Agios Nikolaos, Crete Private Tour - Option 3

Knossos Palace & Arolithos Village

Starting from Agios Nikolaos, Greece

Tour Summary-
Type: Antiquities, Culture, Free Time, Scenic Drive
Length: 7.5-8 Hours
Walking: Difficult - uneven surfaces
Mobility: NO wheelchairs
Guide: Licensed Guide
Languages: English
Prices: Scroll Down or Click here for Prices

From the port of Agios Nikolaos you will drive to Knossos, the ancient capital of the great king Minos. Your privately guided tour will take you through the fantastic ruins of the ancient palace complex, which served as the administrative and religious centers for the whole region. It has been restored by Sir Arthur Evans and these restorations, though criticized by some for their modernity, help the tourist to both visualize the palace as it was and understand its labyrinthine complexity. The living quarters of the king, queen and members of the royal court, rooms for state occasions, theatre area, store rooms and potters' workshops are all within the palace complex.

For centuries the history of the Minoan culture had passed into the realm of legend and remained a distant memory in Greek tradition and mythology.  It was not until the beginning of the last century that the history of Minoan Crete was actually pieced together to reveal that the civilization was not one of myth, rather it was one of the most advanced and important in prehistoric times. The amazing  archaeological site of Knossos, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Minos, provides the basis of our knowledge about this civilization  named after the king of Crete.

The frescoes unearthed show the refinement of their art and use of color and embody the soul of the peace loving, light-hearted, but also powerful Minoans.  The original palace of Knossos was raised around 1900 BC.  About two-hundred years later it was destroyed by an earthquake and rebuilt on a grander scale. The final catastrophe occurred around 1450 BC with the eruption of the volcano in Santorini.  Despite this blow, people continued to live here until a fire swept through the city around 1400 BC.

After your visit at the Knossos Palace, your journey continues to the traditional village of Arolithos. The village of Arolithos was intentionally built in the typical architecture of old Cretan Villages. As you enter the village walking along its cobblestone streets you pass shops where artisans produce crafts such as ceramics, weavings, wood carving and even bread baking using the methods of a bygone era. A short walk brings you to a small square where you'll find an authentic Greek coffee shop, where you can enjoy a welcoming drink of Crete known as “raki.". Continue on the main square of the village to find its beautiful old church which supported the cultural, political and entertainment center of its inhabitants. While you are in the town you have free time to enjoy lunch on your own.

After your visit of Arolithos you return to the port of Agios Nikolaos.

Tour Breakdown-
1- Depart pier and drive to Knossos- 1 Hour and 15 Minutes (traffic pending)
2- Visit Archaeological site of Knossos - 1 Hour and 30 Minutes
3- Drive to Arolithos - 45 Minutes
4- Visit Arolithos and free time for lunch- 2 Hours and 30 Minutes
5- Return to port- 1 Hour and 15 Minutes (traffic pending)

See More Options in this Port

Private Sightseeing Tours and Shore Excursions from Agios Nikolaos