
After a leisurely meal, guests will be driven back to their original pick-up location.
Drive durations depend on the destination: Heraklion → ~25-30 min
Elounda/Agios Nikolaos → ~1hr 15 min
Rethymno → ~1hr 30 min
ℹ️ Tour Information & Notes:
Tour Type: Private, small-group experience
Language: English (other languages upon request)
Accessibility: Moderate walking involved at Knossos Palace and the winery
Dress Code: Comfortable shoes, sun protection for summer months
Optional Add-ons: Certified guide for Knossos Palace
Special dietary accommodations (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free)
Next available dates
What’s included
- 🚖 Personal Pick-up & Drop-off – Convenient and hassle-free transfers
- 🚘 Chauffeured Premium Vehicle – Travel in style with a dedicated driver
- 💧 Vehicle Comforts: Mineral Water – Stay refreshed throughout your journey
- 🍽️ Four-Course Traditional Lunch – Enjoy a gourmet meal with authentic flavors
- 🏺 Winery Visit with Winery & Cellar Tour – Discover the secrets of winemaking
- 🍷 Wine Tasting of 5 Indigenous Varieties – Savor unique local wines
Not included
- 💰 Gratuities – Optional, at your discretion
- 🛍️ Any Personal Expenses – Extra purchases during the tour
- 🏛️ Knossos Palace Admission Fees – €20.00 per person (not included)
- 🎟️ Private Guide for Knossos Palace – €120 - €150 per group (max 4 people) (Certified archaeologist, can be arranged by our support team)
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours and 30 minutes
- How you meet
- Hotel pickup
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Cancellation policy
- Free cancellation up to 2 days before
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Minimum age
- 18+ years
- Guide
- Guided tour in English
- Start times
- 08:30 · 09:00 · 09:30 · 10:00
Know before you go
- Important Information to Consider Before Booking Your Experience
- 🚶♂️ Physical Requirements & Accessibility:
- Moderate walking is involved at Knossos Palace and the winery, including uneven surfaces, stairs, and gravel paths.
- Knossos Palace is partially accessible for guests with mobility restrictions. Some areas have ramps, but access to the upper levels and certain sections may be challenging.
- The winery tour includes walking through vineyards and cellars, which may not be fully wheelchair accessible.
- The restaurant in Peza Village is accessible for most guests, but please inform us in advance if wheelchair access is required so we can confirm suitability.
- 🚼 Family & Infant Considerations:
- Infant seats are available upon request. Please inform us at the time of booking.
- The tour is family-friendly, but please note that the Knossos visit involves walking under the sun, and wine tastings are for guests aged 18 and above.
- Strollers are allowed at Knossos Palace, but may be difficult to navigate in some areas due to uneven terrain.
- 🌦️ Weather & Seasonal Considerations:
- The experience runs rain or shine. In case of extreme weather conditions, modifications may be made for guest safety.
- Summer months can be hot, especially at Knossos Palace. We recommend wearing light clothing, a hat, sunscreen, and carrying a bottle of water.
- 🍽️ Dietary Requirements:
- The traditional meal in Peza Village can accommodate dietary preferences (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.). Please notify us in advance of any restrictions.
- 📜 Additional Notes:
- This is a private tour, meaning your group will not be combined with other travelers.
- According to Greek law, only licensed guides may conduct tours inside archaeological sites. Our driver-guide will be with you throughout the day, providing general information and assistance outside the sites. A licensed guide can be arranged upon request for a more in-depth visit.
- Knossos entrance tickets are NOT included and must be purchased separately online or at the site.
- A certified guide for Knossos Palace is NOT included but can be arranged for an additional fee.
- Wine tasting is only available for guests 18 years and older. Non-alcoholic beverages are available upon request.
- What Should Travelers Bring With Them?
- To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, we recommend bringing the following items:
- 🌞 Essentials for Comfort & Weather:
- ✔️ Comfortable Walking Shoes – Knossos Palace and the winery have uneven surfaces and some walking is required.
- ✔️ Sun Protection – Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (especially during summer months).
- ✔️ Light, Breathable Clothing – Summers in Crete can be hot; dress accordingly.
- ✔️ A Light Jacket or Sweater – If traveling in spring or autumn, as evenings can be cooler.
- 🎟️ Practical Items to Bring:
- ✔️ Knossos Palace Entry Tickets – Must be purchased separately online or at the site.
- ✔️ Valid ID or Passport – May be required for entry at the winery for age verification.
- ✔️ Cash or Card – For optional purchases such as wine at the winery or souvenirs.
- ✔️ Camera or Smartphone – Capture the stunning views and historical landmarks.
- 💧 Extra Recommendations:
- ✔️ A Reusable Water Bottle – Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
- ✔️ Snacks (Optional) – If you’d like a light bite before lunch, though refreshments are available along the way.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 2 days before the experience starts.
- 2 days or more before: full refund
- 24–47 hours before: 50% refund
- Less than 1 day before: no refund
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Frequently asked questions
How long does this experience last?
It lasts 6 hours and 30 minutes.
Can I cancel this booking?
Free cancellation up to 2 days before the experience starts. 2 days or more before: full refund · 24–47 hours before: 50% refund · Less than 1 day before: no refund
Is this experience guided, and in what language?
Guided tour in English
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes — hotel pickup is included.
Is there a minimum age?
Travellers must be 18 or older.
Still have a question?
Message our team on WhatsApp — we can help with dates, group bookings and anything else before you book.
From AED 360 per person (8 travelers)Free cancellation
