Private 4.5-Hour Tour: Knossos Palace & Lyrarakis Winery

Quick info

Location: Knossos
Tour highlights:
  • Private guided tour of Knossos, the Minoan capital
  • Discover the Throne Room, royal apartments, and colorful frescoes
  • Scenic drive through traditional Cretan villages
  • Guided tour of Lyrarakis Winery, including vineyards and cellars
  • Wine tasting of signature local varieties, with optional home-cooked delicacies
  • Comfortable pace with both history and leisure
Duration: 4.5 hours
Languages: English

What to expect

Your guide will meet you at Heraklion port with a personalized sign, and you’ll board your private, air-conditioned vehicle for the short 20-minute drive to Knossos. There, enjoy an immersive guided tour of the palace, its myths, and its architectural wonders.

After Knossos, travel for about 30 minutes through the Cretan countryside and villages until you reach the Lyrarakis Winery. A guided estate tour introduces you to the vineyards, production areas, and the bottling process. Conclude with a relaxed tasting session of carefully selected wines, with the option to accompany them with traditional homemade delicacies (on request).

At the end of your visit, your driver will return you comfortably to Heraklion port, ensuring timely embarkation.

Private 4.5-Hour Tour: Knossos Palace & Lyrarakis Winery

This half-day private excursion blends ancient history with authentic Cretan flavors. Begin with a guided tour of Knossos, the grand palace of the Minoans. Continue through charming villages and vineyards to the celebrated Lyrarakis Winery, where you’ll learn about Cretan winemaking traditions, explore the estate, and taste premium wines. A perfect balance of culture and indulgence, this tour offers a true taste of Crete’s heritage.

  • Private luxury vehicle with professional, non-smoking driver
  • Licensed professional guide for the full duration
  • Guided winery tour & wine tasting at Lyrarakis Estate
  • All fuel, tolls & taxes
  • Personalized itinerary with schedule flexibility
  • Liability insurance coverage for all guests
  • Entrance fee to Knossos (€15 per person)
  • Meals & optional delicacies at the winery
  • Gratuities (optional)

Itinerary

Why choose us

  • Expert Guidance – Licensed local guides bring history and traditions to life
  • Comfort & Safety – Modern air-conditioned vehicles and professional drivers
  • Customizable – Flexible itineraries tailored to your pace and interests
  • Authentic Insights – Experience Crete’s history, countryside, and flavors beyond the guidebooks
  • Cruise-Friendly – Guaranteed return to your ship on time, or we cover all costs

Useful Info & Extras

  • Total travel time: ~1.5 hours
  • Restrooms available at Knossos & winery
  • Shopping available at winery and in Heraklion
  • No photography restrictions at Knossos or winery (except no flash in sensitive areas)
  • Credit cards accepted at most stops
  • Recommended: comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, light clothing in summer
  • Private tours fully customizable to your interests and pace
  • Flexible timing to avoid peak crowds when possible
  • Strenuous activity: walking over uneven terrain and steps

Our Commitment to Quality Travel

  • Minimize single-use plastics during tours
  • Support local winemakers, artisans, and family businesses
  • Offset part of our carbon footprint through eco-initiatives
  • Promote and protect Crete’s cultural and culinary heritage

Booking

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