Knossos Palace and Pottery: 7-hour Crete tour with lunch

Knossos Palace, pottery-making and mountain views in one day

A seven-hour tour from Agios Nikolaos combines the Palace of Knossos archaeological site, a traditional pottery village where you can try hand-shaping clay, and the Katharo Plateau with views across the Aegean, ending with an olive oil tasting. Hotel pickup and lunch are included. Pottery materials cost extra.

Step-by-step itinerary

Knossos Palace and Mountain Pottery Tour

• Pick up from hotel in Land Rover
• Pass village of Agios Nikolaos and lake
• Pass part of Heraklion city
• Visit archaeological site of Knossos palace
• Visit traditional mountain pottery village
• Enjoy food and drinks at local taverna
• Pass touristic villages on return
• Visit family olive factory and taste oils
• Return to hotel in evening

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your hotel in Agios Nikolaos and a drive through the city toward Heraklion, passing the well-known lake before reaching the Palace of Knossos. The archaeological site itself is the centerpiece: you'll walk through the great palace, villas and surrounding structures while learning about Minoan history and the mythology tied to the place. The guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French and several other languages, so the history lands in your own words.

After Knossos, the route climbs into the mountains toward the Katharo Plateau. A traditional pottery village sits high in this landscape, and here you can watch potters work in the old style (the same methods used for thousands of years), and try shaping clay yourself if you want to. The narrow mountain roads pass valleys with wild goats, herbs and ancient olive trees, and the views open to the Aegean Sea and small villages scattered across the slopes. Lunch happens at a local taverna with food and drinks included. The meal is part of the day, not a rushed stop.

On the return, the tour includes a visit to a family olive oil factory on the Katharo Plateau, where you'll taste different qualities and varieties of their oil. The air-conditioned Land Rover Discovery handles the winding roads, and you're back at your hotel by evening.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Agios Nikolaos.
• seven-hour tour in an air-conditioned Land Rover Discovery with leather seats.
• lunch and drinks at a local taverna.
• olive oil tasting at a family factory.
• guide in English, Spanish, Italian, French and additional languages.
• bottled water throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesdayDeparts at 08:30Last departure this season: 24 Nov

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (17 and older) · Youth (12 to 16 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Romanian and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Adventure Crete

Is this one for you?The day moves at a steady pace with walking at Knossos and the pottery village, and the mountain altitude of the Katharo Plateau means the route is active but not strenuous: suited to anyone comfortable with moderate walking and winding roads.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Russian, Romanian and Dutch.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 16 years); Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3).

What exactly is inside the Palace of Knossos that I'll see on this tour?

The Palace of Knossos is an archaeological site where you walk through the great palace structure, villas and surrounding remains while learning about Minoan civilization and the mythology connected to the place. The guide explains the history as you move through the site.

Can I actually make pottery, or is it just watching?

You can try shaping clay yourself at the traditional pottery village if you want to. The potters work using methods unchanged for thousands of years, and participation is optional. You can watch or have a go.

How much walking is involved in this tour?

The Palace of Knossos requires walking through the archaeological site, and the pottery village and olive factory visits involve some walking on mountain terrain. The narrow roads and high altitude of the Katharo Plateau mean the day is moderately active but suitable for all fitness levels.

What's included in the lunch, and where do we eat?

Lunch and drinks are included at a local taverna in the mountains. Food and beverages are part of the tour cost. The taverna is a family-run spot on the route, not a tourist chain.

Do I need to pay extra for anything besides the tour price?

Pottery clay and a lesson cost 5 euros if you want to try making something at the pottery village. Entry to the Palace of Knossos is optional and priced separately. Check at checkout whether it's included in your chosen option.

What time does the tour start and end?

Hotel pickup is included, so the guide collects you from your hotel in Agios Nikolaos in the morning. The full day runs seven hours, with return to your hotel by evening.