Knossos Palace: Self-Guided Audio Tour on Your Phone (Without Ticket)

Nestled amidst the ancient ruins of Knossos Palace, visitors now have the opportunity to embark on a unique exploration of this historical site.

A self-guided audio tour, accessible on your smartphone, merges the modern convenience of technology with the timeless allure of the Minoan civilization.

As you meander through the labyrinthine corridors and marvel at the well-preserved frescoes, the audio guide, narrated by the knowledgeable Yishharu, will transport you back in time to an era of opulence and mystery.

But there’s more to discover beyond the tour itself.

From the site’s opening hours to accessibility information, smartphone compatibility, and even free entry for EU members, this discussion will reveal all the intriguing details that await.

Good To Know

• The Knossos archeological site offers a self-guided audio tour on a smartphone app.
• The tour allows visitors to explore the ruins at their own pace and provides an immersive experience of ancient Minoan life and culture.
• The opening hours of the site vary depending on the season, with different time slots for different periods.
• Participants should bring their own headphones and ensure their smartphone meets the compatibility and storage requirements.

Overview and Tour Details

The Knossos Palace audio tour offers visitors an immersive and flexible experience, allowing them to explore the captivating ruins of the Bronze Age at their own pace. This self-guided tour is accessed through a downloaded app on a smartphone, providing an interactive and informative journey through the ancient Minoan life and culture.

Participants can explore the rich history of Knossos, gaining insights into the architectural marvels and daily activities of its inhabitants. With the freedom to explore at their own leisure, visitors can take their time to admire the intricate details of the ruins, soak in the atmosphere, and truly enjoy the ancient world.

The audio tour offers a unique and engaging way to experience the wonders of Knossos, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

Opening Hours

Now let’s shift our focus to the opening hours of the Knossos archeological site, allowing you to plan your visit accordingly.

The Knossos Palace offers a self-guided audio tour on your phone, providing you with the opportunity to explore the ancient ruins at your own pace.

The opening hours of the site vary depending on the season.

From November 30, 2023, to March 31, 2024, the site is open from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

From April 1, 2024, to October 31, 2024, the site is open from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM.

And from November 30, 2024, to March 31, 2025, the site is open from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

Make sure to plan your visit accordingly to make the most of your self-guided audio tour experience at Knossos Palace.

End Point and Instructions

At the conclusion of the audio tour, you will find themselves back at the starting point, where they began their immersive journey through the Knossos Palace.

Since this is a self-guided tour, there’s no designated meeting point or live guide. Instead, you will receive audio instructions via email on how to access and download the tour. This allows visitors to explore the site at their own pace and have a truly immersive experience of ancient Minoan life and culture.

It’s important to note that participants should bring their own headphones to enhance the audio experience. The tour can be used at any time, giving visitors the flexibility to fit it into their schedule.

Accessibility and Requirements

After exploring the immersive journey through the Knossos Palace with the self-guided audio tour, let’s now turn our attention to the accessibility and requirements for this captivating experience.

Here are three important things to know about the accessibility and requirements for the Knossos Palace audio tour:

1. Accessibility challenges: It’s important to note that the site isn’t wheelchair accessible. Due to the nature of the ruins and the terrain, there may be uneven surfaces and steps throughout the site, making it difficult for individuals with mobility challenges to navigate.

2. Recommended phone specifications: To fully enjoy the self-guided audio tour, you will need an Android smartphone with a minimum operating system of version 5.0 or later, or an iOS smartphone. It’s important to ensure that your phone meets these specifications to ensure compatibility with the tour app.

3. Storage space: Participants should also ensure that their phone has enough storage space (approximately 100-150 MB) to download and access the tour app. This will ensure a smooth and uninterrupted experience as you explore the fascinating history of Knossos Palace.

Cancellation Policy and Capacity

The cancellation policy and capacity for the Knossos Palace audio tour ensure a seamless experience for participants and maintain a manageable group size. Participants can cancel the tour up to 24 hours in advance and receive a full refund. However, cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time won’t be refunded. It’s important to note that changes made less than 24 hours before the start time will also not be accepted.

This policy allows for proper planning and ensures that the tour can accommodate all participants. The tour has a maximum capacity of 15 travelers, which allows for a more intimate and personalized experience. By implementing this capacity limit, the tour can maintain a manageable group size, allowing participants to fully enjoy the ancient wonders of Knossos Palace.

Archeological Site Background

To understand the rich history of the Knossos Palace archaeological site, one must explore its fascinating background. Here are three key points that highlight the historical significance and unearthed ruins of Knossos Palace:

1) Minoan Civilization:
Knossos Palace is located on the island of Crete and was the center of the ancient Minoan civilization. The Minoans were a Bronze Age civilization that flourished from approximately 2700 to 1450 BCE. They were known for their advanced architecture, art, and maritime trade.

2) Mythology and Legend:
Knossos Palace is closely tied to Greek mythology and the myth of the Minotaur. According to legend, King Minos ruled over Knossos and had a labyrinth built beneath the palace to contain the Minotaur, a half-human, half-bull creature.

3) Archaeological Discoveries:
The ruins of Knossos Palace were unearthed by British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans in the early 20th century. The site revealed a complex palace structure with colorful frescoes, intricate plumbing systems, and evidence of a sophisticated civilization that thrived thousands of years ago.

These aspects make Knossos Palace an important archaeological site, providing valuable insights into the ancient Minoan civilization and captivating visitors with its historical significance and unearthed ruins.

Smartphone Compatibility

Participants must ensure that their smartphone meets the compatibility requirements for the audio tour. The tour is accessible through an Android (version 5.0 and later) or iOS smartphone.

However, it’s important to note that the tour isn’t compatible with Windows Phones, iPhone 5/5C or older, iPod Touch 5th generation or older, iPad 4th generation or older, or iPad Mini 1st generation.

Along With smartphone compatibility, participants should also make sure that their phone has enough storage space, typically around 100-150 MB. This will allow them to download and access the necessary app for the tour.

To enhance the audio experience, participants are advised to bring their own headphones.

Free Entry for EU Members

EU members can enjoy complimentary access to the Knossos archeological site with a valid identity card or passport, making it an enticing opportunity to explore the ancient wonders of Minoan civilization. Here are three reasons why EU members should take advantage of this free entry:

1. Cultural exploration: With free access to the site, EU members can enjoy the rich history and culture of the Minoans. They can wander through the ruins, marvel at the impressive architecture, and learn about the daily life of this ancient civilization.

2. Self-guided experience: The Knossos archeological site offers a self-guided audio tour, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace. EU members can download the tour app on their smartphones and embark on a fascinating journey through time, listening to informative commentary and engaging stories.

3. Cost-saving opportunity: By offering free entry to EU members, the Knossos archeological site provides a budget-friendly experience. Visitors can enjoy the incredible archaeological site without having to worry about ticket costs, making it an accessible and affordable option for cultural exploration.

Common Questions

How Long Does the Self-Guided Audio Tour at Knossos Palace Typically Take?

The average duration of the self-guided audio tour at Knossos Palace is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. It is recommended to allocate enough time to fully explore the site and take in the ancient Minoan culture.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Self-Guided Audio Tour at Knossos Palace?

Age restrictions do not apply to the self-guided audio tour at Knossos Palace. However, it is important to note that EU members up to 25 years old can enter the site for free with a valid ID or passport. No ticket is required for the tour.

Is There a Limit to the Number of Times the Audio Tour Can Be Downloaded or Accessed?

There is no limit to the number of times the audio tour can be downloaded or accessed. However, it is important to note that the tour is not wheelchair accessible, limiting accessibility for disabled individuals.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Tour Guide or Join a Guided Tour While Using the Self-Guided Audio Tour?

Participants cannot bring their own tour guide or join a guided tour while using the self-guided audio tour. However, they can use the self-guided audio tour without purchasing a ticket.

Is There Wi-Fi Available at the Knossos Archeological Site for Downloading the Tour App?

Yes, there is Wi-Fi available at the Knossos archaeological site for conveniently downloading the tour app. Visitors can easily access the app and begin their self-guided audio tour with ease.

The Sum Up

Discover the captivating history of the ancient Minoan civilization with a self-guided audio tour of the Knossos archeological site. With the convenience of your smartphone, learn about the remnants of this Bronze Age palace complex and uncover the rich culture of the Minoan people.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to explore at your own pace and enhance your experience with a comprehensive audio guide.

Book your self-guided tour today and embark on a fascinating journey through Knossos Palace.